Cheap Flights to New Orleans (MSY)

Known affectionately as The Big Easy, "Nawlins" and NOLA, New Orleans stands apart from most US cities thanks to its incredible mix of history and culture. It's best known for its fantastic Mardi Gras and its vibrant musical scene, as well as its delicious Creole food. So hop on a flight to New Orleans and, as they would say, let the good times roll!

The recent past has seen New Orleans go through plenty of difficulties, with Hurricane Katrina wreaking havoc on the city and its surroundings, but it's bouncing back every year and 2013 and 2014 are set to see the popularity of New Orleans flights increase again. Thankfully the main tourist areas were amongst those least badly hit, so the distinct characteristics of this intriguing city remain the same, but if you head outside these areas you will certainly see signs that the destruction is not fully in the past.

New Orleans has a hot and humid climate all year round, with the summer the wettest time to visit, which usually means this is the best time to get cheap flights to New Orlenas. If you want to visit for Mardi Gras you're going to have to be very organised and expect to pay top prices for your flight and hotel too.

Flights To New Orleans

All flights to New Orleans from the UK arrive into Louis Armstrong International Airport, and expect the journey to take upwards of around 14 hours as there are no direct New Orleans flights available. There are a range of possible routes, which means that total journey time can fluctuate up to over 24 hours, so make sure that you check carefully when you book.

To get into the city after your flight to New Orleans touches down, the quickest way is by taxi. These operate a flat rate fare to the French Quarter, with the rate usually depending on the number of people travelling. If you're keeping an eye on the budget then take the airport express bus instead. Many of the major hotels also operate shuttle buses, which you may be able to use even if your hotel is within the vicinity of one of these!

You could also consider car hire from New Orleans Airport to make the journey, although the centre is very pedestrian friendly. Getting your own car after your cheap New Orleans flight arrives is only really necessary if you're planning on making day trips to the surrounding region.

Getting Around New Orleans

Whilst the centre is quite easy to get around on foot, if you need a little help or are staying further out, then buses and streetcars run a regular service which will be on hand to help you. Taking your car out sightseeing is especially inadvisable here, where many evenings seem to end in a bar listening to live music with a drink in hand! For a faster alternative to going on foot, you could hire a bike to tour the French Quarter.

After midnight when the public transport has stopped, it's best to call a taxi to whisk you home to your hotel!

What To See In New Orleans

The main place to go in New Orleans is the French Quarter, and you could quite easily spend all of your time here after you arrive on your cheap flight to New Orleans touches down. Bourbon Street is the famous heart of the bar scene here, with many places boasting a long history, including the Old Absinthe House and Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop. Visit at night to enjoy the jazz, blues and brass music on show. Jackson Square is the other main sight, although just wandering the streets and admiring the architecture is also well worth an afternoon of your time. Perhaps after indulging a little too much in the quarter's renowned food, with Creole favourites like po-boys, gumbo, crawfish and muffalettas all worth trying!

Other things to visit include the Audubon Zoo, taking some time out on the Mississippi either on a riverboat cruise or the cheaper pedestrian ferry, wandering the historic cemeteries and visiting St. Louis Cathedral. You could also take a day trip to one of old plantations in the area, or enjoy a swamp tour at the Jean Lafitte Nature Preserve.

Check out our New Orleans guide for more!