Traveling from New Orleans to Houston is a journey I know well. I’ve experimented with different airlines, booking strategies, and travel times to consistently find the best deals. I’ll share my firsthand experiences, step-by-step strategies, and insights into navigating airports, booking platforms, and airlines—all from a practical traveler’s perspective.
My Personal Flight Experience: New Orleans to Houston
Flight Details
• Airline: Southwest Airlines
• Flight Number: WN 3456
• Class: Economy (Wanna Get Away fare)
• Route: MSY → HOU
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes direct flight
• Cost: $48 one-way (purchased 3 weeks in advance)
Booking Process
• I booked through the Southwest Airlines official website, which was straightforward.
• Advantages of Southwest’s booking system: clear fare breakdown, no hidden fees, and free checked bags.
• I opted for the “Wanna Get Away” fare, which is their lowest-cost option but allows for free flight changes if needed, making it stress-free.
Pre-Flight Experience
• Airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• MSY is modern and well-signposted; I appreciated the efficient TSA lanes and friendly staff.
• Tip: Arrive 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights; peak times (Friday afternoons) can be busy.
• The Southwest check-in app allows for digital boarding passes and early boarding alerts.
In-Flight Experience
• Economy class seating was standard but comfortable, with about 31 inches of legroom.
• Complimentary snacks and soft drinks were provided, and flight attendants were personable and engaging.
• I found the flight smooth with minimal turbulence—perfect for reading or catching up on work.
Arrival at Houston
• Airport: William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
• Small and manageable, making baggage claim and exit quick.
• Ground transportation: taxis, Uber/Lyft, shuttles, and nearby car rentals.
• Tip: Consider HOU if flying Southwest; it’s closer to downtown Houston than IAH.
Tips for Scoring the Cheapest Flights
- Book Early but Strategically
o I’ve noticed the sweet spot is 3–6 weeks before departure. Earlier can be unnecessarily expensive, later risks limited availability.
o For peak seasons like summer or holidays, 3 months in advance is better. - Flexibility Is Key
o Flying Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tends to be cheaper.
o Avoid Fridays and Sundays, when business travelers inflate prices. - Use Comparison Platforms
o I rely on Google Flights, Kayak, and Expedia to compare fares.
o Always cross-check with the airline’s official website, as some have exclusive deals. - Sign Up for Alerts
o Set fare alerts on Google Flights or Hopper to monitor fluctuations.
o I once saved $40 round-trip by booking when prices dropped overnight. - Consider Nearby Airports
o Houston has two major airports: HOU (Southwest hub) and IAH (United hub).
o Sometimes flying to IAH, especially on United, can save $20–$50, but factor in longer ground travel. - Look for Airline Promotions
o Southwest occasionally offers “Wanna Get Away Sale”, sometimes under $50 one-way.
o Sign up for email newsletters of airlines for exclusive discounts.
Recommended Airlines and Routes
- Southwest Airlines (MSY → HOU)
Southwest is my go-to airline when flying from New Orleans to Houston. Their direct flights are short, frequent, and flexible, making them ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
• Pros:
o Free checked bags: 2 bags included, which is rare among U.S. airlines. For me, this alone has saved over $60 round-trip.
o Friendly service: Southwest crews are consistently upbeat. On one flight, a flight attendant even cracked jokes while giving the safety demo—it lightened the mood instantly.
o Flexible ticket changes: If I need to switch my flight, I don’t pay a penalty; I only cover the fare difference.
o Multiple daily departures: Usually 7–9 non-stop flights daily between MSY and HOU.
• Cons:
o No assigned seating: Open-seating policy means you board in groups (A, B, or C). If you’re last to board, you might end up in the middle seat.
o Slightly longer boarding time: The line-up boarding style can feel slower compared to pre-assigned seating airlines.
• Price Range: $48–$120 one-way, depending on when you book. During off-peak, I’ve found $49 deals. Around Mardi Gras or big events, prices climb to $110+.
• Booking Platforms: Best booked directly on Southwest.com. Their fares don’t always show up on Expedia or Google Flights, but Expedia occasionally features them in package deals.
• Personal Note: Flying into Hobby Airport (HOU) on Southwest is convenient—it’s just 11 miles from downtown Houston. I often land by 10 AM and can be at a meeting by 11.
- United Airlines (MSY → IAH)
United operates as the primary hub airline at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). For travelers who want loyalty points, frequent schedule options, or premium upgrades, United is a strong choice.
• Pros:
o Hub operation allows multiple flight times: On a typical day, United offers 6–8 non-stop flights from MSY to IAH, spread throughout the day.
o Economy Plus seating: For about $25–$45 extra, you get extra legroom (34–36 inches vs 30–31). I tried this once and found it made a noticeable difference on even this short flight.
o Frequent flyer miles: As part of the MileagePlus program, points can be redeemed for future flights worldwide.
• Cons:
o Additional baggage fees: $35 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second. It adds up fast unless you travel light.
o Less flexible change policies on basic economy: If you book the cheapest fare, you won’t be able to choose your seat in advance or make flight changes without penalty.
