Travel & Local Information

Transportation

Airport

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the closest airport to downtown New Orleans and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. It is approximately 16 miles from downtown and a 21 minute commute. For more information about MSY, please click here.

Airport Shuttle Service

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport offers the Airport Shuttle services that run to downtown New Orleans and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Airport Shuttle is offering a discount to IMMUNOLOGY 2015™ attendees.

Airport to Downtown New Orleans hotels:

• One Way Fare (per person): $20.00 when booked through official booking site
• or Round Trip Fare (per person): $35.00 when booked through official booking site

Click here to access the official Immunology 2015™ Airport Shuttle Booking site.

Above Rates do not include gratuity at customer discretion.

Airport Limousine Service (Luxury private sedan, SUV and Limo - recommend 3 or more passengers)

Airport to Downtown New Orleans hotels | Click here for more information
Current Base Rates:

• $58-68 Sedan based on 2-3 passengers
• $78-88 SUV based on 4-5 passengers
• $98-118 Limo based on 6-8 passengers; $10 for each additional passenger

Above Rates do not include gratuity at customer discretion or the $3.00 fuel surcharge. *Rates are valid to the hotels in the French Quarter and Central Business District.

New Orleans Taxi Services

Airport to Downtown New Orleans hotels
Current Base Rates:

• $33 Sedan based on 1-2 passengers; $14 for each additional passenger

Public Transportation

New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is the public transit agency of the greater New Orleans area, providing bus, streetcar, para-transit, and ferry boat service.

RTA Bus System - The RTA Bus system operates over 80 buses on 32 bus routes. Almost all of the old buses were destroyed in the flooding after Hurricane Katrina, so the RTA now boasts one of the newest fleets of any transit system in the country. Click here for more pass, schedule and locational information.

RTA Streetcar System - The RTA operates three streetcar lines: the St. Charles line, the Canal St. line, and the Riverfront line. All lines either run along or intersect with Canal St. in the area between the French Quarter and the Central Business District (CBD). For a route map, click here.

The Riverfront line runs along the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. A standard one-way fare on a streetcar costs only $1.25. Please have the exact amount ready, as fare boxes do not give change. You can also purchase a Jazzy Pass.

New Orleans Ferry System - Click here for more fare and location information.

Taxi Cabs and Limousines

Taxi cabs can be secured at the concierge desk or bellman stand at meeting hotels. The fare to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is approximately $33. If you wish to reserve a sedan, private car, or limousine, please contact your hotel concierge.

Visa Information

For Attendees from Non-Participating Visa Waiver Program Countries:

To apply for a visa, visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html.

Visas should be applied for as early as possible and well in advance of the meeting. According to the National Academy of Sciences International Visitors Office, there has been a recent increase in scientists experiencing visa delays of greater than 3 months. Information about visa wait times can be found at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html.

Be advised that you need to apply for Business Visitor Visa (B-1). IMMUNOLOGY 2015™ is a scientific meeting. You will be asked to name the meeting ("IMMUNOLOGY 2015™") and explain the purpose of your visit.

NOTE: Registration refunds will not be issued after April 6, 2015, for any reason, including the inability to obtain a visa.

For Attendees from Participating Visa Waiver Program Countries:

Effective January 20, 2010, the Department of Homeland Security is transitioning to enforced compliance of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requirement for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers. Therefore, VWP travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States.

• Detailed Information About the Visa Waiver Program
• Visa Waiver Program Country List Information

Requesting an Invitation Letter

For security purposes, letters of invitation will be sent only to individuals who are registered for the meeting. Once your registration is complete, contact meetings@aai.org to request a personalized letter of invitation.

Local Information

Things to Do in New Orleans:
IMMUNOLOGY 2015™ Destination Guide

Please visit the IMMUNOLOGY 2015™ destination guide to search New Orleans restaurants, attractions, places of worship, free activities, and discounts for all things New Orleans.

Click the image at right or visit www.neworleanscvb.com/aai to get started!

Temperature

Average high temperature in May is 85°F (29°C); low temperature is 66°F (19°C).

Tax

In New Orleans, Louisiana, there is a 9% state sales tax.

Parking

Downtown New Orleans provides ample parking but it is recommended that attendees park in the F lot of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for convenience. The current cost per vehicle is $10 per day/entry with NO in and out privileges. The entrances to the F lot are at the intersections of Henderson St. and Convention Center Blvd.

Click here for a map and additional instructions regarding parking at Lot F.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is voluntary. Below are some guidelines:

• Waiters/Waitresses usually receive 15-20% of the bill. In some cases, the tip is automatically added to your bill. You should always check before adding gratuity.
• Maids usually receive $1-2 per room per day. You should leave the tip daily and not at the end of your stay.
• Taxi drivers usually receive 15% of the fare.
• Doormen, skycaps, and porters usually receive $3-$5/bag.

Visit www.neworleanscvb.com/aai for
more information on visiting New Orleans.