A church with two spires, a statue in the foreground, and palm trees.

$69 Cheap Flights from Houston (IAH) to New Orleans (MSY)

Popular airlines from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. Airport (MSY)

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Cheap Flights from Houston to New Orleans (IAH-MSY)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $69 for one-way flights and $132 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
United
American Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Delta

Alternative airports near New Orleans

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

What you need to know for your flight from George Bush Intercontinental to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.

Houston (IAH) to New Orleans (MSY) at a glance

Embark on a journey with various airlines offering flights from Houston (IAH) to New Orleans (MSY) along this popular domestic short-haul route. Explore your options between full-service and budget carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns best with your budget and schedule while you delve into the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of New Orleans. Here, you'll find essential details for flights departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 300 miles (485 km)
  • Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $50–$340, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Houston to New Orleans, particularly for non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover points include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with a layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Denver International Airport (DEN) with approximately a 2-hour and 15-minute layover. These choices allow you to balance cost, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal travel itinerary.

  • United: As a comprehensive carrier, United provides non-stop flights, dominating this route with about 97% of departures. One-way fares generally fall between $50 and $360, and the entire travel duration is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Frontier Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly options, Frontier offers both non-stop and one-stop services. It represents roughly 2% of departures on this route, with one-way fares typically ranging from $50 to $235, and a direct flight time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, making up about 1% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices usually range from $80 to $440, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total journey time of around 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.

Travelers can enhance their journey on flights from Houston to New Orleans with an upgrade to first-class service, available through United on this route.

Best time to fly from Houston (IAH) to New Orleans (MSY)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Houston to New Orleans are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in New Orleans reach up to 69.8°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 63.3°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $137. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 29 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 19 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $137, roughly 18% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $145.
  • Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Houston to New Orleans, with approximately 29 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)Average19$205
February58.6°F (14.8°C)High24$182
March64.6°F (18.1°C)High24$177
April69.8°F (21.0°C)High21$173
May76.6°F (24.8°C)Average27$156
June82.6°F (28.1°C)Low24$180
July83.5°F (28.6°C)Average25$172
August83.8°F (28.8°C)Average25$145
September80.6°F (27.0°C)Average25$137
October72.9°F (22.7°C)Average29$158
November63.3°F (17.4°C)Low24$163
December58.6°F (14.8°C)Low23$178

*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 Houston (IAH) to New Orleans (MSY)

  • Houston to New Orleans (HOU-MSY): Located about 23 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) offers a range of one-way economy fares from $50 to $400 based on the time of year and when you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights on this route. Major airlines operating here include the budget-friendly Southwest Airlines and American Airlines.

How to find the best prices for flights from Houston (IAH) to New Orleans (MSY)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Houston 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 typically available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers book between two to eight weeks ahead. Afternoon departures (12 PM to 6 PM) usually offer lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday generally provides cheaper rates, though Friday 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 George Bush Intercontinental Airport

New Orleans welcomes travelers from Houston with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. 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 away, providing travelers with convenient access to the city.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $69 and cheap return flights from $132 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $79 to $1048, and return flights typically cost between $194 and $1126. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from IAH to MSY is November when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
Choose from 3 airlines operating direct flights from IAH to MSY:

  • United operates around 70 direct flights from IAH to MSY every week
  • Frontier Airlines operates around 7 direct flights from IAH to MSY every week
  • Spirit Airlines operates around 7 direct flights from IAH to MSY every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
Spirit Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Houston, TX (IAH) to New Orleans, LA (MSY), with return tickets starting from around $58. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 airline to fly with from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Houston, TX (IAH) to New Orleans, LA (MSY) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Frontier Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from IAH to MSY, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
You can find approximately 10 nonstop flights per day from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
The earliest flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in November and December, allowing you to kick off your trip to New Orleans bright and 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Houston (IAH) to New Orleans (MSY) are in the late morning, from 9am to noon. About 23% of passengers prefer this time window. Major carriers like United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows you to enjoy a leisurely morning before your flight.
How long does it take to fly from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from IAH to MSY typically takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, covering approximately 304 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 4 hours 30 minutes to your travel time. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the IAH to MSY route with American Airlines.First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Spirit Airlines
  • United Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Houston, TX (IAH) to New Orleans, LA (MSY) typically costs between $860 - $1,195. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $284 - $436. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)?
From George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), you can fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY) to reach New Orleans. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW), Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
If you booked your Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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
George Bush Intercontinental
Destination airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, United
Roundtrip price
$132
Distance
304 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 18 mins

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*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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