Finding the best flights to Paris marks the beginning of your dream trip to our favorite city! Since airfare is often one of the largest items on your travel budget, we’re sharing our best tips for scoring the best deal on your flight to Paris. We know that by securing the most convenient and affordable flights, you can maximize your time in Paris and make the most of your visit.
So, buckle up and get ready to explore the wonders of Paris from the moment you take off. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family jaunt, or a solo adventure, finding the best flights is the first step towards creating unforgettable memories in the City of Light.
Factors to consider when booking flights to Paris
When booking flights to Paris, you’ll want to consider these different factors to narrow down your options and find the flights that best suit your needs and preferences.
- Budget: Determine your budget for flights to Paris and set a price range that you’re willing to pay. This will help you filter out options that are outside of your financial means.
- Travel Dates: Consider the flexibility of your travel dates. Flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons can often save you hundreds of dollars.
- Flight Duration: Think about how long you’re willing to spend in transit. Want to get there as quickly as possible? A direct flight is your best bet, but can be more expensive. Need to walk around or have a little more time? A layover in another airport can save you money and give you a break from the plane – but it will take longer. Find the balance that suits your preferences.
Where to find search for the best flights? Here’s Les Frenchies recommandations:
- SkyScanner.net: This platforms lets you search the best routes with all the airlines and will offer the best available rates.
- Expedia.com: World known platform to find and compare the best available options. Convenient to find all the available options.
Airline Preferences: You may already have loyalty points on a particular airline. But if not, research different airlines that fly to Paris and check their reputation, customer reviews, and amenities. Some airlines offer superior service and comfort, while others focus on budget-friendly options.
Baggage Allowance: Check the baggage allowance for each airline you’re considering, as this can be a source of hidden costs. Some airlines have stricter policies and charge extra fees for checked bags – or even carry-ons! So check this carefully.
Airport Selection: Paris is served by three different airports, which may impact the cost of your ticket. So when searching for your ticket, broaden your search to include all area airports.
Taking these factors into consideration will help you find the flights that work best for you. Now, let’s explore the best time to visit Paris and how it affects flight prices.
Best season to visit Paris and how it affects flight prices
Paris is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique charm. The best time to visit Paris depends on your preferences, but it’s worth considering the impact of different seasons on flight prices. You might also want to look into what to expect from Paris weather as a factor in your planning.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris. The weather is warm, and outdoor festivals, markets and other activities are in full swing. Peak season means peak prices, so summer is also when prices for flights and accommodations are the highest.
If you have some flexibility and want to save a little, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) or fall (September to October). During these times, the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded, resulting in more affordable options on accommodations and flights.
For budget-conscious travelers, the winter months (November to February) can offer some of the best deals on flights to Paris. While the weather may be colder, the city is still bustling with holiday festivities and cultural events.
Tips for finding cheap flights to Paris
Finding cheap flights to Paris requires can be done, but it requires a little resourcefulness. Here are some tips to help you secure the best deals and save money on your airfare:
- Be Flexible with Dates: Use flexible date search options or explore the “cheapest month” feature on flight search engines to find the most affordable flights within a given timeframe. You’ll be amazed how much difference a day can make!
Search on a Monday: The day you search for a flight can affect the price of the ticket! Monday is a good day to search – Saturday, not so much.
Book in Advance: Generally, the earlier you book your flights, the better the chances of finding lower prices. Airlines often release their seats at discounted rates several months in advance, so keep an eye out for promotions and sales.
- Fly on a Weekday: If your schedule allows it, traveling mid-week can save you money on your tickets to Paris. Weekends and the days before and after holidays are, predictably, more expensive, so if you’re traveling near a holiday, see if you can leave a little early or return a little after for a better rate.
- Subscribe to Fare Alerts: Fare alerts notify you when prices drop for your desired travel dates or destinations, so sign up while you’re doing your research. Being informed of price reductions can help you snag great deals before they sell out.
- Consider Alternate Airports: Paris has three main airports (see our handy airport overview): Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Orly Airport (ORY), and Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA). Flying into a smaller airport might result in cheaper flights, so it’s always worth checking. But consider the additional transportation costs and travel time.
- Avoid Peak Travel Periods: As mentioned earlier, traveling during peak tourist seasons or major holidays tends to result in higher flight prices. If possible, plan your trip during off-peak periods to take advantage of lower fares.
- Use Incognito Mode: When searching for flights online, use the incognito mode or private browsing feature on your web browser. This prevents airlines and travel websites from tracking your search history, which can sometimes lead to higher prices due to dynamic pricing algorithms.
And finally, check out platform like Skyscanner or Expedia.com to find and compare different flights and get the best available option.
By being strategic in your flight search, you can increase your chances of finding cheap flights to Paris. But which airlines offer the best routes and deals to the City of Light? Let’s find out.
Comparison of different airlines and their routes to Paris
When it comes to flying to Paris, you will have your choice of the major carriers – and some little guys, too. First, let’s look at the majors. This is by no means a complete list, but will get you started.
- Air France: As the national carrier of France, Air France offers numerous flights to Paris from major cities worldwide.
- FrenchBee: A French low cost carrier which offers good service
- Delta Air Lines: Delta Air Lines operates direct flights to Paris from several major US cities, including New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta offers seamless connections and convenient flight options for travelers.
- British Airways: British Airways connects Paris to numerous destinations in the United Kingdom and globally.
- Lufthansa: Lufthansa, the flagship carrier of Germany, offers flights to Paris from various cities worldwide.
- American Airlines: American Airlines operates direct flights to Paris from major US cities, including New York, Miami, and Chicago. As one of the largest airlines in the world, American Airlines offers a wide range of flight options and competitive fares.
When comparing airlines and their routes to Paris, consider factors such as price, convenience, flight duration, and overall customer satisfaction. Take note of any additional fees or restrictions that may apply, such as baggage allowances and in-flight amenities.
Now let’s see some of the lesser known airlines.
Hidden gems and lesser-known airlines for cheap flights to Paris
These smaller airlines often provide good value for money. Here are a few to consider:
- Norwegian Air Shuttle: Norwegian Air Shuttle, known as Norwegian, is a low-cost carrier that operates flights to Paris from various European cities. With its competitive pricing and modern fleet, Norwegian is a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
- TAP Air Portugal: TAP Air Portugal offers flights from major US cities to Paris, with layovers in Lisbon. While this may add some travel time, TAP Air Portugal often provides affordable fares and the opportunity to explore two cities during your journey.
- Air Europa: Air Europa, a Spanish airline, offers flights to Paris from several major cities worldwide. With its extensive route network, Air Europa can be a great alternative for travelers looking for affordable options to Paris.
- WOW Air: WOW Air, an Icelandic low-cost carrier, offers flights to Paris from various cities in the United States and Europe. While WOW Air ceased operations in 2019, its successor, PLAY, plans to launch flights to Paris in the future. Keep an eye out for updates and announcements.
These lesser-known airlines sometimes have significantly lower fares on flights to Paris. But be sure to review their baggage policies, in-flight amenities, and overall customer satisfaction to make sure the bargain is really a deal. Those hidden fees can add up!
Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or the hundredth, we hope these strategies help you find the right flight for you! And be sure to join our Facebook group for more tips on planning your trip.