Cheap Flights from New Orleans to Chicago | EazAir
New Orleans to Chicago flight insights
Average flight time
~2h 25m (estimated)
MSY → ORD
Cheapest month
—
Based on cached fare history
Cheapest cached price
$200
Checking live fares…
Prices shown may not be current. Last checked: Sep 5, 2026.
Planning a trip from New Orleans to Chicago? The average flight time on this route is ~2h 25m (estimated). The lowest fare we have cached for this route is $200 (last checked Sep 5, 2026).
New Orleans to Chicago covers a straight-line distance of about 838 miles. Based on that distance, a nonstop flight would take approximately ~2h 25m (estimated). Actual flight time varies by airline, aircraft and routing.
Route Quick Facts
| Origin | New Orleans (MSY) |
|---|---|
| Destination | Chicago (ORD) |
| Average Flight Time | — |
| Cheapest Month to Fly | — |
| Current Lowest Fare | $200 |
| Fares Last Checked | Sep 5, 2026 |
Flight deals from New Orleans to Chicago
Direct flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Chicago typically touch down at either O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW) in about two hours and twenty minutes. Passengers traveling from the Louisiana coast to the Great Lakes region cover roughly 830 flight miles. Opting for a nonstop itinerary minimizes travel time, while choosing a connecting route through hubs like Atlanta or Charlotte extends the total journey time depending on the layover length. Multiple carriers operate regular service between New Orleans and Chicago. Southwest Airlines frequently runs direct routes into Chicago Midway, making it a popular choice for those wanting to land closer to the downtown Loop. Alternatively, United Airlines and American Airlines provide daily nonstop service directly into Chicago O'Hare. Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines also schedule regular flights on this route, offering varying baggage allowance options and departure times to suit different Louisiana travelers heading north. Travel demand on the New Orleans to Chicago route fluctuates throughout the year, with the busiest travel months typically occurring during the summer peak from June through August. Summer festivals and warmer northern weather draw significant crowds from southern Louisiana. Conversely, January and February often see fewer passengers making this northward journey due to the freezing Midwestern winter conditions. Booking your New Orleans departure during the shoulder seasons of April or October can yield a more relaxed airport experience and milder weather upon arrival in Illinois.

About Chicago
Popular areas to know in Chicago include Wicker Park, The Loop, and Lincoln Park.
Summers are warm and humid, winters are cold with lake-effect snow off Lake Michigan — spring and fall bring the mildest sightseeing weather.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Chicago?
Which airports handle flights from New Orleans to Chicago?
Which airlines fly nonstop from New Orleans to Chicago?
What is the most popular time of year to fly from New Orleans to Chicago?
When is the least crowded time to travel from New Orleans to Chicago?
How early should I book my flight from New Orleans to Chicago?
What are the baggage rules for flights from New Orleans to Chicago?
Are there morning flights available from New Orleans to Chicago?
Do flights from New Orleans to Chicago experience frequent weather delays?
How far is the drive from the arrival airports to downtown after flying from New Orleans to Chicago?
Can I take a red-eye flight from New Orleans to Chicago?
How far is it from New Orleans to Chicago?
What ID do I need to fly from New Orleans to Chicago?
Which airlines operate flights from New Orleans to Chicago?
What's the weather usually like in Chicago?
Airline baggage policies
Baggage allowances differ significantly between fare classes (Basic/Light vs. Standard/Flex) and can change over time. Always verify the exact allowance for your specific fare with the airline before you fly.
| Airline | Cabin bag | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares | 1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it |
| American Airlines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares | 1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it |
| United Airlines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares | 1 checked bag typically included on Economy and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it |
| Southwest Airlines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item | 2 checked bags included on every fare — a long-standing, well-known Southwest policy |
| JetBlue Airways | 1 personal item on the cheapest (Blue Basic) fare; a carry-on is added on higher fares | Not included on Blue Basic; typically included from Blue Plus and above |
| Alaska Airlines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares | 1 checked bag typically included on Main and above; Saver fares usually exclude it |
| Spirit Airlines | 1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-on | Not included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier |
| Frontier Airlines | 1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-on | Not included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier |
Travel tips
Arrive early for domestic flights
TSA generally recommends arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic departure, more at larger hub airports during peak travel periods.
Pack a mixed carry-on
Keep a change of clothes, chargers, and any essentials in your carry-on rather than only your checked bag, in case of a delay or a bag that doesn't arrive with you.
Ease jet lag on longer routes
On longer cross-country flights, adjusting your sleep schedule a day or two before departure and staying hydrated in flight can reduce jet lag on arrival.
Screenshot your confirmation
Save a screenshot or PDF of your booking confirmation and boarding pass before you travel, in case you lose signal or battery at the airport.
Check in online when it opens
Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours before departure — checking in early can help with seat selection and, on some airlines, boarding group assignment.
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