Navigating Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport doesn't have to be confusing. Whether you're catching a quick domestic flight or arriving for a long weekend, understanding the layout of MSY helps you skip unnecessary stress and find your gate fast.
The airport features a single, unified north terminal layout that replaced the older multiconcourse setup. This design change means you won't have to worry about getting lost in separate terminal buildings, but knowing how the levels and concourses connect will save you plenty of time.
MSY Airport Terminal Layout and Levels
The main terminal building is organized into three distinct vertical levels. Knowing what happens on each floor prevents you from walking in circles with heavy bags.
- Level 1 (Baggage Claim and Arrivals): This ground floor handles all passenger arrivals. You will find baggage carousels, ground transportation pick-ups, ride-share staging zones, and hotel shuttle access here.
- Level 2 (Security Screening and Departures): The middle floor houses the main security checkpoint and grants direct entry into the airside concourses.
- Level 3 (Ticketing and Check-In): The top floor is dedicated to airline check-in counters, baggage drop services, and curbside drop-off access.
Once you pass through the Level 2 security checkpoints, you enter the central hub that connects directly to all three passenger concourses. You can easily walk between concourses airside if you need to visit a specific lounge or restaurant.
Understanding the Three Concourses
MSY manages all passenger traffic across three piers: Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C.
Concourse A
Concourse A handles primarily international arrivals and departures, featuring federal inspection services and customs booths. If you are flying out internationally, verify your gate details ahead of time, as specific procedures apply to document checks here.
Concourse B
Concourse B hosts a large volume of domestic flights and features a dense cluster of local New Orleans food options. It runs down the middle of the airside structure, offering quick access to shopping outlets and newsstands.
Concourse C
Concourse C serves several major domestic carriers. It connects smoothly to the central retail and dining spine, ensuring you're never far from coffee or a sit-down meal before boarding.
Parking Options and Garages
Parking at MSY ranges from quick short-term drop-offs to budget-friendly economy spots. Choosing the right lot depends on your budget and trip length.
- Short-Term Garage: Connected directly to the main terminal via a covered walkway. It works best for quick drop-offs, pickups, or short trips, with hourly billing rates.
- Long-Term Garage: Located right across from the arrivals area. It features covered spaces and electric vehicle charging stations on select levels.
- Economy Garage: A budget-friendly option positioned a bit further away. Free, high-frequency airport shuttles run 24/7 to transport passengers directly between the garage and the terminal. It also offers a convenient remote baggage check-in for select domestic airlines.
- Valet Parking: Available curbside on Level 2 at Departures for travelers who want maximum convenience.
You can check official real-time space availability directly through the MSY Airport Parking Portal before heading to the airport.
Ground Transportation and Getting Downtown
Louis Armstrong International Airport sits in Kenner, Louisiana, roughly 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans. Several reliable options connect the airport to the city center:
- Ride-Sharing (Uber and Lyft): Designated pickup zones wait on the lower arrival level (Level 1) just outside baggage claim. Follow the indoor terminal signs directing you toward ground transportation.
- Taxis: Traditional cab stands sit immediately outside the Level 1 baggage claim area. Flat rates or meter rates apply depending on your destination in the city.
- Public Buses: The Jefferson Transit Authority (JET) E2 Airport-Downtown Express bus provides an affordable public transit connection between the airport and downtown New Orleans.
- Rental Cars: The consolidated rental car center operates off-site at a dedicated facility. Frequent shuttle buses transport passengers between the lower level of the terminal and the rental lot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at MSY
Travelers frequently run into a few avoidable pitfalls when navigating MSY. Keeping these tips in mind will keep your trip smooth:
- Going to the old terminal: The old airport facility on the south side is closed to commercial flights. Make sure your GPS directs you to 1 Terminal Drive on the north side, not the old Aviation Boulevard entrance.
- Misjudging rental car return times: Because the rental car facility is located off-site, always build an extra 20 minutes into your schedule to ride the shuttle back to the main terminal.
- Waiting until past security for local food: While MSY features incredible local culinary options like Café Du Monde beignets and local Creole plates inside the concourses, lines can spike during peak morning departure banks. Grab your coffee early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk between concourses inside MSY?
Yes. Because MSY utilizes a centralized security checkpoint design, all three concourses connect airside. You can walk freely between Concourse A, B, and C without clearing security a second time.
Where is the cell phone waiting lot located?
The cell phone waiting lot sits just northwest of the main terminal building. It provides a free space to park while waiting for an incoming passenger to collect their luggage.
Are there luggage storage lockers inside MSY?
Public storage lockers are not available inside the terminal due to airport security regulations. If you arrive early before hotel check-in, consider using the economy parking remote check-in features or check with your airline.
Does MSY operate 24 hours a day?
The terminal building remains open around the clock, but individual airline ticket counters, security checkpoints, and concession shops operate on limited daily schedules aligned with flight banks. Check the Official Louis Armstrong Airport Website for current security wait time updates and live gate mapping.
