cross-posted from: https://sopuli.xyz/post/16201582
Hello, I hope this is the right community to ask this. I have a flight in December from Valencia (Spain) to Tokyo with Air France. I have a layover in Paris CDG.
The flight from Valencia to Paris arrives at CDG at 08:20 in terminal 2G. And the flight from Paris to Tokyo departs at 9:30 in terminal 2E.
I have been researching and I believe that this is not enough time to make the connection. I contacted Air France and initially they told me that it was not enough time, and they offered me some more expensive alternative flights, which I am not satisfied with, as I would arrive a day later. When I told them that their website states that they are responsible for making the connection possible, they started to say that the connection is indeed possible. I also tried to cancel the flight from Valencia to Paris and take another airline that arrives earlier, but they say that cannot be done without paying, as it is part of the same itinerary.
I don’t have much experience flying, and I would like to know your opinion.
Thank you very much!
I have no experience with CDG personally, I’ll share what I do know.
- If you booked passage from Spain to Tokyo the carrier is responsible for getting you to Tokyo whether you make your transfer or not. They should provide lodging and meals to cover any extended stay in Paris if you miss the connection.
- If you booked two separate tickets on your own, it is your responsibility and expense if you miss the transfer. And you most likely will if you have checked luggage. In this scenario the airline won’t transfer your luggage for you like the will in scenario 1
- In my experience (again; not specifically with CDG) an hour is cutting it close for an international layover. I have had several and many have involved sprinting to the gate. I have never missed a connection though.
- You can’t rely on running alone. You will have to go through security again in your layover city. This could be the long pole in the tent and is essentially out of your control
- Don’t be afraid to ask people for help. Let the stewards on your Valencia/Paris flight know you have a short layover. If you’re stuck in a long line at security let those in front of you know you have a short layover. Nine times out of ten, they will let you go ahead.
That’s all that’s coming to mind at the moment. Sorry I don’t have a definitive answer for you; I hope this helps though…
Hello, first of all, thank you very much for responding. It’s a complete itinerary with Air France, so they are responsible, but the truth is that I would like to be able to make the flight.
If not, I think I would fly on the one at 21:55 instead of 09:30. The airport website indicates this time: https://www.parisaeroport.fr/images/default-source/passager-images/vols/correspondance/temps-de-parcours-cdg/adp-affiche-correspondance-terminal-2g.jpg It’s clear that I would need to run. What I’m not sure about is whether I have to go through security again; I understand that I am already inside the airport. I’ve seen videos where they go through document control, but not security. I will investigate this further.
Thank you again.
In my experience I always have, but since Spain and France are both in the EU there is a great chance this may be different. I have never made a connection within the EU before so I had not considered that. I think if you don’t have to go through security there is a great chance you would be able to make it.
I have been reading, and it seems that within Terminal 2 itself, if it is between Schengen areas, there is no control of any kind. There may only be a passport check. So from what you say, it seems that I could arrive. Thank you very much.
You can’t rely on running alone. You will have to go through security again in your layover city. This could be the long pole in the tent and is essentially out of your control
There are no security checks within Schengen. Agree with your other points though.
Hey! I just traveled through ~8 countries in the EU. I give you a 50/50 shot at making your flight. 2 hours is the recommended time between flights, so I’m not sure why they tried to book your flights so close together. However, as long as you are good at following directions, and as long as your initial flight isn’t delayed, you should make it to your second flight with some time to spare. Those are two big ifs though, as airports in foreign countries can be confusing, and flights are often delayed. I genuinely think this is a roll of the dice in terms of luck. That being said, good luck!
Thank you. I’ll have to play the lottery then haha
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