Charter a Private Jet to Mardi Gras

Every year on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, Mardi Gras, a party like no other, takes over New Orleans.

Masked revelers dressed in purple, gold, and green hit the streets to watch parades, drink Hurricanes, get wild and beg for beads. The date of Mardi Gras is different from year to year, but it is always 47 days before Easter, which is the first Sunday after the first full moon of the vernal equinox (first day of spring).

Can’t make it for Mardi Gras Day? No problem, there are parades and celebrations for weeks leading up to it. In fact, the Feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 6, is actually the official start of the season.

We Can Get You There

It’s nearly impossible to get a commercial flight into New Orleans any time near Mardi Gras – more than a million people converge on the city for the festivities – but don’t worry. Paramount Business jets can arrange a private charter into many airports in or near New Orleans, including:

• Louis Armstrong International Airport, KMSY, MSY, New Orleans, United States (6 miles)
• Lakefront Airport, KNEW, NEW, New Orleans, United States (8 miles)
• St Charles Airport, LS40, LS40, Amarillo, United States (9 miles)
• Southern Seaplane Airport, 65LA, 65LA, Belle Chasse, United States (14 miles)
• Alvin Calendar Nas Airport, KNBG, NBG, New Orleans, United States (16 miles)
• Triche Field Airport, 1LA1, 1LA1, Hahnville, United States (17 miles)
• St John The Baptist Paris Airport, K1L0, 1L0, La Place, United States (26 miles)
• Slidell Airport, KASD, ASD, Slidell, United States (30 miles)
• Covington-Vincent Airport, LA87, LA87, Covington, United States (33 miles)
• Hammond Municipal Airport, KHDC, HDC, Hammond, United States (37 miles)

Here are some tips if you are heading to Mardi Gras:

• Pick your spot along the parade route. You not only want to see the parade, you want the parade to see you. Riders on the floats throw all sorts of trinkets into the crowds. It’s usually beads but can also be cups, stuffed animals, toys, and doubloons (step on one if it hits the ground for later retrieval or risk getting your fingers stomped on). While they often throw mindlessly or randomly, they will often spot a “target” (make it you!) along the parade route to which they will throw the best or fanciest beads.
• Mardi Gras is for families (as long as you steer clear of Bourbon Street and parts of the French Quarter where there is lots of drinking and rowdy, bawdy behavior going on). If you can, bring a ladder for your child to stand on to make him or her more visible to those riding the floats. You’ll be guaranteed more throws than will fit in your suitcase. (By the way, officials have estimated some 25 million pounds of beads and other items are tossed from floats every year.)
• Sound as if the party is just a little too big for you? There are smaller but equally festive Mardi Gras parties held in other Louisiana towns like Lafayette and Baton Rouge and Alexandria. Or you may want to go the weekend before the big weekend. There are still plenty of parades and much to do. On the other hand, if you want an even bigger and more hedonistic celebration, head to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• Be prepared to be wild and crazy. It’s sometimes very cold during Mardi Gras. Check the forecast and bring a heavy coat if needed. On the other hand, it could be really warm. Also, check the parade times and routes. Have a plan getting from one place to the other.
• Wear the official colors of Mardi Gras: purple (symbolizes justice), green (faith) and gold (power).

Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans. Picture Source.

Not to miss when you visit New Orleans:

• Jackson Square, a historic park in the French Quarter that is always bustling with excitement.
• Central Grocery, the spot where you can buy the best muffalettas in the world.
• Café du Monde, where you can get hot, melt-in-your-mouth beignets and café au lait. Don’t let the long lines scare you. They move fast.
• French Market, located right behind Café de Monde near the Mississippi River, it’s a spot to get souvenirs of your visit.
• Tipitina’s, a bar and music club where you can hear real New Orleans music and blues. There are many others, of course, but this one’s iconic.