I'll be ending a May river cruise in Amsterdam then spending a couple days in Paris before flying out of CDG home to Chicago. any input on low cost airline recommendations for an early morning one way flight between Amsterdam and Paris would be very much appreciated. I've checked the major airlines and the fare seems to be about e130. Thanks!.

www.skyscanner.com will provide the answer although I would very <B>seriously</B> consider taking the Thalys train between the two. www.thalys.com

Have you considered taking the train instead? Remember, if you fly to Paris, you have to get to AMS, at least an hour ahead, right? Then it's an hour from CDG to the center of Paris. I believe the cruise will leave you right at Amsterdam Central station. Thalys direct trains to Paris Nord take just over three hours.

If you must fly, try looking at the round trip fare instead of a one-way - sometimes it's actually cheaper to book it that way. Just throw away the return flight to Amsterdam.

Yes, take the Thalys train city center to city center in about 3.5 hours with tickets as low as 39 euros if book far enough in advance to get those limited in number specials - www.thalys.com book your own and see some of Europe between Amsterdam and Paris - getting to and from airports will also cost about $20 and takes time - train can be cheaper and faster. Check www.seat61.com for keen advice on booking those discounted tickets; general info on trains - www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Nobody flies this route any more - too much hassle!

It's only 3h20 by train, city centre to city centre at up to 186mph.

Book at www.thalys.com from €35.

Good advice! Thank you. Need I be concerned about luggage theft as posted here occurring in Italy? If so, how to secure luggage other than sitting on it during the journey? Joking aside, is this an issue to worry about?

I am on trains ALL the time here in Europe and do not fret about luggage theft. Sure, it can happen, as can any number of other travel disasters and inconveniences, but it's not something I worry about. If you are truly concerned, you can bring a rope lock and chain your luggage to the luggage racks. You will tick off other passengers perhaps, but maybe it's more important to feel secure about your luggage.

Yes with proper precautions theft is not an issue - try to board early in Amsterdam where train begins and put luggage in overnhead rack by your seat. Pack light too - lots of stairs and crowded train aisles to navigate. Luggage left by storage racks near entrances use as a last resort and keep eyes on it when trains stops for loading and unloading. Or bring a chain and key but be sure you are not blocking someone else's luggage. StCirq lives in France and is an expert on trains - heed her take.

If you really still want to fly, look at Transavia, the budget division of KLM.

We took Thalys last June (1st class as it was actually almost the same as coach). It seems to me there was a lot of overhead luggage space in first class. Consider first class as it won't likely be packed and it may not be much more.

OTOH, IF you are flying out of CDG <B>later that same day</B> then I definitely would consider flying.

Luggage? We have yet to have a problem with luggage being stolen even when we have left it in the racks at the end of the coach.

Since you are staying in Paris I sure wouldn't fly. City center to city center by train and no airport hassles. No reason to suffer CDG more than necessary.

"Luggage? We have yet to have a problem with luggage being stolen even when we have left it in the racks at the end of the coach."

Nor have I on more than a hundred train trips. I always pack my throwaway stuff anyway to dispose of along the way, lol...

Nor have I on more than a hundred train trips>

zillions of trips me too. But I do keep an eye on it at stops. Best to put in overhead racks by your seat so pack light.

We took Thalys last June (1st class as it was actually almost the same as coach).>

always check 1st class too -may not be much more sometimes and check several trains - first class does I believe include a nice full meal and drink. Lots more room for luggage.

" first class does I believe include a nice full meal and drink"

Our timing was off for lunch, but got a good snack and Duvel.

I re-read your post and see you are not flying out of CDG the same day so most definitely you should be doing this by rail and the sooner you make the reservations the cheaper the tickets may be.

Drat! My reply of yesterday didn't post for some reason. So I'll try again.

Thanks everyone for your valuable comments. I'll take your advice and go by train reserving a 1st class seat three months ahead when the schedule is posted.

I don't believe my 22" suitcase which is needed for the week long river cruise would fit above the seat so I'll definitely have to keep an eye on it somehow. When I took a hi-speed from Paris to Bordeaux a couple years ago I had a rear facing seat in 1st class so could not keep an eye on the luggage but then I wasn't concerned about any thieving issue. I'll figure something out, if only a piece of light rope tied to the rack.

Again, I appreciate all you Fodorites' generous replies!

https://www.seat61.com/thalys.htm

Looks like they made food optional on first class now. Since I didn't get a real meal, it's hard to say, but that feature is likely not really worth what they want for it. Just load up on goodies in Amsterdam Centraal before you go. There are lots of small grocery stores and restaurants literally meters from the platform right below the tracks.

I wouldn't tie my luggage to anything. I feel as though it screams, "Worth stealing!"

I buy the cheapest luggage I can find that will do the job, trying to convey that the Lipault bag next to mine would be a better target.

Also, anything of sentimental or material value doesn't go in a suitcase.