I still remember the excitement mixed with a bit of travel anxiety the day I booked my first ever flight from London to Paris—I was eager and also a little overwhelmed. I wanted to share every tiny detail: how I booked, what I paid, how the itinerary read on the boarding pass, the seat, the snacks, the view, and even what I felt as the wheels touched Parisian soil.
Booking and Fare Details
I began my search roughly three months before departure, scouring platforms like Skyscanner, Kayak, Expedia, and the official airline websites of British Airways and Air France. On Skyscanner and Kayak I noted that 25 % of users found one‑way fares for $81 (≈£65/€75) or less LHR to CDG, and round‑trip fares often fell below $127 (≈£100/€115) (KAYAK). Visiting British Airways’ site gave me direct fare estimates—one‑way economy tickets to Paris often started around £71/one‑way including taxes and fees . Basic economy fares were even cheaper but stripped out checked baggage and seat selection—these were labeled “Hand Baggage Only” flyers board last and pay extra for seat choice and hold luggage .
Comparing platforms, I found a round‑trip Economy Standard ticket with British Airways directly via their website, early booking included seat selection, free carry‑on plus a personal item, and allowed one checked bag—total cost came to roughly £145 return, or about €170/$185. I opted for the standard economy fare rather than basic economy, to enjoy a smoother experience with fewer unpredictable fees and included benefits.
The Outbound Flight Experience
My chosen outbound journey was British Airways Flight BA 326, scheduled to depart from London Heathrow Terminal 5 at 20:50 BST, landing at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) at approximately 22:55 CEST (heathrow.com). It flew on a familiar Airbus A320 operated by BA’s short-haul fleet, one of many such aircraft flying hundreds of times weekly between London and Paris.
I arrived at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 about two hours before departure, giving me jump‑on clearance to check baggage, pass security, and do a quick browse in the duty‑free shops. I had selected a window seat in row 12 when booking (available free with Economy Standard), which turned out to be a delightful choice because during take‑off I could see the lights of London shrinking westward as we climbed out.
Boarding felt efficient—passengers were invited by boarding group, with economy standard allowed to board mid‑group. Onboard, the cabin was clean and well‑lit, seating pitch measured about 31 inches, with a small fold‑down tray and a USB port built in. Flight attendants greeted me warmly, offered a small snack (biscuit or sandwich), and poured tea or coffee shortly after takeoff. There was no personal entertainment screen, but the flight was short—just about 1 hour 15 minutes—so I simply looked out the window, observed the silhouette of the French countryside unfolding below, and soon the wing dipped for descent into CDG.
Despite being economy, I felt well cared for. The cabin felt roomy enough for the short time, the overhead bins held my carry‑on without issue, and the crew’s friendliness made a difference. Touching down in Paris, I felt a rush of excitement seeing the sprawl of buildings and tiny bright spots of boulevard lighting: I was really arriving.
The Return Journey
I checked in online the evening before and printed a boarding pass, skipping the kiosks entirely. At CDG I arrived around an hour and a half before departure, had no wait at security (thanks to the efficiency of Terminal 2) and boarded on time. The onboard service mirrored the outbound experience—simply tea/coffee, a snack, smooth descent over the English countryside. Once landed at Heathrow, I walked directly to the arrival hall; immigration was fast, and I was back London‑bound with memories of Paris firmly etched in my mind.
Other Flight Options You Might Consider
Beyond my BA flight, there are other good options depending on your needs and budget. First, Air France operates numerous daily flights from Heathrow to CDG—these economy fares often come with slightly more flexibility, free changes, and lounge access if you upgrade to Economy Flex. Round‑trip fares are usually in the €80–100 one‑way range, around £90 or so. They often partner with Amex and loyalty programs for upgrades or points.
Second, easyJet runs budget flights from London Gatwick (LGW) to Paris Orly (ORY), with one‑way fares regularly in the £30–40 range when booked early. These are very low‑cost but charge separately for checked luggage, seat assignment, and onboard refreshments.
Third, Vueling, flying also from Gatwick to Orly, offers “Economy Lite” seats from around €60–70 one‑way, with similar conditions as easyJet but slightly better legroom for the price.
