FlyerTalk Forums - OpenSkies/Paris Do, June 19-22 Planning Thread!

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mara916

Jun 17, 2008 8:06 am

I'd love to join you as well! That's EXACTLY how I like to learn about art.

mara916

Jun 17, 2008 8:09 am

What a great plan - I will be sure to get this before we go. Anyone else for some time at the Louvre?

stimpy

Jun 17, 2008 8:11 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky9876coins (Post 9892519)

FWIW I emailed the OpenSkies concierge regarding lounge access at ORY, and got the following information (in less than eight hours no less!):

Dear Sir,
I would like to advise you that the lounge in Paris Orly are the lounge so far used by L'Avion. The VIP Icare lounge is located in Orly South terminal, after immigration and security controls.

If you haven't been to the Icare lounge, I can tell you that it isn't worth showing up early for.

rubbernyc

Jun 17, 2008 8:44 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by yyzprincess (Post 9892504)

In 2 day can be done if one wants to Zip through.
The Louvre, D'Orsay, Centre Pompidou, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame. Cabbing it I would presume.As a a regular visitor to Paris, I am sure you are knowledgable about the time involved just going in & out of the Metro stations.
I chuckle when I see individuals in Louvre trying to run from Mona Lisa to The Winged Victory to Michaelangelo's Slave.

Sample Itinerary.
Friday: Land at 7:00AM. Cab to the hotel afterall you want to get the most of your 30 Euro Museum Pass.
9:00AM: Arrive at the Hotel. Room ready. Quick Check-in. Up to the room. Shower and change.
10:00AM: Metro to Louvre. Must see. Mona Lisa ,next Winged Victory,Next Greek Etruscan and Roman Antiquities to seeThe Venus de Milo.Quick run through Paintings. Delacroix :Liberty Leading the People ,David's:The coronation of Emperor Napoléon and Empress Josephine.
1:00PM: On to the Metro. Notre Dame. Run through. Quick jog up the towers.
3:00PM: Lunch maybe.
By 5:00PM flatout.

Saturday: Up crack of dawn. Breakfast by 8:00AM. On the road by 8:30AM. First stop Arc de Triomphe .Walk around. Go up. Take photo.
10:00AM: Off to Centre Pompidou. Walk about to see the architecture. The colored pipes. Quick read of the history. Off to see works by Max Ernst, ManRay,Kandinsky,Klee. Of course quick glance only.
11:00AM: Musee D'Orsay. Out by 1:00PM.Again quick run through all the floors.
Off to the Eiffel Tour.Out by 3:00PM.
By 5:00PM flatout.

To appreciate Paris is to stroll through the neighbourhoods.Stop at a cafe. Pickup a crepe from one of the windowed stops in St.Germain de Pres.
Do a Museum in the morning. Leave the afternoon for strolling for sights & smells of Paris. That is a truly a Paris Experience.
Not running from museum to museum monument to monument.

rubbernyc

Jun 17, 2008 8:46 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by yyzprincess (Post 9892504)

yyzprincess, I admire your enthusiasm, but I think you'll find that being summer and all, the queues will be long at some of these spots by the afternoon. I think your last bit about just strolling through small streets and enjoying a cafe here and there is more realistic.

Maybe focus on one museum or site ( Eiffel Tower ) in the morning and a free afternoon strolling about.

Just an idea.

stimpy

Jun 17, 2008 9:07 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubbernyc (Post 9893022)

Maybe she has a VIP pass to cut the line?

A quintessential summer experience in Paris is the famous Berthillon ice cream on Ile St. Louis. The weather has been poor for the last month, but hopefully it will be nice next weekend.

Calcifer

Jun 17, 2008 9:11 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubbernyc (Post 9893022)

I suspect there's more than a hint of sarcasm in the "suggested" itinerary, particularly given her comments at the bottom.

scoow

Jun 17, 2008 9:14 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubbernyc (Post 9893022)

Just an idea.

I think yyzprincess had exactly the same idea. Her post was responding to vsevolod4's suggestion of getting the museum pass. I think the "Sample Itinerary" was suppose to show that while it maximizes the museum pass benefits, this is probably NOT the best way to spend two days in Paris.

Notice her earlier posts:

Quote:

Originally Posted by yyzprincess (Post 9891170)

For 2 days , I would strongly suggest concentrating on 2 museums.

Quote:

Originally Posted by yyzprincess (Post 9891159)

Far more enriching experience than running all over the museum floor by floor trying to see all the masters, barely glancing at their work.Within couple of weeks the visit is a blur.

lucky9876coins

Jun 17, 2008 9:19 am

I was finally able to select seats. I called and apparently they entered my first name as my last name and my last name as my first name. In in row nine on the way out and row three on the way back.

