Transportation to airport on Mardi Gras March 4th

Question

We are staying at the Sheraton for the weekend before Mardi Gras. Our flight leaves on the morning on the 4th. What the best transportation to the airport timing? Would we be able to get taxi or Uber at 7am or will it be really busy?

Answer

On Mardi Gras, the streets of New Orleans are bustling with parades and festivities, which can make transportation a bit tricky, especially in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday. However, for your early morning flight on March 4th, here are some details and tips to help you navigate getting to the airport:

Taxi or Uber Availability:
At 7 AM, taxis and Uber should be available, but there are a few factors to consider:

Demand: Since Mardi Gras is in full swing, you can expect a higher volume of people needing transportation early in the morning, especially if they are also flying out or heading to the airport after attending celebrations the night before. While it’s not as busy as the height of the parades, the demand for rides might still be noticeable.
Traffic Considerations: Mardi Gras means road closures in various parts of the city due to parades and crowds, particularly around the French Quarter and uptown areas. However, since your hotel, the Sheraton, is near Canal Street, a main thoroughfare, it should still be relatively accessible. Still, allow for extra time in case of minor delays caused by street closures.
Uber and Lyft: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally reliable, but on Mardi Gras day, there can be delays or surge pricing, especially during peak travel times. It’s a good idea to book your ride well in advance if possible. You can also check the availability and pricing on the app as early as the night before your flight to get a better sense of demand.
Taxi Option: Taxis are usually available near major hotels like the Sheraton, and the concierge can help you arrange a taxi in advance if needed. While they can be a bit more expensive than rideshares, taxis typically don’t face the same surge pricing issues, making them a reliable alternative on busy days like Mardi Gras.

Timing Considerations:
It’s important to plan your departure for the airport a bit earlier than usual, as you might encounter some traffic or minor delays:

Allow Extra Time: Plan to leave your hotel by 5:30 or 6:00 AM at the latest to ensure you have enough time to get to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), which is about a 25-30 minute drive from the French Quarter. This gives you a buffer for potential delays or any issues with ride availability.
Airport Check-in: Since your flight is early, you may want to be at the airport at least 90 minutes before your departure time to allow for check-in, security, and any potential delays at the airport. Keep in mind that while the airport is not as busy during Mardi Gras as the downtown area, it's still a good idea to factor in extra time just in case.

Alternative Transportation Options:
If you're concerned about availability or prefer more certainty:

Hotel Shuttle: Some hotels offer shuttle services to the airport. While Sheraton might not offer one for free, it’s worth asking the front desk if they have a shuttle service that could be used during busy times like Mardi Gras.
Private Car Services: For a more guaranteed option, you could arrange a private car service ahead of time, which would take you directly to the airport at the time of your choosing. This may be more expensive but offers peace of mind regarding availability and timing.

Final Tip: Mardi Gras is always a busy time in New Orleans, but as long as you plan ahead and allow extra time, you should be able to get to the airport without too much hassle. Just make sure to secure your ride a bit earlier than usual and enjoy the excitement of the season!