Traveling from SFO to Bordeaux, I have decided it is worth the price to get one ticket from Air France, flying nonstop from SFO to CDG, and changing to a flight to Bordeaux at CDG. One has a 1 1/2 hour connection time, the other has a 2 1/2 hour connection time. Does anyone have any input on whether he 1 1/2 hour connection is too tight? This will all be on one purchase from Air France, but I don't know if both flights use the same terminal, and whether there will be customs and security at CDG. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Merci beaucoup!
Posted by
241 posts
Definitely the 2 1/2 layover. Different terminal and security to go through.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
Yes, 2.5 hours for sure. I'd consider that tight too, at least at CDG, but with one ticket they'll get you to Bordeaux if you miss the connection.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14725 posts
Vote 3 for the 2.5 layover time.
I recently transited thru CDG. Flew Seattle to CDG on Delta in to 2E then AF to Milan out of 2F (all on one ticket). I timed myself from when I stepped out of the aircraft door at the M gate tarmac parking area to the shuttle to 2E to security at 2F/Immigration and to my gate. I made one quick comfort stop and it took 1h5m. I walked moderately but did not run.
Add to that about 15 minutes for the exterior stairs to be pushed to the plane from the time the seat belt sign went off. There are some arrival gates at CDG where you arrive and deplane down exterior stairs to the tarmac then load onto shuttle buses to be taken to The main 2E terminal building for Immigration or transit to another terminal, then security and Immigration. I found the signage pretty good but I knew which terminal I was headed to. You’ll check that out ahead of time.
You will have Security and Immigration. No customs until your exit at Bordeaux which will literally be walking thru a door.
And yes, please do yourself a favor and book as one ticket!!
Posted by
Bainbridge Island, WA
288 posts
I also vote for the 2 1/2 connection for peace of mind if nothing else. You never know how long passport control will take or if your flight from SFO will be delayed. Then you can use any extra time to have a coffee and pastry to celebrate arriving in France.
Posted by
481 posts
We flew SFO-CDG+Toulouse. We had a 1:50 hr connection that made me nervous. We made it with time to spare...we moved right along but not running. Passport and security were not a problem (no guarantees). 1:30 I don’t know. I would opt for the longer connection...less anxiety.
Bon Voyage
Posted by
Dana Point
1211 posts
With only a 1 hour difference between the two options, for me, the 2 1/2 hour connection would be the clear choice. This isn't one of those 1 1/2 vs. 4 1/2 hour situations, where the choice (again, for me) becomes less obvious.
Posted by
OP
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1327 posts
Thank you all for your advice. I will definitely go for the longer layover time. Let's hope these flights still exist next June when the trip is planned. Merci bien, mes amis!
Posted by
SC and CA
205 posts
You might consider taking the train from Paris to Bordeaux. It's a very easy trip on a high speed train
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20179 posts
i would do the 2 1/2 hour layover, but I would worry about missing my connection.
Chucky D is a miserable airport IMHO