MSY Terminal Map: Gates, Security & Parking 2026

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The MSY terminal map is a single-terminal layout at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, opened in November 2019, where all airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim carousels, and ground transportation operate under one roof. The terminal runs on two main levels — departures above, arrivals below — with gates spread across concourses A, B, and C. Off-site parking near MSY starts at $8.95/day, while on-airport options range from $12 to $36/day, per official flymsy.com rates.

• Single terminal: All 12 airlines and every gate are in one building — no inter-terminal transfers.
• Two levels: Departures (upper) and Arrivals (lower) keep departing and arriving passengers separated.
• Three concourses: A, B, and C branch off a central connector after security.
• TSA checkpoint: One main security area serves all concourses; TSA PreCheck lanes are available.
• Baggage claim: Located on the arrivals level; carousels are in the main hall below the departures roadway.
• Cheapest parking: Off-site lots via Triply start at $8.95/day — well below the $12/day Economy Garage on-airport rate.

Before your trip, compare MSY parking rates from $8.95/day on Triply and lock in your spot before the lot fills up.

What Does the MSY Terminal Layout Look Like?

The MSY terminal is a single, unified building — every gate, check-in counter, and amenity is in one place. The layout is straightforward once you know its two levels and three concourses.

The upper level (Level 2) is the departures level. This is where you drop off passengers, check in, check bags, clear security, and board your flight. The lower level (Level 1) is arrivals. This is where you exit after landing, collect your bags, and meet ground transportation.

After security on the departures level, the terminal splits into three concourses:

• Concourse A — typically domestic carriers including Southwest Airlines gates
• Concourse B — a mix of domestic airlines; baggage claim Door 9 is on this end
• Concourse C — international and select domestic gates, including British Airways

The terminal opened in November 2019, replacing the older split-terminal complex. Its compact design means you rarely walk more than 10 minutes gate to gate. The official MSY facility maps at flymsy.com show the full floor-by-floor layout with current gate assignments.

Airport officials confirmed in July 2025 that long-range expansion plans call for roughly 15 additional gates and a new parking garage by around 2031, per reporting tracked by the New Orleans Aviation Board — but the current single-terminal layout remains fully intact for 2026 travel.

Where Are the Gates at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport?

All gates at MSY are past the single security checkpoint, arranged across three concourses. Every airline at the airport uses this same terminal, which makes connections simple and navigation stress-free.

Based on current airline assignments at MSY (verified October 2026), here is how carriers typically map to the terminal:

Gate assignments can shift with schedule changes. Always confirm your gate on the departures board after you arrive at the airport. The single-terminal design means even a last-minute gate change is rarely more than a short walk.

Where Are the TSA Security Checkpoints at MSY?

MSY has one main TSA security checkpoint on the departures level, serving all three concourses. You clear security once and then have full access to gates A, B, and C.

The checkpoint includes standard lanes and a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane. If you have TSA PreCheck, you keep your shoes on, leave your laptop in your bag, and typically move through in a fraction of the time. TSA PreCheck enrollment costs $78 for five years and is worth it if you fly more than twice a year. Make sure you follow TSA's official screening rules before your trip — prohibited items are a common cause of delays.

MSY recommends arriving at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Security wait times fluctuate during Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and summer peak periods. Check live wait estimates at the TSA wait times resource before heading to the airport. The checkpoint opens early enough to handle morning bank departures, but lines form quickly when multiple early flights depart close together.

How Do You Get from Parking to the MSY Terminal?

Your walk — or shuttle ride — from parking to the terminal depends entirely on which lot you use. The MSY terminal map helps here: the terminal has a clear departures curb on the upper level and an arrivals curb below.

Here is how each facility connects to the terminal, based on official airport data from flymsy.com (verified October 2026):

The Economy Garage is the only on-airport lot that requires a shuttle. It sits at 900 Airline Drive — the site of the old terminal — and runs 2,438 spaces. The shuttle drops you at Door 9 on the arrivals level, so you'll ride an elevator or escalator up to departures. If the shuttle ride takes longer than 15 minutes, you get a 50% parking voucher at exit. Track the shuttle in the Ride Systems app.

For a deeper look at how each lot compares on price and access, the MSY parking map and lot guide breaks down every facility with distances, shuttle schedules, and road access by lot.

Where Do You Pick Up Baggage at MSY Airport?

Baggage claim at MSY is on the arrivals level (Level 1), directly below the departures roadway. After you deplane and walk from your gate, follow signs down to the main hall. Carousels are lined up in a central area and are assigned by flight at the time of arrival.

