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$154 Cheap Flights from Sacramento (SMF) to New Orleans (MSY)

View $154 flight on Mon, Nov 23, 2026Opens in a new window

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

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

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $154 for one-way flights and $287 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Thu, Oct 1 - Mon, Oct 5
SMF
Sacramento
MSY
New Orleans
$287 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$287
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 1 from Sacramento to New Orleans, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $287 found 2 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Oct 1 - Mon, Oct 5
SMF
Sacramento
MSY
New Orleans
$291 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$291
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 1 from Sacramento to New Orleans, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $291 found 2 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Sun, Oct 4 - Mon, Oct 5
SMF
Sacramento
MSY
New Orleans
$303 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$303
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sun, Oct 4 from Sacramento to New Orleans, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $303 found 1 hour ago
Frontier Airlines
Sun, Oct 4 - Thu, Oct 8
SMF
Sacramento
MSY
New Orleans
$324 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$324
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sun, Oct 4 from Sacramento to New Orleans, returning Thu, Oct 8, priced at $324 found 4 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Sun, Oct 4 - Mon, Oct 5
SMF
Sacramento
MSY
New Orleans
$328 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$328
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sun, Oct 4 from Sacramento to New Orleans, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $328 found 1 hour ago
Delta
Mon, Oct 5 - Thu, Oct 8
SMF
Sacramento
MSY
New Orleans
$328 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$328
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Sacramento to New Orleans, returning Thu, Oct 8, priced at $328 found 1 hour ago
Frontier Airlines
Sun, Oct 4 - Mon, Oct 5
SMF
Sacramento
MSY
New Orleans
$332 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$332
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sun, Oct 4 from Sacramento to New Orleans, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $332 found 1 hour ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Feb 27 - Mon, Mar 1
SMF
Sacramento
MSY
New Orleans
$332 Roundtrip, just found
$332
Roundtrip
just found
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Feb 27 from Sacramento to New Orleans, returning Mon, Mar 1, priced at $332 just found
American Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Tue, Nov 3
SMF
Sacramento
MSY
New Orleans
$337 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$337
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from Sacramento to New Orleans, returning Tue, Nov 3, priced at $337 found 4 hours ago
United
Sat, Oct 3 - Tue, Oct 6
SMF
Sacramento
MSY
New Orleans
$337 Roundtrip, just found
$337
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Sat, Oct 3 from Sacramento to New Orleans, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $337 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 $567
MSY
Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center20 min
Flights from $567

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

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

Travel from Sacramento (SMF) to New Orleans (MSY) with a range of airlines offering various options on this convenient domestic route. Whether you prefer full-service airlines or are searching for cheap flights from Sacramento, you'll find itineraries that suit your budget and schedule. As you plan your visit to experience New Orleans's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods, explore the key details for flights departing from Sacramento International Airport to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 5h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,900 miles (3,060 km)
  • Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $135–$435, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

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

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Sacramento to New Orleans, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover points include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with approximately a 1 hour and 30 minute layover, Denver International Airport (DEN) at around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), also about 1 hour and 15 minutes. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create your ideal itinerary.

  • Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly option, Southwest Airlines provides non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop flights. Their one-way ticket prices generally fall between $135 and $435, making up about 33% of departures on this route. Expect around 5 hours of flight time, culminating in a total journey duration of approximately 6h 15m.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline offers one-stop flights with one-way fares usually ranging from $135 to $475. American Airlines accounts for around 26% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 5 hours and a complete travel time, including layover, of about 6h 15m.
  • United: Known for its full-service offerings, United provides one-stop and multi-stop travel options, with one-way fares typically ranging from $135 to $500. Holding approximately 21% of departures on this route, the in-flight time is about 5 hours, leading to a total journey time of around 6h 15m.
  • Delta: Delta, a reputable full-service carrier, offers one-stop flights with one-way ticket prices generally between $140 and $500. Accounting for about 17% of departures on this route, travelers can expect 5 hours of in-flight time and a total journey length, including layovers, of roughly 6h 15m.
  • Alaska Airlines: This full-service airline features one-stop service, with one-way fares typically ranging from $135 to $620. Alaska Airlines represents about 3% of departures on this route, providing an in-flight duration of 5 hours and a comprehensive journey time of approximately 6h 15m, factoring in layovers.

Travelers flying from Sacramento to New Orleans have the option to enhance their journey with upgraded flight choices. United Airlines offers first-class service, while Delta provides both first class and premium economy. American Airlines also features first-class seating for a more comfortable experience.

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

The most popular months for travelers flying from Sacramento 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 August, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 83.8°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $200). Flight availability peaks in May and October, with approximately 27 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 13 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $200, roughly 18% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: September and October typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $204 to $215.
  • Most flight options: May and October have the highest number of flights from Sacramento to New Orleans, with approximately 27 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)Average13$257
February58.6°F (14.8°C)High23$284
March64.6°F (18.1°C)High20$270
April69.8°F (21.0°C)High23$251
May76.6°F (24.8°C)Average27$233
June82.6°F (28.1°C)Low18$244
July83.5°F (28.6°C)Average18$233
August83.8°F (28.8°C)Low14$200
September80.6°F (27.0°C)Average23$204
October72.9°F (22.7°C)Average27$215
November63.3°F (17.4°C)Average21$260
December58.6°F (14.8°C)Low20$283

*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 Sacramento (SMF) to New Orleans (MSY)

  • Sacramento to Baton Rouge (SMF-BTR): Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) lies approximately 66 miles from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). On this route, one-way economy prices generally fall between $145 and $460, influenced by the time of year and the advance of booking. Travelers can expect primarily one-stop flights, with common layover points at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Major airlines servicing this route include American Airlines and United, with first-class service also offered.

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

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Sacramento 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 found when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Early morning departures (12 a.m. to 5 a.m.) usually offer lower prices, while morning flights (5 a.m. to 12 p.m.) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally results in cheaper prices, though Thursday is the most favored 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 Sacramento International Airport

New Orleans welcomes travelers from Sacramento 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 about 8 miles from the airport, providing convenient access to the city.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $154 and cheap return flights from $287 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $199 to $860, and return flights typically cost between $369 and $1058. 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Sacramento (SMF) to New Orleans (MSY), with average round-trip fares around $327. This price is about 20% lower than the average fare for the year, as travel demand decreases after the summer. Other economical months for this route include August and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
Enter SMF to MSY and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Sacramento Intl. (SMF) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY), with round-trip tickets starting from around $263. 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
When flying from Sacramento, CA (SMF) to New Orleans, LA (MSY), the best months to consider are August and September. These months are the cheapest, with average return flight prices around $327, and they also offer a vibrant atmosphere in New Orleans, perfect for experiencing the local culture.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Sacramento, CA (SMF) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY) typically departs at around 12:15 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in February and March, allowing you to arrive in New Orleans early and enjoy the vibrant city. 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Sacramento (SMF) to New Orleans (MSY) are from 6am to 9am. About 30% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows travelers to start their day early and enjoy a full day in New Orleans.
How long does it take to fly from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
A flight from SMF to MSY with a layover takes around 6 hours 20 minutes, with the route 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from SMF to MSY. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) 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 Sacramento Intl. (SMF)?
From Sacramento Intl. (SMF), you can fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY) to reach New Orleans. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), Harry Reid Intl. (LAS) 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
If you booked your Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) 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
Sacramento Intl.
Destination airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$287
Distance
1875 mi

Book with confidence

Sacramento to New Orleans Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento to New Orleans in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $154 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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.

 

Sacramento to New Orleans Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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