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$284 Cheap Flights from Columbia (CAE) to New Orleans (MSY)

View $284 flight on Wed, Mar 24, 2027Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. Airport (MSY)

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Cheap Flights from Columbia to New Orleans (CAE-MSY)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $284 for one-way flights and $341 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Sat, Feb 27 - Tue, Mar 2
CAE
Columbia
MSY
New Orleans
$341 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$341
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Feb 27 from Columbia to New Orleans, returning Tue, Mar 2, priced at $341 found 1 hour ago
Delta
Sat, Feb 27 - Tue, Mar 2
CAE
Columbia
MSY
New Orleans
$341 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$341
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Feb 27 from Columbia to New Orleans, returning Tue, Mar 2, priced at $341 found 1 hour ago
United
Sat, Feb 27 - Tue, Mar 2
CAE
Columbia
MSY
New Orleans
$344 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$344
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Feb 27 from Columbia to New Orleans, returning Tue, Mar 2, priced at $344 found 1 hour ago
Delta
Sat, Nov 7 - Thu, Nov 12
CAE
Columbia
MSY
New Orleans
$345 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$345
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Nov 7 from Columbia to New Orleans, returning Thu, Nov 12, priced at $345 found 3 days ago
United
Tue, Jun 1 - Sat, Jun 5
CAE
Columbia
MSY
New Orleans
$349 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$349
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Jun 1 from Columbia to New Orleans, returning Sat, Jun 5, priced at $349 found 12 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Oct 14 - Sat, Oct 17
CAE
Columbia
MSY
New Orleans
$353 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$353
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from Columbia to New Orleans, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $353 found 14 hours ago
United
Wed, Nov 11 - Sat, Nov 14
CAE
Columbia
MSY
New Orleans
$353 Roundtrip, found 17 hours ago
$353
Roundtrip
found 17 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Nov 11 from Columbia to New Orleans, returning Sat, Nov 14, priced at $353 found 17 hours ago
United
Wed, Dec 2 - Sat, Dec 5
CAE
Columbia
MSY
New Orleans
$359 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$359
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Dec 2 from Columbia to New Orleans, returning Sat, Dec 5, priced at $359 found 2 days ago
United
Wed, Dec 2 - Sat, Dec 5
CAE
Columbia
MSY
New Orleans
$360 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$360
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Dec 2 from Columbia to New Orleans, returning Sat, Dec 5, priced at $360 found 2 days ago
Delta
Sat, Jan 2 - Tue, Jan 5
CAE
Columbia
MSY
New Orleans
$361 Roundtrip, just found
$361
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Jan 2 from Columbia to New Orleans, returning Tue, Jan 5, priced at $361 just found

Alternative airports near New Orleans

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. MSY. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 20 minutes. Flights from $687
MSY
Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center20 min
Flights from $687

Find the cheapest month to fly from Columbia (CAE) to New Orleans (MSY)

May is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $268 - $516 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Columbia Metropolitan to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.

Columbia (CAE) to New Orleans (MSY) at a glance

Explore a range of options for cheap flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) on this domestic short-haul route. Compare various airlines to discover the best itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans as you prepare to experience the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of New Orleans. Find essential details for your next flight from Columbia to New Orleans, ensuring a smooth travel experience.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3 hours in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
  • Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $125–$450, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for routes from Columbia to New Orleans, typically offering one-stop services. Popular layover options include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with about a 1 hour and 30-minute wait, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) with a 1-hour layover. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to craft your ideal itinerary.

  • Delta: As a comprehensive carrier, Delta provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally falling between $125 and $450. This airline represents around 60% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and an overall travel time of approximately 4h 30m, including layover.
  • American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines offers one-stop service, with one-way prices typically ranging from $125 to $475. It accounts for about 38% of flights on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and a total journey duration of roughly 4h 30m, including layover.
  • United: United is a full-service airline providing one-stop service, with one-way fares usually between $150 and $375. It represents about 2% of departures on this route, with an in-air time of 3 hours and a total travel duration of approximately 4h 30m, including layover.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Columbia to New Orleans with Delta’s premium economy class service available on this route.

Best time to fly from Columbia (CAE) to New Orleans (MSY)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Columbia to New Orleans are January, March, and October, when peak temperatures in New Orleans reach up to 72.9°F in October. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 83.8°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $205). Flight availability peaks in August and October, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $205, roughly 19% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: June typically offers an average one-way fare of around $229.
  • Most flight options: August and October have the highest number of flights from Columbia to New Orleans, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January54.9°F (12.7°C)Moderately High8$277
February58.6°F (14.8°C)Average9$252
March64.6°F (18.1°C)Moderately High9$272
April69.8°F (21.0°C)Average9$290
May76.6°F (24.8°C)Moderately Low9$239
June82.6°F (28.1°C)Average9$229
July83.5°F (28.6°C)Average9$245
August83.8°F (28.8°C)Moderately Low11$205
September80.6°F (27.0°C)Average10$255
October72.9°F (22.7°C)Moderately High11$251
November63.3°F (17.4°C)Moderately Low10$282
December58.6°F (14.8°C)Average10$268

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative route from Columbia (CAE) to New Orleans (MSY)

  • Columbia to New Orleans (CAE-NEW): Lakefront Airport (NEW) is located approximately 14 miles from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).

How to find the best prices for flights from Columbia (CAE) to New Orleans (MSY)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Columbia to New Orleans is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures, between 5 AM and 12 PM, tend to be less expensive and are also the most preferred flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday often results in lower prices, though Thursday remains the busiest travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport from Columbia Metropolitan Airport

New Orleans welcomes travelers from Columbia with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Columbia Metropolitan Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 8 miles) from central Columbia. New Orleans city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach New Orleans efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in New Orleans, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, South Carrollton at Saint Charles Stop, a metro station, is located about 8 miles from the airport.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $284 and cheap return flights from $341 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $240 and $679, and return flights often range between $393 and $1103. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
May is the cheapest month to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE) to New Orleans, LA (MSY), with average return fares around $353. This price is about 14% lower than the average throughout the year, as May typically has lower travel demand. Other cheap months to fly from CAE to MSY include August and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
Enter CAE to MSY and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
Spirit Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Columbia, SC (CAE) to New Orleans, LA (MSY) with return tickets starting from around $662. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
When flying from Columbia (CAE) to New Orleans (MSY), May and September are your best bets, with average return flight prices around $353. These months not only offer competitive pricing but also allow you to enjoy the vibrant culture of New Orleans with fewer tourists around.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in February and March, helping you kick off your trip to New Orleans early. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Columbia, SC (CAE) to New Orleans, LA (MSY) are in the late morning, from 9am to noon. About 25% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to enjoy a leisurely morning before heading off to New Orleans.
How long does it take to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
A flight from CAE to MSY with a layover takes around 6 hours, with the route covering approximately 601 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
You can fly first class between CAE and MSY. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for New Orleans from Columbia Metropolitan (CAE)?
From Columbia Metropolitan (CAE), you can fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY) to reach New Orleans. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) before reaching New Orleans. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) New Orleans Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
If you booked your Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Columbia Metropolitan
Destination airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, United
Roundtrip price
$340
Distance
600 mi

Book with confidence

Columbia to New Orleans Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Columbia to New Orleans

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Columbia to New Orleans are during the month of February. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Columbia to New Orleans with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Columbia to New Orleans

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Columbia to New Orleans: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Columbia to New Orleans

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Columbia to New Orleans in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $284 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Columbia to New Orleans flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Columbia to New Orleans airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

Columbia to New Orleans Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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