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$143 Cheap Flights from New Orleans (MSY) to Sacramento (SMF)

View $143 flight on Mon, Oct 5, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. Airport (MSY) to Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF)

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Cheap Flights from New Orleans to Sacramento (MSY-SMF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $143 for one-way flights and $325 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 11 - Mon, Nov 23
MSY
New Orleans
SMF
Sacramento
$325 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 11 from New Orleans to Sacramento, returning Mon, Nov 23, priced at $325 found 22 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Nov 14 - Thu, Nov 19
MSY
New Orleans
SMF
Sacramento
$328 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$328
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Nov 14 from New Orleans to Sacramento, returning Thu, Nov 19, priced at $328 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 11 - Mon, Nov 23
MSY
New Orleans
SMF
Sacramento
$330 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$330
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 11 from New Orleans to Sacramento, returning Mon, Nov 23, priced at $330 found 22 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Nov 14 - Thu, Nov 19
MSY
New Orleans
SMF
Sacramento
$334 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$334
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Nov 14 from New Orleans to Sacramento, returning Thu, Nov 19, priced at $334 found 2 days ago
American Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Sat, Oct 24
MSY
New Orleans
SMF
Sacramento
$337 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$337
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from New Orleans to Sacramento, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $337 found 11 hours ago
United
Thu, Oct 15 - Mon, Oct 19
MSY
New Orleans
SMF
Sacramento
$337 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$337
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from New Orleans to Sacramento, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $337 found 10 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 11 - Mon, Nov 23
MSY
New Orleans
SMF
Sacramento
$340 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$340
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 11 from New Orleans to Sacramento, returning Mon, Nov 23, priced at $340 found 22 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Mon, Oct 26
MSY
New Orleans
SMF
Sacramento
$347 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$347
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from New Orleans to Sacramento, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $347 found 12 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Tue, Oct 13
MSY
New Orleans
SMF
Sacramento
$350 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$350
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from New Orleans to Sacramento, returning Tue, Oct 13, priced at $350 found 4 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Oct 22 - Sat, Oct 24
MSY
New Orleans
SMF
Sacramento
$357 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$357
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from New Orleans to Sacramento, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $357 found 11 hours ago

Alternative airports near Sacramento

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

Select flight to Sacramento Intl. SMF. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 15 minutes. Flights from $812
SMF
Sacramento Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center15 min
Flights from $812

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

New Orleans (MSY) to Sacramento (SMF) at a glance

Travel between New Orleans (MSY) and Sacramento (SMF) with a range of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Discover the latest deals on flights and compare options from both full-service and budget carriers to find an itinerary that suits your travel plans and budget. As you prepare to explore Sacramento's renowned attractions and neighborhoods, gather all the essential details for flights departing from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 6h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,900 miles (3,060 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $135–$445, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from New Orleans to Sacramento, focusing on both one-stop and non-stop options. Common layover points include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with approximately a 1-hour 15-minute layover, Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with about a 45-minute layover, and Denver International Airport (DEN) also offering a 1-hour 15-minute layover. This variety allows you to compare prices, total travel time, and cabin classes to craft your ideal travel itinerary.

  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop options, with one-way fares usually falling between $135 and $485. Southwest accounts for around 31% of departures along this route, featuring a typical one-stop flight time of 5 hours 45 minutes and an overall travel duration of about 6 hours 45 minutes.
  • American Airlines: As a major full-service airline, American offers one-stop flights with one-way prices generally ranging from $135 to $440. It represents approximately 30% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours 45 minutes and a total travel time of around 6 hours 45 minutes, including any layover.
  • Delta: Another full-service option, Delta provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically between $140 and $400. Delta accounts for about 18% of departures for this route, featuring an in-flight time of 5 hours 45 minutes and an overall journey time of roughly 6 hours 45 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • United: Offering both non-stop and one-stop flights, United's one-way fares usually range from $135 to $510. This airline comprises approximately 17% of departures on this route, with a standard one-stop flying time of 5 hours 45 minutes and a total travel duration of about 6 hours 45 minutes.
  • Alaska Airlines: A full-service airline, Alaska provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $175 to $675. It accounts for approximately 3% of departures on this route, offering an in-flight time of 5 hours 45 minutes and a total travel time of around 6 hours 45 minutes, including layover periods.

Travelers have the option to upgrade their journey from New Orleans to Sacramento, with American Airlines and United both providing first-class service for this route.

Best time to fly from New Orleans (MSY) to Sacramento (SMF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from New Orleans to Sacramento are March, April, and May, when peak temperatures in Sacramento reach up to 66.6°F in May. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 74.5°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $190). Flight availability peaks in May, with approximately 19 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and August have the fewest flights, with approximately 12 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $190, roughly 21% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $212.
  • Most flight options: May has the highest number of flights from New Orleans to Sacramento, with approximately 19 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January48.6°F (9.2°C)Average12$267
February50.5°F (10.3°C)Average15$275
March53.6°F (12.0°C)High18$296
April59.7°F (15.4°C)High18$252
May66.6°F (19.2°C)High19$219
June74.5°F (23.6°C)Average16$238
July77.5°F (25.3°C)Low16$226
August76.8°F (24.9°C)Low12$212
September74.5°F (23.6°C)Low18$190
October66.4°F (19.1°C)Average17$224
November54.9°F (12.7°C)Average18$239
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Average17$279

*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 New Orleans (MSY) to Sacramento (SMF)

  • Baton Rouge to Sacramento (BTR-SMF): Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) is located approximately 66 miles from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). One-way economy ticket prices on this route generally fall between $145 and $460, varying by season and advance booking. Travelers can choose from both one-stop and multi-stop flights, with common layover points being Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The leading airlines for this route include American Airlines and United, with first-class service also available.

How to find the best prices for flights from New Orleans (MSY) to Sacramento (SMF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from New Orleans to Sacramento 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 at least two months in advance, although most travelers book their flights two to eight weeks ahead. Departures in the afternoon, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Wednesday generally provides cheaper options, while Monday remains the most popular 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 Sacramento International Airport from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Sacramento 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 Sacramento efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Sacramento, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Sacramento International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Sacramento 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 Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento Valley Station, a train station, is about 9 miles away, while 7th & Richards/Township 9 Station, a metro station, is approximately 8.6 miles from the airport, providing convenient access to the surrounding areas.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $143 and cheap return flights from $325 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $187 and $807, and return flights often range between $352 and $1656. 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from MSY to SMF 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Enter MSY to SMF 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from New Orleans (MSY) to Sacramento (SMF), with round-trip tickets starting from around $341. 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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.
What is the earliest flight from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by United and Alaska Airlines. An early departure like this can help you make the most of your day in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) are from 6am to 9am. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows you to start your day early and make the most of your time in Sacramento.
How long does it take to fly from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Flights from MSY to SMF with one stop typically take around 6 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 1,875 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from MSY to SMF. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY)?
If you're planning to travel to Sacramento from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY), you can fly into Sacramento Intl. (SMF) Some flights may connect through major hubs like George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Love Field (DAL), Denver Intl. (DEN) before reaching Sacramento. 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) Sacramento 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
If you booked your New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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
Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.
Destination airport
Sacramento Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$325
Distance
1875 mi
Average flight time
3 hours 45 mins

Book with confidence

New Orleans to Sacramento Flights

The cheapest times to fly from New Orleans to Sacramento

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 Sacramento are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from New Orleans to Sacramento with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from New Orleans to Sacramento: 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 Sacramento

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 Sacramento in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $143 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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.

 

New Orleans to Sacramento Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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