Carry-On Only for New Orleans: Airlines, MSY, and Packing Tips

New Orleans is a practical carry-on destination. Southwest serves MSY, but its checked-bag charges depend on fare and benefits. The main packing challenge is the weather: summers are hot and humid, and comfortable walking shoes help in the French Quarter.

Southwest Airlines: Carry-On Included, Checked Bags Vary

Southwest serves Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). One carry-on and one personal item are included on every fare; checked-bag fees apply on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred without eligible benefits. See Southwest's fare rules.

Southwest now assigns seats. Basic fare seats are generally assigned at check-in unless an eligible tier or card benefit allows earlier selection. See Southwest's seating guidance.

Other Carriers at MSY

Louis Armstrong Airport is served by all major US carriers: American, Delta, United, Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant all operate routes into MSY. The airport underwent a major renovation completed in 2019 and the new terminal is considerably easier to navigate than the old facility.

Spirit and Frontier charge for overhead bin carry-on bags as an add-on above their base fare. Buy the carry-on add-on at booking — it is typically $30–$60 cheaper than paying at check-in or at the gate. Frontier occasionally bundles the carry-on with seat selection in a package; compare total prices before booking.

American and Delta include a standard carry-on in their base fares on domestic routes, with personal items always permitted.

Allegiant operates a smaller number of routes to MSY from mid-sized US cities and charges for carry-on bags on its base fares in a similar structure to Spirit and Frontier.

Packing for New Orleans

Lightest clothing possible. New Orleans summer heat is the primary packing constraint. If you are visiting between May and September, pack your thinnest, most breathable clothing. Linen shirts and lightweight moisture-wicking fabrics are genuinely more comfortable than cotton in New Orleans humidity. Dark colors show sweat visibly. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing performs best. Even outside summer, New Orleans is warm — spring and autumn are pleasant but rarely cold.

Light rain layer. New Orleans receives frequent afternoon thunderstorms year-round and is particularly rainy in the spring and summer. A compact packable rain jacket or a small umbrella is worth carrying daily. French Quarter streets flood quickly after heavy rain, and some low-lying areas accumulate significant water. Check the forecast before heading out and be prepared to wait out storms under a covered balcony — a very New Orleans activity.

Comfortable walking shoes with grip. The French Quarter, Marigny, and Bywater neighborhoods — the core of most visitor itineraries — involve significant walking on old, uneven brick sidewalks. After rain, these surfaces become slippery. Pack shoes with rubber soles and enough cushioning for a full day of walking. Consider a pair that you would not mind getting wet, as street flooding can make puddle avoidance impossible.

One festive outfit for Mardi Gras or jazz venues. If visiting during Mardi Gras season (January through Fat Tuesday), bring one festive outfit in traditional purple, gold, and green. Jazz clubs and evenings on Frenchmen Street in the Marigny call for smart-casual rather than formal wear — New Orleans dresses up creatively, not conventionally.

Net bag for parade throws. During Mardi Gras, parade floats throw beads, cups, and toys to the crowd. A lightweight folded net bag or tote weighs almost nothing and serves as a catch bag. Full bags of throws can accumulate quickly — the net bag keeps them contained and leaves both hands free.

Hand sanitizer. Bourbon Street and other high-traffic areas involve a lot of shared surfaces, crowd contact, and outdoor eating. A small hand sanitizer fits in any bag pocket.

Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY)

MSY's new terminal (opened 2019) is one of the better recent US airport builds: clear wayfinding, good food options, and efficient security lanes. It sits about 16 miles west of the French Quarter, roughly a 30–45 minute drive depending on traffic. Rideshare and taxi services are well-organized at MSY. The airport code MSY comes from the original Moisant Stock Yards site — one of many NOLA facts you will learn if you spend time here.

Security at MSY is standard TSA. Arrive 90 minutes before domestic departure and 2.5 hours before international flights during normal periods; budget extra time during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, when the airport is significantly busier.