Lois Larson
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is a large airport that has been named the Best Airport in North America (5 to 15 million passengers per year) by the Airports Council International (ACI) World's Airport for four years in a row. The airport is open 24 hours a day, including holidays. However, it is not uncommon for the airport to experience long lines and wait times, especially during peak travel times and holidays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport |
| Airport Code | MSY |
| Busy Times | 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to noon, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Peak Travel Times | Thanksgiving, Mardi Gras, Super Bowl |
| TSA Wait Times | Up to 1 hour |
| Pre-Check Wait Times | 10 minutes |
| Services | CLEAR Plus, TSA PreCheck, Lost and Found, Parking Reservation, Valet Parking, Real-time Parking Availability, Shuttle Service, Restaurants, Shops, Free Wifi |
| Awards | Best Airport in North America (5 to 15 million passengers per year), Best Large Airport in North America by ACI ASQ |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The New Orleans airport is busiest from 5 to 7 a.m
The New Orleans airport has experienced long TSA lines, with wait times of up to an hour. This is due in part to staffing shortages and has been exacerbated by unexpected events such as conferences in the city. It is always a good idea to check for any possible departure delays before setting off for the airport.
To expedite the security screening process, you can sign up for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus. These services are designed to speed up security checks, allowing travellers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and their laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags. However, even with these services, it is still advisable to arrive at the airport with ample time to spare, especially if you are travelling during peak times or after a busy weekend in the city.
If you are travelling during the holidays, it is important to be prepared for crowds. Thanksgiving, in particular, is a record-breaking travel period across the country, and thousands of passengers flock to the New Orleans airport. In such cases, it is recommended to arrive at the airport up to three hours early to ensure you do not miss your flight.
A Glimpse at the World's Airports: A Photo Essay
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport has received awards for its performance
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) has been recognised as the Best Large Airport in North America by ACI ASQ four years in a row. The Airports Council International (ACI) World also awarded the airport the Best Airport in North America (5 to 15 million passengers per year) in 2024.
The airport has implemented several improvements to enhance the travel experience. For instance, MSY introduced 11 new CT scanning machines that produce higher-resolution images, eliminating the need for passengers to remove liquids or laptops from their bags. This upgrade also added two new lanes, for a total of 17, and introduced automated bin systems, improving efficiency and convenience for travellers.
In addition to technological advancements, the airport offers a range of amenities to make travelling a pleasant experience. Passengers can enjoy fine dining, shopping, and relaxation areas. The airport is also known for its live music performances, showcasing the vibrant culture of New Orleans.
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport prioritises the comfort and satisfaction of its passengers. It provides various tools and services to streamline the parking process, including real-time parking availability updates and the option to reserve parking spots online. The airport also demonstrates its commitment to accessibility by offering a hidden disabilities program, ensuring that travellers with non-obvious disabilities receive the necessary assistance and a higher level of customer service.
The airport has earned its accolades through its dedication to providing a seamless and memorable travel experience, reflecting the spirit and charm of New Orleans.
Airports Designed for Layovers: Do They Exist?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
There are tools to make the parking process more efficient
New Orleans Airport, also known as Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY), is a large airport that serves thousands of passengers, especially during peak tourism seasons and holidays. While the airport has a live parking tracker available on its website, parking can be a hassle, with lots filling up during busy weeks.
Additionally, airports can use cloud-based parking systems, such as netPark, which provide real-time reporting and allow customers to make reservations, track shuttles, and earn points through a mobile app. Furthermore, airports can integrate Safedock Advanced Visual Docking Guidance Systems (A-VDGS) with other systems to enable the sharing of critical data and support airport collaborative decision-making (A-CDM). This automation speeds up the aircraft docking process, improves safety, and helps airports handle more aircraft efficiently.
By leveraging these tools and technologies, airports like New Orleans International Airport can improve the parking experience for travellers, making the process more efficient and convenient.
UK's Major Airports: How Many Are There?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
TSA PreCheck is available to speed up security screening
The New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY) can be a very busy airport, especially during holiday seasons and large events in the city. It is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight time to account for the crowds and long security wait times.
To speed up security screening, travellers can enrol in TSA PreCheck, a service designed to expedite security screening for travellers at participating airports, including New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport. With TSA PreCheck, travellers can keep their shoes, light outerwear, belts, and electronics and 3-1-1 liquids in their carry-on bags during security checks. This service is available at the Main Terminal Checkpoint on Level 2, which services all airlines.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck, travellers can start their application online or visit any of the 599 enrolment centres. The application process typically takes just a few minutes, and applicants can choose any enrolment provider based on cost, location, and additional benefits. Once approved, travellers will have a smoother experience at the airport security checkpoint.
In addition to TSA PreCheck, travellers can also sign up for CLEAR Plus, which offers quicker security clearance and shorter wait times. CLEAR Plus lanes are available at the main security checkpoint, and travellers can sign up for a free two-month trial to try out the service.
By utilising these services, travellers can significantly speed up the security screening process and reduce their overall time spent at the airport.
Travelers' Snack Dilemma: Chips Allowed Through Airport Security?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Traffic [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81bSBV-V1tL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The airport is open 24 hours a day, including holidays
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays. This means that you can arrive or depart at any time that suits your schedule, which is especially useful for those travelling during peak times or busy seasons.
Holidays are historically the busiest travel times of the year in the US, and it is not unusual for airlines to struggle with the surge in passengers. This is also true of the New Orleans airport, which has seen record-breaking numbers of passengers during the Thanksgiving holiday. In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advised travellers to arrive at least 2 hours before their flight time, and in some cases, up to 3 hours early due to staffing shortages. Even with this precaution, some passengers still missed their flights.
To avoid the crowds, it is recommended to take advantage of the airport's 24-hour opening hours and arrive or depart at quieter times. The airport is busiest from 5 to 7 am, with other peak travel times between 10:30 am to noon and 3 to 5 pm. If you are unable to travel outside of these times, it is advised to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.
To make your journey through the airport as smooth as possible, there are several services and tools available. For example, TSA PreCheck allows travellers to expedite security screening, meaning you don't need to remove your shoes, light outerwear, belts, laptops or 3-1-1 compliant liquids during security checks. You can also reserve a parking spot in advance, receive real-time parking availability updates, and make use of valet parking.
Exploring Louisville Airport: Efficient Gate System and Accessibility
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The New Orleans airport is busy, especially during holiday travel. It is recommended that travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight.
The New Orleans airport is busiest from 5 to 7 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to noon, and 3 to 5 p.m.
TSA PreCheck is available at the New Orleans airport and allows travelers to get through security faster by not having to remove certain items. CLEAR Plus is also available and offers quicker security clearance.
The New Orleans airport offers real-time parking availability updates on its website, as well as the option to reserve parking spots in advance. Off-airport parking lots are also available at lower costs.
The New Orleans airport has a variety of restaurants, shops, and free wifi for travelers to enjoy before their flight.
![Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81+c3Lbw+3L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Traffic [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91uK8hKaoDL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
