Planning a trip to France can be exciting yet challenging, especially when managing costs. To make your journey more affordable, knowing the Cheapest Time to Fly to France is essential. You can save significantly on airfare by understanding the best times to book and travel.
This article will provide various tips and insights, helping you identify the Cheapest Time to Fly to France without breaking the bank. Whether you’re visiting for the stunning landscapes, rich history, or exquisite cuisine, timing your flight right can make all the difference.
The Cheapest Time to Book Flights to France in 2024
Generally, the cheapest time to fly to France is during the off-season, which is from late November to April. This is because there is less flight demand during this time, so airlines lower their prices to attract customers.
Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest months to fly to France:
- Cheapest month: Late November to early December
- Shoulder season: March to May and September to October (slightly more expensive than the cheapest months but less crowded than peak season)
- Peak season: June to August (the most expensive time to fly to France, but also the best weather)
Cheapest Airlines that Fly to France with Average Prices
Here are 8 of the cheapest airlines that fly to France, along with some average price ranges you can expect (based on searches for economy round-trip flights departing from the United States):
- Play Airlines (starting at $260): This Icelandic ultra-low-cost carrier offers service to several French destinations, including Paris, Bordeaux, and Nice.
- Ryanair (starting at $300): This Irish low-cost carrier is known for its budget-friendly fares and extensive route network, including many destinations in France. However, be sure to factor in potential baggage fees, as checked luggage is often an extra cost.
- LEVEL (starting at $350): LEVEL is a low-cost airline brand launched by IAG, the parent company of Iberia and British Airways. It offers comfortable cabins with more legroom than some other budget airlines and serves several French destinations from North America.
- Wizz Air (starting at $380): This Hungarian low-cost carrier offers service to a few select airports in France, primarily from Eastern Europe.
- Transavia France (starting at $400): This French low-cost carrier, a subsidiary of KLM, offers flights from several European cities to destinations throughout France.
- easyJet (starting at $420): This British low-cost carrier is a popular choice for flights within Europe, including many destinations in France. Like other budget airlines, be mindful of baggage fees.
- Vueling (starting at $450): This Spanish low-cost carrier offers service to several French destinations from Spain and other parts of Europe.
- Norwegian Air (starting at $500): Norwegian Air is a low-cost, long-haul airline that offers comfortable cabins with amenities like in-flight entertainment on some routes. It serves several French destinations from North America.
Pros & Cons of Flying to France During the Cheapest Time
Pros of Flying to France During the Cheapest Time (Off-Season)
- Save Money: The biggest advantage is significant savings on flights and potentially on accommodation and activities.
- Fewer Crowds: Popular tourist attractions and destinations will be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate experience.
- Unique Experiences: You might encounter events or festivals specific to the off-season, offering a different perspective on French culture.
- Lower Accommodation Rates: Hotels and vacation rentals often have lower rates during the off-season.
- Explore Different Activities: Depending on the time of year, off-season activities like skiing in the French Alps or attending wine festivals become options.
Cons of Flying to France During the Cheapest Time (Off-Season)
- Weather: The weather can be less than ideal, with colder temperatures, rain, or even snow, depending on the specific month. This could limit your outdoor activities.
- Shorter Days: Daylight hours will be shorter, especially in winter, affecting sightseeing opportunities.
- Limited Hours/Closures: During the off-season, some restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions may have shorter operating hours or be closed altogether.
- Fewer Events/Festivals: There might be fewer cultural events and festivals happening compared to peak season.
- Transportation Issues: Public transportation schedules or availability might be reduced compared to peak season.
Additional Tips for Finding the Best Flight Deals to France in 2024
- Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Airports: Don’t be tied down to specific dates or arrival airports. Search for flights on weekdays (usually cheaper than weekends) and consider flying to smaller airports near your destination city. Budget airlines often operate out of these secondary airports.
- Sign Up for Email Alerts and Newsletters: Many airlines and flight deal websites offer email alerts that notify you of price drops on flights to your desired destinations.
- Consider “Mistake Fares”: Sometimes airlines publish fares with errors that result in incredibly low prices. Websites like Secret Flying track and share these mistaken fares, but be quick to act as they get corrected swiftly.
- Utilize Incognito Mode: Booking sites use cookies to track your searches and potentially inflate prices after you’ve shown interest in a particular route. Use incognito mode to avoid this.
- Explore Alternative Travel Methods: Depending on your location and destination, consider flying into a neighboring country and then taking a budget train or bus onward to France. This can sometimes be cheaper than flying directly.
- Search for Flight Deals in Other Currencies: Flight prices can fluctuate depending on the currency used. Try searching for flights in Euros (EUR) or another currency to see if you find a better deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the best prices, it's recommended to book your flight to France about 2-3 months in advance. This allows you to take advantage of early booking discounts.
Yes, flights to France are usually cheaper on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as these days have lower demand compared to weekends.
To find cheap flights to France, use fare comparison websites, set price alerts, be flexible with your travel dates, and consider flying into less popular airports.
Yes, flying to France can be cheaper from major international hubs like New York (JFK) or Los Angeles (LAX) due to more competition and frequent flights.
