Originally Posted by
ijgordon
Definitely many pros and cons of the two alternatives!
Though it wasn't even clear from the OP, but I"m gathering that CDG-DTW is on an AF 350 (I don't know what "not the new one" means, don't these have the UA Polaris seats? They're pretty good seats).
The AF A350s being delivered starting now have the new reverse herringbone with doors product, as the A350 becomes the premium-but-not-LP workhorse (basically replacing the 772s, which will get the new product but a smaller J cabin than the 787s). The Polaris A350s (along with the 77Ws with 14 of those seats) will likely transition to serving leisure and Caribbean/Indian Ocean routes (partly because of the honeymoon seats)
But to address a few of the comments made:
On the outbound, I'd probably rather clear immigration during the layover in CDG, assuming there's a comfortable enough layover, and even if you have to do security that you wouldn't have in Boston. Then you can also take a shower (which is critical for me on arrival after a redeye). Then on arrival at FCO you can just get your bags and be out. While the French are not known for their efficiency, the Italians are worse, lol. Also, the BOS-FCO flight arrives so early in the morning, you probably won't be able to check into your hotel (and no shower!)
There's also a 1 in 4ish chance that you won't have to clear security in CDG, depending on if you arrive at the right gates in Hall L, though AF377 might be too late.
I don't put too much of a penalty on Eurobusiness for such a short flight (prob <90m of flight time), as long as it's a full-size jet and you have an empty middle. The RJs will be the same seating as coach. The service will be better than a similar-length domestic F.
If CDG-FCO is in an A220, the A Eurobiz seats have a blocked aisle (viz. you get the row to yourself): lift the armrest, spread out, and have two tray tables to yourself. I'm 6'4", but it would be close between AF A220 A seat and any mainline narrowbody recliner on DL. AF shorthaul catering is cold (sometimes the bread is warmed) and the choices are take it or leave it, but it is tasty and there will likely be multiple drink services.
On the return, the immigration/security situation is more similar (e.g., you will have to do both at either connection point, CDG (I think?) or BOS (for sure)).
Schengen -> non-Schengen is immigration-only at CDG (and no need to collect bags and recheck as at BOS).
I would choose the CDG connection and AF metal, but that's perhaps largely due to FB status.