Cheap Flights from Chicago to New Orleans Starting at $79

Chicago is served primarily by two airports. O’Hare International (ORD) is the city’s major international and connecting hub, commonly used by legacy carriers and many global airlines; it tends to offer a wide range of flight options and can be mid-to-high on price compared with smaller airports. Located about 17 miles northwest of downtown, O’Hare is reachable by the CTA Blue Line in roughly 45–60 minutes (fares typically around local transit rates), taxis or rideshares in 30–60 minutes depending on traffic (fares vary), and shuttle or car services. Pros: broad international connectivity and frequent departures; cons: busy terminal complex and occasional congestion. Midway Airport (MDW) functions more as a domestic and near-international gateway, often favored by low-cost and domestic carriers and typically seen as more budget-friendly for short-haul flights. It sits about 10 miles southwest of the Loop and can be reached by the CTA Orange Line in about 25–35 minutes (local fare applies), or by taxi/rideshare in 20–40 minutes (costs depend on traffic). Pros: smaller terminals and quicker check-in for many travelers; cons: fewer long-haul options and sometimes limited international routes. Both airports offer rental cars, airport shuttles, and private transfer services, with travel times heavily influenced by Chicago traffic patterns.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) is the city’s primary airport and typically functions as a regional and international gateway rather than a low-cost-only field. Major carriers and a handful of budget airlines serve MSY, so fares can vary from budget-friendly to premium depending on season and carrier. The airport sits about 11–16 miles west of the French Quarter, with travel times usually 20–35 minutes by taxi or rideshare (fares commonly range from about $35–$60), and an airport shuttle and rental cars are readily available. Pros: compact terminal, straightforward connections and good ground-transport options; cons: can be busy at peak times and requires a short drive to downtown attractions.

The Chicago — New Orleans route is served by a wide range of airlines: 6 in total, including United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Air Canada. Competition among carriers gives passengers the opportunity to find tickets at attractive fares — with prices starting from $79. Our service helps compare all available offers within seconds and choose the most convenient option. You can filter flights by price, departure time, or baggage rules to make your trip as comfortable as possible. With so many airlines, there’s always a chance to catch special promotions and save.