Route guide
Cheap Flights from Philadelphia to New Orleans: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 1,090 mi
- Typical flight time
- 2 h 30 min – 3 h 30 min
- Airports
- 1 × 1
- Time difference
- 1 h behind

This page covers the practical side of flying between Philadelphia and New Orleans: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.
Quick answer: Philadelphia to New Orleans is about 1,090 miles (1,750 km) and a typical flight takes 2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min. New Orleans is 1 hour behind Philadelphia. Philadelphia has 1 airport to compare and New Orleans has 1.
Airport pairs to compare
Philadelphia's airport is a hub with strong connecting traffic, and it is linked to Center City by regional rail. New Orleans' airport lies west of the city, roughly 15 miles from the French Quarter.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| PHL to MSY | Philadelphia International | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International |
About the airports
- PHL · Philadelphia International
A hub airport with regional rail service to Center City. - MSY · Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
About 15 miles west of the French Quarter.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Philadelphia: American Airlines
Airlines with a base at one end often connect through their hub. A specialist can compare nonstop and connecting options on your dates.
When to go and what to expect
Philadelphia
Spring and fall are the most comfortable. Summers are hot and humid, and winter storms can disrupt flights.
New Orleans
February through May and the fall are popular. Mardi Gras dates change each year, usually falling in February or March. Summers are hot, and hurricane season runs June to November.
Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check fare rules for changes if you travel in that window.
How long is Philadelphia to New Orleans?
At about 1,090 miles, Philadelphia to New Orleans is a short-to-medium flight. Fares on routes this length are sensitive to the day of the week and the time of day, so check a few departure times before you settle.
Time zones and timing
New Orleans is 1 hour behind Philadelphia, so you land at a local time 1 hour earlier than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination.
Getting between the airport and town
Philadelphia: SEPTA Regional Rail runs from the airport to Center City.
New Orleans: Shuttles, taxis and ride-hail run between the airport and downtown.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- Because many passengers connect here, keep extra time between flights, especially in winter.
- Festivals such as Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest raise demand sharply, so book earlier if your trip overlaps with them.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying New Orleans to Philadelphia?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Philadelphia or all flights from New Orleans.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Philadelphia from New Orleans?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 1,090 miles (1,750 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Philadelphia to New Orleans?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.
Which airports can I use?
At Philadelphia: PHL (Philadelphia International). At New Orleans: MSY (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
New Orleans is 1 hour behind Philadelphia.
When is the best time to fly from Philadelphia to New Orleans?
In Philadelphia: Spring and fall are the most comfortable. Summers are hot and humid, and winter storms can disrupt flights. In New Orleans: February through May and the fall are popular. Mardi Gras dates change each year, usually falling in February or March. Summers are hot, and hurricane season runs June to November.Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check fare rules for changes if you travel in that window. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for Philadelphia to New Orleans?
Airlines with a major base at either end include American Airlines. A specialist compares them with other carriers on your dates, since schedules and availability change.
Do you show fares on this page?
No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.
Route details updated October 18, 2026.