Navigating through New Orleans Airport (MSY), spread across 1500 acres of land, can feel overwhelming. Knowing what services the airport offers and where they’re located will help you while you are inside the airport. To help you navigate easily through the airport like a pro, you have this New Orleans Airport guide.
About New Orleans Airport
New Orleans Airport, officially known as Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, is a major gateway to one of the most exciting and culturally rich cities in the world, New Orleans. This international airport, owned by the city of New Orleans, serves nearly 13 million passengers annually. Another major title that adds to its significance is MSY, which is one of the lowest-lying international airports in the world.
New Orleans Airport History
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport was opened in 1946 as Moisant Field, named after daredevil aviator John Moisant, who died on the land where the airport now stands. To accommodate the increasing air travel demands, the airport was in Kenner, Louisiana, replacing Shushan Airport. Before its commercial use, the site served military purposes during World War II.
In 2001, the airport was renamed in honor of jazz legend Louis Armstrong, recognizing his legacy and deep connection to New Orleans. The $1.3 billion modernization project led to the opening of a state-of-the-art terminal in 2019, significantly improving passenger facilities and expanding capacity. Today, MSY is a vital hub for both international and domestic flights, connecting millions of travelers to the vibrant culture, music, and history of New Orleans each year.
Where Is MSY Airport?
New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located in Kenner, Louisiana, at 1 Terminal Dr, Kenner, LA 70062.
MSY Parking and Transportation
MSY Airport has onsite parking options such as Short Term, Long Term, Economy Garage, and Surface Lot parking. To help you save money, Global Airport Parking offers New Orleans Airport parking in the offsite spaces at the lowest rates.
How to Get to New Orleans Airport
MSY Airport offers different transportation options, including car rentals, scheduled bus services, ride apps, shuttles, and taxis.
Transportation Rates
- Scheduled Bus Service: For buses operated by JET, the bus fare is $1.50 if the stop is within Jefferson Parish and $2.00 if you are going into New Orleans. For buses operated by RTA, the bus fare is $1.25 for stops that include the Union Passenger Terminal/Bus Bay 2 or Elk Place at Cleveland.
- Taxis: The taxi fare from the airport to the French Quarter (west of Elysian Fields) or the Central Business District (CBD) is $36.00 for up to two passengers. If the number of passengers is three or more, the fare will be $15.00 per passenger.
All these rates are subject to change
Car Rentals
Location: 600 Rental Boulevard, Kenner, LA 70062. Ten rental car companies operate at MSY Airport: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent-A-Car, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty.
Bus
Pick-up Location: Level 1 Baggage Claim outside Door 2, Zones B4 and B5. Public transit is available to and from MSY Airport. Services are offered via the Jefferson Transit Authority (JET) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). For both JET and RTA systems, you can only use the Regional Ride day pass.
Ride App
Location: Outside of Level 1 Baggage Claim on the middle curb. KreweCar, Lyft, and Uber are the ride app services available at MSY Airport.
Hotels near New Orleans Airport
Home2 Suites by Hilton Kenner New Orleans Airport
Address: 1112 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062
Distance: 1.2 miles
Clarion New Orleans Airport Hotel and Conference Center Airport
Address: 2829 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062
Distance: 1.9 miles
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Airport
Address: 2610 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062
Distance: 2 miles
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New Orleans Airport
Address: 2150 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062
Distance: 2.1 miles
Extended Stay America – New Orleans – Airport
Address: 2232 Veterans Blvd, Kenner, Louisiana, United States
Distance: 2.3 miles
Holiday Inn Express Kenner – New Orleans Airport, an IHG hotel
Address: 1801 32nd St, Kenner, LA 70065
Distance: 2.5 miles
Best Western Plus New Orleans Airport Hotel
Address: 189 West Airline Highway, Kenner, LA 70062
Distance: 5.4 miles
Read in detail about the hotels near New Orleans Airport!
MSY Airport Food and Dining
You can choose from the diverse food options available at the MSY Airport restaurants. Here are a few:
| Restaurant | Location | Operating Hours |
| Great American Bagel Panini | Near Gate B10 | Mon-Sun: 3:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| Starbucks | Near Gate B11 Near Gate C8 | Mon-Sun: 3:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| Emeril’s Table | Near Gate B10 | Mon-Sun: 3:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| Dook’s Burger | Near Gate B4 | Mon-Sun: 3:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| Bar Sazerac | Near Gate B4 | Mon-Sun: 3:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| The Munch Factory | Near Gate C6 | Mon-Sun: 3:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| Cure | Near Gate C6 | Mon-Sun: 08:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| Folse Market | Near Gate C10 | Mon-Sun: 3:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| Chili’s | Near Gate C4 | Mon-Sun: 3:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| Lucky Dogs | Near Gate C2 | Mon-Sun: 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| Auntie Anne’s | Near Gate C2 | Mon-Sun: 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| City Greens | Near Gate B8 | Mon-Sun: 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| MoPho | Near Gate B6 | Mon-Sun: 3:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| Angelo Brocato | Near Gate B2 | Mon-Sun: 3:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| Heritage School of Music Stage & Bar | Near Gate B2 | Mon-Sun: 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
| Moisant Market | Near Outside Concourse B | Mon-Sun: 3:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. |
New Orleans Airport Amenities
- Adult changing tables
- ATMs
- Charging stations
- Concierge meet and greet services
- Facilities for the disabled
- Lost and Found
- Lounges
- Mothers room
- Police Station
- Pet relief area
- Smoking areas
- Water bottle filling stations
- Wi-Fi
MSY Airport Lounges
There are three lounges at MSY Airport. They are:
- The Club MSY: Near the entrance to Concourse B
- The Delta SkyClub: Near the entrance to Concourse C
- The United Lounge: On Concourse C at Gate C5
Tourist Destinations near New Orleans Airport
- Audubon Park (13.5 miles)
- Bourbon Street (15.4 miles)
- French Market (16.5 miles)
- French Quarter (15.3 miles)
- Jackson Square (15.5 miles)
- New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum l (15.3 miles)
- New Orleans Museum of Art (12.1 miles)
- Preservation Hall (15.2 miles)
- St. Louis Cathedral (15.3 miles)
- The National WWII Museum (14.5 miles)
Accessible MSY Airport Facilities
- ADA grievance process
- Braille
- Customer service desk
- Hidden disabilities program
- Mother’s rooms
- Parking
- Pet relief areas
- Restrooms
- TSA Cares
- TTY calls
- Visual paging
- Wheelchair assistance
Security at MSY Airport
The security checkpoint at MSY Airport is open from 3:30 a.m. until 30 minutes before the final scheduled departure time. It is located on Level 2 of the Terminal. Also, CLEAR is available for all airlines at MSY.
