Flying From Atlanta to New Orleans: What Local Travelers Need to Know

Planning a flight to New Orleans from Atlanta is one of the easiest short trips you can take from the city. The route is popular with Atlanta residents, business travelers, and weekend visitors looking for music, food, and culture in the Big Easy.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to flights from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), including airlines, timing, costs, and practical tips tailored to Atlanta travelers.

How Long Is the Flight From Atlanta to New Orleans?

The Atlanta–New Orleans route is a short-haul domestic flight.

• Typical nonstop flight time: about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in the air
• Gate-to-gate time: often around 1.5–2 hours, depending on taxi time
• Time zone: both cities are in Central Time part of the year and Eastern/Central interplay matters for your schedule (Atlanta is Eastern, New Orleans is Central), so your arrival time may look earlier than expected on your ticket.

Because the flight is so short, most Atlanta travelers treat New Orleans as an easy weekend or 3–4 day trip.

Airlines That Fly From Atlanta to New Orleans

The main departure airport is:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

You’ll generally find:

Major Carriers on the ATL–MSY Route

While schedules can change, travelers from Atlanta commonly see:

• Delta Air Lines – Often offers multiple daily nonstop flights between ATL and MSY
• Southwest Airlines – Frequently operates nonstop or one-stop options via other cities, depending on the day
• Other carriers may offer one-stop flights (for example, through Houston, Dallas, or Charlotte) if nonstop schedules are limited on your preferred date or time.

For most Atlanta-based travelers, Delta and Southwest are the primary options for convenient flights to New Orleans.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights From Atlanta

Because Atlanta is a major hub, you can almost always find a nonstop flight to New Orleans. Still, it helps to understand your options:

Nonstop Flights

Best for:

• Weekend getaways
• Business day trips
• Travelers who want to minimize time in the airport

Pros:

• Short total travel time (often under 2 hours gate-to-gate)
• Fewer chances for delay or missed connections
• Easier with kids or large groups

Connecting Flights

Best for:

• Travelers looking for a lower fare at off-peak times
• People using miles or specific loyalty bookings

Cons:

• Longer total travel time
• More potential for delays
• Often unnecessary given how frequent ATL–MSY nonstop flights are

For most people in Atlanta, nonstop from ATL to MSY is worth prioritizing unless a connection offers a substantial savings or works better with your schedule.

Typical Flight Times and Best Times to Fly

Because ATL is such a busy hub, the first and last flights of the day can matter.

When Do Flights Usually Leave?

You’ll typically see:

• Morning departures – Good for maximizing your first day in New Orleans
• Midday departures – Convenient for a relaxed morning in Atlanta before heading to the airport
• Evening departures – Popular for Atlantans who work a full day and fly out afterward

Best Times to Fly From Atlanta to New Orleans

Patterns Atlanta travelers often consider:

• ✈️ Early morning flights often face fewer ripple-effect delays
• ✈️ Midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday) can sometimes be less crowded than Friday–Sunday
• ✈️ Avoid peak holiday weekends (Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, major sports events in New Orleans) if you want more comfortable prices and airport crowds

Typical Prices for Flights From Atlanta to New Orleans

Prices vary with demand, season, and how early you book, but Atlanta-based travelers usually see:

• Budget-friendly fares when booking early or traveling off-peak
• Higher prices during:
  • Major New Orleans events (Mardi Gras, music festivals, big conventions)
  • Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s, Memorial Day, Labor Day)
  • Last-minute bookings, especially Fridays and Sundays

Simple Price Expectation Guide

Because it’s a short route, basic economy fares are common, but check the fine print on:

• Change or cancellation fees
• Seat selection restrictions
• Baggage allowances

What to Expect at Atlanta’s Airport (ATL) for This Route

Terminals and Check-in

Hartsfield–Jackson has two main terminals:

• Domestic Terminal – North
• Domestic Terminal – South

Most Atlanta travelers on this route will:

• Check in and drop bags at the Domestic Terminal corresponding to their airline (Delta typically uses South, several other carriers use North).
• Take the Plane Train (underground people-mover) or walk through the Transportation Mall to the appropriate Concourse (A, B, C, D, T, etc.).

