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Connection time at CDG

My daughter is flying from the US to Amsterdam, NL with a 90 minute connection time at CDG. (2E to 2F). She will only have carry on luggage. I say chances are slim to none of making that connection. She thinks since the airlines booked it, it will be OK. Anyone care to weight in?

Posted by
8059 posts

She might show the FA purser her connection time and ask if she could get a priority immigration pass; they give them to first class passengers and perhaps they would give one to someone with a tight connection. If they don't give her one, she might show her ticket to the person who directs people into immigration lines and they may put her in the priority lane. There is someone at the head of that lane screening who gets in. (make sure she says 'bonjour' before asking the favor and it would help to have her learn the French phrase for 'I have a tight connection, what should I do?'

She might make it with carry ons, but immigration can take a very long time depending on how many planes landed just ahead of hers. But seriously -- her trip, her problem -- worse case, they put her on the next available flight whenever that might be. Don't worry about it.

Posted by
262 posts

It's not that tight of a connection if the flights are running on schedule. If her flight is delayed from US and connection is missed, they will book her on the next flight.

Posted by
5835 posts

While CDG is not my favorite airport for connections, the 90 minutes should be a "legal" connection, The positive is that assuming an on-time arrival/departure, she will not have a long wait in the airport.

Even if she did have checked luggage, with both segments on one ticket, her checked baggage would be routed to AMS without having to handle it at CDG. She will need to go through passport control and security screening including inspection of the carry-on.

Posted by
7668 posts

Check the CDG website and determine the terminals that she arrives and departs. If they are the same or close, she may be ok.

If she is on the same airline for both flights, it might be in the same terminal.

Posted by
4044 posts

http://www.parisaeroport.fr/en Print out maps that might help navigate (or check for smart-device app.) "Legal" connections are slightly more reliable than pure guesswork, but not by much since there is no obvious enforcement of such legalities. Checked luggage moves at its own pace anyhow. Your daughter is correct in thinking that she has a better chance with a carry-on bag but she still will face considerable security procedures. Do ask for help; do not be discouraged if bumped to a later flight.