Flights from Atlanta to New Orleans: How to Plan Your Trip from ATL ✈️

Flying from Atlanta to New Orleans is one of the quickest and easiest ways to escape to the Gulf Coast from the metro area. Whether you live in Atlanta, are here on business, or are flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), this route is straightforward, frequent, and usually budget-friendly if you plan it well.

This guide focuses on what Atlanta-based travelers actually need to know: airlines, typical schedules, how to get to ATL, timing, and smart ways to keep the trip hassle-free.

Overview: Atlanta to New Orleans by Air

The Atlanta–New Orleans route is a short, popular flight in the Southeast.

• Departure airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), College Park, GA
• Arrival airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), Kenner, LA
• Typical nonstop flight time: About 1 hour 15 minutes–1 hour 30 minutes in the air
• Time zone difference: New Orleans is in Central Time, Atlanta is in Eastern Time (New Orleans is 1 hour behind)

For most people in Atlanta, flying is faster and easier than driving the roughly 6–7 hours between the cities.

Which Airlines Fly from Atlanta to New Orleans?

Flights from Atlanta to New Orleans are often nonstop and frequent, especially during peak travel times.

Common options from ATL to MSY include:

• Delta Air Lines

  • Major carrier with a hub at ATL
  • Offers multiple nonstop flights daily in most seasons
  • Often best coverage for early morning and late evening trips

• Other major airlines

  • Depending on the season and schedule, you may see one-stop flights via other cities on large national airlines. These connect through their own hubs instead of flying direct.
  • These can sometimes be cheaper, but usually take longer and involve a connection.

For most Atlanta travelers, a nonstop ATL–MSY flight is the most practical: less time, fewer delays from connections, and easier if you’re traveling with kids or luggage.

Typical Flight Times & Best Times to Fly

How long is the flight?

• Gate-to-gate time: About 1.25–1.5 hours
• Door-to-door from Atlanta home/office: Plan for 3–4+ hours total when you include:
  • Getting to ATL
  • Parking or getting dropped off
  • Security screening
  • Boarding and taxi time
  • Deplaning and getting from MSY into New Orleans

Best times of day for Atlanta flyers

From Atlanta, you’ll often see:

• Early morning flights (6–9 a.m.)

  • Good if you want a full day in New Orleans
  • Often preferred by business travelers

• Midday flights (10 a.m.–3 p.m.)

  • Smoother airport experience on average
  • Helpful if you’re driving in from the suburbs (Gwinnett, Cobb, North Fulton, etc.)

• Evening flights (after 5 p.m.)

  • Convenient if you’re working in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead and heading out after work
  • Popular before weekends and holidays

If you’re flexible, try checking flights on midweek days (Tuesday–Thursday), which can sometimes offer lower prices and less crowding than Friday or Sunday.

Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) from Around Atlanta

Because ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, how you get there matters almost as much as your flight.

MARTA to the Airport

For many inside the Perimeter, MARTA is one of the simplest ways to reach ATL:

• Take the Red or Gold rail line to the Airport Station
• The station is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal
• Trains run regularly from areas like:
  • Midtown (Midtown Station, Arts Center Station)
  • Downtown (Peachtree Center, Five Points)
  • Buckhead (Buckhead Station)
  • Doraville / North Springs endpoints

This is often the best option if:

• You want to avoid parking costs
• You’re coming from a hotel or office near a MARTA station
• You’re traveling light or solo

Driving and Parking at ATL

If you’re coming from Cobb, Gwinnett, Henry, Fayette, Cherokee, or other suburbs, driving often makes more sense.

Common choices:

• Airport-owned parking

  • Domestic Terminal parking decks and economy lots
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal) has its own decks and economy lots
  • Good if you want predictable access and short shuttles

• Off-airport private lots (near College Park, Riverdale Road, Sullivan Road)

  • Often slightly cheaper
  • Usually offer shuttle service to and from the terminal

Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, especially on:

• I-75/I-85 through Downtown
• I-285 (particularly on the west and top end)

Plan to add extra time if:

• You’re traveling in morning or evening rush hours
• There’s rain or any major event (football game, concert, large conference)

How Early Should Atlanta Travelers Arrive at ATL?

