MSYKMSYNormal

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

New Orleans, United States · North America

MSY delivers a genuinely pleasant midsize experience with standout local food, easy single-terminal layout and repeated best-in-class awards, traded off against average on-time stats and event-driven security spikes.

Airportist Score

7.7/ 10

Editorial 0–10 from comfort, navigation, food, transport, and disruption resilience — not a Google rating.

Passengers

13M

Average security

20 min

Nearby airports

Passenger airports within about 150 km.

All airports

MSYKMSYNormal25°C / 77°F

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

New Orleans, United States · North America

Airportist Score

7.7/ 10

Editorial 0–10 from comfort, navigation, food, transport, and disruption resilience — not a Google rating.

Passengers

13M

Average security

20 min

MSYGuide

Live airport status

Current operations

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for MSY.

Updated Sep 1, 2026

Single modern terminal (opened 2019) with three concourses A/B/C and ~35 gates after one centralized security checkpoint
Southwest is the largest carrier; also strong Delta, American, United presence plus some international (BA to LHR)
Repeatedly named Best Airport in North America (5-15M pax category) by ACI
Strong local food scene airside including Cafe du Monde beignets, Emeril’s, Leah’s Kitchen, MoPho
Free Wi-Fi (#MSY-FI), 11 post-security water bottle fillers, pet relief near Shake Shack
Military lounge pre-security; jazz performances and local vibe throughout

11 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort8.0

Navigation8.5

Food8.2

Transport7.2

Disruption resilience6.8

Key Stats

Annual passengers

13M

Terminals

1 terminal with 3 concourses

On-time departures

70%

Average security

20 min

Best For

Local New Orleans food and vibeEasy single-terminal navigationPriority Pass lounge accessAward-winning passenger experience

Watch Out For

Security wait spikes during Mardi Gras, festivals or TSA staffing issuesLimited lounge hours (most close early evening)Economy parking requires shuttleRideshare surge pricing common during events

12 photos

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. A new terminal across the runway from here is supposed to open next month and this one shut down. Thanks & kudos to Ms. Hollie.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport - Last day of the old MSY Terminal.

Most important tips

Know before you go

A compact traveler cheat sheet for timing, terminals, food, and disruption checks.

Timing

Arrive 2+ hours; 3 for peaks/events

Standard security averages 15-30 minutes but can hit 45+ or worse during early mornings, evenings, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest or staffing issues—use MyTSA app and PreCheck/CLEAR.

Checkpoint opens ~3:30 a.m.; lounges mostly close by 7-9 p.m. so plan early flights carefully.

Terminal

One terminal, walk everything

Centralized security on Level 2 gives access to all concourses A (international/far), B (middle), C (east); no trains needed, just follow signs and allow 5-15 minutes gate-to-gate.

Level 3 ticketing, Level 2 security/departures, Level 1 arrivals/baggage; Club MSY elevator near A/B split.

Food

Prioritize local over chains

Skip generic and hit Cafe du Monde beignets, Emeril’s Table, Leah’s Kitchen Creole, MoPho, Dook’s or Bar Sazerac for real NOLA flavor airside.

Shake Shack and Chick-fil-A exist for speed; most options post-security with mobile/QR ordering common.

Status

Check MyTSA and airline apps

Generally reliable midsize operation with good awards, but weather, events or occasional TSA staffing can spike waits—monitor live and build buffer.

On-time performance typically mid-60s to high-70s percent; flat-rate taxis help ground side predictability.

Nearby airports

Passenger airports within about 150 km.

MSYGuide

Live airport status

Current operations

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for MSY.

Updated Sep 1, 2026

Single modern terminal (opened 2019) with three concourses A/B/C and ~35 gates after one centralized security checkpoint
Southwest is the largest carrier; also strong Delta, American, United presence plus some international (BA to LHR)
Repeatedly named Best Airport in North America (5-15M pax category) by ACI
Strong local food scene airside including Cafe du Monde beignets, Emeril’s, Leah’s Kitchen, MoPho
Free Wi-Fi (#MSY-FI), 11 post-security water bottle fillers, pet relief near Shake Shack
Military lounge pre-security; jazz performances and local vibe throughout

11 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort8.0

Navigation8.5

Food8.2

Transport7.2

Disruption resilience6.8

Key Stats

Annual passengers

13M

Terminals

1 terminal with 3 concourses

On-time departures

70%

Average security

20 min

Best For

Local New Orleans food and vibeEasy single-terminal navigationPriority Pass lounge accessAward-winning passenger experience

Watch Out For

Security wait spikes during Mardi Gras, festivals or TSA staffing issuesLimited lounge hours (most close early evening)Economy parking requires shuttleRideshare surge pricing common during events

MSYGuide

Live airport status

Current operations

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for MSY.

Updated Sep 1, 2026

Single modern terminal (opened 2019) with three concourses A/B/C and ~35 gates after one centralized security checkpoint
Southwest is the largest carrier; also strong Delta, American, United presence plus some international (BA to LHR)
Repeatedly named Best Airport in North America (5-15M pax category) by ACI
Strong local food scene airside including Cafe du Monde beignets, Emeril’s, Leah’s Kitchen, MoPho
Free Wi-Fi (#MSY-FI), 11 post-security water bottle fillers, pet relief near Shake Shack
Military lounge pre-security; jazz performances and local vibe throughout

11 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort8.0

Navigation8.5

Food8.2

Transport7.2

Disruption resilience6.8

Key Stats

Annual passengers

13M

Terminals

1 terminal with 3 concourses

On-time departures

70%

Average security

20 min

Best For

Local New Orleans food and vibeEasy single-terminal navigationPriority Pass lounge accessAward-winning passenger experience

Watch Out For

Security wait spikes during Mardi Gras, festivals or TSA staffing issuesLimited lounge hours (most close early evening)Economy parking requires shuttleRideshare surge pricing common during events

MSYGuide

Live airport status

Current operations

Security wait times

A current security estimate is not available. Check the official airport site or MyTSA before travel.

MyTSA

Official airport site TSA screening guide

Operational status

Normal operations

No Flighty-reported operational issues for this airport.

Status update: 05:17 CDT

Source: Flighty Airports

Status response Sep 6, 10:17 UTC · Confirm live conditions with official sources before travel.

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for MSY.

Updated Sep 1, 2026

Single modern terminal (opened 2019) with three concourses A/B/C and ~35 gates after one centralized security checkpoint
Southwest is the largest carrier; also strong Delta, American, United presence plus some international (BA to LHR)
Repeatedly named Best Airport in North America (5-15M pax category) by ACI
Strong local food scene airside including Cafe du Monde beignets, Emeril’s, Leah’s Kitchen, MoPho
Free Wi-Fi (#MSY-FI), 11 post-security water bottle fillers, pet relief near Shake Shack
Military lounge pre-security; jazz performances and local vibe throughout

11 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort8.0

Navigation8.5

Food8.2

Transport7.2

Disruption resilience6.8

Key Stats

Annual passengers

13M

Terminals

1 terminal with 3 concourses

On-time departures

70%

Average security

20 min

Best For

Local New Orleans food and vibeEasy single-terminal navigationPriority Pass lounge accessAward-winning passenger experience

Watch Out For

Security wait spikes during Mardi Gras, festivals or TSA staffing issuesLimited lounge hours (most close early evening)Economy parking requires shuttleRideshare surge pricing common during events

Most important tips

Know before you go

A compact traveler cheat sheet for timing, terminals, food, and disruption checks.

Timing

Arrive 2+ hours; 3 for peaks/events

Standard security averages 15-30 minutes but can hit 45+ or worse during early mornings, evenings, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest or staffing issues—use MyTSA app and PreCheck/CLEAR.

Checkpoint opens ~3:30 a.m.; lounges mostly close by 7-9 p.m. so plan early flights carefully.

Terminal

One terminal, walk everything

Centralized security on Level 2 gives access to all concourses A (international/far), B (middle), C (east); no trains needed, just follow signs and allow 5-15 minutes gate-to-gate.

Level 3 ticketing, Level 2 security/departures, Level 1 arrivals/baggage; Club MSY elevator near A/B split.

Food

Prioritize local over chains

Skip generic and hit Cafe du Monde beignets, Emeril’s Table, Leah’s Kitchen Creole, MoPho, Dook’s or Bar Sazerac for real NOLA flavor airside.

Shake Shack and Chick-fil-A exist for speed; most options post-security with mobile/QR ordering common.

Status

Check MyTSA and airline apps

Generally reliable midsize operation with good awards, but weather, events or occasional TSA staffing can spike waits—monitor live and build buffer.

On-time performance typically mid-60s to high-70s percent; flat-rate taxis help ground side predictability.

MSYGuide

Live airport status

Current operations

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for MSY.

Updated Sep 1, 2026

Single modern terminal (opened 2019) with three concourses A/B/C and ~35 gates after one centralized security checkpoint
Southwest is the largest carrier; also strong Delta, American, United presence plus some international (BA to LHR)
Repeatedly named Best Airport in North America (5-15M pax category) by ACI
Strong local food scene airside including Cafe du Monde beignets, Emeril’s, Leah’s Kitchen, MoPho
Free Wi-Fi (#MSY-FI), 11 post-security water bottle fillers, pet relief near Shake Shack
Military lounge pre-security; jazz performances and local vibe throughout

11 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort8.0

Navigation8.5

Food8.2

Transport7.2

Disruption resilience6.8

Key Stats

Annual passengers

13M

Terminals

1 terminal with 3 concourses

On-time departures

70%

Average security

20 min

Best For

Local New Orleans food and vibeEasy single-terminal navigationPriority Pass lounge accessAward-winning passenger experience

Watch Out For

Security wait spikes during Mardi Gras, festivals or TSA staffing issuesLimited lounge hours (most close early evening)Economy parking requires shuttleRideshare surge pricing common during events

MSYGuide

Live airport status

Current operations

Security wait times

A current security estimate is not available. Check the official airport site or MyTSA before travel.

