New Orleans is a hub for tourists from all over the world, welcoming over 18 million visitors each year. In 2018, over 13 million passengers traveled through the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. November 6, 2019 marks the opening of the new terminal at the airport, and we couldn’t be more excited.
The project was over six years in the making, and will be well worth the wait for travelers. Before you even step foot in the city, the new terminal offers a taste of New Orleans with local food and live music. The architecture of the building was influenced by Louisiana’s geography, and mimics the winding curves of the Mississippi River. Here’s a look at what to expect at the new terminal.
Getting To and From the Airport
To get to the new airport terminal by car, follow these instructions:
Exit I-10 at Exit 221: Loyola Drive
Cross over Veterans Boulevard
Proceed on the new dedicated airport roadway
Once you’re on airport roadways, follow signage to the appropriate location.
Departing passengers are encouraged to arrive early, with a suggested time of two hours prior to your scheduled departure.
Check in and ticketing is located on Level 3
Security and concourses are located on Level 2
Baggage claim is located on Level 1
To get to New Orleans from the airport by car, follow these instructions:
From west of the airport, take I-10 East and exit at Loyola Drive
Turn right at Loyola Drive and continue straight across Veterans Boulevard onto Terminal Drive
From there, follow the signage to access the departures curb, arrivals curb, parking options, etc.
From Airline Drive, turn onto the existing Airport Access Road, continue straight towards Veterans Boulevard.
Turn left at Veterans Boulevard, and then turn left onto Terminal Drive
From there, follow the signage to access the departures curb, arrivals curb, parking options, etc.
Parking
New parking options include both Short and Long Term Garages as well as a Surface Parking Lot adjacent to the new terminal. The former Long Term Garage at the old terminal will serve as a remote Economy Parking Garage. Together, the new total parking spaces exceed 8,000 compared to the previous 5,600. Passengers who need rental cars can take a shuttle to the facility located on the south side of the property.
The Food and Shopping
New Orleans is known for its world-class culinary scene, which you will get a sense of as soon as you pass security. Local favorites like Café du Monde, The Munch Factory, MoPho, Mondo, Ye Olde College Inn, PJ’s Coffee, City Greens, Midway Pizza, and Angelo Brocato’s will be situated alongside national brands like Starbucks, Shake Shack, Chick-Fil-A, and Dylan’s Candy Bar. You’ll find new iterations of local restaurants with Emeril’s Table and Leah’s Kitchen, and Louisiana Chef John Folse will open Folse Market. Relax with spa services from Be Relax, or grab a drink from Bar Sazerac, Cure, or Vino Volo before or after your flight. Stop by Dirty Coast, Fleurty Girl, or NOLA Couture for local specialty gifts from New Orleans.
It’s not just travelers who get to experience the food, drink, and shops. The MSY Guest Pass allows non-ticketed visitors to enjoy post-security concessions. Sign up online, and visit anytime from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.
The Music
Before you even descend on the city, you will be greeted by the unique sounds of New Orleans. Within the new terminal, stop by Heritage School of Music to grab a drink and listen to some live music. WhereTraveler, a visitor information guide, has partnered with Preservation Hall, an iconic French Quarter jazz venue, to create a unique convenience store/performance space hybrid.
The Jazz Garden is one of the new terminal’s cornerstones. Located in the arrivals area is a large stage surrounded by lush, green plants and a three-story high image of an oak tree. Regular local performers will take the stage, waiting to welcome you to the city.
The Destinations
The New Orleans Airport currently has 16 airlines providing nonstop service to over 50 destinations, including seven countries. Domestic destinations include major US cities such as New York, San Francisco, Miami, and Houston, while international destinations include London, England, Frankfurt, Germany, Cancun, Mexico, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Panama City, Panama, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and most recently, Montreal, Québec, Canada. Concourse A is designed for international flights. For more information on destinations and airlines, see here.
