Transfer through Amsterdam or Paris (CDG)

Not really familiar with either airport, but I would go with the longer layover time. It gives you some wiggle room.

Paris has some advantages when it comes to the train back-up plan. Basel is 7 1/2 hours from, and some of the itineraries are through Paris. Paris is 3 hours to Basel from Gare de Lyon on a direct train. 2 hours and 55 minutes should be adequate at CDG.

Too bad there are no nonstops to Zurich from Atlanta, which seems rather odd, but then ATL is a Delta fortress hub.

Paris is huge and spread over several terminals. I don't like it. I would go for Amsterdam as it is more compact and easily to use in general.

I wish there was a non stop to Zurich too as I would go that route if I could. Maybe some day it will be added. I am leaning toward Amsterdam as well because of the small size as the flight out of CDG is out of G which is a bit remote. The flight Amsterdam to Basel is on a KLM small city hopper jet. Does anyone know if we will have to take the bus out to the plane and if so how does that work? Thanks for all the help.

When In did this in Zurich last year, it was just like regular boarding, except on to a bus. They announce "Now boarding flight XXX to Basel.' Then they scan your boarding pass and you get on the bus. When the bus is full, it goes to the plane and another bus pulls up to the gate. When everyone is checked in, it goes to the plane, you walk up one of those old fashioned mobile boarding stairways (the kind that presidents trip on), take your seat, they close the doors, and start showing you how to buckle your seat belts, etc.

I agree with Sam...his description is exactly how my CityHopper flight worked transiting thru Amsterdam to Scotland. The KLM crew was efficient and personable and of course all spoke perfect English.

All things being equal (or close to), I would go with AMS rather than CDG. That's in part because my experiences at CDG have not gone well, whereas Schiphol is a breeze to fly in and out of. You won't need more than 1 hour and 55 minutes there, imo.

I agree with Mardee and Frank. I avoid Paris when I can. Amsterdam is more compact and "user-friendly." My comment has always been that CDG is designed for architects, not for travelers.

That’s to everyone. You have been most helpful. I feel better about the flight through Amsterdam.

While I think CDG is just fine, if I have a choice, I'd always choose AMS. Amsterdam is super organized and efficient. And if you happen to have a delayed arrival, they work with passengers to get them through passport control/customs expeditiously.

Kimberly- how does that work? Does the airline help or do you have to approach a specific person?

Our experience with a late arrival is that AMS has special, short lines for immigration and security check. In our case there were uniformed staff directing you to the special lines.

I think the fact that the airline is allowing half the time at AMS vs CDG is a bit telling. While times for transfers vary wildly, I would never do 1 1/2 hours at CDG, but am doing 1:15 at AMS in April with few concerns.

The only other thing I consider is what Plan B is, are there other flights to Basel later in the day? if so, I get very much less concerned.

Regarding the train as a last resort, nice to have as a viable option, but that is not a call to make independently. You would need to work with the airline and let them know you need to get to Basel by a certain time and that is what you wish to do, getting their agreement. Otherwise, when you go to board your flight home, you will find your booking cancelled, having missed a segment.

So much good information- thanks to you all.

I prefer AMS to CDG. Just returned from a flight coming and going thru CDG. We managed, but I don't like that airport. I very much like AMS since it's easy. We had a two hour connection coming home. We made it, our luggage did not. When filling out our claim, the Delta agent mentioned that they have lots of issues with CDG when it comes to luggage. She was frustrated and mentioned that they had 40 items that had not made it so far from that airport for the day. As a side note, our bags were carry-on, but due to a full flight, we had to check. So, taking only carry-on does not necessarily protect you from lost bags.

And just to 2nd what someone said above, AMS has special lines for short connections and helpful staff. The staff at CDG are also nice, but that airport is so large and can get confusing. Up and down stairs, and special shuttles. Stressful place. First time thru, we got lost and confused. Almost missed our flight. Next two times, not lost, but so much walking.....