Chasing the Sky to Northern France
There are moments in my travel life when I book a ticket not just to reach a city, but to indulge in the process of getting there. My flight from Paris to Amiens was one of those experiences. On paper, it looked like a short, simple regional hop. But in reality, it turned into a masterclass in budget airfare hunting, an experiment in balancing convenience with cost, and ultimately a reminder that even the shortest flights can tell a big story.
When I told friends I was flying into Amiens, most of them laughed and said, “Why not just take the train?” But I wanted the sky. I wanted to see how budget airfare worked for a route many would dismiss as unnecessary. And more importantly, I wanted to uncover how everyday travelers could actually score cheap flights to this historic northern French city — a destination brimming with Gothic architecture, canals, and that unmistakable small-city charm.
This article is my firsthand account of flying into Amiens from Paris: the exact flight I took, the airline I booked, the real costs involved, and what I learned about budget airfare along the way. I’ll also walk you through four other flight options I considered, share booking hacks, and give you insider details on nearby airports.
So buckle up — let’s take off to Amiens.
My Flight: Paris to Amiens on Air France Hop!
Booking the Ticket
I booked my flight on Air France Hop!, the regional branch of Air France that specializes in short-haul connections. The specific flight I chose was AF7480, a direct hop from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Amiens – Glisy Airport (QAM).
At first glance, the price for a one-way economy ticket was listed at €89 (about $95 USD). A round-trip ticket dropped the average fare to around €150 if I booked at least 3 weeks in advance. The catch? No checked baggage included — only one carry-on up to 10kg.
I booked through the Air France website because I’ve found it often bundles small extras (like the ability to pick my seat during booking). I did compare on Skyscanner and Google Flights, and interestingly, the price was almost identical. Still, I liked the reliability of booking directly with the airline.
💡 Pro Tip: For short hops like Paris–Amiens, always check the airline’s direct website. Third-party booking platforms sometimes add unnecessary service fees that wipe out any savings.
Check-In Experience
I checked in online 24 hours before departure, using the Air France app. It took me less than five minutes, and I was able to download my boarding pass directly onto my phone. For a budget ticket, this was convenient — no need to print, no long lines at CDG.
At Charles de Gaulle, the domestic terminal for regional flights is smaller and more manageable than the international sections. Security was surprisingly fast — only about 15 minutes, even during the late-morning rush.
Boarding and the Aircraft
The aircraft was an Embraer 170, a small regional jet with a 2-2 seating configuration. My seat was 12A, a window seat on the left side. The cabin felt compact but comfortable, with enough overhead bin space for carry-ons.
Boarding was efficient. Within 20 minutes, the plane was filled, doors closed, and we were taxiing. The flight attendant greeted me with a warm “Bonjour” — and despite being on a budget fare, I didn’t feel like I was treated differently.
In-Flight Experience
Here’s the funny part: the entire flight lasted just 45 minutes. I barely had time to finish my complimentary coffee and a small pack of butter biscuits (a signature touch of Air France Hop!) before we began descending.
The seat pitch was around 31 inches, which felt surprisingly roomy for a regional jet. I kept my backpack under the seat, and I still had leg space to cross my legs. The window view was the highlight: we soared over the lush French countryside, with the patchwork of fields looking like something straight out of an impressionist painting.
The crew remained professional and friendly. For such a short flight, service was minimal — drinks and snacks, no inflight entertainment. But the cabin felt clean, and I appreciated the calm, no-fuss atmosphere.
Arrival in Amiens
We landed at Amiens – Glisy Airport (QAM) exactly on time. The airport is tiny — almost charmingly so. Baggage claim consisted of a single belt, and since I had only carry-on, I was out in less than 10 minutes.
From the airport, it was a 15-minute taxi ride (about €20) into the city center. There were also local buses, but with luggage, I opted for the convenience of a cab.
Ticket Options: One-Way vs Round-Trip
When I was deciding between tickets, here’s what I found:
• One-Way Ticket: €89–€120, depending on day and demand. Great flexibility but not the best value if you already know your return date.
• Round-Trip Ticket: €150–€180, significantly cheaper than two one-ways. Best for weekend or 3–4 day trips.
• Flexible Fare: About €220 round-trip, but included one checked bag and free cancellation. Worth it if you’re on business travel.
💡 Booking Hack: Flying midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) consistently gave me the cheapest fares. Avoid Fridays and Sundays if you can.
Four Other Flight Options I Considered
Besides my Air France Hop! flight, I researched other possible flights. Here are four that stood out:
- Air France Hop! (CDG → QAM, Evening Flight)
• Departure: 18:15, Arrival: 19:05
• Price: €95 one-way
• Pros: Great timing if you’re finishing work in Paris and heading up in the evening.
• Cons: Slightly pricier than the morning flight I took. - Twin Jet (Paris Orly → Amiens Glisy)
• Price: Around €105 one-way
• Aircraft: Beechcraft 1900D (very small turboprop)
• Pros: Quieter Orly airport, boutique airline feel.
• Cons: Limited baggage space, slightly bumpier ride. - Air France (CDG → Beauvais + Bus to Amiens)
• Price: €80–€100
• Pros: Can combine with a low-cost bus transfer.
• Cons: Less direct — adds about 1.5 hours with the bus ride. - Charter Flights (Private Budget Carriers)
• Prices start at €120–€150
• Pros: Direct routes, flexible schedules.
• Cons: Higher cost, not always reliable schedules.
Nearby Airports for Amiens
Amiens itself has a small regional airport, but most budget travelers should know about these:
- Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA)
o Location: 50 km from Amiens
o Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air
o Great for ultra-low-cost international connections. - Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
o Location: 120 km from Amiens
o Best for international arrivals, then connecting to Amiens. - Paris Orly (ORY)
o Location: 140 km from Amiens
o Serves domestic French flights and some European routes.
💡 From both CDG and ORY, there are direct trains to Amiens in under 2 hours.
Insider Tips for Budget Airfare
Here are some golden hacks I used (and continue to use) when booking:
- Set Price Alerts: Skyscanner and Google Flights let you track fares. I saved €20 just by waiting two days.
- Book Early (But Not Too Early): 3–6 weeks before departure is the sweet spot for regional flights.
- Travel Light: Budget tickets often don’t include checked baggage. Pack carry-on only to avoid fees.
- Fly Midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are consistently the cheapest.
- Bundle with Hotels: On some platforms, booking a flight + hotel together shaved off €40 from the total.
My Honest Impressions
Was it worth flying to Amiens instead of taking the train? For me, yes — because it wasn’t just about the destination. It was about the experience. Sitting in that Embraer 170, sipping coffee above the French countryside, I felt the joy of travel that only comes from being in the air.
Of course, there were drawbacks. The flight cost more than a train ticket, and by the time you factored in airport transfers, it wasn’t necessarily faster. But I don’t regret it. Sometimes, a flight is more than transportation — it’s part of the adventure.
Why I’d Do It Again
Flying into Amiens may not be the obvious choice, but it taught me invaluable lessons about budget airfare hunting. I learned the importance of timing, the quirks of regional carriers, and the charm of tiny airports like Glisy.
If you’re planning your own trip:
• Book smart. Use alerts and midweek travel.
• Pack light. Budget fares will sting you on baggage.
• Embrace the small details. From coffee in a paper cup to the thrill of a short hop, these are the things you’ll remember.
The flight was as much a part of my trip as Amiens itself. When I walked out of Glisy Airport into the crisp northern air, I didn’t just feel like I’d arrived — I felt like I’d earned the journey. And that, to me, is what travel is all about.
