Quick Flight Connection

You luggage will checked through to Pisa since it is one ticket. You will go through immigrations in Paris and customs in Pisa after you have collected your luggage. The best thing you can do to increase your time is to get seats as close to the exit door as you can. We missed a short connect once when we were buried in the far back corner of the plane and were close to last ones off. Took nearly 30 mins to unload the plane and we miss the connect by five minutes. If you have to go through security again, let them know you have a short connection and jump the line. Didn't help us but it was quicker. And go to carry on only. Lots of people do it with no problems and get by just fine.

You have plenty of time. We've done that transfer with much less time, even when CDG was under construction. Your checked baggage will be automatically checked through to Pisa. You are unlikely to be delayed in the eastbound direction, and because of strict European rules, your airline really doesn't want you to miss the flight, as they will have to provide a hotel room. Recently, when a delayed Lufthansa flight caused a tight transfer, they sent a van to transfer us without going through the terminal. The beauty of travel is that you must surrender control and smell the roses.

First things first. Although you may have purchased a Delta ticket, however you will be on AirFrance flight # 85 (Delta is only the code share partner). So when you go to SFO Int'l terminal, look for Air France counter to check in. You won't see your checked luggage until you reach Pisa, therefore don't worry about it. To transfer from 2E to 2G look for the YELLOW shuttle airside. They run every 5 min. 2e is big and the trip time varies depending on which gate you arrive, but it shouldn't be more than 10-15 min. 2G is the satellite term for smaller regional planes. The flight to Pisa is on a Bombardier CRJ 700 jet operated by HOP! The airline HOP is a new airline born from the merger of Airlinair, BritAir (nothing to do with British Airways) and Regional, 3 former regional airlines owned by AirFrance. 75 min are enough assuming on time arrival of the incoming flight from SFO. Yes AirFrance does pick up passengers in special vans for very tight connections, even from/to International flights outside the EU (done many times). That doesn't mean they let you bypass the passport control. But they make you save time because you don't have to wait for the yellow shuttle which makes stops at all terminals. In your case, if your flight from SFO is late,they'll take you in a personal van after you have gone through passport control (immigration). They will ask for the passengers going to Pisa. Follow them. Their little van will be faster than the yellow shuttle bus. If the flight is on time, they won't do that, because 75 min is plenty.

George, The van made a stop at a special customs/police office along the access road where our passports were checked.

Thanks so much for all the helpful advice! Is the best strategy to only check luggage and not do a carry on (except a backpack or purse) to be able to maneuver quickly through the airport?

This should be enough time (I did it once in 70 minutes, but early in the morning). Best strategy is carry-on only, if you can convince your partner. There is a chance you might make the connection but your bags may not. If you do check bags, be sure to put anything you might need in the first 24 hours (your valuables, electronics, medication, toothbrushes and a change of clothing) in a small carry-on. Also, check to see if you can buy "economy plus" seating on your flight, which will put you near the front of the plane and let you get off quickly.

Perhaps you've seen this detailed description, which indicates a travel time of 30 minutes. A few personal items in your carry-on is always a good idea, but you really do have enough time.
http://www.easycdg.com/1/informations-passagers/connecting-flight-connections-guide-paris-cdg-airport/connection-terminal-2e-paris-cdg-charlesdegaulle-airport/

Time of year may influence whether your flight out of SFO departs on time. Odds are higher in the winter that flights are delayed due to heavy rain, low clouds and fog. While flights going east typically make up time, if you are delayed by hours, you may arrive late. Print out flight schedules for other options, in the event you do miss your connection. Could you fly in to Florence? next flights to Pisa?

Karen has a point. AF 85 arrives at CDG at 5:00pm. The flight to Pisa departs at 6:15pm and it's the last one for the day. If you fly to Florence, you'll have an extra 30 min. The last flight to Florence departs at 6:45pm. Also Florence offers more flights (even for the return trip). FLR has 6 daily pairs with AirFrance to CDG.
PSA has only 2. Not sure what your final destination is. Is it closer to Pisa or Florence?

Keep in mind that if your flight is delayed due to weather the airline does not need to offer you a hotel room if you miss your connecting flight as it is not deemed is their fault your connection was missed. I was once stranded at an airport with a group full of other people and we were SOL. Only take carry-on luggage or if you have to check a bag bring a change of clothes in a carry-on.