Route guide · 838 miles
Cheap Flights from Chicago to New Orleans
ORD → MSY · Nonstop 2h 12m · Live round-trip fares
Plenty of travelers price out Chicago to New Orleans every day — here's how to beat the average fare. Nonstops run about 2h 12m, and the calendar matters more than the airline. Aim to book 3–6 weeks ahead, stay flexible on the day of the week, and set a free alert so a price drop never slips past you.
Live fares for ORD → MSY are updating. Use the search below for real-time prices.
Search live pricesCheapest recent fare
See live fares
Updated daily
Flight time
2h 12m
Nonstop, typical
Distance
838 mi
ORD → MSY
Cheapest month
October 2026
Fares from $111
Nonstop airlines
3
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines & more
Nonstop flights from Chicago to New Orleans
The fastest way between the two cities is the nonstop: about 2h 12m for the 838-mile run from ORD to MSY. Those flights are flown by American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines. Prices behave best when you book 3–6 weeks out.
Booking insights: Chicago → New Orleans
- Distance: 838 miles · nonstop flight time: 2h 12m.
- Cheapest upcoming week in the live data starts around Oct 22, with fares from $111.
- Of the months we're tracking right now, October 2026 has the lowest fares, starting at $111.
- Fares tend to bottom out when you book about 3–6 weeks ahead — earlier than that rarely helps, later usually hurts.
- Midweek departures (Tue–Thu) are consistently cheaper than weekend flights.
- A free fare alert beats daily checking: we watch this route and ping you when prices drop.
Price trend
Cheapest departure weeks ahead
Near-term departures around Oct 22 are currently the cheapest on this route. Based on recent fares found for this route; prices change quickly.
Cheapest month · Chicago → New Orleans
October 2026
Every date's recent round-trip fare, at a glance.
Fares from
$111
Cheapest: Tue, Oct 27 — $111 · Priciest: Oct 30 — $114
Get this fare →Recent fares found for specific dates in October 2026. Blank days had no recent fare in our data — ask our team and we'll check them for you.
Free fare alerts
Watch Chicago (ORD) → New Orleans (MSY)
We check this route's fares daily. The moment the price drops, we'll email you — free, unsubscribe anytime.
Talk to a real person
Get Chicago → New Orleans flights confirmed by phone
Fares move fast. Call us and we'll confirm the latest price for your dates — or drop your number and we'll call you back. Free, no payment taken on the call.
Request a callback
Flying from Chicago to New Orleans: what you need to know
The flight
The nonstop from ORD to MSY runs about 2h 12m over 838 miles. It's a comfortable mid-range flight: long enough that seat choice matters a little, short enough that paying up for extras rarely does.
Airlines on this route
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines fly this route nonstop. That matters more than it sounds: the cheapest fare on one carrier is rarely the same product as the cheapest on another. Checked-bag fees, free seat selection and change rules all differ, so compare the full trip cost before you pick a winner. See our airline guides for exactly what each carrier charges — then send an enquiry and we'll confirm the all-in price for your dates.
Leaving from Chicago (ORD)
Plan to be at the airport two hours before a domestic departure — ninety minutes can work at smaller airports outside peak times, but security lines are the one variable you can't control. If you're checking a bag, add time rather than cutting it close. Our Chicago airport guide covers terminals, parking and ground transport so you can plan the trip to the airport, not just the flight.
Arriving in New Orleans (MSY)
Before you land, know how you're getting from the airport to where you're staying — it's the part of the trip people forget to plan. The New Orleans airport guide lays out your ground options, from transit and shuttles to rideshares and rental cars. Flying back the other way? Check New Orleans to Chicago fares — prices on the return direction often move on a different rhythm.
When to book
Of the months we're currently tracking, October 2026 is coming in cheapest for this route, with fares from $111. As a rule, booking 3–6 weeks ahead lands you in the sweet spot — leave it to the final two weeks and prices usually climb. If you see a fare that works, don't wait around: set a fare alert on this page and we'll watch the price for you.
Good to know before you go
- If you're traveling with only a carry-on, you can skip the bag-drop line entirely with mobile check-in.
- Download the airline's app before you fly; gate changes and delays show up there first.
- Nonstop time on this route is about 2h 12m — a one-stop itinerary needs to be a lot cheaper to be worth the extra hours.
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically the cheapest days on domestic routes.
- Screenshot your fare before you enquire — prices move, and a saved fare helps our team match or beat it.
Chicago to New Orleans flight FAQs
How long is the flight from ORD to MSY?
Nonstop flights from Chicago to New Orleans take about 2h 12m and cover roughly 838 miles. One-stop itineraries add 2–4 hours depending on the layover city.
Are there nonstop flights from Chicago to New Orleans?
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines typically operate nonstop flights from ORD to MSY. Nonstops are usually cheapest when booked 3–6 weeks ahead of departure.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to New Orleans?
Right now, October 2026 is shaping up cheapest for Chicago to New Orleans — we've seen fares from $111 in that month. Prices move fast, so lock in when you see a number you like.
How much are last minute flights from ORD to MSY?
Last-minute flights from ORD to MSY (booked within 7 days of departure) typically cost noticeably more than fares booked 3–6 weeks out. Booking early is the smarter move.
What is a good round-trip deal from Chicago to New Orleans?
A good deal is anything at or below the recent fares shown above. Set a free Airfare Deal alert and we'll ping you the moment fares drop.
Which airlines fly from Chicago to New Orleans?
You'll mainly see American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines on Chicago to New Orleans. Checking each against the live fares below is the surest way to find the lowest price for your dates.
How early should I get to Chicago airport for this flight?
Plan on two hours before departure for a domestic flight — ninety minutes can work at smaller airports outside peak times. If you're checking a bag, earlier is better; the bag-drop line, not the flight, is what runs late.
Do the cheapest fares on this route include a checked bag?
Usually not. Basic economy fares on most airlines include a carry-on but charge extra for checked bags, and seat selection can cost more too. Add up the real total before comparing — a slightly higher regular fare sometimes works out cheaper. Our team confirms the full breakdown with you before you pay.
More cheap flights from Chicago
How Airfare Deal works — Airfare Deal is a free fare-search and enquiry service. We take no payment online; send an enquiry and our travel team confirms your fare before you pay anything.