The average flight time between New York City and Paris takes just 7 hours 30 minutes and costs as little as €300, which means flying between these two superstar cities is both accessible and affordable.
With a staggering 702 direct flights between New York and Paris every week, travellers can choose from around 100 direct flights per day. You can fly from three main airports in New York City: John F. Kennedy (JFK), Newark (EWR) and LaGuardia International Airport (LGA). Most flights arrive into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), located around 15 miles from the heart of Paris, though some fly to Orly (ORY). If you’re considering flying between these two blockbuster capital cities, we’ve analysed the best direct flight options between New York City and Paris, taking into consideration prices, departure times and onboard facilities and amenities. While there are even more indirect flights to choose from, we’ve omitted these options from our analysis given the carbon impact of take-off and landing, as well as the frequency of direct flights.
French Bee
French Bee SAS, formerly French Blue, offers the most affordable flight rates between NYC and Paris. The low-cost, long-haul airline operates one flight on most days, departing late in the evening and arriving shortly before midday. It’s an excellent option for those looking to string out their stay in NYC as long as possible. However, travellers should note that flights depart from Newark Airport, which means it isn’t ideal for those staying in the heart of NYC. French Bee is also one of the few airlines that arrives into Paris Orly airport. The route operates a fleet of Airbus A350s, with an option to book Economy or Premium Economy. Like most low-cost carriers, travellers need to opt for add-ons, such as seat selection, baggage, meals and priority. It’s the best option for those looking to travel cheaply and light between the two cities. Air Caraibes also sells this flight.
American Airlines
American Airlines operates a daily direct service, which is also sold by Finnair, Jet Blue, Iberia and British Airways. Prices are more expensive than French Bee, though differences are marginal if booked far enough in advance. Base rates do not include baggage but do include a meal. Flights depart from JFK Airport at 17:30 and arrive into Charles de Gaulle Airport at 06:30, making it a good option for those looking to make the most of their trip to Paris. Travellers can choose from Main Cabin, Premium Economy and Business Class, though there is no option to fly first class.
United Airlines
United Airlines offers one flight per day at 18:25 from Newark Airport. Prices are roughly in line with American Airlines’ offering, though costs can add up quickly if you need to add checked baggage, seat selection and change fees. The airline currently offers four tickets: Basic Economy, Economy, Premium Economy and Business. Like American Airlines, there is no first-class option. Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines sell this flight too.
Air France
Air France offers 7-8 daily flights, which are also sold by Delta Airlines and Virgin Airlines. Fares tend to be more expensive than both French Bee and American Airlines, though customers have more choice when it comes to departure times, with flights between 16:30 and 19:30. Flights depart from both JFK Airport and Newark Airport too. It’s the best option for those looking to travel in comfort, as the only airline offering a service beyond Business. Customers can even upgrade to Delta One, which boasts a 180-degree flat bed with bedding, free same-day ticket changes and a refundable fare.
La Compagnie
La Compagnie is a French all-business airline, which makes it an excellent option for those travelling on the company credit card. It offers one daily flight at 19:30 from Newark Airport, which arrives into Paris Orly Airport in the early morning. Fares are significantly more expensive than any other airline, costing upwards of $2000 for a single ticket, though fares are cheaper than United Airlines’ premium offering. Check-in is a breeze thanks to priority access and boarding is swift due to its tiny size. Seats are configured in rows of two, with a handy partition for customers travelling alone. Meals, over-the-ear headphones, in-seat screens and amenity bags are included in the price too. It’s a good option for those travelling for business, prioritizing efficiency and comfort over price.