French Bee flies JFK to Paris Orly for $350–450 round trip on brand-new Airbus A350s. Norse Atlantic does JFK/EWR to CDG for $300–400 on Boeing 787 Dreamliners. These aren’t cramped charter planes — they’re wide-body, twin-aisle aircraft with decent legroom and in-seat power. Meanwhile, Air France and Delta charge $700–1,200 for the same 7-hour flight. We compared eight airlines on this route, from Norse Atlantic’s $250 flash sales to La Compagnie’s all-business-class A321neo, and the value gap between budget and legacy carriers has never been wider.
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At a Glance
✈️ Cheapest Fare
~$250 RT (Norse Atlantic flash sale)
⏳ Flight Time
~7–8 hours direct
✈️ Direct Airlines
Air France, Delta, United, American, JetBlue, French Bee, Norse, La Compagnie
🎉 Best Value
French Bee JFK→ORY (~$350–450 RT)
📅 Cheapest Months
January–March, October–November
📍 Visa
Not required (US citizens, under 90 days)
What Every Airline Actually Costs on This Route
NYC–Paris is one of the most competitive transatlantic routes in the world — eight airlines operate direct nonstops. We checked fares in late March 2026 across Google Flights, airline sites, and Kayak. The range from cheapest to most expensive is staggering.
| Airline | RT Fare Range | Route | Aircraft | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norse Atlantic | $300–450 | JFK/EWR → CDG | 787 Dreamliner | Personal item only (base) |
| French Bee | $350–500 | JFK → ORY | A350-900 | Personal item, USB power |
| JetBlue | $400–600 | JFK → CDG | A321LR | Carry-on, WiFi, snacks, legroom |
| United | $550–900 | EWR → CDG | 767/787 | Carry-on, meals, entertainment |
| American | $550–900 | JFK → CDG | 777/787 | Carry-on, meals, entertainment |
| Air France | $600–1,000 | JFK → CDG | A350/777 | Carry-on, meals, wine, entertainment |
| Delta | $600–1,000 | JFK → CDG | A330/767 | Carry-on, meals, entertainment |
| La Compagnie | $1,200–2,000 | JFK → CDG | A321neo | All business: lie-flat, meals, lounge |
Fares checked via Google Flights + airline sites, late March 2026. Round-trip prices for economy class. Prices fluctuate daily.
Our honest take
French Bee is our pick for most travelers. The A350 is a genuinely comfortable wide-body (it’s the same plane Air France uses on premium routes), the legroom is decent at 31–32″, and Orly airport is actually closer to central Paris than CDG. You’ll pay $30–50 for a meal on board and $50–70 for a checked bag, but even all-in you’re looking at $450–550 round trip versus $700+ on Air France. JetBlue is the sweet spot if you want included amenities — free WiFi, snacks, and entertainment on the A321LR, though the single-aisle layout feels tighter than a wide-body on a 7-hour flight.
See today’s prices across all airlines →
CDG vs Orly — Which Paris Airport Is Better?
Charles de Gaulle (CDG) — Where Most Flights Land
30 km northeast of central Paris. The RER B train runs directly to Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, and Luxembourg in 35–50 minutes for €11.45 ($12.50). CDG is enormous and confusing — Terminal 2 has sub-terminals A through G, and connecting between them can take 20 minutes. If you’re arriving groggy after an overnight flight, the signage is decent but the scale is overwhelming. Taxis to central Paris are fixed-rate: €56 to Right Bank, €65 to Left Bank ($61/$71).
Orly (ORY) — Smaller, Closer, French Bee’s Hub
14 km south of central Paris. The Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau takes 25–30 minutes for €11.20 ($12.20), or the Orlyval automated train connects to RER B at Antony for about the same price. Orly is smaller, less chaotic, and slightly closer to the Left Bank (Saint-Germain, Montparnasse, Latin Quarter). Taxis are fixed-rate: €37 to Left Bank, €44 to Right Bank ($40/$48) — significantly cheaper than from CDG.
