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Paris has always been one of my all-time favorite destinations. There’s just something about the charm of its streets, the incredible food, and the history that keeps me coming back. But let’s face it, flights from the U.S. to Paris can get expensive fast.
As a travel blogger who’s flown to over 30 countries in Europe, I’ve picked up some tricks to make those flights much more affordable. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just planning your first trip to the City of Light, I’ve got some tips that can help you get there without blowing your budget.
In this guide, I’m sharing what’s worked for me—everything from using miles and points to finding budget-friendly flights. Plus, I’ll let you in on how the Going app has been a game-changer in my quest to make frequent trips to Paris a reality.
If you’re ready to book that dream trip to Paris without spending a fortune, let’s get started!
1. Sign up for Going
When it comes to finding the cheapest flights to Paris, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) has been my secret weapon. Thanks to Going’s timely alerts, I’ve been able to sip coffee in Parisian cafés and stroll along the Seine without worrying about overspending on airfare.
Going is a membership site and app that does the hard work of finding the best value flights from your chosen airports. Once you subscribe to their alerts (via email or app), you’ll get notified when deals pop up—everything from mistake fares to exclusive discounts that you won’t find on your own. I definitely recommend adding Paris to your Watchlist when you sign up!
There are three versions of the Going App – Limited, Premium, and Elite. If you’re aiming to fly in style, the Elite version is perfect for finding those business and first-class deals to Paris.
Whichever tier you go with, I can’t recommend the Going app enough. It’s saved me a ton on flights to Paris, turning what could be a pricey trip into an affordable adventure.
2. Use miles and points to save on flights
One of the best ways to save on flights to Paris from the US is by making the most of frequent flyer miles and credit card points. As a travel blogger, I’ve learned how to stretch those miles and points to make trips way more affordable. Here’s a breakdown of a few programs that I recommend.
American Airlines AAdvantage
If you often fly out of cities like New York, Miami, or Dallas, American Airlines’ AAdvantage program is a solid choice. American Airlines is part of the Oneworld Alliance. This means you can use your miles on partner airlines like British Airways and Iberia to book flights to Paris.
I’ve found that you can purchase a one-way economy ticket to Paris for about 30,000 to 40,000 miles. If you’re dreaming of a more comfortable journey, business class can range from 57,500 to 85,000 miles.
One tip I’d recommend is to keep an eye out for off-peak awards. They can sometimes save you a good chunk of miles.
Delta SkyMiles
Delta’s SkyMiles program is another favorite of mine, especially when flying out of Atlanta or Los Angeles. Delta partners with Air France, so you can use your SkyMiles to fly directly to Paris on one of their flights.
Typically, you’ll need about 35,000 to 50,000 miles for a one-way economy ticket. Business class might set you back 70,000 to 120,000 miles. What I like about Delta is that they sometimes offer flash sales on award flights, so it’s worth checking regularly.
Plus, if you have the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you can earn miles on everyday purchases.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
If you’re not tied to a specific airline, Chase Ultimate Rewards is a flexible option that I’ve found incredibly useful. You can transfer points to several airline partners, including Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue program and United MileagePlus.
Flying Blue is especially great because they frequently offer promo rewards, which can significantly reduce the number of miles needed for a flight to Paris. I’ve managed to book round-trip economy flights for around 50,000 points this way.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of my go-to’s for earning these points, and it often comes with a generous sign-up bonus. If you travel at least a few times per year, I recommend going with the Chase Reserve card. I’ve been using this card for over 2 years!
My overall recommendation
If you’re someone who flies American Airlines frequently, sticking with AAdvantage is a no-brainer. The ease of earning miles through flights and credit cards, plus the solid network to Paris, makes it a strong choice.
Delta SkyMiles is great for those near Delta hubs or anyone who likes the idea of flying directly with Air France. The frequent flash sales on award flights are a bonus.
For flexibility and a broader range of options, I highly recommend getting a Chase card and taking advantage of Chase Ultimate Rewards. It’s perfect if you like having the choice to fly with different airlines and want to take advantage of transfer partners like Air France-KLM.
3. Time your trip during off-peak seasons
Without a doubt, one of the simplest yet most effective ways to save on flights to Paris is by timing your trip during the off-peak seasons. When you go can make a huge difference in both the cost of your flight and the overall experience in the city.
Winter (November to February)
If you don’t mind bundling up, winter can be a fantastic time to visit Paris. I’ve flown to Paris in January a couple of times, and not only were the flights significantly cheaper, but the city was also less crowded. Sure, it’s cold, but there’s something magical about seeing Paris covered in a light dusting of snow. Plus, with fewer tourists around, you can enjoy places like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower without the usual long lines.
That said, avoid the holiday period around Christmas and New Year’s if you’re looking to save money. Flights can spike during this time due to the increased demand. But if you can plan your trip for late January or early February, you’re likely to score some of the best deals of the year.
Early Spring (March to April)
Springtime in Paris is legendary, but it’s also when prices start to creep up, especially as you get closer to April and the cherry blossoms begin to bloom. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Paris in the spring without the peak prices, I recommend traveling in March. The weather is starting to warm up, the gardens are coming to life, and the flight prices haven’t hit their high yet.
Easter can be a bit tricky, though. If your travel dates fall around Easter, you might see a jump in prices, particularly for flights and accommodations. I’ve found that flying out just before or after the Easter holiday can help you avoid those higher costs while still enjoying the springtime charm of Paris.
Late Fall (October to November)
Late fall is one of my favorite times to visit Paris. The summer crowds have thinned out, the weather is still mild, and the autumn colors add a beautiful backdrop to the city’s already stunning scenery. I’ve often found great deals on Paris flights from the US in October and early November. This is just before the winter rush starts.
