Travelling from New Orleans to Chicago: what you need to know
All good adventures start from New Orleans's main airport, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Check out your options for catching a flight from New Orleans to Chicago leaving from this terminal.
When it comes to touching down in Chicago, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a key hub. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is another.
On average, direct flights from New Orleans to Chicago take 2 hours 27 minutes. Chicago and New Orleans are in the same timezone (UTC-5), meaning you won't have to adjust your watch after you arrive.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 51 weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from New Orleans to Chicago is with Spirit Airlines at 17:39. Opt for the first MSY to ORD departure with American Airlines at 06:10 if you're more of an early bird.
To ensure you get on your flight from New Orleans to Chicago, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Delays at check-in and security are likely if you're flying during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Once you've found cheap flights from New Orleans to Chicago, get your travel documents ready. A visa or passport isn't needed since you're travelling within United States. As long as you have some other valid proof of identity, like an ID card or driver's licence, you're ready to go.
Flying from New Orleans
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
If you're searching for a direct flight from New Orleans to Chicago, you can leave from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Fly from MSY to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in one seamless journey.
At MSY, you'll find a good selection of airlines that offer direct flights from New Orleans to Chicago, including:
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save money on your flight from New Orleans to Chicago. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Take a break from travelling at one of these airports:
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
MSY is about 24 kilometres from central New Orleans. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 21 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be approximately 52 minutes.
Want an easy start to your journey? Stay near Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from New Orleans to Chicago or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is around 40 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. With a car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is around 35 minutes.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey of around 54 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from New Orleans to Chicago. Reserve one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
As soon as your flight from New Orleans to Chicago has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in about 21 minutes by car. Central Chicago is roughly 19 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 46 minutes.
After your flight from New Orleans to Chicago, unwind at a hotel near MDW. These are some great options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from New Orleans to Chicago
32 € is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from New Orleans to Chicago. A return flight starts from 65 €. These prices may change depending on availability and demand.
Lock in cheap tickets from New Orleans to Chicago by booking 9 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.
The cheapest month for tickets from New Orleans to Chicago is May. You can easily compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest travel date.
Sign into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll get in touch right away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you the hassle of searching for cheap tickets from New Orleans to Chicago every day.
Use filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from New Orleans to Chicago, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by airline, departure and arrival times, and journey duration.
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the busiest month for flights from New Orleans to Chicago. To travel when it's less crowded, go to Chicago in February.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC and 29ºC. Lock in your flights from New Orleans to Chicago in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Search for cheap tickets from New Orleans to Chicago in January if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between -12ºC and 3ºC on average.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from New Orleans to Chicago, explore our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are major attractions which should be on any good Chicago itinerary.
Complete your Chicago trip with a car rental
Explore our range of car rentals once you've found your hotel and cheap flight from New Orleans to Chicago. Whether you're looking for a compact ride, family sedan or something more luxurious, you can easily compare companies in one go to get the best deal.