If you’re flying French Bee and landing at Orly, you’re actually in better shape than CDG arrivals — closer to the city, cheaper taxi, smaller terminal. For CDG arrivals, the RER B is the smart move if you travel light. After an overnight flight with luggage? A pre-booked transfer saves the headache.
When to Fly — and When Paris Costs Double
NYC to Paris has dramatic seasonal price swings. Summer (June–August) is when Americans flood the city, and airlines know it. We tracked this route for six months — here’s the real pricing pattern:
| Period | Typical RT Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | $300–450 | Cheapest window. Cold (35–45°F) but museums are empty. |
| March (early) | $350–500 | Shoulder. Paris starts warming up, café terraces reopen. |
| April–May | $450–650 | Spring. Beautiful weather, moderate crowds, prices rising. |
| June–August | $700–1,200 | Peak summer. Book 4+ months early or pay premium. |
| September–October | $350–500 | Sweet spot. Warm, locals return, prices drop sharply. |
| November | $300–450 | Off-peak. Cooler but uncrowded. Pre-holiday quiet. |
| December | $500–800 | Christmas markets + NYE. Hotel prices spike harder than flights. |
The $300 hack
Norse Atlantic and French Bee run flash sales 3–4 times per year, usually in January and September. We’ve seen JFK–CDG at $250 round trip during these sales. Set a Google Flights price alert for JFK–PAR and check Secret Flying or The Points Guy deal alerts. Book 2–4 months out for the best regular economy fares; 4–6 months for business class. Tuesday and Wednesday departures save $30–60 versus weekend flights.
Compare NYC–Paris prices for your dates →
What $350 vs $600 vs $1,500 Actually Gets You
This is an overnight flight for most schedules (depart JFK 6–10pm, arrive Paris 7–11am). Whether you can sleep upright in economy or need to lie flat changes the calculus completely. Here’s the honest comparison:
| Feature | French Bee ($400) | JetBlue Core ($500) | Air France Premium Eco ($900) | La Compagnie ($1,500) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat pitch | 31–32″ | 32″ | 38″ | Lie-flat (76″) |
| Seat width | 18″ | 18.4″ | 18.5″ | 20″+ |
| Aircraft | A350 (wide-body) | A321LR (narrow) | A350/777 (wide) | A321neo (narrow) |
| Carry-on bag | +$50–70 | Included | Included | Included |
| Checked bag | +$50–70 | +$60 | Included (2x23kg) | Included |
| Meals | Buy on board ($12–30) | Free snacks/drinks | Full meal + wine | Multi-course + champagne |
| WiFi | Paid (€9–15) | Free | Paid (€8–18) | Free |
| Entertainment | BYO device + app | Seatback screen | Seatback screen | Tablet provided |
| Lounge access | No | No | No | Yes |
| Power outlet | USB | USB + AC | USB + AC | USB + AC |
Honestly? If you can sleep in a standard economy seat, French Bee at $400 all-in is unbeatable. You’re on the same A350 that Air France uses, arriving at an airport that’s closer to central Paris. The $600 you save over Air France buys three nights at a budget Parisian hotel. But if you can’t sleep upright and need to hit the ground running, La Compagnie at $1,200–1,500 is lie-flat business class at half the price of Air France La Première — we think it’s the best business class value across the Atlantic.
Skip the Roaming Charges — France eSIM Options
Paris has free WiFi in most cafés and the entire Métro system, but you’ll want data for Google Maps navigation, real-time translation, and staying connected between WiFi spots. T-Mobile includes international data in most plans (but at 2G speeds — fine for messaging, painful for maps). AT&T International Day Pass costs $10/day. Verizon TravelPass is $10/day.
A France eSIM costs $5–15 for a week of usable 4G/5G data. Takes 2 minutes to set up on any iPhone XS or newer (or recent Android). Way cheaper than carrier roaming if you’re there for more than 2 days.
