Business Class Flight Deals from San Francisco to Paris from $1525

Planning your trip

Airports near San Francisco: Which One Do You Choose?

When planning your trip from San Francisco to Paris, you have more than one option when it comes to departure airports. There are three airports you can depart from: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC). Although they’re all international airports and are located relatively close to each other, they offer quite different experiences for travelers.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the biggest airport out of these three and is also the only airport close to San Francisco that offers nonstop flights to Paris. Such flights are operated by Air France and United Airlines. Besides, if you depart from SFO, you’ll get access to at least one high-end lounge, depending on the airline you fly with. There, you’ll be able to relax, have a meal, or even get some work done in a quiet workspace before your flight. The main downside of departing from SFO is that the airport is crowded almost all the time, so it might be a bit difficult for you to navigate it.

If you’d like to depart from an airport that’s less crowded than SFO, you might consider flights from San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC). Due to its smaller size, SJC is easier to navigate than SFO. This will save you some time before the flight, which you can spend in one of the premium lounges at the airport, such as The Club SJC. Also, if you depart from SJC, your trip to Paris will take at least 14 hours and include at least one layover. According to the Wall Street Journal's 2023 Airport Rankings, San Jose is one of the best mid-sized airports in the U.S.

Another option you might consider is the Oakland International Airport (OAK). Similar to SJC, it’s small and easy to navigate. You won’t have to waste time in long lines before your flight. However, OAK doesn’t offer any nonstop flights to Paris. You might find some one-stop options, but generally, most flights to Paris departing from here have two layovers.

San Francisco–Paris

If you want to get to Paris from San Francisco as fast as possible, you can choose a nonstop flight with Air France. You’ll get to your destination in approximately 11 hours. Many travelers stated online that Air France’s business-class cabin is the most comfortable on this route. The prices for such flights with Air France usually range between $4,000 and $7,700 if you book them a few months in advance. But if you need a ticket at the last minute or plan to travel on high-demand dates, you might have to pay up to $11,000 or even more.

If you don’t mind having a layover, you can choose a one-stop flight operated by American Airlines. Their flights from San Francisco to Paris include a layover in a major U.S. city, such as New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, or Chicago. Such flights will take you to Paris in at least 14 hours, depending on how long your layover is.

No matter where you have your layover, you can make the most of it by exploring the airport. For instance, if you have a layover at the Dallas Fort Worth Airport, you can admire its collection of floor medallions in Terminal D. There are 11 medallions in total, depicting both abstract and nature-inspired images.

Alternatively, if you have a layover at JFK in New York, you can explore the TWA Hotel, a unique, retro-themed hotel with a rooftop pool overlooking the runway. Such flights with American Airlines usually cost from $4,300 to $7,300, depending on how early you book and whether you travel during the weekend or on workdays. If you book at the last minute, you might have to pay up to $13,000 for a roundtrip flight.

Alternative routes from the U.S.

Boston–Paris

If you consider flying to Paris from a city on the East Coast, Boston might be a good option for you. Out of all major U.S. airports, Boston Logan International Airport is the closest to Paris. If you take a direct flight from there, you’ll cross the Atlantic and arrive in the capital of France in only 7 hours. Delta Air Lines offers such flights to Paris from Boston.

The prices for these flights may vary a lot based on the demand for your travel dates. For instance, if you book 4 or even 5 months in advance, the prices for most tickets range between $3,000 and $5,000. However, if you travel on high-demand dates, even if you book in advance, a roundtrip flight might cost you $9,000 or even more.

Alternatively, if you want a more interesting trip, you can choose a flight with a layover in Reykjavik. Icelandair offers such flights from Boston, which will take you to Paris in at least 10 hours, depending on how long your layover is. If you have a longer layover in Reykjavik, you can step out of the airport and visit the Blue Lagoon, which is Iceland’s world-famous geothermal spa. Conveniently, it’s located just 20 minutes from the airport, which makes it a great place to relax before your flight to Paris.

Moreover, the prices offered by Icelandair for this route are quite good compared to those of nonstop flights. If you book in advance, you can get a roundtrip ticket to Paris for as little as $2,600, and the price may be about $3,500 for dates that are in high demand. And even if you’re in for a spontaneous trip and book a flight only a week or two before departure, you might find flights for only $4,300.

New York–Paris

If you’d like to have as many nonstop options as possible, you might consider flying to Paris from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

One of the many airlines that offer nonstop flights from JFK to CDG, Paris, is JetBlue. On this route, they offer signature Mint business-class services. A reason why travelers enjoy traveling in this business-class cabin is the private suites with sliding doors it includes. Moreover, if you fly with JetBlue, your in-flight meals will include dishes from New York’s top restaurants. Thus, you’ll have everything you might need to enjoy your 8-hour flight to Paris. Such flights usually cost from $3,200 to $4,300, depending on the season and demand. If you book a flight at the last minute, the prices might surpass $6,500.

