Direct (nonstop) flights from Washington to New Orleans

2 airlines fly nonstop from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY). It's 969 miles (1,560 km), about 2h 57m in the air. Operated by American Airlines, Southwest Airlines.

DCA
Ronald Reagan Washington National
🇺🇸 Washington, USA
MSY
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
🇺🇸 New Orleans, USA
Flight Time
2h 57m
Distance
969 mi
1,560 km
CO₂/pax
164 kg
−41 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
American Airlines +1
Time Diff
-1h
Operated by American Airlines American Airlines Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines

Route data last updated: May 26, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

American Airlines AA American Airlines
Route
DCA → MSY
Flight Time
2h 57m
Distance
969 mi
Southwest Airlines WN Southwest Airlines
Route
DCA → MSY
Flight Time
2h 57m
Distance
969 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Washington to New Orleans with one stop · direct emits 164 kg CO₂ per passenger

DCA GSP (Greenville) MSY
Leg 1: 1h 44m (396 mi) Leg 2: 1h 50m (578 mi) Total: ~3h 34m 🍃 205 kg CO₂ (+25% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → GSP
1h 44m · 396 mi
View DCA to GSP flights →
Leg 2
GSP → MSY
1h 50m · 578 mi
View GSP to MSY flights →
DCA ATL (Atlanta) MSY
Leg 1: 2h 2m (547 mi) Leg 2: 1h 34m (424 mi) Total: ~3h 36m 🍃 205 kg CO₂ (+25% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → ATL
2h 2m · 547 mi
View DCA to ATL flights →
Leg 2
ATL → MSY
1h 34m · 424 mi
View ATL to MSY flights →
DCA BNA (Nashville) MSY
Leg 1: 2h 5m (560 mi) Leg 2: 1h 35m (472 mi) Total: ~3h 40m 🍃 216 kg CO₂ (+32% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → BNA
2h 5m · 560 mi
View DCA to BNA flights →
Leg 2
BNA → MSY
1h 35m · 472 mi
View BNA to MSY flights →
DCA TYS (Knoxville) MSY
Leg 1: 1h 48m (436 mi) Leg 2: 1h 55m (541 mi) Total: ~3h 43m 🍃 206 kg CO₂ (+26% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → TYS
1h 48m · 436 mi
View DCA to TYS flights →
Leg 2
TYS → MSY
1h 55m · 541 mi
View TYS to MSY flights →
DCA CVG (Cincinnati) MSY
Leg 1: 1h 45m (410 mi) Leg 2: 2h (702 mi) Total: ~3h 45m 🍃 231 kg CO₂ (+41% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → CVG
1h 45m · 410 mi
View DCA to CVG flights →
Leg 2
CVG → MSY
2h · 702 mi
View CVG to MSY flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Washington to New Orleans?

A nonstop flight from Washington (DCA) to New Orleans (MSY) takes approximately 2 hours and 57 minutes. The distance is 969 miles (1,560 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Washington to New Orleans?

2 airlines: American Airlines, Southwest Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Washington to New Orleans?

Yes. 2 airlines: American Airlines, Southwest Airlines.

How far is Washington from New Orleans?

The flight distance from Washington to New Orleans is 969 miles (1,560 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Miami.

What type of aircraft flies from Washington to New Orleans?

At 2h 57m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Washington to New Orleans?

Roughly 164 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 820 km.

Is the return flight from New Orleans to Washington also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Washington to New Orleans?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.