Quick Paris Guide — What You Need Before You Land
Getting Around — The Métro Is Your Best Friend
Buy a Navigo Easy card at any Métro station (€2 for the card, then load t+ tickets at €2.15 each or a 10-pack for €17.35). Covers all of central Paris — 16 Métro lines, RER commuter trains within Zone 1, and buses. Trains run 5:30am–1:15am (until 2:15am on Fridays and Saturdays). Do NOT buy single-use paper tickets — they’re being phased out. Uber works well in Paris, but the Métro is faster for most journeys.
Tipping & Paying
Service is included in all French restaurant bills (service compris — it’s the law). Rounding up or leaving €1–2 on the table is appreciated but not expected. Contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere — Apple Pay and Google Pay work at Métro gates, cafés, and boulangeries. Carry some cash for street markets and smaller shops. ATMs (“distributeurs”) at bank branches give the best exchange rate — avoid the exchange bureaus on the Champs-Élysées.
Language Basics
Say “Bonjour” when entering any shop or restaurant. This is non-negotiable in French culture — skipping it is considered rude and will affect how you’re treated. “Merci” (thank you), “S’il vous plaît” (please), and “L’addition, s’il vous plaît” (the check, please) cover 90% of interactions. Most tourist areas have English menus — Google Translate’s camera mode handles the rest.
Things to Do
Louvre (€22 / $24 — skip-the-line tickets are essential, Wednesday/Friday evening sessions are least crowded), Musée d’Orsay (€16 / $17.50), Eiffel Tower summit (€26.80 / $29 by elevator), Seine river cruise (€15–18 / $16–20 for 1 hour — the Bateaux Mouches sunset cruise is the classic), Versailles (day trip, €21 / $23, take RER C from central Paris in 40 minutes). First Sunday of each month: many museums are free.
Luggage Storage
Checking out of your hotel before your flight? Drop bags at a luggage storage spot near Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon for €6–8/day per bag — way cheaper than a taxi back and forth to the hotel.
Scams to Know About
The petition scam: Someone near the Eiffel Tower or Louvre asks you to sign a petition, then demands money. Just say “non” and keep walking. The bracelet scam: Near Sacré-Cœur, someone ties a “friendship bracelet” on your wrist and demands €10–20. Don’t let them touch your hand. The gold ring scam: Someone “finds” a gold ring near you and offers it for a “reward.” It’s worth nothing. These are all harmless but annoying — a firm “non, merci” works every time.
Travel Insurance — France Has Great Healthcare, But You’ll Pay Upfront
France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, but here’s the catch: French hospitals require upfront payment from non-EU patients and don’t bill foreign insurance directly. An ER visit runs €300–800 ($325–870), a hospital stay €1,000–3,000/day ($1,100–3,300). You’ll pay first and file for reimbursement later. Travel insurance simplifies this and also covers trip cancellation, flight delays, and lost luggage.
Most US health insurance plans — including most employer plans and Medicare — do NOT cover you in France. Check your policy before assuming.
EKTA travel insurance — covers medical, delays, and cancellation →EU Flight Delay Compensation — You Might Be Owed €600
EU regulation EC 261/2004 entitles passengers to €600 ($655) compensation for flights delayed over 3 hours or cancelled without adequate notice. Here’s the key detail most Americans don’t know: this applies to any flight arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline. So if your Air France or French Bee flight from JFK is delayed 3+ hours, you’re covered. Delta, United, American, and JetBlue flights to Paris are NOT covered (non-EU airlines).
However, all airlines — including US carriers — are covered by EC 261 for flights departing from an EU airport. So your return flight from CDG or Orly to JFK qualifies regardless of airline.
Check if your delayed flight qualifies for €600 →💡 Insider tip from us
ETIAS is coming — eventually. The European Travel Information and Authorization System was supposed to launch in 2024, then 2025, then “first half of 2026.” When it does go live, US citizens will need to apply online (€7, valid for 3 years) before traveling to Schengen countries including France. As of April 2026, ETIAS has not launched yet. Check travel-europe.europa.eu/etias for the latest status before your trip. For now, US citizens just need a valid passport.
