arrive CDG before flight
 

We have a 10:15 am departure to SFO from CDG on 1/5 when should we arrive at the airport, I've read the horror stories about CDG and want to be prepared. I'm planning on getting a shuttle to take us to CDG so I need to figure out when to have them get us , we are staying in the Marais
Thanks
MJ

At least three hours. You may end up with 2 hours to spare, but that's better than missing your flight.

With a shuttle, you have to allow extra time to get to CGD, as they often pick up others here and there, who may not be ready and waiting.

It's essential to pick a reputable shuttle service in Paris. Many are notorious for being later and/or not showing up - even if you have prepaid.

And, make sure you double check your departure terminal. Once in a while (happened to us) it has changed since your flights were purchased.

I live in Paris and I always give myself 3 hours for a long distance flight. I give myself 3 hours for a long distance flight anywhere in the world, so Paris or CDG has nothing to do with it.

No less than three hours. I always allow three hours and used to have plenty of time to spare, but not the last couple of times I've flown out of CDG. That being said, Jan. 5 may not be as busy as high season so you might have time to eat, browse, relax.

If you plan on presenting forms for detaxe refund, allow extra time for that.

Allow three hours. The last time we flew out of CDG, we arrived at the terminal listed on our tickets, but they changed the terminal and it was up to us to get to the new terminal on time.

Woody

Can anyone recommend a reputable shuttle company ? and thanks for all the advice
MJ

No matter which airport, I'd arrive a minimum of 3 hours, because your airline probably over sold the flight. "First come, first serve." Those that arrive last are religated to standby. I haven't been through FRA since 9/11, but I like the airport itself. Went through CDG in early October. What a zoo! BTW: we were "religated to standby" after arriving only 2 hours early.

If there are two of you a taxi will be approximately the same amount of money as a shuttle and you can gauge the time better. A shuttle will add enough time to pick up other passengers.

Hi MJ,

>Can anyone recommend a reputable shuttle company ? <

www.parishuttle.com
www.beeshuttle.com
www.paris-blue-airport-shuttle.fr

((I))

mk -- is that a budget airline you're talking about and didn't you receive a VDB voucher for being bumped off the plane?

We just came home from Paris on Dec 1st. Our Air France flight from CDG was also at 10:15AM. Our hotel was in the 8th, near Place de la Concorde. Air City Service was our shuttle and they picked us up a bit before 6:30AM. We made two additional stops in the vicinity of the Opera.

We were at CDG by shortly after 7:00AM. The airport was largely empty at that hour. The trickiest part was the "questionner" in the queue for luggage check-in who grilled us about control of our luggage since packing.

We were at our gate before 8:00AM. They started boarding the bus to take us to our aircraft about 9:15. That piece took longer than I had imagined it might and the flight did leave about 40 minutes late (a reason was never offered).

Good luck and I hope you enjoy your trip as much as we did.