Direct (nonstop) flights from New Orleans to Chicago

1 airline flys nonstop from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Chicago Midway International (MDW). It's 826 miles (1,329 km), about 2h 20m in the air. Operated by Southwest Airlines.

MSY
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
🇺🇸 New Orleans, USA
MDW
Chicago Midway International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
Flight Time
2h 20m
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 28, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Southwest Airlines WN Southwest Airlines
Route
MSY → MDW
Flight Time
2h 20m
Distance
826 mi

Alternative Routes

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

MSY STL (Saint Louis) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 50m (604 mi) Leg 2: 1h 5m (252 mi) Total: ~2h 55m 🍃 184 kg CO₂ (+20% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MSY → STL
1h 50m · 604 mi
View MSY to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → MDW
1h 5m · 252 mi
View STL to MDW flights →
MSY MEM (Memphis) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 20m (349 mi) Leg 2: 1h 35m (480 mi) Total: ~2h 55m 🍃 179 kg CO₂ (+17% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MSY → MEM
1h 20m · 349 mi
View MSY to MEM flights →
Leg 2
MEM → MDW
1h 35m · 480 mi
View MEM to MDW flights →
MSY SDF (Louisville) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 54m (621 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (271 mi) Total: ~3h 9m 🍃 190 kg CO₂ (+24% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MSY → SDF
1h 54m · 621 mi
View MSY to SDF flights →
Leg 2
SDF → MDW
1h 15m · 271 mi
View SDF to MDW flights →
MSY BNA (Nashville) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 35m (472 mi) Leg 2: 1h 35m (394 mi) Total: ~3h 10m 🍃 185 kg CO₂ (+21% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MSY → BNA
1h 35m · 472 mi
View MSY to BNA flights →
Leg 2
BNA → MDW
1h 35m · 394 mi
View BNA to MDW flights →
MSY CVG (Cincinnati) MDW
Leg 1: 2h 4m (702 mi) Leg 2: 1h 10m (249 mi) Total: ~3h 14m 🍃 201 kg CO₂ (+31% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MSY → CVG
2h 4m · 702 mi
View MSY to CVG flights →
Leg 2
CVG → MDW
1h 10m · 249 mi
View CVG to MDW flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from New Orleans (MSY) to Chicago (MDW) takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. The distance is 826 miles (1,329 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from New Orleans to Chicago?

Just Southwest Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from New Orleans to Chicago?

Yes. 1 airline: Southwest Airlines.

How far is New Orleans from Chicago?

The flight distance from New Orleans to Chicago 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 New Orleans to Chicago?

At 2h 20m, 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 New Orleans to Chicago?

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

Is the return flight from Chicago to New Orleans 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 New Orleans to Chicago?

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 Louis Armstrong New Orleans International for this flight?

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