Overview
New Orleans is unlike anywhere else in the United States — a city built on jazz, Creole cooking and centuries of French and Spanish heritage, wrapped around the curve of the Mississippi River. For UK travellers, it's a brilliant change of pace from the usual American city break: wrought-iron balconies instead of skyscrapers, live brass bands spilling out of doorways, and a food scene that punches well above its weight. Flights to New Orleans from the UK typically route via a major US hub, and with a bit of planning around when to fly, cheap flights to New Orleans are well within reach.
Best time to fly to New Orleans
Spring (March to May) is the sweet spot, with warm days, blooming gardens and festival season in full swing, though it overlaps with the famously busy Mardi Gras period in February or March. Autumn (October and November) is another excellent window, offering pleasant temperatures once the summer humidity has broken. Summer (June to September) brings intense heat, high humidity and the Atlantic hurricane season, which can occasionally disrupt travel, so it's worth checking the when to book chart above for the best-value months to fly.
Airlines and routes
There are currently no non-stop flights between the UK and New Orleans, so journeys typically connect through a major US gateway such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston or New York, using airlines including British Airways, American Airlines, Delta and United, often via codeshare and interline partnerships. Total journey time from London is usually in the region of 13 to 17 hours including the connection, depending on the routing and layover length. Booking through a specialist like Seven Zones Travel makes it easier to find a well-timed connection rather than a long overnight wait at a US hub.
Things to do in New Orleans
However long you're staying, New Orleans rewards slow exploring on foot. Highlights include:
- French Quarter: the historic heart of the city, packed with jazz clubs, Creole restaurants and colourful balconies.
- Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral: the postcard view of New Orleans, with street artists and musicians year-round.
- National WWII Museum: a genuinely world-class, deeply moving museum and one of the city's top attractions.
- Frenchmen Street: the locals' alternative to Bourbon Street, lined with live music venues.
- Garden District and streetcars: ride the historic St. Charles streetcar past grand antebellum mansions.
At Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
MSY sits around 15 miles west of downtown New Orleans, roughly a 25 to 35-minute drive depending on traffic. Taxis and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available outside the terminal, airport shuttle buses run direct to major hotels, and the local Jefferson Transit E-2 bus offers a budget-friendly link towards the city for those travelling light.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to New Orleans
- Book roughly two to five months ahead for the best combination of price and choice, especially if travelling outside Mardi Gras or major festival dates.
- Flying midweek, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, is often noticeably cheaper than weekend departures.
- Keep your dates flexible where possible — shifting by even a few days can unlock a better fare, as shown in the price charts on this page.
- Compare connecting airlines and routings rather than booking the first option, since layover city and length can significantly affect both price and comfort.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a valid ESTA authorisation under the US Visa Waiver Program before travelling, arranged online in advance rather than a full visa, for stays of up to 90 days. The currency is the US Dollar, and card payments are widely accepted, though it's worth carrying some cash for smaller cafes and street performers. New Orleans's climate is hot and humid for much of the year, so pack light layers, sun protection and something waterproof for sudden summer downpours.