If you consider taking a one-stop flight to Paris, you can choose one with KLM, which has a layover at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). Aside from all the usual perks you get while traveling business class, KLM will offer you a special gift: one of their signature Delft Blue houses. Also, you will surely find ways to make the most of your layover at the AMS airport. For instance, you can visit the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schiphol, which is a satellite gallery of the famous Rijksmuseum and displays Dutch works of art.

The airport also features a library with a reading lounge, where you can relax before your flight to Paris. Generally, such flights with KLM take at least 10 hours, depending on the layover duration. A roundtrip ticket may cost you up to $13,000 if you book it only 1-2 weeks before the flight. But if you book 3-4 months in advance, the prices will range from $3,700 to $4,700, even for high-demand dates.

Nonstop vs One-Stop Flights: Which Do You Choose?

The choice between nonstop and one-stop flights mainly depends on what you value most about your trip. If you want to get to Paris as soon as possible, a nonstop flight is perfect for you. It will save you at least 2 or 3 hours, compared to a flight with a layover. But if you’re not in a rush and would like to explore one more destination before you get to Paris, a one-stop flight might be an excellent choice. Also, one-stop flights may help you save up to 30% on tickets, compared to nonstop flights, although it depends on the route and dates you choose.

Choosing the Best Airline

If you want to travel to Paris from San Francisco, there are plenty of airlines you can choose from. For instance, Air France and United both offer nonstop flights to Paris, while Delta, American Airlines, British Airways, SWISS, Condor, Scandinavian Airlines, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, and others offer one-stop flights to Paris. Among the airlines offering flights with layovers, SWISS is the best-rated online by travelers who fly business class.

Air France*

Lounge access: If you travel business class with Air France, you’ll get access to two lounges at SFO: the Air France Lounge and the Delta Sky Club Lounge.

The Air France Lounge, located in the International Terminal, was completely renovated in 2023. Now it offers a spacious seating area, including comfortable sofas, bar stools, and dining tables. At the self-serve buffet, you’ll find various classic French dishes, such as croque-monsieur and boeuf bourguignon, which will bring you closer to Paris before you even step on the plane. The Air France Lounge also includes a stylish bar area and shower facilities. ​

If you choose to visit the Delta Sky Club Lounge, you’ll get access to a buffet with various healthy food options, including hot entrées, sandwiches, salads, fruits, and desserts. Also, here you can order a drink from their full-service bar, which features seasonal cocktails from Delta’s award-winning beverage program.

Seats: Air France usually operates Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 planes on the San Francisco–Paris route. The business-class cabin on these planes has a 1-2-1 configuration, which means you’ll get direct aisle access regardless of the seat you choose. Also, you’ll be able to convert your seat into a fully flat bed to get as much rest as possible during the flight. In newer business-class cabins, your seat also has a sliding door that separates you from the rest of the passengers.

In-flight dining: Air France collaborates with Michelin-starred chefs to create its business-class menus. Some of the renowned chefs contributing to the culinary offerings include Jérôme Banctel of Le Gabriel, Josselin Marie of La Table de Colette, Alain Ducasse, and Glenn Viel of L'Oustau de Baumanière. Thus, the menu on your flight will surely be worthy of a Michelin-star restaurant. Also, you’ll be able to choose the perfect wine for your meal from Air France’s extensive wine list, created by expert sommeliers and featuring selections from various French vineyards.

Frequent-flyer program: If you sign up for Air France's loyalty program, Flying Blue, you’ll earn miles based on the distance you travel with them and your ticket class. For instance, if you’re an Explorer member, you’ll earn 4 miles per euro spent, but you’ll earn more as a Silver, Gold or Platinum member.

If you buy a business-class ticket from San Francisco to Paris for $5,420 (€5,000), you’ll gain 20,000 miles as an Explorer member. To buy a one-way business-class ticket to Europe, you’ll need at least 55,000 miles, but overall the exact number of miles required may vary based on demand and availability. ​

Prices: A nonstop roundtrip flight with Air France may cost between $4,500 and $8,000 if you want to travel during summer, which is the high season for Paris as a destination. If you want to book a flight only 1-2 weeks before departure, you might have to pay over $10,000 for a ticket.

Air France is an excellent choice if you want a French-style experience throughout your entire journey, from the lounge you visit before your flight to your arrival in Paris.

