What percentage of Chicago to New Orleans flights are direct?

Historically, approximately 43.2% of flights from Chicago to New Orleans are direct. For travelers who prefer not to have a direct flight, connecting flights typically involve a median of 2 stopovers. This indicates that while direct options are available, a significant portion of routes include at least one stop. Travelers should consider this when planning their journey.

What's the flight time from Chicago to New Orleans?

The typical direct flight from Chicago to New Orleans has a median duration of 2 hours and 29 minutes. For flights with one stop, the median flight time is considerably longer, averaging 7 hours and 44 minutes. This difference highlights the convenience of direct routes for this 1349 km journey. Travelers should factor in these durations when choosing their flight type.

Should I set a price alert for Chicago to New Orleans flights?

Based on historical trends, deals for flights from Chicago to New Orleans are classified as frequent. This suggests that price fluctuations and good opportunities arise regularly. Setting a price alert could be beneficial for travelers looking to secure a favorable fare. Given the frequent nature of deals, an alert can help capture competitive prices as they become available.

Flights From Chicago

To New Orleans

Cheap Flights from Chicago to New Orleans

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Deals from

Chicago

RatePunk searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to New Orleans

Prices updated 2 days ago

405 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Jul 26, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Chicago to New Orleans

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Chicago to New Orleans

2026-09-19 – 2026-09-21
CHI - New Orleans
48% AI deal score
$212
$182
Round trip
2026-09-05 – 2026-09-09
CHI - New Orleans
66% AI deal score
$231
$185
Round trip
2026-10-26 – 2026-10-29
CHI - New Orleans
47% AI deal score
$207
$185
Round trip
2026-10-27 – 2026-10-29
CHI - New Orleans
47% AI deal score
$208
$187
Round trip
2026-09-05 – 2026-09-12
CHI - New Orleans
45% AI deal score
$197
$188
Round trip
2026-10-05 – 2026-10-10
CHI - New Orleans
45% AI deal score
$198
$190
Round trip
2026-09-12 – 2026-09-15
CHI - New Orleans
46% AI deal score
$209
$192
Round trip
2026-11-03 – 2026-11-04
CHI - New Orleans
65% AI deal score
$237
$193
Round trip
2026-08-22 – 2026-08-24
CHI - New Orleans
48% AI deal score
$227
$198
Round trip
2026-08-11 – 2026-08-25
CHI - New Orleans
42% AI deal score
$184
$205
Round trip

Chicago to New Orleans: Overview

Insights for flights from Chicago to New Orleans

For travelers seeking cheap flights from Chicago to New Orleans, the most affordable time to fly is typically March, with a median fare of $126. Other cost-effective options include April, where the median fare is $152, and May, with a median fare of $176. These months offer the lowest median prices for this route.

Fares for flights from Chicago to New Orleans typically range from $237–$538, with a median of $367. Right now, current fares are above the typical level for this route. New deals appear almost daily, indicating frequent opportunities to find competitive prices.

When considering the journey from Chicago to New Orleans, a typical flight takes 2h 29m. This route has a mixed direct flight share, with 43.2% of recent fares being non-stop. For itineraries that include connections, most involve two stopovers.

The distance between Chicago and New Orleans is 1349 kilometers, classifying this as a short-haul route. This relatively short distance contributes to the overall travel time and flight options available.

How much is a round trip from Chicago to New Orleans

Regular price: $178 - $270

Prices are currently within the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from Chicago to New Orleans is between $178 and $270. The current lowest deal is $182 with Frontier Airlines for travel from Aug 22-Aug 24.

now $182

Low $178

High $270

The cheapest time to fly from Chicago to New Orleans

The cheapest month to fly from Chicago to New Orleans is March, with a median price of $141. The most expensive month is December, with a median price of $439. Prices are generally lower from January to November.

March

Cheapest

Flights from $141

December

Most Expensive

Flights from $439

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Chicago to New Orleans

American Airlines

Last-minute flights going from Chicago to New Orleans

Sat, Jul 25

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - New Orleans

Chicago (MDW) - New Orleans (MSY)

$632

$402

One-way

Sat, Jul 25

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - New Orleans

Chicago (MDW) - New Orleans (MSY)

$641

$417

One-way

Mon, Jul 27

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - New Orleans

Chicago (MDW) - New Orleans (MSY)

$645

$402

One-way

Mon, Jul 27

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - New Orleans

Chicago (MDW) - New Orleans (MSY)

$641

$402

One-way

Tue, Jul 28

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - New Orleans

Chicago (MDW) - New Orleans (MSY)

Frontier Airlines

$631

$271

One-way

Tue, Jul 28

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - New Orleans

Chicago (MDW) - New Orleans (MSY)

$644

$393

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Chicago to New Orleans

3 nights

Jul 28 - Jul 31

$631 → $271

57%

1 night

Jul 28 - Jul 29

$644 → $393

39%

1 night

Jul 27 - Jul 28

$645 → $402

38%

2 nights

Jul 27 - Jul 29

$641 → $402

37%

Popular Airports to fly from Chicago to New Orleans

Chicago - New Orleans route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are above the typical level

Recent fares from Chicago to New Orleans are above the typical level at $182.

