I am flying to Nice next week from Boston with a very short layover/connection in Paris/CDG. I land at 8:15am into CDG (terminal 2E) with a 9:35 to Nice (Terminal 2F). My bag will be checked (I will be checked in already as I will have done that in Boston) and hoping it makes it but I am a bit worried about making the connection myself. I've done some searches on here and see some others have had success and also not so much with this. I was thinking of purchasing the seat plus option for a better seat (currently in row 34) but most are on the upper deck and was not sure how they load the aircraft and whether they load/unload the upper deck first or last or how that works (if upgrading even matters). Any tips anyone can provide or am I just being paranoid? I have been spoiled with mostly direct flights into Europe and never a connection like this. Thanks!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Are you flying Delta/Air France? It's not unusual for AF to schedule tight connections at CDG. Assuming you're booked through on one ticket, if you miss your connection the airline will be responsible for getting you on the next available flight.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5505 posts
Ali, I'd mostly say don't stress about it. I've missed connections in Europe twice, but never due to a short connection (always due to mechanical problem or delayed departure from the States). Both times, I've gotten to my destination just a few hours later. The main thing that I would suggest is that you look at the airport maps so you are familiar with getting between the terminals. If you do arrive late and know that you will miss your flight, ask the flight attendant for guidance (e.g. where the desk is so you can get rebooked). If you want to be "defensive", make a list of all the later flights between CDG and Nice. If the airline tells you there is nothing that day, you can "suggest" alternatives. Regarding the checked bag, just pack a change of clothes and your essentials in your carry-on. If your bag does not show up in Nice, also don't stress. Odds are it will show up on the next flight and be delivered to your hotel. You can ask the airline if they can provide you with a toiletries kit (when Air France lost my bag on a direct flight, I got a T shirt and other freebies; the bag showed up the next day). While my bag has been delayed on 4 or 5 occasions, it has never happened to me on a short connection. On short connections, they often put a different tag on the bags. Have a great trip. Odds are, everything will go according to plan but if they don't, try not to stress about it.
Posted by
OP
Newton, MA, USA
289 posts
Tim - Yes, on AF and booked through on one ticket. There is a 1pm and others later but I don't want to be stuck in the airport waiting that long which is why I am thinking about it. Laura - Thanks for your words. I have flew to CDG last year and am a little bit familiar with the airport and based on the maps given it's terminal 2E and 2F I should be able to just walk but not sure how long that takes. I had planned on packing a little extra in my carry-on with the expectation of my bag being delayed (that doesn't worry me so much). It sounds like it doesn't matter where I sit on the plan based on both of your responses so I will stay put until someone tells me otherwise. (Also, is the upper deck seating any better anyway?) Thanks!!