tight connection at CDG

If we need to spend the night in Paris and depart the next day, won’t
all other flights be fully booked by then?

Not necessarily. You're traveling in March, which is not exactly peak season. No one can tell you (today) whether the next flight will be booked or whether there will be two side-by-side seats available on the next flight.

I assume we won’t get to sit together if that happens. I saw a flight
to Seattle from Paris via Frankfurt the next day and I want to book it
as backup, but my husband thinks I’m crazy to spend the money just on
the chance we miss our connection.

That is a crazy idea - wouldn't it cost you less to incur change fees on the original flight than paying for two new tickets from scratch while losing 100% of the value of the original ones? I wouldn't do anything except to be mentally prepared to catch the next available flight, even if it means spending another night in Paris (there are worse ways to spend your time, right?). No one can tell you what Plan B will look like because there are so many variables involved. The airline is obligated to get you home using the tickets you purchased, so there's no reason for spending money on brand new tickets with another airline (or the same one). It's paid for, it's non-refundable, just deal with whatever the outcome and be Ok with it. That's my advice. If you're not retired, obviously be prepared to take an additional day off work. The one good thing is that you're traveling with carry-ons so that takes an additional problem off the table.

I called Expedia to change the flight but they said it could not be changed. I don't mind spending the night in Paris and missing another days work, and I don't mind not sitting together. I think the main thing I am worried about is if Air France books us on a flight that has many stops instead of direct or 1 stop.

Someone else can check me on this-I don't think you go through passport control when you're leaving. Passport control will be at your first airport in the U.S. Without checked luggage, I think there's a good chance of your making your connection.

Passport control when you leave the Schengen area, in this case at CDG. And US immigration at your US port of entry which would be SEA.

A suggestion to all to always book directly with the airline not with a third party like Expedia.

This is just not a problem. If you miss the connection, Air France will put you on a later Berlin flight. And there are plenty of those.

I am flying home to Seattle, not back to Berlin. Would Air France really try and send me back to Berlin when I just came from there? I have not heard of an airline doing anything like that.

Just so I am clear, France and Germany are both in the Schengen zone. So does that mean I DON"T have to show my passport once I land in Paris from Berlin on my way to the US? I had read other posts where people mentioned long lines at the passport desks. Is there a separate line for those on connecting flights if I do have to go through passport control?
As for immigration, I would only go thru immigration once I land at home in Seattle from France, correct? Not in between the connecting flights?
As for security, I assume I go though security in between the connecting flights.
Just making sure I understand. What am I missing?

I was just looking at the AF site and when doing a BER-SEA, with CDG connection, none of the options presented included your flights.

The options I found either had an earlier arrival time at CDG from BER or a later departure from CDG. The connection times were all 2+ hrs on the options the site presented.

Air France says this is an acceptable layover (1 hr 20 min)

Did they assure you they would put you on the 'next available flight" at no additional cost, if you miss the connection? ( if someone does say it, get them to confirm it in writing)

I find it a bit odd that their site does not present that option but their CSR says it is an 'acceptable' connection.

Sophie,

Is your flight from Berlin on Air France, or is it on a budget airline?

The reason I ask is on AF site, it's not showing
A 1335 flight out of any of the three airports in Berlin. .

What it is showing is AF# 1135 leaving TXL at
6:35. Arriving 8:25. With a 5H30m connection time.

thank you guys, I have not actually spoken with Air France yet, just Expedia. My next call will be to Air France!

That's how third-party sites like Expedia work...they pull together itinerary combos that one wouldn't easily find using the airline's own algorithms (if they were replicating everything exactly, they wouldn't be in business). The prices for those combos can be much cheaper than comparable itineraries derived by searching the airline's website. I am not sure Air France will enthusiastically work with you since you didn't buy a ticket from them...they'll probably direct you right back to Expedia.

If you have netted substantial savings from buying the 2 tickets from Expedia, they can offset the cost of a hotel night and any other miscellaneous costs (if that's the case, you still come out ahead even with this snafu). If the fares on Expedia are not considerably better than what you can find on the airline site, then it's just easier buying from (and dealing with) the airline next time.

You will likely show your passport when boarding in BER, as a piece of identification.

It it when you are at CDG that you will go through the 'passport control' process ( the process that takes a long time, and you can expect another security screening process)

Let us know what AF says about your situation/ticket.

If you have AF tickets on a single PNR from TXL to SEA, I would stop worrying and quit over-analyzing the situation. Let Air France do their job. If there is a connection problem, there are probably many solutions which may not be obvious to you.

When you reach CDG, look for the special lines for connecting passengers who have a completely different immigration control procedure than do originating passengers.

I thought the price was very cheap which in hindsight was a red flag, because they won't let me change it. If I could do it all over again I would pay more and book direct. We had no issues with Expedia for our big trip to Scandinavia last year so I guess I got too relaxed.

