As the excitement builds for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, football fans nationwide are gearing up for a great time in Louisiana. Planning your trip to the Big Easy requires strategy, flexibility, and a dash of that famous New Orleans spirit. Here’s some essential information to score the best deals and make the most of your Super Bowl adventure.
Book Early For The Best Plays
With the big game just around the corner, time is of the essence when it comes to securing your spot in New Orleans. While we don’t yet know which teams will be facing off on the field, savvy travelers are already making their moves. Early planning and flexibility are the key to a successful trip.
Navigating Hotel Prices
Super Bowl host cities are known for skyrocketing accommodation prices, but here’s some good news for your wallet. New Orleans is bucking the trend this year. According to USA Today, Hotels.com reports that the average hotel room in the Crescent City is going for about $650 per night around the Super Bowl weekend. This is a welcome decrease from last year’s average of $747 in Las Vegas. These lower fees give fans more breathing room in their budgets.
However, don’t expect to find bargain basement prices, especially if you want to stay close to the action. The Business District, home to the iconic Caesars Superdome where the game will be played, is commanding rates upwards of $1,200 per night. But don’t worry – there’s a game plan for you, too.
Consider expanding your search to areas like New Orleans East or the North Shore/Slidell area. While a bit further from downtown (about 30-40 minutes away), these locations offer significantly lower rates. Remember, New Orleans is a city that thrives on celebration, so you’ll find the Super Bowl spirit wherever you stay.
Typically, Super Bowl visitors book a two or three-night stay. Still, with festivities kicking off as early as ten days before the game, some fans are opting for extended visits to soak in all the Big Easy has to offer. If you’re considering a longer stay, weigh the potential savings on flights against the cost of additional hotel nights.
Scoring Airfare Deals For Super Bowl New Orleans
While hotel prices may hold steady, airfares are still up for grabs. The current landscape shows reasonable flight prices to New Orleans, but be warned. Once the competing teams are announced, expect a surge in bookings that could send prices soaring faster than a quarterback’s long bomb. To intercept the best deals, consider these pro tips from Expedia shared by USA Today:
- Arrival Game Plan: Aim to touch down on Tuesday or Wednesday before the game. These mid-week arrivals often boast the most wallet-friendly fares.
- Departure Strategy: Similarly, planning your return flight for Tuesday or Wednesday after the game can help you avoid the post-game rush and inflated prices.
- Early Bird Special: When possible, opt for early morning flights. These are often cheaper and less likely to face delays or cancellations, ensuring you don’t miss a minute of the action.
- Team Spirit Flights: Keep an eye out for special flights added by airlines from the competing teams’ home cities. These can be a great option if you’re traveling with fellow fans.
Flexibility Is Your MVP
As with any major event, flexibility is your greatest asset when planning your Super Bowl trip. Be open to adjusting your travel dates, considering alternative accommodations, or even exploring different parts of the city. While the Super Bowl is undoubtedly the main event, don’t forget you’re visiting one of America’s most culturally rich cities.
Take advantage of your trip by exploring the French Quarter, indulging in beignets at Café du Monde, or taking a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River. Many of these attractions might offer special Super Bowl-themed events or packages, so keep an eye out for unique experiences that combine the best of football and New Orleans culture.