Security Timing

For domestic flights from Atlanta to New Orleans, aim to:

• Arrive at ATL 1.5–2 hours before departure
• Allow extra time during:
  • Early Monday mornings
  • Friday afternoons
  • Major holidays and school breaks

Trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR (where available) can make security smoother, which many Atlanta frequent flyers find helpful on this busy route.

Arrival in New Orleans: What Atlanta Travelers Should Know

Your flight lands at:

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
1 Terminal Dr
Kenner, LA 70062

Key points for Atlanta-based visitors:

• Single main terminal – Generally easier to navigate than ATL
• Ground transportation options commonly include:
  • Rideshare pick-up areas
  • Taxis
  • Airport shuttles
  • Rental car center accessible via a consolidated facility

Because the airport is located in Kenner, just outside New Orleans, your ride into the French Quarter or Central Business District usually takes 20–30 minutes, subject to traffic.

Packing and Baggage Tips for a Short ATL–MSY Flight

Since this is a quick domestic hop, many Atlanta travelers choose to fly with carry-on only to save time. Common strategies:

• Use a small rolling carry-on plus a personal item (like a backpack or tote)
• Pack versatile clothing that suits humid, often warm New Orleans weather
• Leave room for souvenirs (coffee, spices, pralines, small art pieces)

Check airline rules before you leave Atlanta, especially around:

• Carry-on size limits
• Basic economy restrictions
• Any specialty items (musical instruments, sports gear, etc.)

Best Times of Year for Atlanta–New Orleans Trips

New Orleans is a year-round destination, but your Atlanta travel plans may shift with:

Popular High-Demand Periods

• Mardi Gras season (late winter, dates vary) – Flights from ATL can fill quickly
• Spring festivals (including major jazz and music events)
• Fall weekends – Popular for pleasant weather and football weekends

Quieter, Often Cheaper Windows

• Late summer can be hot and humid, but often offers more affordable flights and hotels for Atlanta travelers who can handle the climate.
• Some midweek dates during the school year can be less packed.

Sample Same-Day and Weekend Itineraries From Atlanta

Because the flight is short, many Atlantans design quick trips:

Same-Day Business Trip

• Morning flight ATL → MSY
• Midday meetings in New Orleans
• Evening return MSY → ATL

This works best with early morning departures and later evening returns, which are often available during weekdays.

Weekend Getaway

• Friday afternoon or evening flight from Atlanta
• Two full days in New Orleans
• Sunday evening flight back to ATL

This pattern is popular with Atlanta couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers. Booking earlier helps avoid higher Sunday prices.

Atlanta Ground Transportation to and From ATL

If you live in or are staying in Atlanta, getting to Hartsfield–Jackson efficiently can make your New Orleans trip smoother.

MARTA (Public Transit)

MARTA Airport Station is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal:

• Take the Red or Gold Line to Airport Station
• Trains run from multiple Atlanta neighborhoods and suburbs, including Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, and College Park

MARTA is handy if you:

• Want to avoid parking fees
• Are coming from central Atlanta neighborhoods

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving from inside metro Atlanta:

• Follow signs for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Choose from economy, daily, hourly, or off-site parking lots and garages

Atlanta travelers often compare:

• On-airport economy lots – Convenient but can fill up during holidays
• Off-site parking – Often provides shuttle service; can be more economical for longer trips

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare pick-up areas at ATL are clearly signed near the Domestic Terminal. Many Atlanta residents use rideshare to avoid:

• Parking costs
• Leaving a car at the airport for several days

Simple Comparison: Flying ATL → MSY

Tips for Getting the Most From Your Atlanta–New Orleans Flight

• Check both early and late flights from ATL if your schedule is flexible; sometimes one side of the day is significantly cheaper.
• Monitor event calendars in New Orleans when planning from Atlanta—big events can raise prices quickly.
• Consider carry-on only for a smoother experience through ATL and MSY.
• Account for the time zone change when scheduling meetings or dinner plans on your arrival day.
• Build a bit of buffer time on your way to ATL if you’re traveling during Atlanta rush hour, especially from northern suburbs.

Once you understand the short distance, frequent daily options, and easy access via ATL, planning a flight to New Orleans from Atlanta becomes straightforward—whether you’re heading out for a quick business trip or a long-anticipated weekend of food and music.