Route guide

Cheap Flights from New Orleans to Chicago | EazAir

Travellers

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

Quick facts for flights from New Orleans to Chicago on Eazair
OriginNew Orleans (MSY)
DestinationChicago (ORD)
Average Flight Time
Cheapest Month to Fly
Current Lowest Fare$200
Fares Last CheckedSep 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.

View of Chicago, a popular flight destination from New Orleans

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?
A direct flight from New Orleans to Chicago generally takes about two hours and twenty minutes to complete the 830-mile journey.
Which airports handle flights from New Orleans to Chicago?
Flights depart from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and arrive at either Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Which airlines fly nonstop from New Orleans to Chicago?
United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines regularly operate nonstop flights from New Orleans to Chicago.
What is the most popular time of year to fly from New Orleans to Chicago?
The summer months of June, July, and August represent the peak travel season for passengers flying from New Orleans to Chicago.
When is the least crowded time to travel from New Orleans to Chicago?
January and February are typically the quietest months for flights from New Orleans to Chicago due to the harsh winter weather in Illinois.
How early should I book my flight from New Orleans to Chicago?
Reserving your New Orleans to Chicago tickets at least four to six weeks in advance of your planned departure date usually provides the widest selection of seating and departure times.
What are the baggage rules for flights from New Orleans to Chicago?
Baggage policies vary by carrier on the New Orleans to Chicago route, with standard airlines usually including a carry-on, while ultra-low-cost carriers often charge extra for anything larger than a personal item.
Are there morning flights available from New Orleans to Chicago?
Yes, multiple airlines schedule early morning departures from New Orleans to Chicago, allowing travelers to arrive in Illinois before noon.
Do flights from New Orleans to Chicago experience frequent weather delays?
Winter storms in Illinois can occasionally delay flights from New Orleans to Chicago, while summer thunderstorms along the Gulf Coast might briefly pause departures.
How far is the drive from the arrival airports to downtown after flying from New Orleans to Chicago?
After completing your flight from New Orleans to Chicago, driving from Midway to downtown takes about 25 minutes, whereas the drive from O'Hare typically takes 40 minutes depending on traffic on the Kennedy Expressway.
Can I take a red-eye flight from New Orleans to Chicago?
True red-eye flights are rare on the New Orleans to Chicago route due to the short two-hour flight time, but late evening departures are regularly available.
How far is it from New Orleans to Chicago?
The straight-line distance from New Orleans to Chicago is about 838 miles.
What ID do I need to fly from New Orleans to Chicago?
Since New Orleans to Chicago is a domestic US flight, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another TSA-accepted form of ID, such as a valid US passport. A standard, non-compliant driver's license alone is no longer accepted at TSA checkpoints.
Which airlines operate flights from New Orleans to Chicago?
Based on a recent live fare search, United Airlines and American Airlines had bookable flights on the New Orleans to Chicago route.
What's the weather usually like in Chicago?
Summers are warm and humid, winters are cold with lake-effect snow off Lake Michigan — spring and fall bring the mildest sightseeing weather.

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.

General airline baggage policy reference
AirlineCabin bagChecked bag
Delta Air Lines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
American Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
United Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Economy and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
Southwest Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item2 checked bags included on every fare — a long-standing, well-known Southwest policy
JetBlue Airways1 personal item on the cheapest (Blue Basic) fare; a carry-on is added on higher faresNot included on Blue Basic; typically included from Blue Plus and above
Alaska Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main and above; Saver fares usually exclude it
Spirit Airlines1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-onNot included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier
Frontier Airlines1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-onNot 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.