What is the earliest I should book flight home out of NOLA?

[Grammylou]

I know the cruise lines say not to book flights before noon, but with express walk-off, do you think I could make a 10:15 flight?

[Unknotted]

That would be cutting it way too close for me. It's about 20 minutes from the port to the airport. So even with self debark you would have to count on fast exit through customs, getting a taxi quickly, no traffic jams, no long lines at the airport, and a short walk to your gate. I wouldn't risk it, but if everything goes perfectly maybe it can be done.

[LAWTONCRUISE]

I know the cruise lines say not to book flights before noon, but with express walk-off, do you think I could make a 10:15 flight?

On our last cruise we had an 11:20 flight out of Miami. We carried our own luggage off (5th off the ship), got the first TAXI in line and had plenty of time to make the flight.You can never expect an easy time through customs and then airport security so I'd be a little scary of a 10:15 flight

[Grammylou]

Thank you! We've decided to take the 3:30 flight and do a tour of the city before we leave.

[okgirl]

Thank you! We've decided to take the 3:30 flight and do a tour of the city before we leave.

 

That's what I would probably do in the future.........

 

I just spent a miserable 5+ hours at the NOLA airport yesterday........it was horribly uncomfortable....no large restaurants or bars to hang out in....no comfortable chairs.......freezing temps....

 

I am Platinum and our self assist letter (on the Conquest) said to meet in the Renior on deck 3 lobby at 7:15 to be escorted off the ship....we got to the dining room about 6:45 and there were already about 50 people there.....the crew member was very good about keeping everyone seated and the isles clear and keeping us informed.....around 7:25 she said we could debark and we were through customs and outside headed for a taxi at 7:35....got to the airport by 8:15 (no crowds) checked our bags and went to our gate....

 

There was a small restaurant (10 tables and chairs) where we got waters and a scrambled egg, bacon and potatoes for breakfast and I think it was around $25.....

 

At 10am there is a small bar that opens and serves alcohols and sandwiches. Two Bloody Mary's were $21.50. We didn't order a sandwich, but they were $8.....we had 2 hotdogs for lunch and that came to $14.00.....

 

Personally, if I ever go out of NOLA again, I would either wait until much later to get off the ship or I would book a later flight and go on an excursion like you are doing.

[Momto5]

That's what I would probably do in the future.........

 

I just spent a miserable 5+ hours at the NOLA airport yesterday........it was horribly uncomfortable....no large restaurants or bars to hang out in....no comfortable chairs.......freezing temps....

 

I am Platinum and our self assist letter (on the Conquest) said to meet in the Renior on deck 3 lobby at 7:15 to be escorted off the ship....we got to the dining room about 6:45 and there were already about 50 people there.....the crew member was very good about keeping everyone seated and the isles clear and keeping us informed.....around 7:25 she said we could debark and we were through customs and outside headed for a taxi at 7:35....got to the airport by 8:15 (no crowds) checked our bags and went to our gate....

 

There was a small restaurant (10 tables and chairs) where we got waters and a scrambled egg, bacon and potatoes for breakfast and I think it was around $25.....

 

At 10am there is a small bar that opens and serves alcohols and sandwiches. Two Bloody Mary's were $21.50. We didn't order a sandwich, but they were $8.....we had 2 hotdogs for lunch and that came to $14.00.....

 

Personally, if I ever go out of NOLA again, I would either wait until much later to get off the ship or I would book a later flight and go on an excursion like you are doing.

 

We go to New Orleans every year and I totally agree about the airport-it's awful!! I am always so pumped on the approach to MSY-flying over Lake Pontchartrain, seeing the causeway etc. Then we land and luggage takes forever, the airport is not so welcoming. The drive down to the Quarter lifts my spirits again. Driving back up to the airport at the end of our trip I am sad to be going home and I am really not looking forward to the process. Long lines at security when we leave, then the dreaded wait with limited food and beverage options. Such a great city, such a crummy airport!

[BigEasyCC]

I know the cruise lines say not to book flights before noon, but with express walk-off, do you think I could make a 10:15 flight?

 

 

If all the planets align, maybe you could make it. But this is New Orleans, and that propbaly won't happen. Take a later flight. When you get off the ship go to one of the restaurants in town that serve a great breakfast, enjoy your last few hours in New Orleans!