A Practical, Story-Driven Guide to Saving Big on Airfare
I still remember the moment I saw the fare: a round-trip ticket to New Orleans for just $86. At first, I thought it had to be a mistake. I refreshed the page. Nope, still there. I double-checked the dates, departure time, and baggage rules. Still real. That’s when I realized something important: scoring an amazing flight deal to New Orleans isn’t luck—it’s strategy.
This guide is for anyone who’s been tempted by the sounds of jazz, the scent of Creole cooking, or the pastel houses of the French Quarter—but has hesitated, thinking airfare might be too expensive. Whether you’re flying in from New York, Chicago, Miami, or a smaller regional airport, there’s a way to do it for less.
Here’s exactly how I found that flight—and how you can, too.
Step 1: Start with the Right Tools (and the Right Mindset)
To find cheap flights, I treat it like a game of detective work. The key tools are:
Flight comparison engines: I usually start with Google Flights, but I also check others like Kayak and Skyscanner.
Price alerts: I always set up alerts for my intended route. This allows me to watch the prices change over time—and pounce when they drop.
Flexible dates: Always search with flexible dates (use a monthly calendar view if available). You’ll be amazed at how flying out on a Tuesday instead of a Friday can save $50 or more.
The mindset? Flexibility is money. If you’re dead set on one day or one airline, you’re likely to pay a premium.
Step 2: Know When to Fly and Book
In my experience, and based on multiple flight searches:
Flying midweek (especially Tuesday or Wednesday) almost always results in the lowest fares.
Flying early in the morning or late at night tends to be cheaper than mid-day flights.
Booking 3–6 weeks in advance gives you the best balance between low prices and availability.
I once booked a flight to New Orleans departing Wednesday and returning Tuesday. The total? $94 round trip from Chicago, with a carry-on included. That same trip on a Friday-Sunday schedule would have cost me over $210.
Step 3: Embrace Budget Airlines (But Read the Fine Print)
Here’s the truth: New Orleans is one of those cities well-served by ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, and Avelo. These airlines often run promotions that make it possible to fly for the cost of dinner.
One example I saw:
Orlando to New Orleans: $21 one-way
Denver to New Orleans: $32 one-way
Atlanta to New Orleans: $38 round trip
Of course, these prices are only amazing if you don’t fall into the trap of hidden fees. Always ask:
Does this fare include a personal item, carry-on, or checked bag?
What’s the cost of seat selection, if you care?
Can I check in online to avoid airport fees?
I always pack light and use a backpack as my personal item. That alone has saved me hundreds over time.
Step 4: Consider One-Way Tickets on Different Airlines
Sometimes booking two one-way tickets—one to New Orleans, one back—on different airlines can be cheaper than a round trip on the same one.
Once, I flew into New Orleans on Frontier for $36 and returned on Southwest using a travel credit. That combo saved me $120 compared to booking a round trip on a single airline.
Look at each leg separately. Mix and match. Just be sure you’re comfortable managing two bookings (and two potential change/cancellation policies).
Step 5: Airports Matter (Not Just the One You’re Flying Into)
New Orleans’ main airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)—modern, efficient, and well connected. But the price you pay to fly there depends heavily on where you’re departing from.
Some examples I’ve tracked over the past few months:
From Houston, round-trip flights are regularly under $100.
From Chicago, I’ve seen them dip as low as $78.
From Los Angeles, I’ve booked one for $129 round trip (yes, coast to coast!).
Even from Boston, prices can go as low as $115 if you catch a promo.
Tip: If you live in a metro area with multiple airports, check all of them. Sometimes flying out of a smaller secondary airport can save you a ton. In New York, for example, LaGuardia often has cheaper flights to New Orleans than JFK.
Step 6: Sign Up for Deal Newsletters and Alerts
I get daily or weekly flight deal alerts from a few newsletters dedicated to showcasing unusually low airfare. These services track “mistake fares,” flash sales, and short-term discounts from airlines.
The best deals usually last less than 24 hours—so if you’re subscribed and ready, you can act fast when the perfect New Orleans flight pops up.
