Travelling from New Orleans to Chicago: what you need to know
Many exciting adventures start from New Orleans's main airport, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Explore the options for booking a flight from New Orleans to Chicago leaving from this terminal.
The chief entry points to Chicago are O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Take a direct New Orleans to Chicago flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 2 hours 30 minutes.
Chicago's timezone is UTC-5, which is the same as New Orleans.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 37 weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from New Orleans to Chicago is with Spirit Airlines at 17:39. Choose the first MSY to ORD departure operated by American Airlines at 06:10 to maximise your time in Chicago.
To ensure you board your New Orleans to Chicago flight, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
Popular months like October or high seasons such as Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year will mean longer lines at check-in and security. Play it safe and get to the terminal even earlier. Arriving two hours before a domestic flight and four hours ahead of international departures is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from New Orleans to Chicago
Right now, 53 € is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from New Orleans to Chicago. The cheapest price for a return flight is 105 €. Remember fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Score cheap New Orleans to Chicago flights by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for finding a bargain.
May is the best month for nabbing a fantastic deal on a plane ticket from New Orleans to Chicago. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
You don't need to search every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you when a better deal is available on cheap flights from New Orleans to Chicago.
Lock in a cheap New Orleans to Chicago flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from New Orleans
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
You can find a direct flight from New Orleans to Chicago departing from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Start your trip at MSY and then land at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Top airlines that offer direct New Orleans to Chicago plane tickets from MSY include:
MSY is around 19 kilometres from central New Orleans. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 50 minutes.
After an easy start to your travels? Stay near Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from New Orleans to Chicago or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport maintains a strong on-time record, so you're unlikely to face delays. Departures from MSY touch down on schedule 81.19% of the time.
You'll find MSY at 900 Airline Highway.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 35 minutes.
Getting to the centre on public transport will take you roughly 55 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from New Orleans to Chicago, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near ORD:
Get your adventure underway by picking up an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and explore beyond Chicago's usual tourist stops.
Lock in the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks ahead of your departure.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is around 14 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. After your flight from New Orleans to Chicago, it takes approximately 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 45 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near MDW. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from New Orleans to Chicago:
Forget about public transport schedules or long cab lines. Grab a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Check out the availability and rates from Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Get first dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from MDW four weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a greater selection of vehicles.
The address for Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Step off your flight from New Orleans to Chicago and travel to your hotel or start sightseeing right away. Central Chicago is around 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to reach by car.
Public transport will get you there in around 4 hours 15 minutes.
Take the guesswork out of the next part of your journey with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National will get you on the road.
Booking a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from New Orleans to Chicago is a smart move. Along with better deals, you'll likely have a better variety of makes and models to choose from at RFD.
The street address for Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from New Orleans to Chicago. August is the most popular month to travel to Chicago. If you want a quieter atmosphere, go in January.
Book a New Orleans to Chicago ticket departing in July if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Chicago to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
Look for cheap flights from New Orleans to Chicago in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF) on average.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from New Orleans to Chicago, check out our selection of hotels including:
Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago are just two of the major attractions to add to your Chicago itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Explore more of United States
You've done Chicago, now it's time to discover other parts of United States. Journey around 451 kilometres south-east to Columbus to tick off its leading sights. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Ohio Statehouse and German Village, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago, Indianapolis is another essential stop in United States. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.
