The 8 Best Airlines to Fly to Paris (from the US and Europe)

If you’re thinking of visiting the French capital sometime soon, then you may be wondering what are the best airlines to fly to Paris.

For starters, flying to France can be expensive and there are many different airlines to fly with. There are so many different airline options and ticket types to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming.

When looking for international flights to Paris from the US, there are several popular choices that come to mind including Air France, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines.

These are all major airlines with direct routes from major cities in the US such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you’re looking for the best prices and best service, then here is a guide to the best options available.

My #1 airline pick for flying to Paris

From the United States, your best option for nonstop flights is Air France.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Air France (@airfrance)

The flight duration from the US to Paris is usually around 8 hours from the East Coast, and up to 12 hours from the West Coast. Air France offers a variety of different classes, from economy to business class and first-class with excellent customer service.

The best part? Their staff is bilingual, sometimes speaking three or more languages. No need to worry about how to learn French before your Paris flight!

P.S. Check out this page for all my Paris travel articles, recommendations, and resources!

What can you expect on the flight?

No matter which airline you choose, all major airlines will provide you with in-flight entertainment and meals/drinks depending on the flight duration.

Depending on which class you choose, Air France offers a variety of treats and amenities such as wine tastings with French cuisine to make your flight even more enjoyable.

Which airport is better to fly to Paris?

Before we talk about which airline is the best to fly to Paris, let’s talk about airports.

Paris has two major airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris Orly Airport. The best airport to fly into depends on where you are leaving from, as some airlines only operate from one or the other.

Paris also has a smaller, regional airport called Beauvais Airport, which is located about 60 miles away from the city center. This is definitely the cheapest airport in Paris, because only budget airlines fly here.

But it’s so far out from the city that it’s not really worth it to fly here, even if you do find super low-cost flights that arrive to Beauvais.

Although flights to and from this airport are generally cheaper, you’ll need to factor in extra time for the shuttle services ride into the city and the additional cost of transportation.

You’ll usually only find Ryanair flights landing at Beauvais from nearby cities. If you’re coming from the US, you likely won’t be landing here.

⚡ P.S. Read this next for my complete breakdown of each of the three Paris airports and which to choose!

Airports near Paris

The best airport to fly into when visiting Paris is the Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). This is the largest airport in France and is one of the busiest airports in Europe. It’s well-connected to major cities around the world, so you’re likely to get a good deal on your flight when booking here.

Charles de Gaulle airport is the main airport in Paris, so it’s directly connected to the Paris metro and RER system, making it the best option for getting into the city center quickly and easily.

Now that you know more about choosing an airport, let’s look at which airlines offer service to Paris from North America.

Airlines Operating Direct Flights to/from Paris (CDG)

From North America, some of the best airlines to fly with are Air France, British Airways, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

These airlines offer regular direct flights from major US cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Average flight time to Paris from the U.S.

How long is the flight to Paris from the U.S.?

Well, it depends.

Travelers coming from the East Coast can expect to be in the air for about 7 hours, while those flying from the West Coast will see an average flight time of 9 to 11 hours.

On average, you can expect to be on the plane to Paris from the United States for at least 7 hours. But keep in mind that this is the average time frame for direct flights to Paris; if you have a layover somewhere, you can expect the flight time to increase.

I’d suggest you pack a few snacks and your best travel pillow!

The best airlines to fly to Paris (from the US)

Now that we know a bit more about Paris’ airports and which airlines operate service to Paris, let’s look at which one is best.

1. Air France

The best airline to fly with for a trip to Paris is Air France. With direct flights from various cities in the US, they offer some of the best prices and the best customer service.

Their prices are reasonable, though not necessarily the cheapest, and they often have great deals for those traveling in economy class.

They offer daily flights from major cities in the US, including New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami. Most of their flights are direct, so you don’t have to worry about layovers or long wait times.

Their planes are spacious, with comfortable seating and plenty of legroom. They also offer meals inspired by classic French food, so you can get a taste of Paris right onboard! For those who enjoy the finer things in life, first class passengers on Air France will also be treated to gourmet cuisine throughout the flight.

All travelers will also have access to in-flight entertainment, including movies and TV shows. This makes the long flight more bearable and slightly more enjoyable.

In terms of customer service, Air France offers excellent service with friendly crew members who are always willing to help make your journey as comfortable as possible.

