Flights from Atlanta to New Orleans: A Practical Guide for ATL Travelers

Flying from Atlanta to New Orleans is one of the easiest short trips you can take from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are here on business, or just passing through ATL and planning a quick getaway to Louisiana, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to make the trip smoother.

Overview: Atlanta to New Orleans by Air

The Atlanta–New Orleans route is a short, popular domestic flight:

• Typical flight time: About 1 hour 15 minutes in the air
• Departure airport (Atlanta): Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Arrival airport (New Orleans): Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• Route type: Nonstop and connecting options, with frequent daily flights

For most people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach New Orleans compared with driving (which can take 6–7+ hours depending on traffic).

Getting to the Airport in Atlanta (ATL)

Because ATL is such a large and busy hub, planning how you’ll get there matters—especially for early morning or evening flights.

MARTA to the Airport

If you’re staying in or near the city, MARTA is often the easiest way to reach your flight to New Orleans:

• Take any Red or Gold line train
• Ride it to the Airport Station (the last stop on the south end)
• The station drops you directly into the Domestic Terminal (North/South)

This works well if you’re:

• Staying Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near a MARTA rail line
• Trying to avoid parking fees or traffic around the terminals

Driving and Parking at ATL

If you live in the suburbs or are coming from areas like Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur, or Fayetteville, driving may be more practical.

Common options:

• Domestic Terminal parking: Short-term, daily, and economy lots
• Park-and-ride lots: Usually less expensive for multi-day trips
• Off-airport parking: Third-party lots near ATL with shuttle service

✅ Tip: For early morning flights to New Orleans (especially on weekdays), give yourself extra time for I-75/I-85 traffic and for getting through ATL security.

Terminals and Check-In at ATL for New Orleans Flights

Most flights from Atlanta to New Orleans depart from the Domestic Terminal. Where you check in depends on your airline:

• North Terminal: Many domestic carriers, including some low-cost and regional airlines
• South Terminal: Primarily one of the major national airlines that uses Atlanta as a hub

After check-in and security, you’ll use the Plane Train (underground people mover) to reach your concourse. New Orleans flights typically depart from the domestic concourses (A–D, sometimes T).

✅ Plan for:

• Security time: ATL can get busy, especially early morning and late afternoon
• Boarding time: Boarding often starts 30–40 minutes before departure even for a short flight

Typical Flight Experience: ATL → MSY

Even though this is a short hop, it still follows the same basic schedule as longer domestic flights.

Flight Time and Schedule

• Gate-to-gate time: Around 1.5 hours, including taxiing
• In-air time: Typically about 1 hour 15 minutes
• Time zone: Atlanta and New Orleans are both in Central Time?
  • Atlanta is in Eastern Time, New Orleans is in Central Time
  • You gain one hour when you land in New Orleans

If your flight leaves Atlanta at, for example, 3:00 p.m. ET, you may land around 3:15–3:30 p.m. CT in New Orleans (depending on schedule and conditions).

Onboard Experience

For this short route, you can usually expect:

• Standard economy seating with limited legroom
• Basic beverage service on many flights (water, soda, sometimes coffee)
• Limited or no full meal service due to short duration
• In-flight Wi‑Fi or entertainment on some aircraft, depending on the airline

Because the flight is short, it’s smart to:

• Eat in ATL’s food court or concourse restaurants before boarding
• Keep your essentials in a personal item in case overhead bins fill up

Best Time to Book Atlanta–New Orleans Flights

Prices on this route tend to fluctuate based on time of year, day of the week, and events in New Orleans.

When Prices Are Often Higher

You may notice higher fares from Atlanta to New Orleans:

• Around Mardi Gras season (January–February, depending on the year)
• During major festivals (Jazz Fest, big sporting events, conventions)
• On Friday and Sunday flights, popular for weekend trips
• Around holiday weekends and school breaks

When You Might Find Better Value

You might find more reasonable prices if you:

• Look for midweek flights (Tuesday, Wednesday, sometimes Thursday)
• Are flexible with departure times (early morning or late evening)
• Book your flight several weeks in advance, especially for peak times

Many Atlanta travelers also compare:

• Nonstop vs. 1-stop options
• Different time windows throughout the day

What to Pack and Prepare Leaving from Atlanta

Because the flight is short and you’re staying within the U.S., prep is simpler than an international trip—but there are still details that matter.

ID and Security

For flights from ATL to New Orleans, you’ll need:

• A valid U.S. government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license)
• Or acceptable alternatives (such as a passport)

If you’re an Atlanta resident, consider:

• TSA PreCheck enrollment at Hartsfield–Jackson’s enrollment center, which can make security faster for frequent flyers
• Checking your REAL ID status before future changes in ID requirements

Carry-On and Checked Bags

Baggage rules vary by airline, but in general:

• Carry-on: Usually 1 carry-on + 1 personal item allowed
• Checked bags: May include fees, depending on ticket type

Because it’s a short route, many Atlanta-based travelers choose to:

• Pack light and avoid checking a bag
• Use a backpack or small rolling bag as their carry-on

✅ Tip: ATL security can get crowded. Pack your liquids and electronics in a way that makes screening quick and stress-free.

Sample Same-Day Travel Timeline from Atlanta

Here’s a simple example of what a typical travel window could look like for someone flying from Intown Atlanta to New Orleans on a morning flight:

Adjust your own schedule based on:

• How you’re getting to ATL (MARTA vs. rideshare vs. driving)
• Your comfort level with airport timing
• Day of the week and time of day

Accessibility and Special Needs Travel from ATL

If you or someone you’re traveling with needs assistance:

• ATL offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and support for travelers with disabilities.
• You can request assistance through your airline when booking or in advance of your flight.

When flying from Atlanta to New Orleans, it helps to:

• Arrive a bit earlier than usual if you’ve requested mobility help
• Let gate agents at ATL know about pre-boarding needs

Using ATL as a Connection to New Orleans

Some travelers aren’t starting in Atlanta but are passing through ATL on the way to New Orleans.

If you’re connecting:

• Follow signs for “Connecting Flights” after you deplane
• Use the Plane Train to move between concourses quickly
• Keep an eye on monitors for gate changes to your New Orleans flight

Because ATL is a major hub, connections can be tight but manageable if you move directly to your next gate, especially on this short domestic leg.

Arriving in New Orleans from Atlanta

When your flight lands at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY):

• You’ll deplane into the main terminal
• Follow signs for Baggage Claim if you checked bags
• Ground transportation options include:
  • Rideshare services
  • Taxis
  • Rental cars
  • Airport shuttles

Remember that New Orleans is in Central Time, so plan return flights to Atlanta with the time change in mind if you have work, events, or connecting travel scheduled.

Quick Tips for Atlanta Travelers Flying to New Orleans

• Choose your airport timing carefully: Morning flights from ATL can be busy; build in extra time for traffic on the Downtown Connector if you’re driving.
• Consider MARTA: If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, MARTA to the Airport Station can be more predictable than driving.
• Watch the calendar: If your trip lines up with Mardi Gras or a major festival in New Orleans, book earlier—flights from Atlanta fill quickly.
• Pack light when possible: For this short route, a carry-on is often enough and helps you move faster through both ATL and MSY.
• Mind the time zone shift: You’ll gain an hour flying from Atlanta to New Orleans and lose an hour flying back. Plan meetings and returns accordingly.

With a bit of planning around Atlanta traffic, airport timing, and the time zone change, flying from Atlanta to New Orleans can be a quick, manageable trip—whether you’re heading out for a weekend of music and food or a short business visit.