Louisiana is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and distinctive cuisine. Whether you have a short connection or a longer layover at ARA airport, this guide will help you make the most of your time in the state.
Before You Leave the Airport
- Visa Requirements: Check IATA Travel Centre for your nationality and destination requirements
- Language: English is the primary language spoken in Louisiana
- Currency: US Dollar (USD). Use ATMs for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters
- Transit: Factor in immigration and security time before deciding if you can leave the airport
Getting to the City from ARA
For specific transit options from ARA airport, visit the airport’s official website for current transportation information including rental cars, rideshare services, and public transit options.
Pro Tip: Always factor in immigration and security time when calculating if you can leave the airport. For international connections, budget at least 1 hour for immigration plus 2-3 hours to return to the airport and clear security before departure.
What to Do During Your Layover
Short Layover (2-4 Hours)
If you have a short connection, stay near the airport or focus on airport amenities:
- Relax at an airport lounge (see lounge options below)
- Grab a meal at the airport food court
- Use luggage storage if you want to freshen up without your carry-on
- Download offline entertainment to pass the time
Medium Layover (4-8 Hours)
With a medium layover, you have time to explore nearby areas:
- Take a quick trip to local attractions within 20-30 minutes of the airport
- Eat at a restaurant in the city instead of the airport (airport food is 2-3x more expensive)
- Use luggage storage services like Bounce or Stasher to explore hands-free (typically $5-10/bag/day)
Long Layover (8+ Hours)
With a longer layover, you can experience more of Louisiana’s culture and attractions:
- Explore the city’s main attractions and neighborhoods
- Visit local restaurants and cafes
- Experience Louisiana’s unique culture and history
- Consider a hotel room or cabin-style accommodation if you need rest
Airport Amenities & Services
For detailed information about dining, shopping, lounges, and other amenities at ARA airport, please contact the airport directly or visit their official website.
Luggage Storage
If you want to explore without your bags, use third-party luggage storage services:
| Service | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bounce | $5-10/bag/day | Partner with local businesses near airports |
| Stasher | $5-10/bag/day | Local business network for luggage storage |
| LuggageHero | $5-10/bag/day | Global luggage storage network |
Airport Lounges
Lounge access options for your layover:
- Priority Pass: Gives access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide. Some credit cards include it free
- One-Time Day Passes: Available from major airlines (typically $39-$59 depending on the airline)
- Airline Memberships: Check if your frequent flyer status includes lounge access
Quick Layover Tips
- Pack a layover bag: Keep snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and toiletries in your carry-on for easy access
- Download offline maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me before landing – airport WiFi can be unreliable
- Stay hydrated: Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security
- Use a Wise or Revolut card: Get the best exchange rates without airport markups
- Download entertainment: Offline movies, books, or podcasts help pass layover time without relying on WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave ARA airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave ARA airport during a layover if you have enough time. Always factor in immigration and security time. For international connections, budget at least 1 hour for immigration plus 2-3 hours to return to the airport and clear security before departure. A minimum of 6+ hours total layover time is recommended if you want to explore the city.
What is there to do at ARA during a layover?
At the airport, you can relax in a lounge, grab a meal, or use luggage storage services. If you leave the airport, Louisiana offers vibrant culture, distinctive cuisine, and rich history. For short layovers, stay near the airport. For longer layovers (4+ hours), you can explore local attractions and restaurants in the city.
How long of a layover do I need at ARA?
For domestic connections, 60 minutes is sufficient. For international connections, budget 2.5-3 hours before departure. If you want to leave the airport and explore, aim for at least 4-6 hours total layover time to account for immigration, security, travel time, and returning to the airport.
Are there lounges at ARA?
For lounge availability at ARA, contact the airport directly or check your airline’s website. You can access lounges through Priority Pass (1,400+ lounges worldwide), one-time day passes from airlines ($39-$59), or airline memberships with lounge benefits.
Is there luggage storage at ARA?
For airport luggage storage options, check with ARA directly. Third-party services like Bounce, Stasher, and LuggageHero offer luggage storage near airports for $5-10/bag/day, which is cheaper than airport lockers.
Plan Your Perfect Layover
Make the most of your time in Louisiana with proper planning. Use the Yopki layover calculator to determine exactly how much time you have and what you can realistically accomplish during your connection.