📅 Best time to fly

March is historically the cheapest month

Historically, March is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to New Orleans, with a median price of $141.

⏱️ Flight duration

Direct flights take 2h 29m

Direct flights from Chicago to New Orleans typically take 2h 29m, while connecting flights average 10h 16m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

43.2% of recent flights are direct

Historically, 43.2% of flights from Chicago to New Orleans are direct, with connecting flights having 2 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

Frontier Airlines had a recent deal at $182

Frontier Airlines offered a recent deal from Chicago to New Orleans for $182.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are frequent on this route

Deals for flights from Chicago to New Orleans are frequent, appearing often in a 30-day window.

Chicago main airports to depart from

Chicago Midway International (MDW)

Cheapest

Chicago Midway International offers flights to New Orleans, providing a convenient option for your journey.

📍 ~14 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car or public transport).

💸 Flights from ~$154

New Orleans main airports to arrive at

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)

Cheapest

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is a convenient arrival point for New Orleans.

📍 ~19 km from New Orleans (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$154

Airports nearby New Orleans used as alternative

Baton Rouge Metropolitan (BTR)

Baton Rouge Metropolitan is a primary alternative for the Louisiana region, offering full cabin class availability.

📍 ~115 km from New Orleans (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$297

Business & First Class Flight Deals to New Orleans

79% AI deal score

$872

$544

Save $328

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to New Orleans

Historically, the best prices for flights from Chicago to New Orleans are found when booking 60 or more days in advance. During the trailing 90 days, the average price for flights booked within this window was $371. In contrast, booking 7-13 days before departure typically resulted in a higher average price of $580. Even booking 0-6 days out saw an average price of $551, indicating that earlier booking generally yields better value.

Across the trailing quarter, a good price for a flight from Chicago to New Orleans was considered to be $237 or less. The median price for this route during the same period was $367. Prices can vary, with 75% of flights historically costing $538 or less. Travelers aiming for the best value should target prices at or below the $237 threshold.

Historically, the cheapest months to fly from Chicago to New Orleans include March, April, and May. In March, the median price was $126, while April saw a median price of $152. May also offered competitive prices with a median of $176. These months are significantly cheaper than the annual median price of $367 for this route, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Related routes

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Flights to New Orleans from other cities

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Chicago to New Orleans: Overview

Insights for flights from Chicago to New Orleans

How much is a round trip from Chicago to New Orleans

Regular price: $178 - $270

Prices are currently within the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from Chicago to New Orleans is between $178 and $270. The current lowest deal is $182 with Frontier Airlines for travel from Aug 22-Aug 24.

now $182

Low $178

High $270

The cheapest time to fly from Chicago to New Orleans

March

Cheapest

Flights from $141

December

Most Expensive

Flights from $439

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Chicago to New Orleans

American Airlines

Last-minute flights going from Chicago to New Orleans

Sat, Jul 25

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - New Orleans

Chicago (MDW) - New Orleans (MSY)

$632

$402

One-way

Sat, Jul 25

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - New Orleans

Chicago (MDW) - New Orleans (MSY)

$641

$417

One-way

Mon, Jul 27

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - New Orleans

Chicago (MDW) - New Orleans (MSY)

$645

$402

One-way

Mon, Jul 27

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - New Orleans

Chicago (MDW) - New Orleans (MSY)

$641

$402

One-way

Tue, Jul 28

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - New Orleans

Chicago (MDW) - New Orleans (MSY)

Frontier Airlines

$631

$271

One-way

Tue, Jul 28

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - New Orleans

Chicago (MDW) - New Orleans (MSY)

$644

$393

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Chicago to New Orleans

3 nights

Jul 28 - Jul 31

$631 → $271

57%

1 night

Jul 28 - Jul 29

$644 → $393

39%

1 night

Jul 27 - Jul 28

$645 → $402

38%

2 nights

Jul 27 - Jul 29

$641 → $402

37%

Popular Airports to fly from Chicago to New Orleans