Direct (nonstop) flights from Chicago to New Orleans

1 airline flys nonstop from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY). It's 826 miles (1,329 km), about 2h 15m in the air. Operated by Southwest Airlines.

MDW
Chicago Midway International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
MSY
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
🇺🇸 New Orleans, USA
Flight Time
2h 15m
Distance
826 mi
1,329 km
CO₂/pax
153 kg
−31 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Southwest Airlines
Time Diff
Same timezone
Operated by Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines

Route data last updated: May 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Southwest Airlines WN Southwest Airlines
Route
MDW → MSY
Flight Time
2h 15m
Distance
826 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Chicago to New Orleans with one stop · direct emits 153 kg CO₂ per passenger

MDW STL (Saint Louis) MSY
Leg 1: 1h 15m (252 mi) Leg 2: 1h 45m (604 mi) Total: ~3h 🍃 184 kg CO₂ (+20% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → STL
1h 15m · 252 mi
View MDW to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → MSY
1h 45m · 604 mi
View STL to MSY flights →
MDW MEM (Memphis) MSY
Leg 1: 1h 40m (480 mi) Leg 2: 1h 20m (349 mi) Total: ~3h 🍃 179 kg CO₂ (+17% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → MEM
1h 40m · 480 mi
View MDW to MEM flights →
Leg 2
MEM → MSY
1h 20m · 349 mi
View MEM to MSY flights →
MDW BNA (Nashville) MSY
Leg 1: 1h 30m (394 mi) Leg 2: 1h 35m (472 mi) Total: ~3h 5m 🍃 185 kg CO₂ (+21% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → BNA
1h 30m · 394 mi
View MDW to BNA flights →
Leg 2
BNA → MSY
1h 35m · 472 mi
View BNA to MSY flights →
MDW CVG (Cincinnati) MSY
Leg 1: 1h 10m (249 mi) Leg 2: 2h (702 mi) Total: ~3h 10m 🍃 201 kg CO₂ (+31% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → CVG
1h 10m · 249 mi
View MDW to CVG flights →
Leg 2
CVG → MSY
2h · 702 mi
View CVG to MSY flights →
MDW SDF (Louisville) MSY
Leg 1: 1h 15m (271 mi) Leg 2: 2h 1m (621 mi) Total: ~3h 16m 🍃 190 kg CO₂ (+24% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → SDF
1h 15m · 271 mi
View MDW to SDF flights →
Leg 2
SDF → MSY
2h 1m · 621 mi
View SDF to MSY flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from Chicago (MDW) to New Orleans (MSY) takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The distance is 826 miles (1,329 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Chicago to New Orleans?

Just Southwest Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Chicago to New Orleans?

Yes. 1 airline: Southwest Airlines.

How far is Chicago from New Orleans?

The flight distance from Chicago to New Orleans is 826 miles (1,329 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to Madrid.

What type of aircraft flies from Chicago to New Orleans?

At 2h 15m, 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 Chicago to New Orleans?

Roughly 153 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 765 km.

Is the return flight from New Orleans to Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago Midway International for this flight?

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