Fly to Mardi Gras 2026: Tips for Cheap Flights and Travel Savings

New Orleans prepares itself for its most electric season. And travelers hunting for Mardi Gras flight deals can start planning an unforgettable February escape. The city transforms into a nonstop celebration leading up to Fat Tuesday, when festivities take over every neighborhood. With demand peaking around the extended pre-Mardi Gras weekend, securing the right flight opens the door to front-row views of iconic parades, rich traditions, and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.

Now, let’s learn more about this pre-Lenten Carnival season.

What Is Mardi Gras and Why It Attracts Millions of Travelers?

Mardi Gras (the French name that means Fat Tuesday) marks the end of the pre-Lenten season. Originally a day to enjoy rich foods before fasting, it has evolved into a global celebration of history, faith, music, food, and spectacle. As it draws millions of visitors each year, plane tickets to Mardi Gras are purchased like hotcakes. 

Brief Overview of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, or Shrove Tuesday, is a lively carnival held before Lent, celebrating joy, community, and creativity. Rooted in religious tradition, it has evolved into a vibrant festival of masks, costumes, music, and festivities before the Lent season begins.

Mardi Gras At a Glance

• Season of Celebration
  Mardi Gras isn’t a single day; it’s a whole season of festivities.

• Start Date
  The fun kicks off on January 6, known as the Feast of the Epiphany.

• Grand Finale
  It wraps up on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.

• Changing Dates
  Mardi Gras moves each year because it’s tied to Easter, making every season different.

Festive Key Dates

• January 6, 2026 - Mardi Gras season starts 

• January 6 - February 17, 2026 (select days) - Parades 

• February 11-17, 2026 - Parades every night

• February 16, 2026 - Lundi Gras 

• February 17, 2026 - Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday)

Why Do Flights to Mardi Gras Sell Out Fast?

Mardi Gras attracts more than a million visitors to New Orleans within a short window, creating intense demand for limited airline seats. As fares rise quickly, travelers searching for flights to Mardi Gras often find that early bookings disappear months ahead, leaving higher prices closer to the event.

When Is Mardi Gras in 2026?

In 2026, Mardi Gras will take place on Tuesday, February 17. So, book cheap flights to Mardi Gras early and avoid the peak Friday–Monday weekend (especially to New Orleans). Traveling on weekdays or the week before can significantly lower airfare as prices rise closer to the event.

Upcoming Mardi Gras Dates

These dates shift annually as Mardi Gras always falls 47 days before Easter. 

Key Upcoming Dates for the Fat Tuesday

• 2026: February 17

• 2027: February 9

• 2028: February 29

• 2029: February 13

• 2030: March 5 

How Mardi Gras Dates Impact Flight Prices?

Flight prices rise sharply as Fat Tuesday approaches. The final weekend before Mardi Gras offers the most expensive plane tickets, while earlier weekdays are often cheaper. Booking 6-9 months ahead and flying midweek can help travelers save significantly.

Why Prices Spike

High demand, dynamic airline pricing, and peak travel days from Friday through Monday drive fares upward during Mardi Gras week.

Where Is Mardi Gras Celebrated?

Mardi Gras is a citywide celebration in New Orleans that fills the streets with parades, music, and nonstop energy. Revelers dress in purple, green, and gold, often layered with beads and creative costumes, while crowds gather to eat, dance, and enjoy the spectacle between parades. Sidewalk picnics, live music, and shared excitement create a festive atmosphere throughout the city.

Which is the Most Famous Destination for Fat Tuesday Celebrations?

New Orleans is the world’s most iconic Mardi Gras destination, with celebrations spanning the entire city from neighborhood gatherings to grand parades on St. Charles Avenue. Major routes run from Napoleon and Tchoupitoulas through St. Charles to Canal Street, with festivities also thriving in the French Quarter, Marigny, Bywater, and Mid-City. If you are looking forward to joining Mardi Gras festivities, booking flights to New Orleans in early January helps you with budget trips. Don’t wait for the last-minute as demand surges and so do airfares.  

Which are the Top International Destinations to Enjoy Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is celebrated worldwide, with each destination offering its own cultural expression of Carnival traditions. To join, book flights to Mardi Gras for its 2026 merriment. 

South America

• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Famous for high energy samba parades, competitive samba schools, and massive celebrations at the Sambadrome.

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain: Known for extravagant costumes and large scale street festivities often compared to Rio’s carnival.

Europe

• Venice, Italy: Renowned for refined masquerade balls, historic settings, and intricate masks.