The baggage claim hall connects directly to the Ground Transportation Center. Exit doors are numbered B1 through B5. This is where hotel shuttles, shared rides, and taxis stage for pickup. MSY is currently completing a ~$45 million baggage explosive-detection system upgrade with a late-2026 target, so expect some back-of-house changes — but passenger-facing baggage claim areas remain open normally.

Where Is Rideshare, Taxi, and Ground Transportation at MSY?

All ground transportation at MSY stages from the Ground Transportation Center on the arrivals level, accessible through Baggage Claim Doors 1 through 5 (marked B1–B5). Taxis, rideshare vehicles, hotel shuttles, and public buses all pick up in this area.

Here is how each option works relative to the MSY terminal map:

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Pick up and drop off at the designated rideshare zone outside the arrivals level. The Uber MSY airport guide has current pickup instructions. Departing passengers are dropped at the upper departures curb.
• Taxis: The cab stand is at the arrivals curb. Flat-rate fares apply to downtown New Orleans destinations.
• Hotel shuttles: Pick up outside Doors 1–5 (B5). The Hilton New Orleans Airport shuttle runs every 15 minutes, 24/7. The Comfort Inn New Orleans Airport South shuttle runs on demand only from 6–11 AM and 5–11 PM.
• RTA Route 202 (Airport Express): Connects MSY to downtown New Orleans at Elk Place/Union Passenger Terminal. Bus stop is on the arrivals level.
• JET Route E1 (Veterans-Airport): Connects the airport to City Park Avenue in New Orleans. Stop is on the arrivals level.
• Rental cars: The Rental Car Center is on Rental Boulevard. A shuttle connects the arrivals level to the rental facility.

For a full comparison of every transport mode — with timing, cost, and tips for getting back to MSY on departure day — see the complete guide to getting to and from MSY Airport.

What Shops, Restaurants, and Amenities Are Inside the MSY Terminal?

MSY's terminal offers a solid mix of dining, retail, and passenger services — all airside (past security), with a few options landside near check-in.

Dining and drinks are concentrated in the post-security concourse areas. You'll find local New Orleans concepts alongside national brands. Pre-security options are limited, so eat before you get in line or plan to grab food after clearing the checkpoint.

Retail includes newsstands, gift shops with Louisiana-themed items, and convenience stores for last-minute travel needs. Passenger services available in the terminal include:

• Wi-Fi (complimentary throughout the terminal)
• Charging stations at gates
• Family restrooms
• Nursing rooms
• Prayer/meditation room
• Pet relief area (airside)
• Water bottle filling stations

The terminal is ADA-compliant throughout. Elevators and accessible routes connect the departures and arrivals levels at multiple points. Wheelchair assistance is available by request from your airline at check-in.

How Do You Navigate MSY Airport as a First-Time Visitor?

First-time visitors to MSY will find the airport easier to navigate than most major hubs. One terminal, one security checkpoint, three concourses — the layout is designed to be intuitive.

Follow this step-by-step flow for departing passengers:

1. Arrive: Enter via Interstate 10 and take the Loyola Drive exit. Follow signs to Terminal Drive and the departures level (upper roadway).
2. Park: Short Term, Long Term, and Surface lots are walkable to the terminal. Economy Garage requires the free shuttle to Door 9.
3. Check in: All airline counters are on the departures level. Bag drop is at the same counter.
4. Security: One checkpoint serves all gates. TSA PreCheck lane is available. Plan for at least 30 minutes even during off-peak hours.
5. Gates: Follow concourse signs after security — A, B, or C. Check the departures board for your assigned gate.
6. Board: Gates are typically a 5- to 10-minute walk from security at most.

For arriving passengers, the flow reverses: deplane, walk to the arrivals level, collect bags at the carousel, and exit to ground transportation through Doors B1–B5.

If you want a visual reference before your trip, the official MSY facility maps page has downloadable PDFs of both levels. The MSY airport terminal guide covers security wait times, how early to arrive, and tips for peak travel periods in more detail.

MSY Terminal Map: Save on Parking Before You Go

Understanding the MSY terminal map is half the battle. The other half is not overpaying for parking. Based on current rates (verified October 2026), off-site hotel lots near MSY start at just $8.95/day — compared to $12/day for the cheapest on-airport option and up to $36/day for valet. For a 7-night trip, that difference can exceed $100 in savings.

The MSY park and fly hotels guide compares the Hilton, Comfort Inn, and DoubleTree options side by side — including shuttle schedules, amenities, and which one fits early-morning flights best. And for a full breakdown of every rate at every lot, the MSY parking rates guide has the complete 2026 picture.

Compare MSY parking rates from $8.95/day on Triply and reserve your spot today.