I recently got a deal alert for a $59 round-trip flight from Nashville to New Orleans—nonstop, with free carry-on. A friend of mine booked it within 20 minutes of getting the email and had one of the best weekends of her year.
Step 7: Use Points, Miles, and Credit Card Perks
If you have any airline credit cards, general travel rewards cards, or frequent flyer miles, don’t forget to check redemption values. Sometimes flights to New Orleans cost fewer points than you’d expect.
For example:
A round-trip ticket from Dallas to New Orleans cost me 8,000 points using a travel rewards portal.
Using points covered the flight, and I used the money I saved for food and tours in the French Quarter.
Also, if you hold cards with benefits like free checked bags, travel credits, or even companion passes—leverage them here.
Step 8: Watch for Hidden Fees and Restrictions
Before booking, take a minute to double-check the final cost. Consider:
Baggage fees
Seat selection
Boarding priority
Change/cancellation flexibility
A $49 ticket that charges $70 in bag and seat fees is no longer a deal. Sometimes, it’s worth paying a few dollars more upfront to avoid those charges altogether.
Step 9: Book Smart, Then Track for Drops
After booking, I continue watching my route for price drops. Why?
Because U.S. airlines allow free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. If I find the exact same flight cheaper within that window, I cancel and rebook. It’s happened twice—and saved me $60 once.
Some airlines even allow credit refunds if the price drops after you book (in the form of travel credits). Just check the airline’s policy.
Real Itinerary Examples I’ve Booked:
New York (LGA) to New Orleans (MSY)
Round trip: $128 | Airline: Delta | Booked 45 days in advance | Basic Economy, no bag
Chicago (ORD) to New Orleans (MSY)
Round trip: $86 | Airline: Spirit | Mid-week travel, personal item only
Dallas (DAL) to New Orleans (MSY)
Points used: 9,500 + $11 taxes | Airline: Southwest | Flexible ticket
Orlando (MCO) to New Orleans (MSY)
Round trip: $52 | Airline: Frontier | Used no extras, packed light
It’s Not Just About the Fare
Yes, saving money on airfare is awesome—but the real win is what it allows you to do. That budget flight to New Orleans meant I could spend more time walking through the Garden District, more money on jazz club covers, and more bites of crawfish étouffée.
The less I spend on getting there, the more I can live the experience once I arrive.
Recap: Quick Tips for Cheap Flights to New Orleans
✅ Use flight comparison websites and flexible-date calendars to uncover the best deals
✅ Travel midweek (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are golden) and book 3–6 weeks in advance
✅ Don’t fear budget airlines—but always read the fine print and factor in extra fees
✅ Consider booking two one-way tickets on different airlines if it saves you money
✅ Sign up for flight deal newsletters and set up fare alerts to catch flash sales
✅ Leverage your airline points, frequent flyer miles, or travel credit card perks
✅ Use incognito mode or clear your cookies to avoid fare inflation from repeat searches
✅ Book fast when you find a great deal—but monitor for price drops within 24 hours
Booking a cheap flight to New Orleans isn’t just about saving a few bucks—it’s about giving yourself the freedom to experience more once you arrive. When you score a $100 ticket instead of a $300 one, you suddenly have room in your budget for that extra night out, the guided ghost tour, or a second helping of gumbo at that hole-in-the-wall joint everyone raves about.
There’s something deeply satisfying about landing at Louis Armstrong Airport knowing you beat the system. As your Uber rolls toward the French Quarter, and the first sounds of saxophones drift into the evening air, you’ll feel the kind of joy that only comes from a trip well-planned and well-priced.
And if this is your first time in New Orleans, prepare for a sensory experience unlike any other—bold flavors, centuries-old streets, warm hospitality, and a rhythm that’s impossible not to move with. If you’re returning? You already know the magic waiting at every corner.
So go ahead—dust off that carry-on, charge your camera, and start dreaming. The Big Easy is calling, and thanks to a little savvy airfare hunting, getting there doesn’t have to break the bank.
Let the good times roll—and let the savings fly.