• Price Range: $97–$180 round-trip. I’ve seen weekday fares hover around $120–$140. Booking last minute (especially Mondays/Fridays) can push it past $200.
• Booking Platforms: United.com gives the most accurate info on seat upgrades and bag fees. Third-party sites like Kayak or Expedia occasionally list slight discounts but double-check baggage rules.
• Personal Note: Arriving at IAH means more ground travel (23 miles north of downtown Houston). I usually budget 45 minutes to 1 hour by Uber/Lyft into the city, compared to 20–25 minutes from Hobby.
- Spirit Airlines (MSY → IAH)
Spirit is all about ultra-low base fares. I’ve flown with them twice on this route when I wanted the absolute cheapest ticket possible. The key is knowing what you’re getting.
• Pros:
o Ultra-low base fares: Tickets often start at $25–$35 one-way if booked early. I once booked a round-trip for $68 total.
o Frequent promotions: Spirit often runs flash sales like “$9 Fare Club” or seasonal discounts that can reduce prices even further.
o Newer fleet: Many Spirit planes on this route are Airbus A320neos—surprisingly comfortable compared to the stereotype.
• Cons:
o Extra fees for everything: Checked bag = $49+, carry-on = $45+, seat selection = $12–$30. If you don’t plan ahead, your $30 fare can easily turn into $100+.
o Tighter seating: Seats have only about 28 inches of legroom—noticeably less than Southwest or United. Recline is limited.
o Less free service: No free snacks or drinks; everything costs extra.
• Booking Platforms: Best to book directly on Spirit.com. Expedia lists them, but baggage add-ons are easier to manage through Spirit’s site.
• Personal Note: Spirit gets you from MSY to IAH cheaply, but I always travel with just a personal item (like a backpack) to avoid fees. It’s the only way to truly benefit from the low fare.
- American Airlines (MSY → DFW → IAH)
American doesn’t operate as many non-stop flights on MSY–IAH compared to United or Southwest. Most itineraries involve a short layover at Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). It’s not the fastest, but it can work if you’re combining flights or collecting AAdvantage miles.
• Pros:
o Direct and connecting options: While most flights stop at DFW, some non-stop services run during peak travel days.
o Good loyalty program: AAdvantage points can be redeemed for flights worldwide, often with better redemption value than United’s program.
o Solid service quality: Complimentary snacks and in-flight WiFi available on many planes.
• Cons:
o Longer travel time: The DFW connection adds at least 1.5–2 hours to what could be a 1-hour direct flight.
o Higher fares: Round-trips often range from $159–$250, making it pricier than Southwest or Spirit.
o Baggage fees: $35 for the first checked bag, same as United.
• Price Range: $159–$250 round-trip depending on advance purchase.
• Booking Platforms: AA.com is best for clarity on flight connections and loyalty points. Orbitz occasionally lists promo bundles with hotel deals.
• Personal Note: The layover at DFW can be both a blessing and a curse. On one trip, I used the time to grab authentic Texas BBQ inside Terminal C. On another, my connection was delayed, and I arrived 3 hours late to Houston. If you’re short on time, I’d avoid this route.
Nearby Airports in Houston
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• Located 23 miles north of downtown Houston, serves United as its hub.
• Facilities: Multiple lounges, restaurants, duty-free shops, and rental car centers.
• Transport: IAH Airport Shuttle, Uber/Lyft, taxis, and Metro bus.
• Tip: Great option for frequent flyers or those combining with other international flights.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
• Located 11 miles southeast of downtown Houston.
• Smaller and easier to navigate, ideal for quick arrivals and departures.
• Transport: Rental cars, ride-shares, and hotel shuttles.
• Southwest dominates here, making it convenient for domestic flights.
Personal Observations and Recommendations
• I found Southwest HOU flights to be consistently the most reliable for a quick and comfortable trip.
• United’s IAH hub provides more flight options but comes with slightly higher costs and longer ground travel.
• Spirit is unbeatable on price but requires careful planning due to extra fees.
• American Airlines is solid for flexible schedules or if you want loyalty program benefits.
Additional Money-Saving Tips
- Travel Light: Avoid checked baggage fees where possible.
- Use Airline Credit Cards: Points can cover future flights or upgrades.
- Check Promo Codes: Airlines occasionally provide discount codes for specific routes.
- Be Mindful of Timing: Midday flights often have lower demand than morning or evening peaks.
- Leverage Stopovers: Sometimes connecting through DFW or Dallas can yield lower fares.
Flying from New Orleans to Houston doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. By combining early bookings, flexible dates, savvy platform comparisons, and airline promotions, I consistently find flights under $50 one-way on Southwest, or under $100 round-trip on United. Understanding airport logistics, baggage rules, and scheduling is crucial for a seamless travel experience.
In my experience, the key is planning ahead without overcomplicating the process. With these strategies, your journey from the Jazz-filled streets of New Orleans to the dynamic urban scene of Houston can be smooth, affordable, and surprisingly enjoyable. Every flight is not just a transit—it’s part of the adventure.
