kiddad

Hi everyone. I've seen related topics, but here' are our specifics. We (me and 9-year old son) are returning from Europe by flying from Paris to SFO in July. I'm using frequent flier miles, so the only way we can get from Paris to LHR (for our connecting flight) is via Dusseldorf--in other words, f(1) ly Paris to Dusseldorf, and then (2) Dusseldort to LHR, to (3) catch our flight to SFO.

The other option is to pay (only $126) and take the chunnel from Paris to London, and then take the tube to LHR. For some reason, it seems more sane to me to take the Chunnel than take two additional flights. Any advice/suggestions? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

ira

Hi K,

How long will the extra flights take?
How much shlepping will you have to do?
Is it worth $126 to you?

kiddad

Thanks for the quick response. Here's more detail on the travel options:

CDG: 8:55 AM
Dusseldorf: 10:00 AM

Dusseldorf: 11:10 AM
LHR: 11:35 AM

LHR: 3:15 PM

And here's the train info:

Paris: 9:13 AM
London: 10:34 AM

Leave LHR: 3:15 PM

I don't mind spending $126 if it will save aggravation and wear and tear.

alanRow

Neither solution appeals to me.

Both involve far too many connections for my liking and if any one of them fails you are looking at a large bill to get you home.

Get back to London the previous day or, if you are willing to risk it, book the first direct flight of the day from Paris to LHR

alan64

What about taking a flight on Ryan Air or other low-cost carrier from London (Gatwick?) to Paris? I'd price that out vs the Chunnel train. If that didn't work then I'd pony up the money and take the train. A 3-leg trip that takes you out of your way just doesn't seem very appealing.

alan64

Make that Paris to London and not visa versa. There's a shuttle bus that goes from Gatwick to LHR.

bratsandbeer

I think that shuttle bus is expensive between LHR and LGW.

Looking at the flight schedule it doesn't seem that bad. If you look at schedules anymore it seems like it takes 2 or 3 changes to get anywhere unless you can fly non-stop which seems harder to do now. If it is free and it will cost you $252 for you and your son to take the chunnel plus your cost of the tube to Heathrow, then it makes more sense to go with free transportation.

alanRow

<<< What about taking a flight on Ryan Air or other low-cost carrier from London (Gatwick?) to Paris? >>>

Ryanair don't fly Paris to London, their Paris is "Beauvais" which is at least an hour from Paris, there are no low costs flights to Gatwick from Paris, only to Luton with Easyjet, and you need to allow at least 4 hours, preferably more, when changing between ANY London airports. And you are still f*cked if you miss your flight home

christabir

Fly. Assuming this is a flight booked on the same reservation. If there are delays, the airline will have to get you home. If you miss your flight for other reasons, you are on your own. Plus I think you can check your bags through, so not as much schlepping as it looks.

tuscanlifeedit

I would only take the train if I were going to spend a night in London. Otherwise, fly.

soogies

Hi kiddad

i faced a similar issue, to caatch our FF miles-booked return. We decided to take British aiways (more generous baggage allowance) and fly into LGW and then the shuttle to LHR. It is around 19 GBP to take the shuttle between the airports. It says the journey should take 1-1/2 hrs but to allow up to 3 (!). We are getting into LHR the night before our flight home to alow enough time for error.

kiddad

Thanks all for the great feedback. Sounds like the consensus is to fly. If anyone else wants to chime in, please do, and truly appreciate your comments.