Flying to Paris for the first time was an exhilarating experience, yet one that made me realize just how overwhelming the world of airfare can be. The city of lights is a dream destination for many, but the cost of flights can sometimes feel like a barrier. On my very first trip, I spent hours comparing airlines, reading reviews, and learning little hacks to secure the cheapest fare without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Over time, I’ve developed a strategy for finding affordable flights to Paris, and I want to share it with you in detail.

Understanding Paris Airports

Before even looking at flight prices, I learned it’s essential to understand where you are landing in Paris. The city has three main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais-Tillé (BVA).

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the main international hub. It’s larger, more connected, and services most long-haul and European flights. Its modern terminals can be overwhelming at first, but the accessibility via RER B train makes reaching central Paris convenient.

Orly (ORY) mainly handles domestic and European flights. I personally prefer it for flights from other parts of Europe, as it is smaller and less crowded than CDG.

Beauvais-Tillé (BVA) is about 85 kilometers from central Paris and is used mostly by budget airlines. When I flew into Beauvais, I booked a shuttle bus in advance; it was a bit of a journey, but I saved a significant amount on airfare.

Knowing which airport you’re flying into is crucial, as it influences transport costs and convenience once you arrive in Paris.

Timing is Everything

When I first started looking for cheap flights, I learned that when you book and when you fly matters tremendously. Flights to Paris fluctuate greatly depending on the season, day of the week, and even the time of day.

I discovered that flying mid-week, particularly on a Tuesday or Wednesday, is usually cheaper than weekend departures. Early morning or late evening flights often have lower fares, though they might be less comfortable if you’re not a morning person.

Booking two to three months in advance is my personal sweet spot. Any earlier, and you might overpay; any later, and prices skyrocket. I usually rely on platforms like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo to track fare trends over weeks. These sites allow me to set alerts, so when a price drops, I’m notified immediately.

Airlines I Recommend for Budget Travelers

Through trial and error and after several trips across Europe, I’ve found three budget airlines that consistently offer great value without compromising too much on comfort. Each has its own strengths, and understanding these nuances can make a huge difference, especially for first-time travelers to Paris.

1. Ryanair

Ryanair is perhaps the most famous ultra-low-cost airline across Europe. On my first trip from London to Paris Beauvais, I paid just €35 for a one-way ticket. At first, I was skeptical—how could such a low fare actually be viable? But I quickly realized that Ryanair’s pricing model works because it keeps the base fare low and allows passengers to customize add-ons as needed.

• Special Features: Ryanair offers optional priority boarding, reserved seating, and the ability to check small bags for a fee. During my trip, I opted for priority boarding at an extra €6. It allowed me to be among the first to board, secure my overhead space, and settle in comfortably. While the seats are compact, the flight was short enough that it wasn’t uncomfortable.
• Passenger Feedback: Reviews are mixed. Many travelers rave about the low fares and straightforward booking process, while others criticize the strict baggage policies and additional fees. Personally, I found it manageable by packing light and bringing only a small backpack. The staff was efficient and surprisingly friendly, which helped ease some of my initial anxieties about flying with a budget carrier.
• Booking Platform: Ryanair.com is my go-to platform. Booking directly allows me to take advantage of promotions, manage my itinerary, and ensure that I’m fully aware of baggage restrictions and optional extras.

Tip: Always read the baggage rules carefully. What seems cheap initially can quickly become expensive if you bring a large suitcase or forget to pay for seat selection. I learned this the hard way on a previous trip, paying more in fees than the flight itself!

2. easyJet

easyJet has earned a reputation for reliable service while still offering affordable fares. I flew from Berlin to Paris Orly with them and paid around €60 one-way, which was a great balance between cost and comfort.

• Special Features: easyJet provides slightly more spacious seating compared to Ryanair, and on longer flights, a small snack and beverage service is available. The cabins are clean and well-maintained, and I appreciated that their boarding process is orderly and less chaotic than some budget airlines.
• Passenger Feedback: Most travelers appreciate the simplicity of online check-in and the punctuality of flights. In my experience, the crew was very approachable and helpful, especially when I had questions about my boarding pass and carry-on allowances. easyJet feels more structured, which makes it ideal for travelers who want low cost but slightly more comfort.
• Booking Platform: I usually book through easyJet.com or cross-check on Skyscanner. Skyscanner helps me compare prices and confirm that I’m getting the lowest available fare. I always check both platforms because easyJet occasionally runs flash sales that are only available on their official website.

