Fly to Paris Under $500: Best Ways to Travel to Paris on Points

Key Takeaways:

Use frequent flyer miles from airlines like Delta, American, and United to book flights to Paris for as low as 22,500 miles one-way.
Convert points from cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Amex Gold to airline partners to secure flights to Paris.
Travel during off-peak seasons, use stopovers, or book low-cost carriers within Europe to reduce costs and fly to Paris for under $500.

Paris, the City of Light, is a dream destination for many, but the cost of getting there can sometimes feel like a nightmare.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How much is a flight to Paris?” and then winced at the answer, you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news: with the right strategies and a bit of savvy, you can fly to Paris for under $500—or even close to free—by using points and miles.

Here’s how you can make your Parisian dream a reality without breaking the bank.

1. Leverage Airline Loyalty Programs

One of the best ways to fly to Paris on points is by taking advantage of airline loyalty programs.

If you frequently fly with a particular airline, you’ve likely accumulated miles that can be redeemed for a flight to Paris by plane.

Key Airlines to Consider:

Delta Air Lines
Delta SkyMiles can be an excellent option for flights to Paris from New York (JFK) or other major U.S. hubs like Chicago (ORD) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).

Delta often offers flash sales where you can snag a round-trip ticket to Paris for as low as 40,000 miles.
American Airlines
AAdvantage miles are another solid option, especially for those looking at DFW to Paris, France.

American Airlines frequently offers off-peak awards, allowing you to fly to Paris for as few as 22,500 miles one-way.
United Airlines
United’s MileagePlus program partners with a variety of international airlines, offering great flexibility when booking flights to Paris.

A round-trip flight from the U.S. to Paris can sometimes be booked for as low as 60,000 miles.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget about airline alliances! If your preferred airline doesn’t have a direct flight to Paris, you can often book through a partner airline within the same alliance (SkyTeam, Oneworld, or Star Alliance) and still use your miles.

2. Transfer Credit Card Points to Airline Partners

Another smart way to fly to Paris on points is by transferring credit card points to airline partners. If you’ve been diligently earning points with a travel rewards credit card, now is the time to cash them in for a cheap flight to Paris.

Best Credit Cards for Transfers:

Chase Sapphire Preferred®Card
Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to several airline partners, including United and Air France-KLM.

With a transfer ratio of 1:1, you can easily convert your Chase points into miles and book a flight to Paris. For example, if you have 60,000 Chase points, you can transfer them to United MileagePlus and potentially score a round-trip ticket to Paris.
American Express® Gold Card
Amex Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Delta SkyMiles or Air France-KLM Flying Blue.

With transfer bonuses that occasionally pop up, you might get even more value from your points.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a top choice for travelers looking to maximize their rewards through transfers. With its straightforward earning structure of 2X miles per dollar spent on all purchases, this card allows you to rack up miles quickly and easily.

Pro Tip: Watch out for transfer bonuses! Sometimes, credit card companies offer limited-time bonuses that give you extra miles when you transfer your points. This can be a great way to stretch your points further and secure a flight to Paris for fewer points.

3. Book During Off-Peak Times

Timing is everything when it comes to booking cheap flights to Paris. Flying during off-peak times—typically the late fall, winter (excluding the holiday season), and early spring—can save you a significant number of points and dollars.

Examples of Off-Peak Deals:

Flights to Paris from New York
During off-peak times, you can often find round-trip flights for as low as 40,000 points on American Airlines or Delta. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you might even snag a flight for less.
Plane Tickets from Chicago to Paris
Similarly, flights from Chicago to Paris can be found for under 50,000 points during the off-peak season. Keep an eye out for flash sales, where you might get an even better deal.
DFW to Paris, France
American Airlines frequently offers deals on flights from Dallas to Paris during the winter months. With the right timing, you could book a round-trip ticket for as low as 45,000 miles.

Pro Tip: Use Google Flights or ITA Matrix to track flight prices and identify the cheapest times to fly. These tools allow you to compare prices across multiple dates and airlines, helping you pinpoint the best deals.

4. Take Advantage of Stopovers and Open-Jaw Flights

If you’re planning a European adventure, consider booking a stopover or an open-jaw flight. This strategy allows you to visit multiple cities for the price of one, often with minimal extra cost.

How It Works:

Stopovers
Some airlines, like Air France and Icelandair, offer free or low-cost stopovers in cities like Reykjavik or Amsterdam en route to Paris.

This means you can explore an additional city without needing extra miles or points.
Open-Jaw Flights
With an open-jaw flight, you fly into one city and out of another. For example, you could fly into Paris and out of London, with a train ride or budget flight connecting the two cities.

This option can be a great way to see more of Europe without spending more points.

Pro Tip: Use online booking tools like Multi-City Search on airline websites to book stopovers or open-jaw flights. Sometimes, you’ll find these options at the same points cost as a simple round-trip flight.

5. Use Low-Cost Carriers for Intra-Europe Flights

If you can’t find a direct flight to Paris that fits your budget, consider flying to a nearby European city on points, then hopping on a low-cost carrier to reach Paris. Airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet often offer incredibly cheap flights within Europe.

Example Itinerary:

Step 1
Use points to book a flight from New York to Dublin on Aer Lingus or from Chicago to London on American Airlines.
Step 2
Book a budget flight from Dublin or London to Paris for as little as $30.

Pro Tip: Always check baggage fees and other charges with low-cost carriers. While the base fare might be cheap, additional costs can add up if you’re not careful.

Final Thoughts

Flying to Paris under $500 might seem like a pipe dream, but with the right mix of points, miles, and a little flexibility, it’s entirely possible.

Whether you’re flying from New York, Chicago, or Dallas, you can leverage loyalty programs, credit card points, and strategic booking to make your Parisian getaway affordable.

Remember, the key to scoring a cheap flight to Paris is to be patient, flexible, and ready to pounce on a good deal when you see one.

So start planning, keep an eye on those points, and before you know it, you’ll be sipping café au lait by the Seine, all without breaking the bank. Bon voyage!