Sounds like AF canceled the first flight and put you on another. This is not uncommon on tickets purchased early. Expedia seldom sends text or email notifying you of this, or it could have ended up in your spam folder.

Definitely call AF

I admit I am a nervous nelly. I love to travel and part of the excitement is the unknown, otherwise why go haha but I freaked out. Better to freak out now then later I guess, right? Oh and I know I will show my passport in Berlin to board but was not sure about needing it to get on the flight to Seattle. I will make sure to look for the special lines for connecting passengers. I am not able to call Air France right now but I will as soon as I can!

I am not able to call Air France right now but I will as soon as I
can!

You booked with a 3rd party (expedia) instead of directly with Air France itself; Air France is under no obligation to help you change your itinerary. This is why in the RS forums, so many advise travelers ALWAYS to book directly with an airline.

Is your flight from Berlin to Charles de Gaulle on Air France? Others have asked that too. According to the Air France website, there is no flight from Berlin to CDG that arrives at 12:35pm on March 6, 2019. If you bought yourself tickets on two different airlines for travel to Seattle from Berlin, Air France isn't necessarily going to help you if you miss your flight to SEA.

I thought the price was very cheap which in hindsight was a red flag,
because they won't let me change it.

It's the rules of your ticket (set by the airline) that either allow or not allow refunds or changes penalty-free, not Expedia. Expedia is just a third party web platform that allows comparison across multiple carriers, as well as booking. When you say Expedia won't allow you to change the ticket, you mean they won't allow it without penalty, correct? There are nuances here that are being lost.

I think you're being overly freaked out by this. It will be ok.

The flight is on Air France yes, and it is a single tickets not separate tickets. When I spoke with Expedia last night I must have misunderstood. I had understood that Expedia would not let me change it but Now I realize it must be Air France. I offered to pay a penalty to change the flight but he said it would cost $6000 total for me and my husband on a direct flight to Seattle from Paris the next day.

Just transferred at CDG a few weeks ago. My flight originated in Rome--part of the Schengen zone, but I still have to go through passport control to enter France. Not sure why except that maybe France is still monitoring its borders. The good news is that there is a separate line for transfers and it is much shorter and much faster. I did NOT have to go through security screening. So you have a good chance of making your connection.

T, that is reassuring thank you. Now I just need to call Air France and verify the flight times.

Air France to Air France booked as a single ticket meeting minimum connection time. You are Air France's problem and they are obligated to get you from Berlin to Seattle.

Given that you are returning home, carry-on only essentials and what cannot be replaced and check the rest. You can run faster with a light backpack or shoulder bag than a maximum size and weight carry-on. Air France will automatically transfer you checked bag and get it to you at your final destination. (And if you bags miss the connection, Air France will deliver your bag to you final destination).

Avoid packing items that could be suspicious in your carry-on when viewed by the X-ray machine. Security will re-scan suspicous bags and may require you to open the bag for visiual examination resulting lost time. (You may be able to stay airside and avoid security check, but I don't remember. In the past I have had to go through both passport check and security at CDG).

Terminal 2F to 2E: http://easycdg.com/passenger-information/connecting-flight-connections-paris-cdg-airport/transit-terminal-2f/terminal-2f-to-terminal-2e/

Changing terminals at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport : transferring
from terminal 2F to terminal 2E.

Terminal 2E consists of three satellite buildings :

• Hall K (Gates K21-K54) • Hall L (Gates L21-L53) • Hall M (Gates
M21-M53)

Please ensure you check the flight information screens upon arrival.
Do not make your way to terminal 2E unless you confirm from which gate
(K, L, M) your flight will depart.

Terminal 2F Terminal 2E-hall K: 20-25 min

Terminal 2F Terminal 2E-hall L: 25-30 min

Terminal 2F Terminal 2E-hall M> 35-40 min

The web link includes directions and photos describing the route from 2F to the applicable hall.

Edgar this is helpful. Update: I got seats in row 10 for the first leg just now, which may or may not help.

Sophie-- being a bit curious I looked at the AF site for (Berlin-Paris) TXL-CDG for Mar 6.

It does not show a flight # 1355, nor any flight arriving at 12:35 PM.

When you have the time, and after you have been able to communicate directly with AF, it would be interesting to hear from you how this got resolved. ( i.e what flight # and time is the flight you have from Berlin)

My mistake, it is Air France 1335 operated by JOON departing from TXL Berlin at 10:45am, arriving CDG at 12:35pm. Talked to Air France. No changes or cancellations permitted due to restrictions. Was able to get seat assignments in row 10 so we can get off the plane a bit more quickly. We depart on Air France flight 338 at 1:55. Will report back. Lesson learned on my part regardless. Appreciate everyone's input.