Tip: easyJet frequently runs “sale” periods, particularly in early January and late September. If you’re flexible with your dates, booking during these sales can save up to 40% on tickets, which is significant for budget-conscious travelers.

3. Vueling

Vueling, a Spanish low-cost airline, has a strong European network and is one of my favorite budget carriers for flights to Paris. I booked a flight from Barcelona to Paris Charles de Gaulle for around €70, including a small carry-on.

• Special Features: Vueling provides free water on board and allows some flexibility in changing flight dates for a small fee. The seating is reasonably comfortable for a short-haul flight, and the flight attendants are courteous and attentive. On one occasion, I had to adjust my flight time due to a schedule conflict, and Vueling’s support staff helped me make the change efficiently.
• Passenger Feedback: Reviews mention occasional delays, which I’ve personally experienced once, but overall, passengers appreciate the affordability and comfortable seating for budget-class travel. The airline is particularly appealing for travelers who value reliability alongside low prices.
• Booking Platform: I book Vueling tickets either directly via Vueling.com or through Kayak. Booking directly often provides additional options for seat selection and allows me to manage my booking with fewer third-party restrictions.

Tip: If you are booking multiple flights with different budget airlines, consider travel insurance for peace of mind. I always take out a small policy to cover missed connections or flight changes, which eliminates a lot of stress when traveling on tight itineraries.

Using Flight Comparison Tools

For my Paris trips, I heavily rely on comparison tools. Platforms like Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kayak allow me to view multiple airlines, dates, and prices at a glance.

• Skyscanner has a “whole month” search feature that helps identify the cheapest day to fly.
• Momondo often lists smaller, lesser-known carriers that aren’t highlighted on other sites.
• Kayak provides predictive tools showing whether fares are likely to rise or drop.

I’ve also started using Hopper, an app that predicts the best time to book based on historical data. It can be surprisingly accurate for short-haul European flights.

Booking Tips for First-Time Travelers

From personal experience, I’ve developed several strategies to maximize savings:

1. Clear cookies or use incognito mode: Flight prices can appear higher if the website tracks repeated searches.
2. Be flexible with dates: A day’s difference can sometimes save €50–€100.
3. Check nearby airports: Landing at Orly instead of CDG or Beauvais instead of central Paris can reduce costs.
4. Bundle flights and accommodation: Platforms like Expedia and Booking.com sometimes offer discounts for combined bookings.
5. Sign up for newsletters: Budget airlines often announce flash sales via email.
6. Consider early or late flights: These are less desirable but cheaper.
7. Use loyalty points or credit card rewards: I once reduced my flight cost by 20% using points accrued from prior trips.

Personal Reflections

Flying on a budget does not mean sacrificing the joy of travel. On my first Ryanair flight to Paris, I felt the anticipation build as the plane approached the city. Even though the plane was small and the seats tight, I was too excited to mind. Landing at Beauvais and taking the shuttle into central Paris felt like a small adventure in itself.

I also love how budget flights allow for spontaneous trips. One weekend, I booked a flight from Amsterdam to Paris for €40 with Vueling, simply because I craved a walk along the Seine and a café au lait in Montmartre. The savings from the flight allowed me to splurge on a nice dinner and a Seine river cruise that evening.

Additional Platforms to Explore

For budget travelers planning Paris flights, I’ve found these platforms useful:

• Skyscanner – excellent for comparing multiple airlines and flexible dates
• Kayak – good for predictive pricing and package deals
• Momondo – highlights lesser-known carriers and fare options
• Hopper – predictive app for booking at the best time
• Ryanair.com, easyJet.com, Vueling.com – book directly for better control over add-ons and seat selection

I often cross-check between these platforms to ensure I’m truly getting the cheapest fare possible.

Flight Experience Tips

A few personal notes on flying cheaply but comfortably:

• Pack light: Carry-on luggage only avoids extra fees and speeds up boarding.
• Bring snacks and water: Budget airlines may charge for food and drinks.
• Charge your devices: Long waits at smaller airports like Beauvais make a power bank essential.
• Arrive early: Budget airlines have strict boarding windows.

Flying to Paris on a budget can feel stressful at first, but with careful planning, flexibility, and the right tools, it becomes an enjoyable part of the adventure. I still remember the thrill of my first cheap flight touching down near the Eiffel Tower, the sense of freedom and anticipation washing over me. Each budget flight has taught me patience, planning, and the reward of arriving in one of the world’s most beautiful cities without emptying my wallet.