Information and Travel Guide for New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport
New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY)

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is a state-owned Class B public airport located 10 miles west of New Orleans' central business district. It is the main commercial airport for the entire southeast Louisiana region. It became the main airfield for the city of New Orleans after the 2nd World War, replacing New Orleans Lakefront Airport.

History

The airfield was formerly known as Moisant Field, named after John Moisant, an aviator and known daredevil. In 1940, the city's then main airport New Orleans Lakefront Airport needed major expansions and some even debated on replacing it as the main airport, so the Field was turned into another public airport. It was temporarily turned into a military base during the war, but was reverted back into a commercial airport after the war ended. The airport was forced to shut down after incurring damages and being submerged in water after a hurricane hit the area in September 1947. The airport was renamed Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport after a jazz musician on July 11, 2001.

Services and Amenities

Various retail shops and restaurants are scattered throughout the airport, from its main terminal to the difference concourses. There are a lot of fast food stalls and snack bars for waiting travellers, as well as restaurants, grills and bars. There are also several gift shops, newsstands, and shoe shining services.

The airport offers tax-free shopping for international passengers as part of the state's tourism campaign. The airport also offers several passenger services like a police station, post office, money exchangers, ATMs, and wire money transfer providers. The airport offers free Wi-Fi services at select areas throughout the airport.

Parking & Transportation

The airport has a parking garage that can accommodate 3000 cars for its short-term parking services, and 2500 cars for its long-term services. The airport also has a cell phone lot, where you can stay if you're simply waiting in your car for your passenger to arrive. An airport shuttle service is available to and from the airport to the city's central business district.

Surrounding Places to Stay

You can seek accommodations from the many hotels in the central business district. It is only a short distance away from the airport and is along the route of the airport's shuttle service. You may also find accommodations in the area of Jefferson Parish, where the airport is located. Some suitable accommodations include Country Inns and Suites, Sleep Inns and Suites and Contempra Inn for people on a budget. The Days Inn offers free transportation to the hotel and rates go for less than 100 dollars per day. Hotel Kenner is also a good choice; for 99 dollars a day, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, airport transportation and cable TV to its guests.

Travel Tips

It is recommended that passengers constantly check for the status of their flight to ensure that it is not cancelled or delayed. Airlines have special services for the handicapped, such as wheelchair services, so make sure you note disabilities when you get ticket reservations. Policies with pets and children may vary from airline to airline, so check beforehand by asking for the airline rules and regulations.


Contact Information:

Address: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 3rd Floor Administrative Office, 900 Airline Drive Kenner, LA 70062
Phone: 1 (504) 303-7500
Fax: 1 504 464 1264
Website: http://www.flymsy.com/
E-mail: [email protected] 
Number of Terminals: 1
Time Zone: GMT - 6 (GMT - 5 from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October)
Location: The airport is located 16km (10 miles) west of New Orleans
IATA airport code: MSY