Great news folks! Our JOON flight into CDG from Berlin has been changed, and we are re-booked on an earlier flight! We just got the emails from Air France and Expedia this morning. Our layover is now almost 3 hours! We land in Paris at 11:05 and depart at 1:55. I have no idea how this happened, would love to thank Air France. I don't know if it is just a coincidence or the gentleman at Air France I spoke with a couple of days ago was able to work some magic in the meantime and make this happen for us. My anxiety level has dropped to acceptable levels haha. Of course we might still miss the flight due to some other reason but not because of the tight connection. We lost our seats in row 10 and we are now in row 16 but I still so relieved, you guys have no idea. Maybe a travel fairy flagged this connection in the system, who knows but I am grateful.

Christmas came early for you this year!

My thoughts exactly!

I don't know if it is just a coincidence or the gentleman at Air
France I spoke with a couple of days ago was able to work some magic
in the meantime and make this happen for us.

My bet is on that gentleman! You are VERY fortunate and I'm so happy for you. On your next trip, BOOK WITH THE AIRLINE DIRECTLY PLEASE. :-)

And Happy Thanksgiving!

Yes, no way am I not booking with the airline directly next time and I am also going to be more mindful of layovers. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!

That is wonderful news, Sophie.
Something to remember is that your plane might taxi for 20+ minutes before it even arrives at the gate ... and then you still have to get off and go through passport control and security.
So I recommend using the toilets on the plane before you land and carrying on very little so you aren't slowed down getting between terminals as someone else suggested. It will be worth it to pay extra to check your bags. Joon uses smaller planes without that much overhead space and you don't want to have to gate check at the last minute leaving Berlin and then have to reclaim your bags at CDG. Also be sure to get your boarding passes on line the day before.
You will make your flight, I'm sure, but you are unlikely to have any extra time.
And have a great trip!

Re: "carrying on very little so you aren't slowed down getting between terminals as someone else suggested". But in the case where we miss the connecting highlight we have no clothes etc. if we have to spend the night. Because if we miss the flight due to a long line and our bags are checked we don't have access to them, right?

But in the case where we miss the connecting highlight we have no clothes etc.

Yes, you will not be able to access your checked luggage. The minimalist is to carry a set of clean underwear and socks along with basis toiletries and essentials (e.g. prescription meds, documents etc) as your lite carry-on should you need to overnight. Keep in mind that you are returning home and the consequences of a checked bag of clothing in need of washing arriving a day or two late is not a trip buster.

Re: carryon, we will only have carry on bags, not taking any other luggage, its the kind that converts from a roller to a backpack, spent 10-12 days in Scandinavia last year (5 countries), packed very lightly. This is only a short trip this time too. But it is good advice and I appreciate it, thank you.

Well they moved the flight from Berlin to Paris up from 9:30 to 10:05. So our layover is only 2 hours instead of almost 3. Feeling discouraged.

Have you called the airline about putting you on an earlier flight, since they made the schedule change?

I have called the airline already and they won't change it, because when we bought the tickets originally they were non refundable and non changeable. I stupidly thought T1 and T2 were next to each other when we booked it, but they are in fact no where near each other. Interestingly, at one point they did rebook us on an earlier flight out of Berlin giving us more time, but then later changed the departure time again, giving us less time. Hopefully it will be changed again. I would call again if I thought it would help. Expedia even called on my behalf but no dice.

I have called the airline already and they won't change it, because when we bought the tickets originally they were non refundable and non changeable. I stupidly thought T1 and T2 were next to each other when we booked it, but they are in fact no where near each other. Interestingly, at one point they did rebook us on an earlier flight out of Berlin giving us more time, but then later changed the departure time again, giving us less time. Hopefully it will be changed again. I would call again if I thought it would help. Expedia even called on my behalf but no dice.

As you have already been told, since you are on one ticket, if you miss the connection in Paris due to a late arrival from Berlin, it is Air France's responsibility to get you to Seattle, at their expense.

What you also need to know is that Air France, KLM, and Delta operate a very integrated service across the Atlantic. In other words, if there is no space on an Air France flight, they can put you on a KLM flight (via Amsterdam) or a Delta flight (via New York, Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, etc). So, if you miss the connection in CDG, they have lots of options. This also means YOU have lots of options. If they give you a flight that is not one you want, ask them to look at other ones.

I was able to take advantage of this on a recent trip. My AF flight from Paris to JFK was threatened by a possible strike, so I was allowed to change to a Delta flight. They only had early flights from Paris to JFK, but there was a later flight from Paris to Newark that worked well for me. They didn't volunteer it, but by asking, I got it with no extra charge.

So, if your worry is that you will have to make lots of stops between Paris and Seattle, and that is the kind of flight you are offered, ask them to look for other options with only one stop.

Thank you, that is good to know because you are correct, one of my worries is a multi flight trip home. I know Air France is on the hook but I don't want who knows how many hours and stops to get back home VS a ten hour nonstop because flights are full. Much appreciated.