We can still find plane tickets at “affordable” prices to get away this summer. By affordable price, we mean: knowing that the average price of a round trip from France increased by 8.6% over one year in 2023, after a jump of 21.7% in 2022 (source: DGAC); and demand remains at its highest, air fares weigh more and more heavily on vacation budgets.
We asked two flight comparison sites, Liligo and Kayak, to provide us with pricing data to date on the cheapest round-trip economy class tickets, based on medium or long-haul flights and continents covered. . Even if the increasing complexity of air prices - companies are increasing the number of paid options, from the size of cabin baggage to legroom, etc. - makes a very precise estimate complicated, these prices give an idea of the hierarchy. Conclusion: it is still possible to target tourist blockbusters (Greece, Spain, United States, Indonesia, etc.).
But
“to get cheaper prices, you have to think outside the box,”
recalls Guillaume Rostand, spokesperson for Liligo.com. It remains to be seen what deviation you are prepared to make.
For less than €400: where to go by medium-haul?
Forget continental Greece or the Cyclades, the big star of summer in the Mediterranean. Instead, focus on another part of the country, like Crete. Round trips to Heraklion, its capital, average 336 euros in mid-April for flights scheduled for this summer, departing from all over France. And Crete is not the only one to stand out. The Canaries, Cyprus and Madeira are doing well this summer, with average baskets around 370 euros, on Liligo.com.
Still, the cost of living there could largely tip the scales. “
The Canaries, with relatively cheap prices locally, can stand out
,” adds Guillaume Rostand. The success of the Spanish islands is such that, in the archipelago, people are protesting against overtourism... You must therefore choose carefully the island on which to land. If you are not keen on sea bathing, Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, can be reached by plane for less than 350 euros. Istanbul, the gateway to the Middle East, is barely more expensive.
Sun and summer destinations for less than €400 return flight
Destination |
Ticket price for this summer * |
Price evolution / summer 2023 |
Heraklion (Crete, Greece) |
€336 |
-3% |
Reykjavik (Iceland) |
€347 |
-7% |
Larnaca (Cyprus) |
€364 |
+3% |
Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain) |
€370 |
+9% |
Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) |
€376 |
+11% |
Funchal (Madeira, Portugal) |
€378 |
+17% |
Istanbul |
€381 |
-3% |
Economy class flights; excluding supplements (luggage, etc.), departing from France; Liligo data as of mid-April 2024.
Between €600 and €1000: where to go long-haul?
If you want to travel a long distance, it will be slightly more advantageous to go to Dubai rather than New York this summer. Make no mistake, however: North America generally offers the most affordable long-haul flights in the world, with several American and Canadian destinations occupying this top 10.
“
In long-haul, the most accessible destination – both from the point of view of the ticket and life on site – is Jakarta, in
Indonesia
”, moderates Guillaume Rostand. Count 905 euros for a return flight, which represents a drop of 20% compared to 2023.
Long-haul destinations with a return flight price of €600 to €1000
Destination |
Ticket price for this summer * |
Price evolution / summer 2023 |
Dubai |
€597 |
-4% |
New York (United States) |
€641 |
+4% |
Toronto (Canada) |
€651 |
-6% |
Montreal (Canada) |
€659 |
-9% |
Praia (Cape Verde) |
€720 |
-10% |
Orlando (United States) |
€866 |
+9% |
Los Angeles (United States) |
€882 |
-7% |
Fort-de-France (Martinique, France) |
€901 |
-13% |
Jakarta (Java, Indonesia) |
€905 |
-20% |
Miami (United States) |
€918 |
+1% |
Economy class flights; excluding supplements (luggage, etc.), departing from France; Liligo data as of mid-April 2024.
What are the most sought-after destinations by French travelers this summer?
This ranking established by Kayak of the 10 most sought-after destinations by French travelers this summer reflects a strong interest in Asia in particular, with the paradise island of Bali in the lead, but also for distant destinations.
Same story with Lilligo which specifies that, for long-haul flights, French visitors favor New York and Bangkok.
Destination |
Average price of a flight in 2024 * |
Price evolution / 2023 |
Denpasar (Bali, Indonesia) |
€1279 |
+1% |
Bangkok (Thailand) |
€977 |
-1% |
Montreal (Canada) |
€620 |
-2% |
Ajaccio (Corsica - France) |
€240 |
+20% |
Tokyo (Japan) |
€1271 |
+5% |
New York (USA) |
€685 |
+10% |
Saint-Denis (Reunion - France) |
€1056 |
+3% |
Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Islands - Spain) |
€151 |
+7% |
Luqa (Malta) |
€218 |
+11% |
Athens (Greece) |
€254 |
-2% |
LISTEN -
How to avoid breaking the bank at the hotel with Karelle Lamouche, General Director of Commercial at Accor