United Airlines

Lounge access: If you travel to Paris with United, you’ll get access to 4 lounges owned by this airline: a United Polaris lounge and three United Club lounges. The United Polaris lounge, located in the International Terminal, is the most luxurious among them. Here you can choose dishes to enjoy from an à la carte menu, grab a quick snack at the self-serve buffet, or relax while sipping on a drink from United’s premium full-service bar.

Additionally, if you’d like to freshen up before the flight, you can use a private shower suite equipped with premium self-care products.

Although the other United lounges at SFO aren’t as luxurious as this one, if you choose to spend your time in one of them, you’ll also get access to comfortable seating areas and buffets with hot and cold dishes.

Seats: United operates several Boeing planes on the San Francisco–Paris route, including the 737, 757, 777 and 787 planes. Most of them feature the Polaris business-class cabin, with seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration so that passengers get as much privacy and comfort as possible during the flight. As a United Polaris passenger, you’ll be able to relax completely during your flight to Paris, as you’ll have a fully reclining seat equipped with Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, which will allow you to comfortably rest or have some sleep. Moreover, the Polaris business-class seats offer you enough storage space for all your belongings and 16-inch entertainment screens so you can watch something during the flight.​

In-flight dining: On your long-haul flight to Paris, you’ll be presented with a diverse menu of multi-course meals. United includes dishes inspired by the route passengers fly on, made with seasonal ingredients. Some of the dishes that became popular among travelers are seared beef short rib with polenta, wild mushroom risotto, and roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables. You can expect something similar to be served on your flight to Paris. On top of that, you’ll get to choose whatever you prefer from a carefully selected collection of premium wines and desserts, including United’s signature ice cream sundae​.

Frequent-flyer program: If you sign up for United’s MileagePlus program, you’ll earn miles based on the ticket price and your status within the program. For instance, if you’re a general member, you’ll earn 5 miles per dollar. This means that a $5,000 ticket will bring you 25,000 miles in return. If you want to buy a business-class ticket to Europe using miles, you’ll need at least 60,000 miles, but this number may vary based on the destination you choose and ticket availability.

Prices: Nonstop flights from San Francisco to Paris with United usually cost between $5,000 and $9,000. During summer, which is the high-demand season for this route, the prices might be even higher than that. Also, if you book a ticket at the last minute, you might have to pay over $13,000 for your flight.

United Airlines' Polaris business class is suitable for you if you’re looking for access to exclusive lounges and a flying experience that is as comfortable as possible.

SWISS

Lounge access: If you fly business class with SWISS, you’ll get access to United’s lounges at the San Francisco International Airport, as both airlines are members of the Star Alliance and SWISS doesn’t have any lounges of its own there.

You can choose to spend the time before your flight in the United Polaris lounge or one of the three United Club lounges. Out of these three lounges, the one in Terminal 3, Concourse F is the largest and offers the most amenities. Here you’ll find a wide selection of food, including an Asian noodle bar, Korean BBQ sliders, fresh salads, and warm pastries. Also, there’s a full-service bar where you can choose to get a glass of wine, a cocktail, or taste some craft beer. However, the lounge can get crowded during peak hours, which might make it uncomfortable if you’re seeking a quiet space. Still, this lounge is a favorite among travelers on business-class flights with United departing from Terminal 3, especially because it offers some of the best food options of any United Club lounge at SFO.

Seats: On this route, SWISS most often operates Boeing 777 planes, on which the business-class seats are arranged in a 1-2-2 or 2-2-1 configuration. This way, most passengers have direct access to the aisle. The seats extend into fully flat beds and even have a massage function you can use to relax during the flight. A special feature of the SWISS business class is that they also offer a “throne seat”. This is an isolated seat perfect for those who want the most privacy they can get during their flight.

In-flight dining: SWISS is renowned for its culinary program, "Taste of Switzerland," which showcases regional Swiss cuisines. The menus on their flights are created by chefs who received Michelin stars and Gault Millau points. On a business-class flight with SWISS, you can indulge in dishes like Zurich-style veal with rösti or Swiss alpine macaroni. Moreover, you’ll be offered various Swiss wines and chocolates during your flight.

Frequent-flyer program: SWISS is part of the Miles & More loyalty program. If you sign up for it, you’ll earn miles based on the ticket price and booking class. You can see how many miles you can earn for a certain flight on the airline’s website before booking. You can later use the miles you earned to pay for your next flight. For instance, you’ll need at least 55,000 miles for a one-way business-class ticket from the U.S. to Europe.

