Travel like a Carnival King or Queen

Para leer en español, presiona aquí:Viaja como un rey o reina de carnaval

By AnaMaria Bech

Thousands of visitors arrive and leave our city during the Mardi Gras festivities, music festivals, conventions or sporting events. Still, only a few know how to make their trip an experience worthy of royalty. Taking your trip as if you were a Mardi Gras king or queen is possible at any time, and here are some tips on how to do it:

Valet Parking: Arrive in your car and drop it off at the Valet in Departures near United. Take your luggage and proceed to your airline ticket counter.

Upon return, you pay (credit cards only, $36/day) and claim your keys at the Valet podium near baggage claim, Gate 5. Pick-up is available 24/7 by calling 504-471-1301.

Reserve your parking spot: Save time and be stress-free by reserving your favorite spot at flymsy.com/parking at least 24 hours in advance in any of the four parking facilities available at MSY.

TSA Pre: Enjoy a smooth return to the skies with benefits like faster lines, no need for screening bins and no need to remove personal items like shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids or food.  Enroll today at tsa.gov and travel with ease. 

Clear: CLEAR Plus annual membership gives you expedited entry at 55+ airports nationwide without waiting to show your I.D. at airport security lines. Simply step up to a CLEAR Pod at the airport, where you’ll scan your boarding pass and eyes or fingerprints, and an ambassador will escort you to the front of the security line for your screening.

Global Entry: For frequent travelers on international flights, with Global Entry, you can avoid immigration lines and procedures, shortening your wait with quick access to enter the country.

Comfortable Lounges: You can access four lounges at MSY that allow you comfortable spaces, workspaces, fast WIFI, complimentary drinks and snacks, access to showers, and excellent food and drinks for sale. Explore a membership or purchase a day pass.

The Club MSY, next to the entrance to Concourse B.

The Delta Sky, next to the entrance to Concourse C.

The United Lounge, in Concourse C, at gate C5.

The Military Lounge*, before security at ticket office level 3 in front of the Alaska Airlines counter.

*For active members of military branches and their families.

VIP Assistance:

Air General provides a dedicated concierge service that assists with transfers and connections, baggage handling and transportation management from your arrival or departure. Contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Perq Solei offers a similar service that meets you outside or on your plane, helps with luggage, expedites passage through security, takes you to the lounge, makes necessary purchases, monitors flight status and takes you to the boarding gate or they claim your luggage and coordinate with your driver. More info at perqsolei.com

Now you know how to make your trip through MSY a VIP experience worthy of royalty.