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Changing Planes in Paris

Posted by (Texas) on

For our flight to Munich in a few weeks, we are flying from Houston to Paris, then have 1 hour and 45 minutes to change planes for the Munich flights. Both are Delta flights operated by Air France.

We have seen conflicting information on what to expect during the stopover at CDG, so perhaps someone can clear this up for me. Information from the airport has indicated that we'll be able to just walk on over to our new gate and board the plane. Info from Delta has indicated that we'll have to retrieve checked luggage, go through customs, re-check luggage, go through security, etc... (in which case, 1 hr 45 minutes will be tight even with an on-time arrival!)

I'm sure plenty of you have changed planes at CDG... what should we expect? This is our first international flight, so the nerves are killing me!

Posted by
1167 posts

The information from Delta sounds wrong. You should be able to check your luggage through to Munich and you should be able to go from your arrival gate to the departure gate without having to go through customs, although there will be passport control and possibly security.

Posted by
368 posts

CDG would be your first port of landing in the EU, so I would expect to have to pick up luggage and go through customs there. CDG is not going to have a completely cordoned off area for international arrivals to sit in for the Munich leg so they don't have to go through customs.

Posted by
8700 posts

Your flight from Houston will arrive at Terminal 2E. Your flight to Munich will depart from Terminal 2D. Your luggage should be checked through. Take the free airside shuttle bus between the terminals--or walk. Technically you won't enter the European Union until you arrive in Munich. You may have to go through security, but you won't go through immigration/passport control until you get to Munich.

Posted by
15007 posts

All of the previous three are right...and wrong...

Upon arrival in Paris you will go through Immigration/Passport control. It is your first entry into the European Union. No need to get your luggage if you have checked it through. No customs in Paris. (You will probably have to go through security again.)

Upon arrival in Munich, you won't have to go through immigration (open borders) but will have to go through customs after retrieving your luggage.

Posted by
8700 posts

I was wrong and Frank II and Michael are right about having to go through immigration/passport control at CDG. Here's a quote from the Aeroports de Paris site:

"You are landing at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Terminal 2E
and your connecting flight is at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Terminal 2D. On leaving the aircraft, follow the signs for 'Exit - Baggage Reclaim'. Once you have gone through passport control and customs, take the free Aéroports de Paris shuttle to Terminal 2D. Frequency: every 18 to 25 minutes, 24/7. Free service."

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