Fourth, Norwegian or other low-cost airlines may operate seasonal routes from London Stansted to Paris CDG or Beauvais, sometimes offering the cheapest ticket base price but with very long ground transport times to reach Paris center.
Airports: Everything Nearby to Know
London Heathrow (LHR) is the main hub for British Airways and many international services; most short-haul BA flights—like my LHR to CDG—depart from Terminal 5. The terminal offers plenty of restaurants, lounges, fast-track priority lanes, and excellent public transit access via the Heathrow Express and the Piccadilly Line tube. It’s also well-equipped with duty-free, free Wi‑Fi, and passenger lounges.
London Gatwick (LGW) lies further south of London and handles most budget carriers including easyJet and Vueling. It has two boarding terminals—north and south—and fewer amenities, though still adequate food options and train connections to central London.
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is France’s largest airport, with multiple terminals (1, 2A–F, 3). My arrival into Terminal 2E allowed for easy transfer to the RER B train at the airport station: about 30–45 minutes ride into central Paris. CDG also offers buses, taxis, and airport shuttles.
Paris Orly (ORY) sits about 13 km south of Paris. Flights arrive at Terminals Orly 1–4 or 2–3. If you fly budget airlines such as easyJet or Vueling, you’ll likely land here. Transfers into Paris include the Orlyval light rail to Antony (then RER B) or direct coach services.
Lastly, Paris Beauvais (BVA) (though less directly related to my journey) is sometimes used by ultra-low-cost carriers and lies nearly 85 km from central Paris—a long bus ride but extremely cheap fares.
Personal Feelings and Reflections
Traveling economy on BA Flight BA 326 and BA 325, I had neither plush business seats nor lounge access—but that was fine. I felt cared-for, comfortable enough for the very brief flights, and appreciated the inclusivity of seat choice and baggage. Watching London shrink then the French countryside rise beneath me gave a real sense of travel magic—my heart raced seeing Paris from above for the first time. On the return leg, I felt nostalgic already: the croissants, the view from Montmartre, the Seine at dusk—all still fresh as I sat on the plane.
The cabin pitch, while modest, was fine for about seventy‑five minutes. No personal screen but I had my phone and watched the descent. The crew remained polite, timely, and professional on both legs. I didn’t feel rushed or cramped. Tax, baggage, seat selection—all inclusive in the fare I’d picked—meant I didn’t encounter surprises at the airport. Smooth breeze landing, easy immigration queues, and before I knew it, I was embracing London’s VAT‑free shops again.
Tips, Suggestions & What I Learned
- Book early—ideally at least three months ahead—to get both good fares and free seat selection.
- Round-trip fares often offer better value; in my case £145 return included everything I needed.
- Upgrade slightly to Economy Standard rather than basic economy if you want seat choice, carry-on plus checked baggage, and fewer fees.
- Choose your departure airport wisely: Heathrow/CDG gives premium service and convenience; Gatwick/Orly gives cheaper fares but may require longer transfers.
- Factor in extras for budget flights—easyJet or Vueling may be cheap base fare, but seat, bag, and food add up.
- Know your arrival options in Paris—RER trains, Orlyval, buses, and taxis all operate efficiently.
- Paris is one hour ahead of London—be sure to adjust your schedule and clocks accordingly.
- Terminal knowledge helps: at Heathrow I flew from Terminal 5. At CDG I landed in Terminal 2E, which connects smoothly to RER B without repeated security checks.
- Check flight status via airline app or Heathrow/CDG website—for example, status of BA 326 was listed as “On Time” at departure and arrival gates (heathrow.com, flightaware.com).
My first-time experience flying from London to Paris on British Airways Flight BA 326 outbound and BA 325 return, economy standard class, taught me that economy travel can feel smooth, efficient, and even pleasurable when you’re well prepared. The price was reasonable, the service clean and courteous, and the journey quick but memorable. Paris, briefly illuminated from above, captured my imagination—not just as a destination, but as an adventure just beginning.
If you need more specifics—packing suggestions, mobile boarding tips, navigating lounge access or using oyster/contactless cards in London or Navigo in Paris—just ask. But for now, I hope this personal, down‑to‑earth narrative gives you genuine insight and confidence to book your very first London‑Paris flight with clarity and peace of mind. Bon voyage!
