I'm considering an Air France Flight, SFO to Bordeaux in May 2024. It is shown as direct SFO to CDG, then a 1hr55min layover for the flight to Bordeaux. We're not checking bags. Is 1hr55 enough? Will have have to go out to customs and back in through security? I have global entry card. Not sure if that helps. Also is there a way to check which terminals I 'll be arriving / leaving from?
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14730 posts
Global Entry will only help when you come back in to SFO.
You WILL go thru Immigration when you get to CDG and you will change terminals. It will probably be 2E arrival with a change to 2F. I did a transit last October arriving on Delta from Seattle and transiting to AF for Milan (2E to 2F). I timed myself because someone in my local Rick Steves meet up group was asking the same question and it took me 1h5m to go from stepping out of the plane to getting to my gate, after going thru Security in 2F and then Immigration in 2F.
You will go thru "customs" in Bordeaux but really that is just walking thru a green door that says "nothing to declare". You don't go "out" to customs at CDG....but you walk to the new terminal following the "Correspondence" signs (that is the French term for transiting from one flight to another) and are channeled thru security and IMMIGRATION (movement of people) in 2F terminal. You do NOT need to claim your bags as you move thru CDG. They will (hopefully) show up in Bordeaux.
Is there another flight to Bordeaux later? I'd probably not book that just because flight times can change a lot between now and May and I'd not want to be left with much less than 1h55M. You can probably make it but I'd want to know options.
Editing to add: And I KNOW I just told someone that 2 hours was enough in CDG but somehow 1h55m seems a lot less than 2 hours...lol!!)
Posted by
Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France
319 posts
What Pam said is correct. We fly SEA to BOD 3x a year. You will land at 2E and will depart from 2F. You should be fine with 1hr55 (I have done this a few times with only carryon luggage) but...I typically try to go for 2hr30. I know the SEA to CDG flight is almost always lands much earlier than the time listed (only once did it arrive at the time listed) so that usually gives travellers about 30 mins more of a layover. In my opinion, the most difficult process is the long walk from 2E to 2F. Once you land in BOD, follow everyone to baggage claim, then head out the door. BOD is a very small, but efficient airport. Usually off the plane and out the door (with only carryon luggage) within 15 mins. Enjoy the Bordeaux area! It's lovely there.
Posted by
OP
San Martín California
30 posts
Thanks the super replies. It really helps. Good Travels to both of you!