Trip Dates: July 2025
Flight: Delta, New Orleans (MSY) – LaGuardia (LGA)
Hotel: Riu Plaza Hotel, smack in the heart of Manhattan
Agenda: Two Broadway musicals, a little sightseeing, and a whole lotta “finally living my NYC dreams” vibes
Let’s Talk About The Baggage… Literally
If you’re anything like me, you’ve Googled “what can I bring on a plane” more times than you’d like to admit. So here’s everything you need to know, no fluff, just facts.
Carry-On Rules (Delta + TSA)
You get:
- One carry-on bag (Max size: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ – including wheels and handles)
- One personal item (Think purse, backpack, laptop bag – needs to fit under the seat in front of you)
There’s no weight limit for carry-ons on Delta domestic flights, but don’t go packing your grandmother’s heirloom crystal collection. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
Checked Bag Rules
You’re allowed up to 50 lbs per checked bag. (If you go over, Delta will hit you with extra fees.)
Checked is where you pack all your bulky stuff: your full size toiletries, heavier shoes, extra outfits for “just in case,” or anything you don’t want to haul through the airport.
What Should Go Where?
Here’s a cheat sheet I live by:
Anything you can’t live without for 24 hours goes in your carry-on. That includes your favorite red lipstick, migraine meds, and phone charger. Ask me how I know.
What About Vapes & Weed?
Let’s clear the smoky air, shall we?
Vapes & E-Cigs:
- Must be in your carry-on only
- Battery must be 100 watt-hours or less
- No using or charging on the plane, period
Keep it capped, powered off, and out of sight
Marijuana & CBD:
- Even if it’s legal where you’re flying from or to, marijuana is still illegal federally
- TSA doesn’t actively search for it, but if they find it, they can and often will involve airport police
- CBD oil is allowed only if it contains less than 0.3% THC and is FDA-approved
Best advice? Don’t pack it. The risk is not worth the hassle.
Getting to the Airport: Parking + Check-In at MSY
Parking at Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.
Here’s the scoop:
- Economy Garage: $12/day
- Long-Term Garage: $20/day
- Short-Term: $26/day
We’re leaving our car for the four day trip, economy garage makes the most sense. Be sure to arrive at least two hours before your flight to allow time for parking, getting through security, and grabbing a water bottle or snack.
Security, Baby
TSA Tips from a Midlife Mama Who’s Been There
- Wear slip on shoes if you can
- Electronics go in their own bin
- Liquids must be under 3.4 oz and in a clear, quart sized zip top bag
- Vape devices need to be pulled out and screened
- Keep your ID and boarding pass handy
Security usually takes anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the time and day. Give yourself grace, and maybe skip the full face until after you’re through the checkpoint. This is not the time to be contouring for the gods.
Boarding & The Flight
Delta begins boarding about 30 minutes before takeoff, and they board by group or zone, which is listed on your boarding pass.
Once you’re on the plane:
- Carry-on goes in the overhead bin
- Personal item slides under the seat in front of you
- Buckle in, breathe deep, and maybe get ready to read something light and fluffy (or dark and smutty, no judging 😉)
Landing at LaGuardia
Grab your bag (assuming it made it) at baggage claim and then catch a ride into the city. You can Uber, Lyft, taxi it, or brave the subway. We’ll be checking into the Riu Plaza Hotel, right in the heart of the action.
Bonus Tips for the Big Apple
- Pack layers. Weather changes fast, and NYC doesn’t care if you’re caught in a drizzle.
- Wear comfy shoes. The city is not kind to your arches.
- Skip the power bank. I know everyone says bring one, but I’ve read too many stories of those things overheating and catching fire mid flight. I’m not risking it.
- Go hands free but secure. I picked up a bra wallet, a wrist wallet, and a slim fit wallet for my husband that slides right into his front pocket. No way a pickpocket is fishing around those areas without us noticing. Peace of mind, baby.
Final Thoughts
This is my first trip to New York… ever. I’m excited, nervous, maybe overpacked, and absolutely overthinking what shoes to wear for show night. If you’re flying Delta (or any airline really) out of New Orleans, and headed to the Big Apple, this guide should help make your trip a little less chaotic.
Pack smart, stay calm, and don’t let TSA stress you out. You’ve got places to be and shows to see.
In the next post, I’ll tell you what shows we picked and what it felt like to finally walk those NYC streets for the first time.
🫶🏼 — Ali