For a nonstop flight from Atlanta to New Orleans:

• Aim to be at the airport 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight, especially if:
  • You’re checking bags
  • You’re not familiar with ATL
  • You’re traveling during holidays or busy weekends

Some frequent travelers who only carry on and know the airport well may cut that closer, but 2 hours is a safe general guideline.

Security and Check-In Tips for ATL

• Know your terminal:
  • Most domestic flights, including to New Orleans, use the Domestic Terminal.
• Use both North and South checkpoints:
  • Sometimes one side is less crowded; signage in the terminal can help you choose.
• Consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if you fly often:
  • These services can greatly reduce wait time, but require enrollment and fees.

What to Expect at ATL vs. MSY

At Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Address:
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

Key points for Atlanta flyers:

• Concourse layout:
  • After security, you’ll reach the Plane Train (underground people mover) to access all concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F).
• Food and services:
  • Plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and stores across the concourses.
  • Good to grab a snack before your short flight so you’re not rushed in New Orleans.
• Wi‑Fi and charging:
  • Free Wi‑Fi throughout the airport and many charging stations.

At Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

When you land in New Orleans:

• Single main terminal with a straightforward layout
• Ground transportation:
  • Rideshare pickup areas
  • Taxis
  • Rental car center with shuttle transport
• Drive time to Downtown/French Quarter:
  • Roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic

If you’re returning back to Atlanta after a short trip, you’re likely to use the same airlines and basic setup in reverse.

Sample Day Trip or Weekend Trip from Atlanta to New Orleans

For Atlanta residents, this is a realistic weekend pattern:

Friday

1. Finish work in Midtown or Downtown
2. Take MARTA or rideshare to ATL
3. Evening nonstop flight ATL → MSY
4. Arrive in New Orleans, check into hotel, late dinner

Saturday

• Enjoy New Orleans (French Quarter, Garden District, live music, food, etc.)

Sunday

1. Morning or early afternoon flight MSY → ATL
2. Land back at ATL, MARTA or drive home
3. Ready for work Monday in Atlanta

Since the flight itself is short, the main planning revolves around Atlanta traffic, airport timing, and pricing.

Cost-Smart Tips for Atlanta–New Orleans Flights

Prices can vary based on season, demand, and how far ahead you book, but there are some consistent patterns:

• Book early when possible
  • Flights for busy times (Mardi Gras, large New Orleans festivals, major Atlanta weekends) can rise quickly.
• Be flexible with days and times
  • Midweek or less popular departure times can be more budget-friendly.
• Compare nonstop vs. 1-stop
  • Sometimes a nonstop from ATL is only slightly more than a connecting flight, and the time savings are usually worth it.
• Check baggage policies
  • Add-on fees can significantly change the total trip cost if you’re checking multiple bags.

Packing and Travel Considerations for Atlanta Residents

Because the climate is similar (both humid and warm much of the year), packing is usually straightforward from Atlanta to New Orleans:

• Light, breathable clothing for most of the year
• Rain jacket or umbrella – both cities can see sudden showers
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the French Quarter, riverfront, or neighborhoods
• If you’re leaving a car at ATL, consider:
  • Removing valuables
  • Taking a photo of your parking spot and level

For short trips, many Atlanta travelers opt for carry-on only to speed up arrival and departure at both airports.

Accessibility and Assistance

If you or someone in your group needs assistance:

• At ATL, you can request:
  • Wheelchair assistance
  • Escort service from check-in to the gate
• These services are typically arranged through your airline when you book or added to your reservation before travel.

You can also get in-person help or information at:

• ATL Information Desks inside the Domestic Terminal and concourses
• General airport information line (listed on ATL’s official channels and signage at the airport)

Quick Reference: Atlanta to New Orleans Flight Basics

Flying from Atlanta to New Orleans is a quick, manageable trip for locals and visitors alike. With a solid handle on ATL logistics, timing, and the short flight itself, you can move between the two cities with minimal stress and make the most of your time on both ends.