Navigating the New MSY :: Everything Moms Need to Know About the New Airport

The holidays are officially upon us! This means that many New Orleans area families will get to experience the joy of flying with kids during one of the busiest travel times of the year. Add in a new airport terminal to learn to navigate and that can add up to a lot of anxiety. No need to fret Mommas and Poppas, our team has some great tips and things to know before venturing off to the new MSY.

If you have the first flight out, get there early!

The security line opens a little while after check-in and the line can get quite backed up. Beat the rush of people and get there extra early to claim a spot at the front of the line. Because … while it may be a bummer to get to the airport early with kids, it’s a SUPER bummer to miss your flight and be stuck at an airport with kids!

Bring reusable water bottles!

The water fountains at MSY include a water bottle feature making it easy to fill up your own water bottles from home. This is both great for the environment and great on your wallet!

Know the Layout: 3, 2, 1

Check-in and Ticketing can be found on Level 3.

Security and Concourses are located on Level 2.

And, Baggage Claim and Transportation are on Level 1.

So much good food!

The new airport offers so many of the best parts of New Orleans while you wait. The food, shopping, and live entertainment make the waiting more bearable. And, when it comes to food, the new airport nailed it! We bribed the kids with beignets at Cafe du Monde while we waited. The food is local and delicious. Some of the local eateries and chefs adorning the new terminals are Mondo, Mopho, Emeril’s Table, Leah’s Kitchen, Ye Olde College Inn, The Munch Factory, Folse Market, Dook’s Burgers, and Angelo Brocato! There is certainly no shortage of Big Easy star power. But, you can also find quick eats such as City Greens, PJ’s Coffee, and Tea, Lucky Dogs, Shake Shack, Smoothie King, and Dylan’s Candy Bar.

It’s not New Orleans without a party, and MSY brings it! 

You can grab a drink at the Heritage School of Music Stage, a wine bar, and listen to LIVE music. This was a HIT with the kids and adults! Because listening to live music together while you wait is WAY better than listening to another episode of Blippi (can I get an amen?!). Never been able to make it to James Beard award-winning Cure for cocktails? Then head to their location in concourse C and see what all the raves are about.

You can do some last-minute shopping! 

Still need a couple of gifts before you hop on the plane? MSY has you covered. Bring something local and authentically New Orleans from Cafe Du Monde, Fleurty Girl, NOLA Couture, Bourbon Sweets, Dirty Coast, and The Scoreboard, which carries gear from all of your favorite New Orleans teams!

Give yourself some extra time. 

Overall, our community has had positive experiences flying out of the new MSY, and many have commented on the overall ease. But, it’s not a bad idea if it’s your first time flying, to give yourself some extra time because it’s a new route to the airport, the layout is new, and there’s always extra traffic this time of year!

The new airport is beautiful and has lots to check out while you wait. Share some New Orleans culture with your kids. Listen to music. Share a beignet. And if all else fails, the new MSY has free WIFI, so power up those electronics and plug those kids in while you enjoy an acclaimed restaurant!

Have some tips about the new MSY to share with our readers? Comment and let us know!

Catherine Karas
Catherine followed her college sweetheart (and now wife) Claire to New Orleans after they both graduated from the University of Georgia. She is a twin mom, a stay at home mom, a boy mom, a Disney mom, and a 2 mom family mom...just to name a few. She throws a mean toddler play date and loves to host small humans in her home for themed out events! She is often planning her next great family adventure, and she is never scared to pack her twins up for a trip solo! Her parenting mantra is "embrace the chaos", and there is plenty of that when raising twin boys! You can follow her family adventures on instagram @krewedekaras

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here