Paris, the City of Light, is a dream destination for many. Whether you’re traveling for leisure, business, or a special occasion, flying to Paris can be an unforgettable experience. But let’s face it, the cost of flying can be a deal-breaker for some. So, how do you make sure you’re getting the best value for your money when booking a flight to Paris?
- My Flight Experience: Brussels to Paris
1.1 The Flight – Brussels to Paris
My recent trip to Paris began with a flight from Brussels Airport (BRU) to Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG). I was flying with Air France, the national carrier, which offers frequent and direct flights between these two cities. This is a highly convenient route, and I was curious to see what the experience would be like, especially considering I’d often flown on budget airlines for shorter European routes.
• Flight Number: AF1023 (Brussels to Paris)
• Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
• Departure Airport: Brussels Airport (BRU)
• Arrival Airport: Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG)
I decided to opt for economy class for this short, two-hour flight, as I didn’t think a long-haul business class experience was necessary. I wasn’t sure what to expect, so I was keen on experiencing the differences between low-cost carriers and full-service airlines for a short journey.
1.2 Booking the Ticket
I initially checked several platforms to compare prices. Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and the official Air France website are always my go-to when booking tickets. Here’s a breakdown of my findings:
• One-way Ticket (Brussels to Paris): $85 USD
• Round-trip Ticket (Brussels to Paris): $160 USD
• Booking Platforms: Skyscanner, Google Flights, Air France
Surprisingly, booking directly through Air France didn’t yield a better deal. After comparing the prices on Google Flights and Skyscanner, I decided to book through Skyscanner, as it offered a slight discount and gave me more flexibility with changes in case of unexpected schedule changes.
1.3 The Airport Experience
I arrived at Brussels Airport (BRU) well ahead of time. The airport was quite calm, and check-in was smooth. One of the things I appreciated was the ease of security checks and the clear directions on how to navigate the terminal. I had plenty of time to grab a coffee before boarding.
When I arrived at the gate, I noticed the Air France staff were courteous and organized. They made sure to announce flight details and boarding procedures clearly.
1.4 Onboard the Flight – Economy Class
The boarding process was seamless. I walked into the aircraft and found my seat in the economy class. Now, I must admit, I wasn’t expecting much—after all, this was a short flight—but I was pleasantly surprised. The seat was comfortable for my size (I’m about 5’10”), and while the legroom was typical of a short-haul economy seat, it was adequate for a flight that lasts less than two hours.
• Seat: Standard economy class. While it wasn’t luxurious, it was comfortable enough for a short journey.
• In-flight Entertainment: No personal screens in economy, but the flight was short enough that it wasn’t needed.
• Food & Drinks: A light snack and beverage were offered, which is standard on most European flights.
• Service: The flight attendants were friendly, quick, and attentive. They served drinks with a smile and even checked if I needed anything.
The most important aspect of my experience was that the flight was smooth, on time, and the cabin was well-maintained. While there wasn’t much to rave about, I certainly can’t complain about anything either. Air France’s economy class on this flight was exactly what I needed for a quick trip to Paris.
1.5 Arrival at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle
We landed at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG) just a few minutes ahead of schedule, which was a nice touch. I noticed that the airport was much busier than Brussels, as CDG is one of Europe’s busiest international hubs. However, since I had already purchased a transport pass to take the RER B train into the city center, navigating the airport was relatively easy. The signs for connecting transport options are very clear, making it simple to find your way.
- How to Find the Cheapest Flight to Paris
Now that I’ve shared my personal experience, let’s focus on how you can find the cheapest flights to Paris. Booking a flight at the right time and choosing the right platform can make a huge difference in cost.
2.1 When to Book Your Flight
One of the first things I always consider when booking a flight is timing. Flights to Paris, especially from European cities like Brussels, are typically quite affordable if you book well in advance.
• Best Time to Book: For the best deals, aim to book at least 3–4 weeks in advance. This gives you a better chance of securing lower fares.
• Cheapest Days to Fly: Flights are generally cheaper on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Flying on these days can save you up to 30% compared to peak travel days (like Fridays and Sundays).
2.2 Which Platforms Should You Use to Book?
Here are the platforms I recommend for booking your flight to Paris:
• Google Flights: This tool is fantastic for comparing flight prices across different airlines. It shows you trends in pricing and gives you insight into the best days to fly.
• Skyscanner: A great resource for finding budget flights, Skyscanner searches multiple airlines and booking websites to find the cheapest options. You can also set up price alerts for specific routes.
• Expedia: This platform offers bundle deals (flights, hotels, and car rentals). If you’re planning an entire trip, Expedia is a good one-stop-shop.
• Momondo: Similar to Skyscanner, Momondo is a great site for discovering hidden deals, especially from low-cost carriers.
2.3 Booking One-Way vs Round-Trip
I recommend considering booking a round-trip ticket if you are sure of your travel dates, as they can often be cheaper than one-way tickets. However, if you’re unsure about your return date or if you’re planning on staying longer, booking a one-way ticket might give you more flexibility.
• Round-Trip Example: A round-trip ticket from Brussels to Paris can cost around €140 when booked in advance. Some budget carriers may offer even cheaper options, especially if you book early.
• One-Way Example: A one-way ticket can range from €50 to €85 depending on the airline and how early you book.
2.4 Types of Airlines
You can choose between full-service airlines and low-cost carriers, depending on your budget and preferences.
• Full-Service Airlines (e.g., Air France, KLM): These airlines offer more amenities (free snacks, drinks, and checked luggage) but may be more expensive.
• Low-Cost Carriers (e.g., Ryanair, EasyJet): These airlines are much cheaper but charge extra for checked luggage, seat selection, and food.
If you’re just looking for a cheap flight and don’t mind the bare-bones experience, low-cost carriers are an excellent choice. However, if you want a bit more comfort and included amenities, consider flying with a full-service airline like Air France or Brussels Airlines.
- Recommended Flights from Brussels to Paris
Here are four recommended flight options based on cost, convenience, and comfort:
3.1 Air France (AF1023)
• Class: Economy
• Price: From €85 (one-way)
• Pros: Direct flight, professional service, comfortable seats
• Cons: Slightly higher price than low-cost carriers
3.2 Ryanair (FR4565)
• Class: Economy
• Price: From €45 (one-way)
• Pros: Cheapest option
• Cons: Extra fees for luggage and seat selection
3.3 EasyJet (U2 3422)
• Class: Economy
• Price: From €55 (one-way)
• Pros: Affordable, decent in-flight service
• Cons: Charges for checked luggage
3.4 Brussels Airlines (SN 2204)
• Class: Economy
• Price: From €70 (one-way)
• Pros: Direct flight, good service, comfort
• Cons: Slightly more expensive than Ryanair or EasyJet
- Nearby Airports in Paris
If you’re flying into Paris, keep in mind that there are several airports to choose from. The two main ones are:
4.1 Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG)
• Location: 25 kilometers north of central Paris
• Best For: International flights, long-haul connections
• Transportation: Easily accessible via RER B train or shuttle buses
4.2 Orly Airport (ORY)
• Location: 13 kilometers south of central Paris
• Best For: Domestic and European flights
• Transportation: Served by Tramway and Orlyval metro
4.3 Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA)
• Location: 85 kilometers north of Paris
• Best For: Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air)
• Transportation: Direct shuttle buses to Paris Porte Maillot station
Sharing practical tips on how to find the cheapest flights, my firsthand experience with budget and standard airlines, and essential tips for booking flights without breaking the bank.