Prices:If you book your flight only 1 or 2 weeks before departure, you might have to pay as much as $13,000. If you book 3-4 months in advance, the prices might vary from $5,000 to $8,000, depending on demand and the dates you choose. In some cases, you might find great deals for as little as $4,000 if you travel on low-demand dates.

This option is perfect if you appreciate Swiss hospitality and cuisine, and are part of the Miles & More program.

Arriving in Paris

There are 3 international airports near Paris: Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, and Beauvais-Tillé Airport. Beauvais mainly serves low-cost airlines that operate short-haul flights. Thus, there are no flights from San Francisco landing there. When planning your trip to Paris, you’ll get to choose between Charles de Gaulle Airport and the Orly Airport.

Charles de Gaulle (CDG), the largest and busiest airport in the area, is located only 30 km (18.6 miles) away from Paris. Due to its size and multiple terminals, many travelers may find it difficult to navigate at first, but you’ll find clear signage and multilingual staff throughout the airport to help you find your way out of it.

If you land at CDG, you might have access to their fast lanes, which will allow you to get through the immigration and security check procedures as fast as possible. If you’re eligible for this service at CDG, you’ll receive an access voucher from the airline you fly with. You can check eligibility by contacting the airline before you book your flight. If you have this access voucher, once you land at CDG all you have to do is follow the signs marked “Accès no. 1” or “Sky Priority”.

Orly (ORY) is a smaller airport than CDG and is even closer to Paris. It’s located approximately 13 km (8 miles) south of Paris. Orly has a simpler layout than CDG and, thus, it will be easier for you to navigate it. Also, since it receives fewer flights than CDG, you’ll go through the immigration and security procedures in as little time as 30 minutes, even though you won’t have access to a fast lane.

Priority Baggage Handling

Since you’re traveling business class, you might be eligible for priority baggage handling at your arrival airport, whether it’s CDG or ORY. This generally depends on the airline you fly with, but if this service is included in your ticket, your luggage will be processed and delivered to the baggage claim zone first. Thus, you might be able to retrieve it in only 5-10 minutes after you go through the arrival procedures. However, the wait time might be longer if your flight arrives at peak hours.

Getting from Your Airport to Paris

Transport options from Charles de Gaulle International Airport

Taxi

• Travel time: A taxi ride to the center of Paris may take between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on how heavy the traffic is.
• Availability: You can always take a taxi at the official taxi ranks outside the airport. However, the lines might be long during peak arrival times.
• Cost: There are fixed fare rates for taxi rides from the airport to the city. You’ll have to pay €56 ($61) to get to the Right Bank of the Seine and €65 ($71) to get to the Left Bank.

Taxis are a convenient option if you're carrying several bags or arriving late at night and want a direct ride to your hotel.

Uber

• Travel time: Similar to a taxi, an Uber will take you to the city in 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the traffic and where exactly you need to go.
• Availability: You’ll need to use the Uber app to book a ride and meet your driver at a designated pick-up zone at the terminal.
• Cost: Depending on the demand and time of day, an Uber from the airport to Paris may cost from €50 to €80 ($52–$82).

Uber is a great choice if you prefer cashless payments and you don’t want to wait in line for a taxi.

Private transfer services

• Travel time: Similar to taxis and Ubers, a private transfer ride will take from 45 to 60 minutes.
• Availability: You’ll have to book private transfer services in advance. You can do that through a provider’s website or with the help of a travel agent or hotel concierge.
• Cost: Prices for private transfer services start at about €70 ($76) and can go up to €150 ($163), depending on the vehicle type and services you choose.

Private transfer services offer the most comfortable and worry-free experience. Your driver will meet you in the arrivals area and assist with your luggage. Some services offer in-car Wi-Fi and refreshments.

RER B train

• Travel time: If you take the train, you’ll reach central stations like Gare du Nord or Saint-Michel in 30 to 35 minutes after departure.
• Availability: Trains from CDG to Paris run every 10 to 15 minutes.
• Cost: A one-way ticket costs €11.80 ($13).

The RER B is one of the fastest ways to reach central Paris, especially if you’re staying near a train station. However, it’s not ideal if you have lots of luggage or arrive during peak commuting hours.

Airport shuttle services

• Travel time: Depending on how far from the airport your hotel is and how many stops the shuttle makes until you get there, the ride from the airport might take from 60 to 90 minutes.
• Availability: You can book shuttle services online in advance or pay directly at the airport.
• Cost: A ride on the airport shuttle may cost between €20 and €40 ($22–$43).

Shuttles are a good option if you’re staying at a large hotel, but it might take more time than a taxi ride due to multiple drop-offs.

