Air France flies non-stop SFO to CDG as does United, non-stop. Any difference, maybe other than price?
In the past I would answer yes, since the 21st century I have flown both to CDG (final destination) and could not see any practical difference between the two in Economy. I don't fly anything else but Economy anyway , ie, to compare like with like.
Re: baggage claim....CDG isn't always really efficient, or so it seems, therefore, I expect to wait anyway, almost a given.
One time, this was in 2007 landing ca. 11 am, as usual, I thought the baggage claim took much longer, so much longer that one could not help but notice the delay. I think we were all standing for 35 mins, at least, before the first piece of luggage was thrown out. So, unless you happen to luck out, you just might waiting for another 20 mins or more before your luggage is rolling, which means with yours out already, another person is still standing there waiting for his.
All in all , most likely it took close to one hour or more on that arrival before the Mrs. and I were finished with baggage claim, having waited for 3 pieces. Other than that, I continue taking Air France and landing at CDG. No problems navigating the place in spite of its recent changes.