Layover time at Paris CDG

[Anonymous]

We are planning a trip to the south of France in August. Delta/AF is suggesting flights with only 90 minutes between arrival at CDG and departure to our destination. I have flown out of CDG in the past couple of years after arriving in Paris by train. I have not been through the arrival process. Is 90 minutes sufficient time to get through passport control and change planes?

[Anonymous]

Possible but very tight. Which airport are you going to? Nice? I'd look at what time the next flight would be, so if you missed your connection, what the backup option might be (assuming seats available)

But yeah 90 minutes feels tight in economy. I'd want 2 hours.

[Anonymous]

You don't know if your plane will leave the US late (e.g. thunderstorms, traffic). Last time we flew into Paris, we circled around the terminal a couple of times waiting for a gate.

[Anonymous]

I think you should be fine. I think both your flights will be in terminal 2 (although you can check that). But also getting from CDG to the south of France you have option (including TGV if needed).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don't know if your plane will leave the US late (e.g. thunderstorms, traffic). Last time we flew into Paris, we circled around the terminal a couple of times waiting for a gate.

Conversely, lots of flights from here to Europe land early (although it’s true sometimes those flights have to wait for a gate because they are early)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you should be fine. I think both your flights will be in terminal 2 (although you can check that). But also getting from CDG to the south of France you have option (including TGV if needed).

Yeah but Air France operations at Terminal 2 are really 5 separate buildings that are a solid 10 minutes in between each, plus walking inside the building.

There are some long distance trains from CDG, but they aren't that many as it's not a main thru station. But yeah a good backup idea. But if going to Nice you are talking a 6 hour train ride, so not exactly an easy alternative.

[Anonymous]

There are regular flights so I’d think they can get you on one pretty easily.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you should be fine. I think both your flights will be in terminal 2 (although you can check that). But also getting from CDG to the south of France you have option (including TGV if needed).

Yeah but Air France operations at Terminal 2 are really 5 separate buildings that are a solid 10 minutes in between each, plus walking inside the building.

There are some long distance trains from CDG, but they aren't that many as it's not a main thru station. But yeah a good backup idea. But if going to Nice you are talking a 6 hour train ride, so not exactly an easy alternative.

So 15 mins to get off the plane, 20 minutes at immigration, 15 minutes to get to the next building—- that’s not particularly aggressive and OP’s getting there 40 mins before departure.

Could OP miss the flight? Yes, especially if the plane is late. Is it likely if the plane is on time? I don’t think so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you should be fine. I think both your flights will be in terminal 2 (although you can check that). But also getting from CDG to the south of France you have option (including TGV if needed).

Yeah but Air France operations at Terminal 2 are really 5 separate buildings that are a solid 10 minutes in between each, plus walking inside the building.

There are some long distance trains from CDG, but they aren't that many as it's not a main thru station. But yeah a good backup idea. But if going to Nice you are talking a 6 hour train ride, so not exactly an easy alternative.

So 15 mins to get off the plane, 20 minutes at immigration, 15 minutes to get to the next building—- that’s not particularly aggressive and OP’s getting there 40 mins before departure.

Could OP miss the flight? Yes, especially if the plane is late. Is it likely if the plane is on time? I don’t think so.

Also have to clear security again going into the Schengen terminal. So add 10 minutes.

Yes it's probably fine if flight is on time. But probably miss it even with just a 30 minute delay. That feels too close personally. But if I was business class, first off the plane and you get expedited passport control, so I'd be more willing in business, or if going somewhere with another flight within a couple of hours to the same destination.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I was hoping to take a late JFK-CDG flight in hopes of getting some sleep. I have a terrible time sleeping on flights. Now I think I will take an early evening flight though to increase our options if we miss our initial connection in Paris. Thanks for the advice.