I don't know how anyone can tell you what you want to know in advance of the event. Just decide if you're a gambler or not. You may end up one of the few with everything open and no lines for the best restaurants. Or, if you can cancel now and go a bit later that might be safest. NOt most exciting but safest.

Thanks - hard to tell what might happen. I did some searching on Gustav in 2008 which was a Cat 2 that didn't directly hit New Orleans. There were alot of power outages and took 2 to 3 days for the French Quarter to get cleaned up and back to normal. Was probably pretty quiet without many tourists. I think cancelling is the smart thing to do.

Seeing first hand what a category 1-2 storm can do (Wilma), I would reschedule.

NOLA is a great city to visit. I would reschedule for later on when the weather is great. September and October are great times to visit.

I'd reschedule, too. Isaac is moving very slowly.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/092344.shtml?50wind120#contents

As you can see from the above Fodors' advertisement that is supposedly related to your question -- they predict that New Orleans will be blown all the way to Southern California. I'd suggest you wait until they get it relocated back where it is supposed to be!

I live in the French Quarter. Took a walk around the neighborhood Monday night, and a handful of businesses have already closed. Many businesses plan on being closed Tuesday & Wednesday with an eye towards re-opening Thursday. There is no mandatory evacuation ordered for the city, and I personally know of no one who is evacuating, although I'm sure some people are. I'm expecting most businesses to reopen Thursday, but probably not fully operational due to cleanup, some employees not returning immediately, etc. Check your airline to see if it plans on flying to NOLA on Thursday. As of now, the airport is closed to incoming commercial flight. The airline should let you change your plans without a fee if you choose to do so. Hope this helps.

What is with all these imbedded ads??? Where's the "dislike" button?

Thanks, everyone. I cancelled and received a full refund from the airlines. Not worth it, will try again some other time.

We went to Key West the day after the airport reopened following Wilma. Like New Orleans, the 'tourist' part of the city is on the high ground and didn't flood. The outlying residential areas had several feet of water.

It was an interesting trip. The weather was fine, although it was odd being in tropical Key West with no leaves on the trees.

Every single local we met had a story to share about his/her experiences with the hurricane.

If I was headed to New Orleans this weekend, I wouldn't cancel.

I don't think Wilma came ashore anywhere as a Cat 1 or 2.....

Are you ready for some Football? http://www.nfl.com/news/story?confirm=true&id=09000d5d810681fc&template=without-video-with-comments
The Super Bowl is coming back to NO after 11 years.
The Super Bowl stadium in right next to the train/bus station a few blocks west of Canal Street and the FQ.
Maybe you want to come for Mardi Gras.
I never flew to NO but have arrived by train and bus departing only on the train. Both the "City of New Orleans" and the "Crescent".

boulder - SUCH a good decision!