Three Ways to Fly from Paris to the U.S. West Coast: My Real Experiences & Money-Saving Tips

Flying from Paris to the U.S. West Coast is one of those long-haul routes travelers always debate about. The distance is long, prices fluctuate wildly, and the difference between peak and off-season can easily double. Over the past few years, I’ve made several trips between Paris and California for both work and personal travel, and I’ve tried almost every common flight option.

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, Los Angeles, or anywhere along the West Coast, here are my personal experiences and what I learned along the way.

1. Direct Flights — The Easiest, but Not Always the Cheapest

The first time I flew from Paris to San Francisco, I chose a direct flight. It felt like the safest choice: no rushing between terminals, no fear of missing connections, and no worrying about luggage ending up somewhere unexpected.

The advantages are clear:

You get on the plane, sleep, and wake up on the other side of the world.
No transit-related stress.
Long-haul services are generally more consistent.

The downside?
The price—especially during summer or holidays—can easily reach €800–€1000.

If you value convenience and time, this remains the best option.

2. Paris → East Coast → West Coast — A Great Trick for Cheaper Fares

One lesser-known trick is flying to the East Coast first (Boston, New York, etc.) and then taking a domestic flight to the West Coast.
In many cases, this combination can save 30–40% compared to a direct flight.

I once booked:

Paris → Boston
Boston → San Francisco

Buying the tickets separately saved me nearly €200 compared to the direct option.

However, there are things to consider:

U.S. immigration can take time—always allow generous layovers.
Winter weather on the East Coast can cause delays.
Some airlines require you to recheck luggage.

Still, for travelers with flexible schedules, this is one of the most cost-effective ways to cross the Atlantic.

3. Long-Haul Low-Cost Carrier + U.S. Domestic Flight — The Budget Traveler’s Secret

Another popular strategy is flying a low-cost carrier from Paris to California, then connecting with a U.S. domestic flight to your final destination.

The savings can be huge.
A friend of mine once flew Paris → Los Angeles and then LAX → Oakland for almost half the price of a traditional direct ticket.

This option is best for: