I am flying round-trip San Diego to Paris in mid-May on a frequent flier ticket with American Airlines. I am also planning on a week in Italy, for which I will need to purchase a round trip ticket CDG to FCO. In order to avoid any problems with making my return flight connection back to the states, I decided to fly directly to Rome upon arrival to Paris. My question: My American Airlines flight is scheduled to arrive at CDG from Boston at 7:35 am. I have carry-on luggage only (though I realize I will need to check luggage in Europe), so will there be enough time to make a connecting flight departing at 10:00 am? Also, does anyone know the latest with Alitalia airline and their strike potential? I am leaning towards Alitalia due to the cost and convenient flight times.
Posted by
Freedonia
15079 posts
First, to save you money, and time, check with AA to see if they can give you an open jaw San Diego to Rome and then Paris to San Diego. Or vice-versa. This way you only have to get a one way ticket rather than a round trip between FCO and CDG. (They will do it if FF seats are open.)
Assuming your arriving flight into Paris is on time, you will still have to go through immigration & Customs there and possibly change terminals. Assuming no problems, you should be okay.
As far as Alitalia goes....who knows. May is a long way off.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, USA
2 posts
Thanks for your reply, Frank. When I booked the flights for my husband, daughter and I, there wasn't an option for open-jaw on a frequent flyer ticket. So I assumed it was not possible. I will call an agent in the freq. flyer dept.
Posted by
Freedonia
15079 posts
You can't do it online...only on the phone. That's something I wish they'd change but I don't think they like it so they don't "advertise" it.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Vueling is a budget airline that flies CDG-FCO. If you book now, you can get a fare as low as €40 on a 10:40 flight to Rome.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7569 posts
Just keep in mind that any separate ticket arrangements you make put you at risk of missing your European flight and voiding the tickets. If I use the strategy of flying within Europe, I usually try to allow at least a day between flight, just to reduce the risk of delays and other problems that may crop up.