The first time I flew to Paris, I paid over $800 roundtrip. I had no idea what I was doing…just a wide-eyed traveler armed with a dream and a terrible booking strategy. Ten trips later, things look a little different. I’ve since flown to Europe 38 times, tested every flight hack I could find, and built a toolkit of apps, search engines, and timing tricks that now get me to Paris for as little as $250.
This guide is built on years of trial, error, and a relentless obsession with finding cheap flights. I track airfare trends daily, monitor error fares, and rely on tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and secret-level filters on platforms most people overlook. Whether you’re planning your first trip to the City of Light or your fifth, here’s how real travelers are scoring deals in 2025…and how you can too.
At a Glance: How I Fly to Paris for Cheap
After a decade of hunting airfare deals, here’s my personal Paris playbook. First, I sign up for Going alerts and keep Paris on my watchlist. Those pings have landed me roundtrips for under $300! If I’m using points, I target 30k–40k miles with American AAdvantage or 35k–50k with Delta SkyMiles (watch for flash sales). Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to Flying Blue have been a game-changer, especially during promo awards.
Timing is everything: late Jan–early March and November are my gold mines for low fares. October and March can work too if you avoid holiday spikes. I also stalk budget airlines like French Bee (best from the West Coast) and Norse Atlantic (East Coast steals) for sub-$200 one-ways.
If Paris prices are stubborn, I’ll fly into Reykjavik, Dublin, or Lisbon first…often for $150–$300. Then, I’ll hop to Paris on Ryanair or EasyJet for under $50. Smaller airports sometimes surprise me too; Providence, Hartford, and Cincinnati have all had fares hundreds less than big hubs. Finally, I set Google Flights and Skyscanner alerts, stay flexible by a few days, and never hesitate when the right fare pops up. In this game, the fastest booker wins. Now, here are the 6 strategies I use to find cheap flights to Paris from the US!
1. Sign up for Going
When it comes to finding cheap flights to Paris, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) has been a total game-changer for me. I’ve personally booked roundtrips to Paris for under $300 thanks to their alerts. Recently, I got a fare from Boston for $278 roundtrip, and I wouldn’t have found it without Going pinging me at just the right time.
Here’s how it works: Going scans thousands of routes daily and sends flight deals straight to your inbox or phone, based on your home airport. You’ll get everything from rare mistake fares to legit discounts…many that never show up on Google Flights or airline websites. I always add Paris to my Watchlist and keep notifications on, because deals vanish fast.
They offer three tiers: Limited (free), Premium, and Elite. If you’re serious about business or first-class upgrades to Paris, Elite is worth every penny. And if you want to try it out, use my code JON25 to get 25% off your Premium or Elite membership. I’ve used it for years and it’s saved me thousands – not exaggerating.
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. Last spring, I snagged a Delta flash sale from Atlanta to Paris for just 32,000 miles. I nearly dropped my phone when I saw it.
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 beautiful 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. I traveled to Paris in mid-March one year, and the cherry blossoms around Parc de Sceaux were just starting to bloom. The city had this quiet energy…still cool, but unmistakably waking up. 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 best airlines to Paris could be your ticket to the City of Light on the cheap.
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. I flew Norse out of Boston for $189 one-way in early May. The flight was basic but smooth…and I had an empty seat next to me!
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.
- Read my ultimate guide: How to Find Cheap Flights in 2025
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 once booked a $129 fare from Boston to Reykjavik, spent 36 hours exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle, then continued to Paris for under $50 on a Ryanair promo. It felt like two trips in one.
Once you’re in Iceland, you can easily find quick and inexpensive flights with budget airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet to Paris. If you’ve got some time, I absolutely 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.
FAQs on how I fly to Paris for cheap
Here are some questions I get asked often from travelers like you:
What are the cheapest months to fly to Paris?
In my experience, the sweet spot is usually between late January and early March, and again in November. I’ve snagged some of my cheapest transatlantic flights during these off-peak months…like $250 to $350 roundtrip from the East Coast. Avoid summer and the December holidays if you’re trying to save. Even shoulder seasons like April and October can creep up in price unless you book early or get lucky with a deal.
Which airlines offer budget flights from the US to Paris?
Over the years, I’ve flown to Paris on everything from Delta and United to low-cost carriers like French Bee and Norse Atlantic. If you’re flexible, French Bee out of Newark or Norse from JFK often have insane deals – sometimes under $300 roundtrip. LEVEL (from the West Coast) and Play (connecting through Iceland) are also worth watching. I use Google Flights and Skyscanner to compare across all these airlines in one place.
Can I use points and miles to fly to Paris?
Absolutely…and I’ve done it many times. I’ve booked roundtrips to Paris for as little as 30,000 points through programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards and American AAdvantage. If you’re sitting on any airline or credit card points, it’s worth checking transfer partners. I usually search through point portals like Amex Travel or transfer directly to airlines like Air France/KLM Flying Blue when they run promos. Flexibility with dates makes a huge difference here.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Paris?
For cheap cash fares, I’ve had the most luck booking 2 to 5 months out. That gives you a good window to catch flash sales or dip in prices without cutting it too close. For award flights, I try to book either super early (10–11 months out) or really late (within a month), when airlines release last-minute availability. I also set Google Flights alerts to track price drops – those have saved me hundreds over the years.