• Cologne and Düsseldorf, Germany: Celebrated for lively Rose Monday parades featuring humor, satire, and long standing local customs.

• Nice, France: Offers elegant parades, floral displays, and a festive Mediterranean atmosphere.

• Binche, Belgium: Recognized for its traditional Gilles performers wearing distinctive costumes and masks.

Caribbean and North America

• Trinidad and Tobago: A vibrant carnival filled with soca music, colorful costumes, and nonstop street dancing.

• Quebec City, Canada: A winter focused carnival featuring snow sculptures, parades, and cold weather celebrations.

Oceania

• Sydney, Australia: Home to the iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, celebrated for its diversity, inclusivity, and world famous parade.

When Is the Best Time to Buy Flights for Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras in New Orleans requires booking 3–5 months in advance to find affordable flights, as prices increase especially in the week leading up to Fat Tuesday.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

If you are wondering when to buy flights for Mardi Gras, you are at the correct place. Book your Fat Tuesday flights as early as possible, ideally 3 to 6 months in advance, for the best prices. Domestic flights might see savings booking 1-3 months out. 

Cheapest Months & Days to Fly

Month: January vs. February

January often offers lower fares after the holidays, while February may still have deals before prices spike close to Carnival. Arriving early helps you enjoy the festivities without paying peak rates.

Days: Mid-Week Savings

The best time to buy flights for Mardi Gras is during the mid-week when demand dips and airfares are low. Weekends attract both leisure and business travelers, pushing prices higher and limiting flexibility.

Mardi Gras Specifics

Arrive Tuesday or Wednesday ahead of the main weekend. Leave mid-week after festivities wrap to protect your budget. 

Can You Get Cheap Flights to Mardi Gras?

Yes, getting cheap Mardi Gras flights is a breeze. Here, take a glance at some of the smart tips to fly at affordable rates for the occasion. 

• Grab flight deals - Look for deals outside peak days to save money on this popular event. 

• Book Early - This is crucial for major events like Mardi Gras; aim for 3-5 months ahead.

• Flexibility is Key - Fly on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) and avoid peak travel days like Friday/Saturday. Use calendar views on search engines to spot cheaper days.

• Use Comparison Tools - Websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights aggregate fares.

• Set up price alerts - Join to get notified of drops.

• Go Incognito Mode - Try searching in an incognito/private browser window.

• Book with OTAs - Count on trusted travel platforms such as Wizfair Travels for budget Fat Tuesday flight bookings. Get 24/7 assistance by live executives for your travel requirements.  

Fat Tuesday Specific Tips

When flying to New Orleans’ main airport - MSY, grab great flight deals available for your trip. Several airlines offer exciting discounts to this Louisiana city to help you save. Scroll down to know more about cutting down on your expenses during the pre-Lenten Carnival season travel. 

• Timing - Prices rise dramatically in the week before Fat Tuesday. So book in advance. 

• Alternative Airports - Check alternate routes to cut costs.Nearby airport options to MSY like Gulfport or Baton Rouge can be cheaper if you are open to driving. 

• Red-Eyes & Connecting Flights - Overnight flights and connections often cost less than nonstop options.

Key Dates

• Fat Tuesday: February 17, 2026.

• Peak Travel Window: Around February 12–22, 2026, with the most expensive travel during the final weekend (Feb 13–17).  

The Best Flights to New Orleans for Mardi Gras

Round-Trip vs One-Way Flights

Round-trip tickets usually offer the best value for the season. One-way flights can offer flexibility if your plans are uncertain or you’re combining carriers, but they often cost more overall.

Economy, Premium, & Business Class Options

Economy is the most budget-friendly choice and ideal for most travelers. Premium and business class provide extra comfort and amenities, but are significantly expensive. 

Flights to Mardi Gras from Major US Cities

Mardi Gras is at its most vibrant, and many travelers are taking to the skies to join the celebrations. If you’re planning a festive trip from the USA, flight tickets from several U.S. cities allow you to travel to your preferred destination and airline. Here are some of the U.S. cities you can travel from for the festivities.

• New York (NYC) -  (JFK/LGA/EWR): Delta, United, American, JetBlue, Southwest offer direct flights.

• Los Angeles (LAX) - Delta, United, American, Southwest, Spirit, JetBlue offer direct flights.

• Chicago (ORD/MDW) - United, American, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier have good connectivity.

• Dallas (DFW/DAL) - American (DFW hub), Southwest (DAL hub), United, Spirit offer frequent service.