Anyone want to sit near me or is already sitting near me?:p

Cholula

Jun 17, 2008 9:26 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky9876coins (Post 9893257)

apparently they entered my first name as my last name and my last name as my first name.

Oh so they had you in the computer as Mr. 9876coins,lucky?? ;)

ittboss

Jun 17, 2008 9:30 am

so i think im the last one to confirm the winning ticket. im not so good with flyertalk.com yet. still trying to get the lingo and all that but i got PREM+ to and BIZ back.

baccarat_king

Jun 17, 2008 9:42 am

OK,

My final hotel update, for Friday, 20th June. (Still @ the Orly-Hilton for Saturday night)

I'm officially at Le Méridien Etoile (81 Boulevard Gouvion Saint-Cyr) for Friday night. Was able to get a confirmed Club President room with the expectation of 4PM check-out (and early check-in); as well as the included lounge access.

While Hotel Bellechasse Saint Germain did seem really nice, the Euro 175 rate and the additional bennies at Le Méridien Etoile just made it seem right...

And.... how could I come to my first DO (yes, this is my first, so, I'm officially a :-:virgin:-: DO participant) --- and not be staying at a property where I would be earning some miles&points! :D

vsevolod4

Jun 17, 2008 9:47 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by yyzprincess (Post 9892504)

I couldn't agree more. The museum pass allows you to a) not wait in line, b) pop into a museum or site you would not normally see, even if it's for a bit. Frankly I skip the big museums where I've been dozens times and visit the little ones that you would not ordinarily see, and if I visit the Louvre it is to see something specific or new.

lucky9876coins

Jun 17, 2008 9:51 am

Updated your hotel, King.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cholula (Post 9893300)

Oh so they had you in the computer as Mr. 9876coins,lucky?? ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ittboss (Post 9893327)

so i think im the last one to confirm the winning ticket. im not so good with flyertalk.com yet. still trying to get the lingo and all that but i got PREM+ to and BIZ back.

Welcome ittboss!:)^ I've added your info to the OP, and hope you join us for some fun in Paris as well! Any clue where you'll be staying in Paris?:)

ittboss

Jun 17, 2008 9:54 am

Welcome ittboss!:)^ I've added your info to the OP, and hope you join us for some fun in Paris as well! Any clue where you'll be staying in Paris?:)[/QUOTE]

whats OP (i told you im new)

no clue yet. im working on it though.

lucky9876coins

Jun 17, 2008 9:55 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by ittboss (Post 9893486)

whats OP (i told you im new)

no clue yet. im working on it though.

OP=Original Post (check the beginning of the thread for the big lists)

ckc123

Jun 17, 2008 9:57 am

Arrivals lounge access on the way back.

In order not to spend an arm and a leg to get to JFK from DCA, I got a shuttle on DL (which I never use) and I have to take a pretty late flight back on Sunday night. I'm flying back in Business from Paris so I'm wondering if I will be able to use BA's arrivals lounge to spend my time in until I have to go to terminal 3 and go home? Does anyone know? Thanks.

vsevolod4

Jun 17, 2008 10:00 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by yyzprincess (Post 9892504)

Somehow you miss my point. It isn't to pack as much in as possible, it's that the museum pass will give you more freedom and save time.

It is not about a race to see everything, (although for those that do, the above itinerary could certainly be expanded upon and last until midnight at Pigalle or Rive Gauche).

The museum pass is convenient precisely because you don't have to stand in line with the hordes at the big museums. I stay away from Louvre, D'orsay and the others where I've been dozens of times, unless it is to see something specific, or a new acquisition or new exhibit. Since it's "free" you don't feel like you need to get your money's worth and see everything, you just do what you want.

The pass allows you to amble around, and pop into somewhere that strikes your fancy. You wander past the Musée de la Poste and are curious and pop in, maybe it is interesting, maybe it isn't. You walk past the Musée des Arts et Métiers and realize this collection of scientific instruments and technology over the ages is spectacular and nobody else is there. Newbies will of course be compelled to hit all the major tourist areas and I agree that's a shame, but the museum pass provides value for them, as well as for seasoned visitors. You need to just hit one museum/sight one day and two the next for it to pay for itself. Moreover, 30 Euro is worth it just not to have to stand in queue @ the Louvre so you win right there!

baccarat_king

Jun 17, 2008 10:09 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckc123 (Post 9893512)

ckc123 I'm returning to BOS on DL and would be more than happy to "guest" you into the JFK DL Crown Room. I have a pretty late flight, but am hoping to standby for an earlier flight. Either way, I'll have some time at the JFK DL terminal.