During this time, museums, galleries, and even popular cafes are more relaxed. Just keep in mind that some outdoor attractions, like the gardens, might not be as vibrant as in the spring or summer. But there’s still plenty to enjoy.
Here’s a little extra tip that’s been a game-changer for me: sign up for the Going app. They send out alerts when flights to Paris drop in price, and these notifications have helped me snag some incredible deals that I wouldn’t have found on my own. If you’re flexible with your dates, Going can show you the best times to book, making sure you get the best possible price. Trust me, it’s like having a personal travel assistant that helps you save money every step of the way!
4. Look for direct budget flights
I’ve always been a bit of a budget travel sleuth, and one of the best tricks I’ve picked up along the way is finding direct budget flights. Let’s face it, getting to Paris doesn’t have to cost a fortune, especially when you know where to look. If you’re anything like me—more focused on the destination than the journey—then these budget airlines could be your ticket to the City of Light without draining your bank account.
Norse Atlantic Airways
Norse Atlantic Airways is a newer player in the budget airline scene, but they’ve quickly become a go-to for affordable flights to Europe from the US. They offer direct flights from several U.S. cities, including Miami, New York, and Los Angeles, to Paris.
What’s great about Norse is that you can often find one-way fares for under $200 if you book at the right time. The key here is to keep your expectations in check. Norse is a no-frills airline, so don’t expect luxury. However, if your goal is to fly to Paris from the US on a budget, they’re a fantastic option.
French Bee
Another budget-friendly option is French Bee, which flies directly from the U.S. to Paris Orly Airport (ORY). They’re known for their competitive prices, especially if you’re flying out of San Francisco. I’ve seen round-trip fares as low as $350, which is a steal for a direct flight to Paris!
Compared to Norse Atlantic Airways, French Bee offers a slightly different experience. While both airlines focus on keeping costs down, French Bee tends to have more consistent pricing, particularly on the West Coast.
They also fly into Orly, which is a smaller (and often more convenient) airport than Charles de Gaulle (where Norse typically lands). However, like Norse, French Bee is a no-frills airline. So you’ll need to pay extra for things like checked bags and meals.
5. Fly to a nearby European city (& then to Paris)
Sometimes, the most direct route to Paris isn’t the cheapest. One of the best tricks I’ve learned is to look for cheaper flights to nearby European cities and then hop over to Paris on a budget airline. It’s a strategy that’s saved me a lot of money, and it even adds a little extra adventure to the trip!
Reykjavik with PLAY Airlines
One of my favorite hacks to save on flights to Europe is by flying to Reykjavik with PLAY Airlines. PLAY often has super affordable fares from East Coast cities like Boston and New York. I’ve scored one-way tickets to Reykjavik for under $150!
Once you’re in Iceland, you can take a quick and inexpensive flight with a budget airline like Ryanair or EasyJet to Paris. If you’ve got some time, I recommend exploring Iceland’s incredible landscapes before continuing your journey.
Dublin with Aer Lingus
Dublin is another great gateway to Europe, and flights here can be surprisingly cheap, especially if you catch a deal with Aer Lingus. I’ve personally found flights from Boston to Dublin for under $300 with them!
From Dublin, it’s easy to find low-cost flights to Paris with Ryanair—often for less than $50. The best part? You get to enjoy a pint of Guinness in Dublin before heading off to Paris!
Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal
TAP Air Portugal often has great deals on flights to Lisbon from cities like Miami and New York. From there, you can hop on a budget airline like EasyJet or Ryanair to Paris.
What I love about this route is that Lisbon is such a vibrant, beautiful city. Spending a day or two here before heading to Paris is a bonus. Plus, TAP sometimes offers stopover deals that let you explore Lisbon without extra airfare costs.
Pro Tip: I highly recommend signing up for the Going app to find the best routes. Finding these budget-friendly flights to Europe can take some digging, but that’s where Going comes in. Their alerts have tipped me off to some incredible deals that I wouldn’t have found on my own. By signing up for Going, you can stay on top of the latest low fares to cities like Reykjavik, Dublin, or Lisbon, and then piece together your trip to Paris with budget airlines.
6. Explore lesser-known departure airports
Here’s a little secret I’ve picked up from years of hunting down cheap flights: sometimes the best deals are hiding in places you wouldn’t expect. I’ve learned that if you’re willing to think outside the box and explore different departure points, you can score some surprisingly low fares to Paris.
- Look Beyond Major Hubs. While cities like New York and Los Angeles might be the first places you think of for international flights, smaller airports can sometimes offer better deals. For instance, instead of flying out of Boston Logan (BOS), I’ve found that Providence (PVD) also sometimes has competitive prices. This is especially true when combined with a connecting flight through a larger hub like JFK or Newark. Trust me, the savings can be worth the extra stop.
- Consider the Midwest. If you’re in the Midwest, you might automatically think of flying out of Chicago O’Hare. But smaller airports like Cincinnati (CVG) or Cleveland (CLE) can sometimes offer cheaper flights to Paris. Usually, they come with a layover in a larger city. These airports may not have direct flights to Paris, but the connections are often smooth. The overall cost can be significantly lower as well.
- East Coast Alternatives. On the East Coast, airports like Hartford (BDL) in Connecticut or Pittsburgh (PIT) in Pennsylvania have some great deals. While these airports don’t typically offer direct flights to Paris, they often connect through major hubs like Philadelphia or Newark (sometimes even cheaper than what they offer). The key is being open to a short connection if it means saving a few hundred dollars on your ticket.
