MSY Rental Car Guide: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Renting a car at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) in New Orleans, Louisiana. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, average prices, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at MSY that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at MSY
On-airport rental facility connected to terminal by short walk.
Rental counters are inside the terminal — no shuttle needed.
MSY pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: $50-$75 economy, $90-$140 SUV.
Mandatory airport fees: Concession recovery 11.11%, customer facility charge $4/day, LA state tax 4.45% + Jefferson Parish 4.75%.
That means a $50/day economy rental at MSY actually costs $65-$75/day after fees. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at MSY
MSY hosts 8 on-airport rental brands:
- Hertz
- Enterprise
- Avis
- Budget
- National
- Alamo
- Dollar
- Thrifty
Best for premium service: Enterprise (largest Gulf Coast fleet)
Cheapest base rates: Hertz (often promotional rates)
For each brand's specific fuel policies and refueling charges, see our deep-dive guides:
Hertz fuel policy · Enterprise fuel policy · Avis fuel policy · Budget fuel policy · National fuel policy
MSY-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
New Orleans is very compact. Most visitors stay in the French Quarter and do not need a rental. Skip MSY rental for city-only trips.
Worth considering for longer rentals: Metairie (5 min) for cheaper week+ rentals.
How to save the most at MSY
- Compare across all 8 brands. Price differences of 30-40% for the same car class on the same dates are common at MSY.
- Skip prepaid fuel. Self-fill at a station 3-5 miles from the rental return is cheaper in 85%+ of cases. FillItRight calculates the exact gallons.
- Decline counter insurance. Your credit card or auto policy almost certainly covers it. InsureItRight tells you which.
- Photograph everything at pickup. Every panel, the fuel gauge, the odometer, with timestamps on. Saves you in damage disputes 30+ days later.
- Read the agreement. Especially the fuel policy section — that's where the $9-$11/gal refueling charge hides.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up a rental car at MSY?
On-airport rental facility connected to terminal by short walk. Rental counters are inside the terminal — no shuttle needed.
What is the average rental car price at MSY?
$50-$75 economy, $90-$140 SUV. Plus airport fees that typically add 25-40% to the displayed daily rate.
What hidden fees should I watch for at MSY?
Concession recovery 11.11%, customer facility charge $4/day, LA state tax 4.45% + Jefferson Parish 4.75%. These are mandatory and apply to every rental at this airport.
Which rental car company is best at MSY?
For premium fleet and reliability: Enterprise (largest Gulf Coast fleet). For cheapest base rates: Hertz (often promotional rates). Always compare total prices including the airport fees.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from MSY?
New Orleans is very compact. Most visitors stay in the French Quarter and do not need a rental. Skip MSY rental for city-only trips. Specifically: Metairie (5 min) for cheaper week+ rentals.
Are there any quirks to renting at MSY?
New Orleans rental rates spike during Mardi Gras (February-March), Jazz Fest (April-May), and Sugar Bowl (December-January). Book 3+ months ahead for these.