Overall, Air France is the best airline to fly with for a trip to Paris. I try my best to fly with them anytime I’m flying back to France from the States. With some of the best prices, comfortable seating, and great customer service, there’s no better way to experience France than flying with Air France!

Pros:

• Fly directly to Paris from various US cities
• Offers reasonably priced flights
• Delicious in-flight meals for all passengers
• Variety of in-flight entertainment
• Friendly and helpful crew members

Cons:

• Can be slightly more expensive than other airlines. Not the best option if you’re on a tight budget
• Post-flight customer service isn’t the best

2. Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines is another great option for flying to Paris. While they don’t offer direct flights from all US cities, they usually have several connecting flights that will get you to Paris in no time.

Their prices are a little more pricey than other airlines but they often have deals and promotions that make flying even more affordable. Their planes are well-maintained, and they offer comfortable seating with plenty of legroom.

The in-flight entertainment is also quite good with a selection of movies, TV shows, and music for you to choose from.

The best part about flying Delta Airlines is the customer service. They have some of the best customer service out there, always going above and beyond to make sure your flight is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Delta is my first choice when it comes to traveling within the US because of its reputation for quality service. When it comes to flying to Paris, Delta isn’t my first choice in terms of flight availability and affordability.

But it’s still a great option for those who have extra money to shell out for a better experience.

Pros:

• Variety of connecting flights to Paris
• Comfortable seating with plenty of legroom
• Excellent in-flight entertainment options
• Exceptional customer service

Cons:

• Not all US cities have direct flights
• A bit more expensive than other airlines

3. American Airlines

American Airlines is another great option for flying to Paris. They offer direct flights from various cities in the US and their prices are usually quite reasonable.

Their planes are usually well-maintained and offer plenty of seating. Their seats aren’t the most comfortable though, which can get annoying on an 8-11 hour flight.

In terms of in-flight entertainment, they have a selection of movies, TV shows, and music to choose from.

In terms of customer service, American Airlines can be hit or miss. Sometimes their crew members are very friendly and accommodating while other times they’re not so pleasant.

Over the years, American has been in the media more and more frequently for their customer service issues, so this is something to keep in mind if you’re considering flying with them.

American Airlines isn’t my first choice when it comes to flying to Paris, but if price and availability are your top concerns then American can be a good option. Overall, I think American Airlines is a good option for those who have a tight budget but still want to fly to Paris in style.

Pros:

• Flys direct from most major US cities
• Reasonably priced flights
• Good selection of in-flight entertainment

Cons:

• Seats aren’t the best quality
• Customer service can be hit or miss

4. United Airlines

Last but not least, United Airlines is a popular choice for flying to Paris. They offer direct flights from most major US cities and their prices are usually competitive.

They offer in-flight meals and snacks for all passengers, and their in-flight entertainment options are quite good.

United has some of the best customer service out there with helpful and friendly crew members who will do anything to make sure your flight is as comfortable as possible. I’ve flown United several times and they have always exceeded my expectations.

Out of all the airlines I’ve listed, United is one of my top picks for flying to Paris, after Air France. They have great prices, excellent customer service, and they even offer rewards points or miles if you’re a frequent flyer. If flying Air France isn’t an option for you, United is a close second for direct flights to Paris.

All in all, United is an airline that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to fly to Paris in style and comfort.

Pros:

• Direct flights from most major US cities
• Good selection of in-flight entertainment
• Excellent customer service
• Rewards points for frequent flyers

Cons:

• Food options can be limited depending on the flight length

Budget airlines to fly to Paris

There are in fact budget airlines that offer flights to Paris from the US such as French Bee and Air Tahiti Nui.

Although these airlines generally have cheaper prices, keep in mind that they may not provide the best experience and don’t usually include meals or snacks during your flight.

If you’re traveling on a budget but still want a comfortable flying experience to Paris, I recommend looking at the other airlines I mentioned. Air France, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines all provide excellent service at a reasonable price.

French Bee and Air Tahiti Nui

But, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind sacrificing a few creature comforts during your flight, then budget airlines like French Bee or Air Tahiti Nui can be a great choice for getting to Paris.

The frequency of flights is not as often as other major airlines, so you’ll have to factor that in when looking, depending on your travel dates.

