FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Questions on CDG/AMS Transit and AF/KLM codeshare Logistics

Apr 15, 2023 | 7:26 pm

#3

Cory6188

Join Date: Jun 2003

Location: NJ

Programs: DL DM, Marriott Plat

Posts: 950

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryw

It's been over 2 decades since I've connected in Europe to fly on SkyTeam partners, so I have a couple questions about current logistics of how it works! I'm going to be flying USA-CDG-HAM (DL metal, then AF metal) and HAM-AMS-USA (KLM Cityhopper metal, then KLM metal), all booked in economy through DL with a US passport.

Carry On Bags - How strict are AF and KLM on carry-on baggage and weight? (My carry on bag is about 1cm over the size limits listed online, and I might have a little more than 12kg). Trying not to check a bag if I don't have to.
Immigration/Security - My understanding is that at CDG I'll have to go through immigration and security; and on the return it'll only be exit passport control at AMS. Are there any extra security checkpoints for US-bound flights? Does SkyPriority get any benefits at immigration or security?
Boarding - Is there anything different about the AF/KLM boarding process that is helpful to know?
Seats - DL let me pre-select seats on AF and KLM (including what seem to be marked as "preferred") - are those likely to stick? My understanding is also that they don't do day of departure upgrades the same way DL does, and I'm pretty much stuck with what I've booked unless I get a cash upgrade offer at checkin?

No different than DL in my experience. I don't even think I've ever even seen an AF or KL bag sizer at the gate.
Nothing beyond the standard protocol of contractors asking you random (frankly stupid, in some cases) questions about your trip. Nothing for SkyPriority at immigration at AMS (and you won't go through security); I'd have to defer to someone else for CDG in terms of transit security (as mentioned above, I've lucked out on my connections through CDG and not had to go through security again).
Basically a free-for-all; way less managed than DL's boarding. It is what it is; don't stress about it - everyone still gets on board.
Yup, you'll be fine if you have seat assignments that you were able to select and confirm. There are no day-of-departure upgrades on AF/KL, but "business class" within Europe is just upgraded catering with a blocked middle seat; it's all Y anyway. It's not worth even worrying about.

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