Direct (nonstop) flights from Raleigh/Durham to New Orleans

2 airlines fly nonstop from Raleigh–Durham Airport (RDU) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY). It's 779 miles (1,254 km), about 2h 28m in the air. Operated by Breeze Airways, Southwest Airlines.

RDU
Raleigh–Durham Airport
🇺🇸 Raleigh/Durham, USA
MSY
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
🇺🇸 New Orleans, USA
Flight Time
2h 28m
Distance
779 mi
1,254 km
CO₂/pax
144 kg
−26 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Breeze Airways +1
Time Diff
-1h
Operated by Breeze Airways Breeze Airways Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines

Route data last updated: May 29, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Breeze Airways MX Breeze Airways
Route
RDU → MSY
Flight Time
2h 28m
Distance
779 mi
Southwest Airlines WN Southwest Airlines
Route
RDU → MSY
Flight Time
2h 28m
Distance
779 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Raleigh/Durham to New Orleans with one stop · direct emits 144 kg CO₂ per passenger

RDU ATL (Atlanta) MSY
Leg 1: 1h 33m (356 mi) Leg 2: 1h 34m (424 mi) Total: ~3h 7m 🍃 170 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → ATL
1h 33m · 356 mi
View RDU to ATL flights →
Leg 2
ATL → MSY
1h 34m · 424 mi
View ATL to MSY flights →
RDU CLT (Charlotte) MSY
Leg 1: 1h 12m (129 mi) Leg 2: 2h 7m (652 mi) Total: ~3h 19m 🍃 170 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → CLT
1h 12m · 129 mi
View RDU to CLT flights →
Leg 2
CLT → MSY
2h 7m · 652 mi
View CLT to MSY flights →
RDU BNA (Nashville) MSY
Leg 1: 1h 45m (441 mi) Leg 2: 1h 35m (472 mi) Total: ~3h 20m 🍃 194 kg CO₂ (+35% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → BNA
1h 45m · 441 mi
View RDU to BNA flights →
Leg 2
BNA → MSY
1h 35m · 472 mi
View BNA to MSY flights →
RDU MEM (Memphis) MSY
Leg 1: 2h (633 mi) Leg 2: 1h 20m (349 mi) Total: ~3h 20m 🍃 207 kg CO₂ (+44% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → MEM
2h · 633 mi
View RDU to MEM flights →
Leg 2
MEM → MSY
1h 20m · 349 mi
View MEM to MSY flights →
RDU JAX (Jacksonville) MSY
Leg 1: 1h 38m (406 mi) Leg 2: 1h 50m (513 mi) Total: ~3h 28m 🍃 195 kg CO₂ (+35% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → JAX
1h 38m · 406 mi
View RDU to JAX flights →
Leg 2
JAX → MSY
1h 50m · 513 mi
View JAX to MSY flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Raleigh/Durham to New Orleans?

A nonstop flight from Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to New Orleans (MSY) takes approximately 2 hours and 28 minutes. The distance is 779 miles (1,254 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Raleigh/Durham to New Orleans?

2 airlines: Breeze Airways, Southwest Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Raleigh/Durham to New Orleans?

Yes. 2 airlines: Breeze Airways, Southwest Airlines.

How far is Raleigh/Durham from New Orleans?

The flight distance from Raleigh/Durham to New Orleans is 779 miles (1,254 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 Raleigh/Durham to New Orleans?

At 2h 28m, 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 Raleigh/Durham to New Orleans?

Roughly 144 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 720 km.

Is the return flight from New Orleans to Raleigh/Durham 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 Raleigh/Durham 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 Raleigh–Durham Airport for this flight?

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