Pros:

• Cheaper prices than other airlines

Cons:

• Limited in-flight food and entertainment options
• Customer service may not always be good
• Not as reliable, I’ve had my flight canceled at the last minute with French Bee even though I had booked it weeks in advance

The best airlines to fly to Paris (from Europe)

Paris is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, so it’s no surprise that there are many airlines offering flights from various countries in Europe.

The best airline for traveling to Paris from Europe depends on your budget as well as the country you’re flying from, but generally I would recommend looking at Air France or KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for long-haul flights to Paris. Both of these airlines offer direct flights and their prices are usually quite reasonable.

For shorter flights around Europe, I like Vueling and EasyJet.

These are the most popular airlines when it comes to traveling within Europe. Veuling usually offers the best prices, whereas EasyJet has a more reliable service. Both airlines provide good customer service and have decent in-flight entertainment options.

They both fly out of Paris and offer non-stop flights to major cities around Western Europe like London, Barcelona, Berlin, Rome, and more. Both airline companies also offer domestic flights from other major cities in France.

I’d recommend hopping on one of these flights and visiting the French Riviera while you’re here. it’s beautiful!

You will usually have to pay a small fee in addition to your ticket for baggage and to choose your seat, so keep that in mind when booking.

So, which airline is best for your trip to Paris?

Overall, when it comes to best airlines for flying to Paris, my number one pick is Air France.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Air France (@airfrance)

This airline offers direct flights from major US cities to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and has some of the best prices for economy class tickets out there.

The average flight time is between 8-10 hours depending on where you’re flying from, and they offer a decent in-flight experience, with good food and a courteous crew.

Air France is also the best option for those wanting to combine business and pleasure on their trip, as they offer premium economy options that include extra legroom, priority boarding, and more.

If you’re looking for an even cheaper option (without sacrificing too much in quality), you might want to look at low-cost carriers such as French Bee. They offer flights from the US to Paris but be aware that some of their flight dates and times may not best suit your travel needs.

Finding cheap flights to Paris

If you’re really looking to save some money on air travel to Paris, then look no further than WayAway.

This site offers a great way to compare prices and flight times of the best airlines flying out of your city, so you can find the best deals at the best price.

WayAway also has some great tips and tricks to help you save even more money on your ticket, so it’s worth taking a look at before booking your flight.

You can search WayAway for flights to Paris here.

Thanks for reading!

Hopefully this article has been helpful in choosing the bests airline to fly to Paris for your trip to the City of Love!

These are just my top picks, but there are plenty of other great airlines out there to choose from, so make sure you do your research and find the best one for your needs.

Bon voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best airline in France?

The best airline in France is Air France. They offer direct flights to Paris from major US cities, as well as premium economy options for those wanting extra legroom and priority boarding.

How can I find cheap flights to Paris?

You can use a flight search engine like WayAway to compare prices and flight times of the best airlines flying out of your city. WayAway also has some great tips and tricks to help you save even more money on your ticket.

Is there a cheap alternative to flying to Paris?

If you’re looking for an even cheaper alternative, then look no further than low-cost carriers such as French Bee. They offer flights from the US to Paris but be aware that some of the flight dates and times may not best suit your travel needs.

What airlines fly from Paris?

There are a variety of airlines that fly out of Paris, including Air France, Qatar Airways, Emirates, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, United Airlines, Vueling, EasyJet, French Bee, and more. Each airline offers different services and prices so it’s best to check them all before booking your flight.

What day is the cheapest day of the week to fly to Paris?

Some say that the cheapest day to fly to Paris is on a Wednesday or Thursday, but it’s best to check with the individual airline as each one may have different prices.

What is the most expensive time to fly to Paris?

The most expensive time to fly to Paris is around peak travel seasons such as Christmas and New Year’s. It’s best to book your tickets in advance if possible, as prices tend to be much higher closer to the date of departure.

PLANNING A TRIP TO PARIS?Grab a copy of my FREE Paris travel guide!

This 10-page Paris travel guide includes:

• Practical tips for visiting Paris
• The best foods to eat in Paris
• The best restaurants in Paris (my top picks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• The top things to do and see in Paris (including day trips, scenic tours, museums, attractions, and more)
• The best (and worst) places to stay in Paris, including my top picks for hotels in each area

All links in this PDF are clickable so you can book your tours and hotels directly!

First NameName

Your emailEmail address

Get my FREE Paris Travel Guide