$294 Cheap Flights from New Orleans (MSY) to Bloomington (BMI)
Popular airlines from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. Airport (MSY) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)
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Cheap Flights from New Orleans to Bloomington (MSY-BMI)
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New Orleans (MSY) to Bloomington (BMI) at a glance
Travel from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) with a range of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Explore options from full-service carriers to find the flights that align with your budget and schedule as you visit the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Bloomington. Whether you're looking for the best itinerary or cheap flights from Bloomington, you can easily compare your choices for a seamless journey.
- Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 700 miles (1,130 km)
- Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $180–$510, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI)
Based on recent traveler preferences, here are the top airlines flying from New Orleans to Bloomington, often selected for their one-stop options. Common layover points include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with about a 1 hour 30 minute layover, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with approximately a 1 hour 15 minute layover, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offering around a 2 hour 15 minute layover. These choices provide the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class for your ideal itinerary.
- Delta: As a full-service airline, Delta provides convenient one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $180 and $425. This carrier represents roughly 51% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to an overall travel time of about 5 hours, including layover.
- American Airlines: Another key player, American Airlines offers a full-service experience with one-stop options, where one-way fares typically range from $195 to $755. This airline accounts for around 49% of the departures for this route, with similar in-flight times of 3 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total journey time close to 5 hours, including layover.
Alternative route from New Orleans (MSY) to Bloomington (BMI)
- New Orleans to Peoria (MSY-PIA): Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA) is located approximately 43 miles from Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI). One-way economy ticket prices for this route generally fall between $125 and $500, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Travelers often find one-stop flights available, with common layover points at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Major airlines servicing this route include American Airlines and United.
How to find the best prices for flights from New Orleans (MSY) to Bloomington (BMI)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from New Orleans to Bloomington is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures (12pm-6pm) often offer lower prices, despite morning flights (5am-12pm) being more popular. Additionally, flying on Monday generally provides cheaper rates, while Sunday remains the busiest travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find Bloomington hotel and flight deals.
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 Central Illinois Regional Airport from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Bloomington welcomes travelers from New Orleans with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from central New Orleans. Here's how to reach Bloomington efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Bloomington, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Central Illinois Regional Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Central Illinois Regional 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 Central Illinois Regional Airport, Uptown Station, a train station, is located about 5 miles away by car, providing convenient access to rail connections in the region.
New Orleans to Bloomington Flights
The cheapest times to fly from New Orleans to Bloomington
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 New Orleans to Bloomington are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from New Orleans to Bloomington with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from New Orleans to Bloomington
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from New Orleans to Bloomington: 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 New Orleans to Bloomington
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 New Orleans to Bloomington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $294 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 New Orleans to Bloomington 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 New Orleans to Bloomington 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $294 and cheap return flights $339 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $218 and $789, and return flights often range between $459 and $1549. 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
The cheapest month to fly from MSY to BMI is December 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
Enter MSY to BMI and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from New Orleans (MSY) to Bloomington (BMI), with round-trip tickets starting from around $386. 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
To find a cheap flight from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional), 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
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.
What is the earliest flight from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
The earliest flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by United and Delta. An early flight can help you maximize your time in Bloomington. 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) are in the late morning, from 9am to noon. About 33% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta, American Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to enjoy a relaxed morning before heading to the airport.
How long does it take to fly from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
Flights from MSY to BMI with one stop typically take around 4 hours 50 minutes, covering approximately 729 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
First class seats are offered on the MSY to BMI route with Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) 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 Bloomington from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY)?
From Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY), you can fly into Central Illinois Regional (BMI) to reach Bloomington. Some flights may connect through major hubs like George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Liberty Intl. (EWR), Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) before reaching Bloomington. 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) flight and hotel package?
Securing a New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) flight and hotel package 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
If you booked your New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) 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 | Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Bloomington, IL |
Distance | 729 miles away |
Airlines serving | American Airlines, Delta |
Popular airline | American Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $339 |