Airport Guides, Reviews & Travel Tips

Write a Review

New Orleans Airport Guide

Table of Contents
sleeping in new orleans airport
(photo courtesy of Derkcheap / October 2023)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our New Orleans Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

there was a box of pillows and blankets in the waiting area near the seats. – Dave

MSY Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport.

What to Expect

New Orleans Airport (Code: MSY) is a single terminal (newly completed in 2019) consisting of a bright and airy three-level central hall connected to three concourses (A, B and C). The ground level consists of the baggage claim and arrivals curbsides; the second level houses the security checkpoint with access to the concourses; and the third level is home to the ticketing hall and the departures curbside. There are two food-court style areas near the entrances to concourses B and C, as well as additional eateries and shops down the center of both of those concourses. Concourse A is primarily used for international flights and tends to be less crowded than B or C. The airport offers a festive air, with live music, colourful decor, comfortable seating, WiFi, and plenty of power outlets for charging mobile devices. Additional comfort can be found through fee-based access to the airport’s first-class lounge.

Sleeping in New Orleans Airport

Recent passenger reviews state that the terminal is not the most comfortable place to sleep, with lights kept on overnight and most seating featuring armrests. One reviewer recommends the area between Panda Express and Starbucks in Concourse B; there is a bench to lie on and power outlets. If you have the budget, here are hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below for more information.

Read traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our New Orleans Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

TSA checkpoints, airline check-in, and baggage drop vary by airline and flight schedule — confirm with your airline. If you are in the terminal’s public area (landside), you will not be able to get through to the terminal’s secure area (airside) until the morning.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near New Orleans Airport that provide free airport shuttles.  Shuttles pick up at the Transportation Center, located on the 1st floor across from the baggage claim area.

Need more hotel choices? We’ve highlighted nearby hotels that offer airport shuttle service. If you’re happy to take a taxi, rideshare or rental car, there are many more hotels near the airport. [ View all hotels near New Orleans Airport ]

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

  • The Club MSY – Location: Airside, adjacent to the entrance to Concourse B. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • United Lounge – Location: Airside, Concourse C, Gate C7. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

  • Delta Sky Club – Location: Airside, Concourse C, Gate 1. Lounge Access: Elite Status • Lounge membership programs.

Military Lounge

  • Military Lounge – Location: Landside, Level 3 check-in. Lounge that is free of charge to active US military members and their families. Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Drinking Water

There are water bottle filling stations post-security — about 11 stations throughout the concourses. Bring a reusable bottle to refill once through security.

Food & Drinks

Most food outlets are closed overnight and start reopening early morning (often around 3:30 AM or later) in time for early flights. Vending machines are available for snacks.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no public luggage lockers available. If this has changed, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets and charging stations are available throughout both landside and airside seating and waiting areas.

Showers

Shower access is available inside The Club MSY lounge for guests. There are no standalone public showers.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at New Orleans Airport. Connect to the “#MSY-FI” network.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available both landside and airside. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits before travelling internationally.
Baby Care Facilities – Mother’s Rooms and family restrooms are available for feeding and changing. Facilities include changing tables, comfortable seating, and power outlets, with locations on each concourse.
Banking Services – Whitney Bank has a branch airside in Concourse C. Hours are unknown.
Currency Exchange – A Travelex counter is located landside near the United and Delta check-in areas. Hours are unknown.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available, along with a variety of other shops to browse while waiting.
Information Desk – An information desk is located landside, outside baggage claim on the ground level. Typical hours are 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Live Music – Live music is sometimes featured at the “Jazz Garden” stage on the arrivals level, as well as at select airside locations.
Meditation Room – A meditation room is available airside on Level 2 in the departures area.
MSY Guest Pass – Non-ticketed visitors can access the secure area with an MSY Guest Pass. Passes are issued daily from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, subject to availability. Register here.
Pet Relief Area – Pet relief areas are available both landside and airside.
Police / Security – Airport police and security services are based landside on Level 2.
Post Office – A public mailbox is available landside on Level 1 near baggage claim.
SIM Cards – SIM cards can be purchased from the InMotion store airside near Gate C1. Hours are typically 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Smoking – Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas on the upper and lower ramps. Smoking is not allowed near terminal entrances.
Tax-Free Shopping – Eligible international travellers can claim refunds on Louisiana sales tax at participating retailers by presenting a foreign passport and international ticket. A tax-refund counter is available landside on Level 2.

Airlines
New Orleans Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Alaska Airlines • Allegiant Air • American Airlines • Breeze Airways • British Airways • Delta Air Lines • Frontier Airlines • JetBlue • Silver Airways • Southwest Airlines • Spirit Airlines • Sun Country Airlines • United Airlines • Vacation Express.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Jefferson Transit (JET) – The Veterans (E1) bus takes passengers from MSY Airport to downtown. Travel time: approx. 50 minutes. Fare $2.00. For schedules and more info, visit the Jefferson Transit website.

Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) – The Airport Express (202) Bus also connects the airport to downtown New Orleans with two pick-up locations (Elk Place at Cleveland or the Union Passenger Terminal/Bus Bay 2). Fare: $1.25. For schedules and more info, visit the RTA website.

Car Rentals

Car rentals are handled in the MSY Consolidated Rental Car Facility. A shuttle to the building departs from near the Long Term Parking Garage (exit the terminal on Level 1, Baggage Claim) every five minutes and is 15-20 minutes driving time. Buses run 24-hours. The following car rental agencies are located on-site: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Thrifty.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

Several hotels provide airport shuttle service. Shuttles depart from the Ground Transportation Center, outside Level 1 Baggage Claim (Doors 1 – 5).

See Airport Hotels above.

Ride Apps

Ride Apps, including Lyft and Uber, pick up passengers from Level 1 Baggage Claim.

Shuttles

Go Airport Shuttle New Orleans offers door-to-door shared-ride shuttle service between the airport and hotels in downtown New Orleans. At the time of this update, a one-way fare between the airport and the French Quarter is $30. Tickets can be purchased at the Airport Shuttle booth on Level 1 Baggage Claim between Doors 3 and 4.

Taxis

Taxis are in a dedicated taxi loading zone on the Arrivals Curb outside Level 1 Baggage Claim Door 7. At the time of this update, the fare between the airport and CBD (Central Business District) or French Quarter was $36 for up to two passengers. For three or more, the rate increases by $15 per passenger. A $1 fuel surcharge will also be added per trip.

Last updated: 2026-01-29

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.

Airport at a Glance

Overall Experience:

17 Reviews
Good