First time flying out of Paris back to the states. Was wondering if anyone could recommend flying out of CDG or Orly? Pros/Cons? Flying to Denver and found a Lufthansa flight from Orly to Munich, 1-1/2 hour layover, then direct to Denver. Trying to avoid JFK, O'Hare, Newark, Atlanta. No direct flights from Paris to Denver.
Posted by
Paris
9548 posts
About 99.9% of flights from Paris to anywhere in the U.S. depart from CDG. I know French Bee goes to/from Orly; maybe there are a couple of other airlines that do (?).
Orly is a LOT smaller and more manageable; it is also closer to the city and a cab to get there is cheaper. However, getting there on public transport can be a little more of a pain than getting to CDG is despite Orly's proximity to the city.
Most people won't have a choice and will have to fly from CDG. But if you find a flight you like from Orly, no problem. Just know there aren't lots of companies there running lots of flights to the States (in case something gets messed up with your flight, there won't be many alternatives, if any).
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2745 posts
I’m assuming that by no nonstops to Denver you mean at a price you want or on a carrier you like? There are non stops CDG to Denver
Posted by
OP
Cheyenne
3 posts
No nonstops on the day i need.
Posted by
Paris
9548 posts
Ah, now that you've edited your post from what you first posted, I can provide additional information.
Sure, there's no reason not to go from Orly to another European connector to get back home. If for some reason your particular flight to Munich gets put off for some reason, Lufthansa will have other options to get you to Munich or other German hubs to get you on to the States.
Of course it's a pain to have to make that many connections, but if the price is right, one's gotta do what one's gotta do ! And really Orly is so much easier to handle, at least you have that going for you.
Posted by
89 posts
When we have to connect coming home from Europe, we prefer to do the shorter flight first, within Europe, so that after the transatlantic flight, we are home. A connection in Munich is fine, there is also London. I don't think the airport matters, they both have their benefits. Orly is less painful but CDG has more backup options.
Posted by
OP
Cheyenne
3 posts
Thank you everyone for your input. Much appreciated.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10176 posts
England has a very high airport departure tax. It’s best to change elsewhere.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2542 posts
The French departure taxes are now not dramatically lower than are those from England. However, the UK departure taxes are not paid by those who are only connecting through LHR or GTW.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5507 posts
England has a very high airport departure tax. It’s best to change elsewhere.
This really only makes a difference if you are using frequent flyer miles since you have to pay the taxes in addition to using your points. If you are paying for your flight, all that matters is the overall price which includes taxes.
If you want to check flights out of both CDG and Orly, use the airport code ”PAR” in your search. Munich is generally an easy airport for connections so the flight you found via Munich is probably a good choice.