MyTSA

Official airport site TSA screening guide

Operational status

Normal operations

No Flighty-reported operational issues for this airport.

Status update: 05:17 CDT

Source: Flighty Airports

Status response Sep 6, 10:17 UTC · Confirm live conditions with official sources before travel.

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for MSY.

Updated Sep 1, 2026

Single modern terminal (opened 2019) with three concourses A/B/C and ~35 gates after one centralized security checkpoint
Southwest is the largest carrier; also strong Delta, American, United presence plus some international (BA to LHR)
Repeatedly named Best Airport in North America (5-15M pax category) by ACI
Strong local food scene airside including Cafe du Monde beignets, Emeril’s, Leah’s Kitchen, MoPho
Free Wi-Fi (#MSY-FI), 11 post-security water bottle fillers, pet relief near Shake Shack
Military lounge pre-security; jazz performances and local vibe throughout

11 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort8.0

Navigation8.5

Food8.2

Transport7.2

Disruption resilience6.8

Key Stats

Annual passengers

13M

Terminals

1 terminal with 3 concourses

On-time departures

70%

Average security

20 min

Best For

Local New Orleans food and vibeEasy single-terminal navigationPriority Pass lounge accessAward-winning passenger experience

Watch Out For

Security wait spikes during Mardi Gras, festivals or TSA staffing issuesLimited lounge hours (most close early evening)Economy parking requires shuttleRideshare surge pricing common during events

MSYGuide

Live airport status

Current operations

Security wait times

A current security estimate is not available. Check the official airport site or MyTSA before travel.

MyTSA

Official airport site TSA screening guide

Operational status

Normal operations

No Flighty-reported operational issues for this airport.

Status update: 05:17 CDT

Source: Flighty Airports

Status response Sep 6, 10:17 UTC · Confirm live conditions with official sources before travel.

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for MSY.

Updated Sep 1, 2026

Single modern terminal (opened 2019) with three concourses A/B/C and ~35 gates after one centralized security checkpoint
Southwest is the largest carrier; also strong Delta, American, United presence plus some international (BA to LHR)
Repeatedly named Best Airport in North America (5-15M pax category) by ACI
Strong local food scene airside including Cafe du Monde beignets, Emeril’s, Leah’s Kitchen, MoPho
Free Wi-Fi (#MSY-FI), 11 post-security water bottle fillers, pet relief near Shake Shack
Military lounge pre-security; jazz performances and local vibe throughout

11 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort8.0

Navigation8.5

Food8.2

Transport7.2

Disruption resilience6.8

Key Stats

Annual passengers

13M

Terminals

1 terminal with 3 concourses

On-time departures

70%

Average security

20 min

Best For

Local New Orleans food and vibeEasy single-terminal navigationPriority Pass lounge accessAward-winning passenger experience

Watch Out For

Security wait spikes during Mardi Gras, festivals or TSA staffing issuesLimited lounge hours (most close early evening)Economy parking requires shuttleRideshare surge pricing common during events

MSYGuide

Live airport status

Current operations

Security wait times

A current security estimate is not available. Check the official airport site or MyTSA before travel.

MyTSA

Official airport site TSA screening guide

Operational status

Normal operations

No Flighty-reported operational issues for this airport.

Status update: 05:17 CDT

Source: Flighty Airports

Status response Sep 6, 10:17 UTC · Confirm live conditions with official sources before travel.

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for MSY.

Updated Sep 1, 2026

Single modern terminal (opened 2019) with three concourses A/B/C and ~35 gates after one centralized security checkpoint
Southwest is the largest carrier; also strong Delta, American, United presence plus some international (BA to LHR)
Repeatedly named Best Airport in North America (5-15M pax category) by ACI
Strong local food scene airside including Cafe du Monde beignets, Emeril’s, Leah’s Kitchen, MoPho
Free Wi-Fi (#MSY-FI), 11 post-security water bottle fillers, pet relief near Shake Shack
Military lounge pre-security; jazz performances and local vibe throughout

11 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort8.0

Navigation8.5

Food8.2

Transport7.2

Disruption resilience6.8

Key Stats

Annual passengers

13M

Terminals

1 terminal with 3 concourses

On-time departures

70%

Average security

20 min

Best For

Local New Orleans food and vibeEasy single-terminal navigationPriority Pass lounge accessAward-winning passenger experience

Watch Out For

Security wait spikes during Mardi Gras, festivals or TSA staffing issuesLimited lounge hours (most close early evening)Economy parking requires shuttleRideshare surge pricing common during events