• Atlanta (ATL) - Delta (ATL hub), Southwest, American, Spirit, Frontier offer many flights. 

Airlines Offering Mardi Gras Flight Deals

Major Airlines Flying to New Orleans

Several large carriers operate frequently to NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) that include -

• American Airlines

• United Airlines

• Delta Air Lines

• JetBlue

• Alaska Airlines 

MSY Flight Deals for Mardi Gras Travelers

During the festive season, major carriers offer various deals if you book early and monitor prices. Tools like Google Flights and airline-specific alerts help you track lower fares for economy and premium seats. United and American frequently list discounted economy tickets to MSY during late January and early February. Some airlines often run seasonal or promotional service around the Carnival season, presenting some of the cheapest flights to MSY.

Budget Airlines with Lower Fares

Low-cost carriers make Fat Tuesday travel more affordable, such as -

• Frontier

• Spirit

• Southwest

• Breeze

• Allegiant

• Avelo

Please note:

For Mardi Gras 2026 - 

• Frontier is adding 12 new routes and extra flights to NOLA for Fat Tuesday in February 2026, offering nonstop service from 22 airports between February 12-22.

• Southwest increases seasonal service with many direct flights to New Orleans. 

• Avelo offers budget-friendly routes and occasional Fat Tuesday sales.

Get in touch with the airlines directly for more information.

Best Airports to Fly Into for Mardi Gras

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

MSY is the main gateway for Mardi Gras, offering the most domestic and international flights plus easy access to downtown; ideal for first-time visitors and parade-focused trips.

Alternative Airports for Cheaper Flights

Budget travelers can consider Gulfport–Biloxi (GPT) or Baton Rouge (BTR), which may offer lower fares, especially mid-week or early season, though ground transport takes longer.

Mardi Gras Travel Tips Before Booking Your Flight

Baggage Rules During Peak Season

Airlines enforce stricter baggage rules during peak travel, so check limits and fees in advance to avoid extra costs.

Airport Transfers & Transportation

Transportation from MSY can be limited during Mardi Gras—book taxis, rideshares, or shuttles early.

Booking Return Flights After Fat Tuesday

Flights right after Fat Tuesday are pricier; mid-week or later departures often cost less and are less crowded.

Why Book Mardi Gras Flights with Wizfair Travels?

Whether booking early or last-minute, Wizfair makes booking Mardi Gras flights easy and stress-free, so you can focus on the celebrations.

• Certified & secure bookings: Protected flights and payments for peace of mind

• Price comparison: Find the best deals across multiple airlines quickly

• 24/7 support: Help with changes, cancellations, or questions anytime

Ready to Book Your Mardi Gras Flight?

Now is the time to compare Mardi Gras flight deals before prices rise. Late January and early February can still offer savings, but flights are selling fast. Book early to secure your seats, preferred airlines, and stress-free plans. Book your Mardi Gras flight tickets now!

FAQs

What is the cheapest time to book Mardi Gras flights?

Late January to early February, mid-week, before peak days.

How much do Mardi Gras plane tickets usually cost?

Mardi Gras flights to New Orleans (MSY) are pricier due to high demand, exceeding $500.

Are plane tickets to Mardi Gras cheaper if booked early?

Yes, booking 3–5 months in advance usually saves money.

When should I book Mardi Gras flight deals to get the lowest price?

As early as possible, ideally before January, and monitor price alerts.

Do Mardi Gras flight prices increase closer to the festival?

Yes, prices spike near Fat Tuesday and peak weekends.

Are there nonstop flights to New Orleans for Mardi Gras?

Yes, most major U.S. cities offer nonstop flights to MSY.

How do Mardi Gras dates affect flight prices?

Earlier or mid-week dates are cheaper; peak Carnival days are pricier.

Is it cheaper to fly into nearby airports for Mardi Gras?

Sometimes, airports like GPT or BTR offer lower fares with a short drive.

What is the cheapest airport to fly into for Mardi Gras?

Gulfport-Biloxi (GPT) or Baton Rouge (BTR) are often cheaper than MSY.

Which airlines offer the cheapest Mardi Gras plane tickets?

Budget carriers like Spirit, Frontier, Southwest, and Allegiant usually have the lowest fares.

Can I find cheap flights to Mardi Gras at the last minute?

Rarely; last-minute tickets are usually expensive and limited.

Are Mardi Gras flights expensive compared to other holidays?

Yes, they are typically higher due to high demand, similar to Thanksgiving or Christmas.