Transport options from the Orly Airport (ORY)

Taxi

• Travel time: You’ll get to the center of Paris in 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Availability: Taxis are available outside the airport terminals, with no booking required in advance.
• Cost: The taxis from ORY have fixed rates for rides to Paris. You’ll have to pay €35 ($38) for a ride to the Left Bank of the Seine and €41 ($44) for a ride to the Right Bank.

Taxis are ideal for quick transfers, especially if you’re staying in the southern part of the city.

Uber

• Travel time: Similar to taxis, an Uber will take you to the city in 25 to 35 minutes.
• Availability: You can book a ride via the Uber app and then head to the designated ride-share pick-up zone.
• Cost: Prices range from €40 to €65 ($44 to $71), depending on the time and demand.

If you prefer a private ride with app-based tracking and payment, Uber is a good option for you.

Private car transfers

• Travel time: A ride to the city may take from 25 to 35 minutes, depending on your exact destination.
• Availability: You need to pre-book the services through a provider.
• Cost: The prices for such services start at €65 ($71), but they might be higher if you choose a luxury vehicle or additional services.

Private transfers from Orly offer a convenient arrival experience, with personalized service and help with your luggage.

Orlyval + RER B

• Travel time: If you take this transport option, you’ll get to the city in about 40 minutes.
• Availability: You can take the Orlyval shuttle directly from the airport, stop at the Antony station, and transfer to the RER B train.
• Cost: A one-way trip will cost you €14 ($15).

This is a quick public transport option if you're staying near an RER B stop in central Paris.

Metro line 14

• Travel time: The Metro will take you to the Chatelet station in the center of Paris in around 25 minutes.
• Availability: You can take the metro from the station near Terminal 3 of the airport. The train departs every 2 to 5 minutes.
• Cost: A one-way ticket is €13 ($14) for a person.

The metro is a good choice if you’re staying near a metro station and if you don’t have lots of luggage with you.

Insider tip: If you’re flying Air France business class, you may be eligible for the Air France Chauffeur Service, which is a complimentary private car transfer to central Paris. You might be eligible if you book a La Première or certain business-class deals. You can check eligibility with Air France before your flight.

Travel Tips for Business-Class Travelers

Flying business class is a comfortable and pleasant way to start your trip to Paris. With spacious seats, premium service, and exclusive lounge access, business class will offer you everything you might need to enjoy the flight. And the best part is that you don’t have to overspend to get this experience. There are several tips and booking strategies you can use to make the most of your travel experience while saving a significant amount of money. In this section, we’ll go over some of the tips that might be useful while you plan your trip from San Francisco to Paris.

1. Consider booking a flight with a layover.

Although nonstop flights are generally considered the most comfortable way to get to your destination, picking a one-stop flight may help you both save money and make your trip more interesting. For instance, you can explore the airport or the city where you have a layover and relax before your next flight. A layover flight on the San Francisco–Paris route may save you as much as 30% on tickets compared to nonstop flights, although it also depends on the ticket demand and how early you book.

2. Get in touch with an Online Travel Agency (OTA).

Instead of spending time searching for the best deals published online, you can have a travel agent do the hard work for you. They will search for and select the best deals that fit your preferences. Moreover, OTAs often have access to exclusive deals and unpublished fares, which you won’t find anywhere on your own. These offers usually have the best prices on the market. If you’re interested in finding such deals, you can check out Priceline resources. This platform offers various tools, including Express Deals, that may help you find the best flight options based on your preferences. And if you get in contact with one of our travel agents, they will be able to find exclusive deals for you.

3. Use Miles and Loyalty Programs.

If you sign up for an airline’s loyalty program, you will earn miles you can later use for upgrades or future flights. For example, Air France's Flying Blue program and United's MileagePlus offer opportunities to earn a great number of miles on business-class tickets.

At times, there are promotional periods when you can buy miles for a great price. Later, you can use these miles to get award business-class flights, which may be significantly cheaper than buying a flight for cash

Final insights

Flying business class is the perfect option for you if you want a comfortable and relaxed journey from San Francisco to Paris. With lie-flat seats, world-class cuisine, and access to exclusive lounges before your flight, you’ll get to enjoy every minute of your trip to Paris. On top of that, you can enjoy priority check-in, faster security lanes, and early boarding perks, depending on the airline you fly with.

And you can enjoy all of these benefits without paying an exaggerated price. If you choose a flight with layovers or book through an online travel agency, such as Priceline, you can get a great deal on business-class tickets.

If you're ready to explore your options, now is a great time to start planning. And if you'd like personalized help, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you find the best business-class flight for your trip to Paris.