Emergency & Essential Contacts
| EU Emergency (police/fire/ambulance) | 112 |
| France Police | 17 |
| France Ambulance (SAMU) | 15 |
| France Fire | 18 |
| US Embassy Paris | +33 1 43 12 22 22 |
| US Embassy address | 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris |
| US Embassy website | fr.usembassy.gov |
| CDG Airport | +33 1 70 36 39 50 |
| Orly Airport | +33 1 70 36 39 50 |
Register with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) before your trip. The US Embassy in Paris is open for citizen services Monday–Friday and provides 24/7 emergency assistance for US citizens. Download the Smart Traveler app for real-time travel alerts about France.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest airline from NYC to Paris?
Norse Atlantic has the lowest regular fares, starting around $300 round trip JFK/EWR to CDG on Boeing 787 Dreamliners. French Bee is close behind at $350–450 JFK to Orly on Airbus A350s. Both are “basic economy” fares — personal item only, meals cost extra, no entertainment screen. But the aircraft are new and wide-body with decent legroom. Norse runs flash sales that dip to $250 round trip a few times per year.
Is French Bee a good airline?
Yes, with caveats. French Bee flies brand-new A350-900s (the same aircraft Air France uses on premium routes), and seat pitch is 31–32″ — standard for economy. The catch: meals, checked bags, and seat selection all cost extra, so your “$350 flight” is realistically $450–550 all-in. Entertainment is via your own device (download their app). We think it’s the best budget transatlantic option for travelers who don’t need hand-holding. It’s not a luxury experience, but it’s a comfortable, modern aircraft at half the Air France price.
Do I need a visa to visit France from the US?
No. US citizens can visit France (and all Schengen Area countries) visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You just need a valid passport with at least 3 months of validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. The EU’s ETIAS authorization system (€7, valid 3 years) has been repeatedly delayed but may launch in 2026 — check travel-europe.europa.eu/etias before booking.
Which Paris airport is closer to the city center?
Orly (ORY) is 14 km south of central Paris versus CDG’s 30 km northeast. Taxi from Orly to the Left Bank is €37 ($40) versus €56–65 ($61–71) from CDG. Transit time is similar (30–40 minutes by train) because the RER B from CDG runs express. If you’re staying in the Left Bank (Saint-Germain, Latin Quarter, Montparnasse), Orly is significantly more convenient. For the Right Bank (Le Marais, Opéra, Montmartre), CDG is slightly easier via RER B to Châtelet.
Is the train or taxi better from CDG to central Paris?
The RER B train costs €11.45 ($12.50) and takes 35–50 minutes to Gare du Nord or Châtelet. It’s reliable, frequent (every 10–20 minutes), and unaffected by traffic. A taxi is fixed-rate €56 to the Right Bank or €65 to the Left Bank ($61–71) and takes 45–75 minutes depending on traffic. We’d take the train if traveling light and arriving alert. After a red-eye with two suitcases, a pre-booked private transfer is worth the extra money — someone meets you in arrivals with a name sign, carries your bags, and drops you at your hotel door.
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Disclosure: Some of the deals and platforms we’ve linked to are affiliate partners — if you buy through our links, we might earn a small commission. Doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps keep the site running. We only recommend stuff we’d actually use ourselves. All fares were checked in late March 2026 and fluctuate daily. See our full disclosure policy.
Sources & References: Fares sourced from Google Flights, Kayak, and airline direct sites (checked March 2026). Airport transfer pricing from Paris Aéroport (parisaeroport.fr). Métro pricing from Île-de-France Mobilités. Museum prices from official websites. EC 261/2004 regulation details from the European Commission. ETIAS status from travel-europe.europa.eu. Emergency contact numbers verified via fr.usembassy.gov.