Originally Posted by
The Situation
Schedule (not the time at home, but the actual arrival times of flights and equipment, especially depending on what cabin you are flying in, are important factors). SLC-AMS is the best option. It is probably a codeshare of KLM on a 787 which is a nice ride and the AMS is an easy and reliable connection. International flights provide better service than domestic flights, so more time on the international flight is better. CDG is fine if things go smoothly, but if AF decides to strike or you have irrops, its a nightmare.
If you choose to connect in Europe, give yourself enough time to go through passport control (entering Schengen), change terminals, and pass through Security.
Personally I fly to Europe from SFO and much prefer a night departure, sleep on the TATL, and arrive in Europe sometime mid-afternoon, a relaxed layover, and arrive at final destination in the early evening, ready to transfer to the city, get checked in, catch a light meal, and hit the rack, defeating jet lag.