Super Bowl Travel Guide: Finding Cheap Flights to New Orleans
Hoping to see Super Bowl XLVII in person? Here’s what you need to know:
- Game day: Sunday, Feb. 3
- Location: New Orleans
Anything else? Yes – let the good times roll with a taste of Big Easy specialties like jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, Cajun andouille and beignets. And now, how to get to this culinary and football capital for less.
Air travel expert Rick Seaney loooves his football, but hear for yourself:
5 Best Times of the Year to Fly in 2013
5 Tips to Find Cheap Flights to the Super Bowl
A few things to keep in mind when shopping for airfare.
1. Book quickly: If history is any guide, airfare prices to New Orleans could double as we move closer to the big game. Plus, many current airline deals require a 14-day advance purchase and time is running short so book soon – but only after comparing prices.
Note: usually, the best time to shop for airfare is Tuesday afternoon, but in this situation don’t wait for the next Tuesday to roll around – the clock is ticking.
New Orleans – Top Vacation Destination
2. Look at alternate cities: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) located 10 miles west of downtown New Orleans will obviously be the most convenient airport which is also why it will likely be the most expensive, too. If you don’t mind driving a little (or a lot) consider these alternatives:
- Gulfport, 78 miles away
- Baton Rouge, 80 miles away
- Mobile, 144 miles away
- Pensacola, 200 miles away
3. Be flexible on days/times you can fly: The cheapest flights to the Super Bowl will most likely be on the Tuesday and Wednesday before the game (Jan. 29, 30) and if you can delay your departure until the Tuesday after the game (Feb. 5), you save even more. Also, overnight flights and flights at dawn are generally cheaper than more passenger-friendly times.
4. Check out low-cost carriers: The New Orleans airport is served by a nice range of discount carriers including AirTran, Frontier, JetBlue and Southwest and also has flights via American, Delta, United, US Airways and Air Canada. Finding the cheapest flight out of all these options is only possible by comparing prices.
5. Airport tips: New Orleans officials say they’ll have extra staff and plenty of volunteers at the airport to assist visitors, plus a bargain airport shuttle to all downtown hotels ($20 one-way, $38 round-trip). Nevertheless, arrive early – especially on departure day – because you’ll have plenty of company as fellow fans head out of town. That’ll give you time to shop for last-minute souvenirs – don’t worry, the airport will have plenty.
