Getting the best Flight Deals to Paris

When you’re planning a trip to Paris, especially if you’re heading to Disneyland Paris, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to getting the best flight deals. I’ve picked up a few tips over the years that have really helped me save money and avoid some common pitfalls. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve found works best, and while my experience is mostly around Dublin airport, this can apply to all Irish flights.

1. Time of Year and Seasonality

The time of year you choose to travel can influence flight prices, but in my experience, taking all the rest of the advice following, you can find a deal at pretty much any time of the year, if you can be flexible enough.

Paris is a popular destination year-round, and some flights tend to be more expensive during peak seasons like summer and major holidays. Knowing the difference in your airlines, your airports, your times of travel, all adds up to getting a deal. Sometimes you can even offset a day or two extra stay to have cheaper flights. In the past 3 years, I’ve managed to get deals for New Years, Easter break, Halloween, Bastille Day and more. It’s all about crunching some numbers.

2. Book Approximately 6 Weeks in Advance

Why It Matters: Booking your flight too early or too late can result in higher prices. The best deals are often available around 6 to 8 weeks before your intended departure. This is my most proven tip to getting a deal; wait, but do not miss it!

Tips:

• Monitor Prices: Start checking flight prices about three months before your trip and aim to book around the 6-8 week mark for the best deals.
• Stay Flexible: If possible, keep your travel dates flexible and look for mid-week flights, which are often cheaper than weekend departures.
• Time of Day: Early flights and late flights are cheaper than middle of the day. If you can get to the airport for 7am, you’ll get a better deal than a flight at 11am.
• My Top Flight To Watch: I have often found the Aer Lingus flight combination of first flight out (8am-ish), last flight home (10pm-ish) to be best value overall. Current Target price is approx €100-€120 per person return with bags.

3. Use Skyscanner/Kayak to Set Up Price Alerts

Why It Matters: Price comparison tools like Skyscanner and Kayak allow you to monitor flight prices and set up alerts to notify you when prices drop, ensuring you don’t miss out on the best deals.

Tips:

• Set Up Alerts Early: Use these platforms to track flight prices and receive notifications as soon as there’s a significant price drop. Make an account, give them your email that you check reguarly.
• Compare Often: Even with alerts, it’s a good idea to cross-check prices across different platforms and directly with airlines to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
• Kayak Vs Skyscanner: Everyone has their preference, I personally use Skyscanner much more frequently, but it is good to check the alternative as well just in case. I will still always book directly with the airline, not through their suggested partners. Always go direct.

4. Flight Sales Reminders from Airlines

Why It Matters: Airlines frequently hold sales that can significantly reduce the cost of flights to Paris. Staying informed about these can help you save a substantial amount.

Tips:

• Sign Up for Newsletters: Create an account, and give them your email; subscribe to newsletters from airlines such as Aer Lingus, Air France, and Ryanair to be the first to know about upcoming sales.
• Follow Airlines on Social Media: Airlines often announce flash sales and special discounts on their social media channels, so it’s worth following them for updates. I’ve snagged many Aer Lingus deals this way.
• Always ask yourself… IS IT actually a sale? It’s a classic sales tactic; something is “on sale” when it really isnt. Some airlines are better than others at giving you an actual better price – Ryanair for example, their sales at least to me appear more ‘legitimate’. Aer Lingus I’ve found guilty however, where the price of the flight 1 or 2 weeks before was cheaper than their current price. But I refer to Tip 2 above; book 6-8 weeks in advance.

5. Baggage Costs and Deals

Why It Matters: Baggage fees can quickly add up, especially with budget airlines. Understanding the baggage policies of your chosen airline can help you avoid unexpected costs.

Tips:

• Check Baggage Allowance: Before booking, always check what baggage is included in your fare. Some airlines offer deals or discounts on baggage if booked in advance.
• Aer Lingus Family Deal: Aer Lingus offers a family-friendly deal where if you purchase one large checked bag, you can get a second bag at half price. This can be a great way to save money if you’re travelling with family and need extra luggage space.
• Pack Light: Consider packing light to avoid checked baggage fees. Many airlines charge significantly more for baggage checked at the airport rather than online. I always overpack.
• Seats: Perhaps a controversial stance, but I encourage a ‘do not pay for seats’ policy. When travelling with family, one adult will be sat next to another child in every case (so family of 4, one parent will definitely be say next to one child). In 90% of my cases, these seats will also be close to each other – same row, or one in front of the other. The airlines do not want to break up families. The flight is short, and more often than not, a solution for seats can be worked out. But, if its vital for you to sit together and you want to pay for seats, go for the seats in the middle of the plane – these are the most stable, rows 12-18 (more in line with the wings, the better).

6. Always Book Directly with the Airline

Why It Matters: While third-party booking sites may appear to offer lower fares, hidden fees and restrictions often make them more expensive in the long run.

Tips:

• Book Directly with Airlines: This ensures you get the most accurate pricing and better customer service if changes are needed. If theres any problems, you can deal with them directly. A problem that you have no control over is not a good experience on your holiday, and I have seen too many stressed out passengers at airports that hadnt booked directly.
• Avoid Hidden Fees: Third-party sites often don’t include all costs, such as baggage, seat selection, and other add-ons, which can quickly increase the total cost. If like myself, you overpack and bring too much, the baggage is often where they get you.

7. Lap Infants (Under 2 Years Old)

Why It Matters: Flying with infants under two years old can be cost-effective as many airlines allow them to fly for a small fee or even free if seated on your lap. Disneyland Paris is extremely well equiped to visiting with an infant no matter what their age, and a wonderful experience to do.

Tips:

• Check Infant Policies: Different airlines have varying policies regarding lap infants, including fees and baggage allowances, so always check before booking. Aer Lingus, Air France and Ryanair basically have zero cost apart from taxes/fees for lap infants.
• Booking a Seat for an infant: If you want to bring the car seat on board, you might want to book a separate seat for your infant, especially if they’re close to two years old, for added comfort.

8. Ryanair Flights to Paris Beauvais

Why It Matters: Ryanair often offers the cheapest flights to Paris, but they fly into Beauvais Airport (BVA), which is much farther from the city centre and Disneyland Paris compared to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY).

Tips:

• Consider Transfer Costs: Any savings from flying Ryanair may be offset by the cost and time of transferring from Beauvais to Paris or Disneyland Paris. A private transfer can take over 90 minutes and is expensive, making this option less appealing.
• Public Transport Options: If you choose Ryanair, consider taking the shuttle bus from Beauvais to central Paris, followed by a transfer to Disneyland. However, this can be time-consuming and less convenient, especially with children.
• Assess Overall Value: When factoring in transfer costs and travel time, Ryanair’s lower fares may not be worth it. Flying into CDG or ORY with another airline could be more cost-effective and convenient overall.
• But it CAN be done! I’ve not done it myself, but I know of others that have done day trips to Disneyland Paris with Ryanair. If you can get a group together to split that taxi fare, it just might be worth doing.

Final Thoughts

Planning ahead and knowing where to look for deals can really pay off when booking flights to Paris. Aer Lingus is usually my go-to because of their family-friendly baggage deals and the overall convenience, but if you’re looking at Ryanair, just be sure to consider all the extra costs and time involved. Whatever you choose, a bit of extra planning can make your trip smoother and save you some money to spend at the parks instead.