Didn't realize there was a DL shuttle from JFK (and not just LGA) --- that's cool! :cool:

Sweet Willie

Jun 17, 2008 10:11 am

I am looking forward to this. Biz outbound/Prem + inbound.
Have some family business to attend to Friday night and Saturday day but hope to see the crew on Sat night, got an award ticket for Mrs Sweet Willie to join as well.
Saturday night we will be staying at the Holiday Inn Paris Saint Germain des Prés. At only 5,000 points per night I couldn't pass it up.

What is the transportation situation upon arrival into ORY ? Are we scheduling a shuttle ? (apologize if I missed this discussion)

Pat89339

Jun 17, 2008 10:22 am

Does anyone who has been there before have an opinion about the on-and-off double decker bus? Apparently there are two, one is red and the other is yellow and they both appear to go to or by all the highlights. It might be a better way for a newbie to get around, rather than cabbing it everywhere.

rubbernyc

Jun 17, 2008 10:22 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calcifer (Post 9893203)

I suspect there's more than a hint of sarcasm in the "suggested" itinerary, particularly given her comments at the bottom.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoow (Post 9893222)

I suspect I completely missed the sarcasm.... I skipped my morning coffee today, ovbiously. Thanks guys

ckc123

Jun 17, 2008 10:34 am

Nervermind about the arrivals.

I just looked at BA's website and they don't have that in JFK.

I also forgot I have a RCC membership so I can go back through security (yes, I have a seven hour layover, ouch!) and chill there. If they will accept my Delta boarding pass at the security gate.

Or I can take up the offer to go in to the delta lounge in terminal 3 that baccarat_king offered. This is starting to look like the best option.

By the way, Thanks baccarat_king for offering. Much appreciated.

lucky9876coins

Jun 17, 2008 10:38 am

Welcome, Sweet Willie!:)^ Look forward to meeting you, and I'll add you +1 to the list for dinner on Saturday.

OrlandoFlyer

Jun 17, 2008 10:38 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat89339 (Post 9893691)

We have used this type of service (Gray Line in many cities) in many cities around the world, and find it works very well for a real overview of the city in a short time. If you get a good commentator on the bus it really improves the overall experience. So, highly recommended for newbies who do not know a city.

OrlandoFlyer

Jun 17, 2008 10:40 am

lucky9876coins

Please confirm myself and Mrs. OrlandoFlyer for dinner on Friday night.

Seems like this is all coming together.

lucky9876coins

Jun 17, 2008 11:02 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet Willie (Post 9893616)

What is the transportation situation upon arrival into ORY ? Are we scheduling a shuttle ? (apologize if I missed this discussion)

I think the plan was just to split up by hotel and do whatever we preferred. I doubt a shuttle would be cheaper than cabs split a few ways, especially considering how many different places we're staying at.

I suggest that upon landing at Orly (past customs/immigration) we have a quick meeting to plan a few things for the weekend for those of us that will be participating. Since we likely won't all be able to meet at once at JFK or aboard, I think it would be a good quick opportunity to plan out some logistics.

vsevolod4

Jun 17, 2008 11:08 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky9876coins (Post 9893942)

Works for me, right past customs ... hope nobody's checking bags; if so then meet around baggage claim :-)

lucky9876coins

Jun 17, 2008 11:16 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsevolod4 (Post 9893994)

Works for me, right past customs ... hope nobody's checking bags; if so then meet around baggage claim :-)

Great, I've added it to the OP.

How are our restauranteers doing with Friday and Saturday night?:o Do we have reservations yet? (no rush, just asking):)

Also, since there's just one real planning day left (tomorrow), please post here ASAP if you'd like to participate in an activity and aren't already listed.

Sweet Willie

Jun 17, 2008 11:16 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky9876coins (Post 9893773)

Welcome, Sweet Willie!:)^ Look forward to meeting you, and I'll add you +1 to the list for dinner on Saturday.

great, only a word of caution, if this is the type of restaurant that will freak if the two of us don't show for some reason please don't put us on. We are doing some returning travel to Paris that day so hence my caution.

Pat89339

Jun 17, 2008 11:32 am

I am wondering what sort of inaugural activities there will be at the gate. There was a tremendous party at SFO when Virgin America had its inaugural flight, don't you think there will be something of that sort at JFK?

lucky9876coins

Jun 17, 2008 11:38 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat89339 (Post 9894174)

I'm definitely expecting some inaugural stuff at the gate and probably at check-in as well, so I guess we'll see. I just doubt we'll all be together at the gate, since it'll likely be crowded and have free stuff.:p

FlyMeHomeAA

Jun 17, 2008 11:49 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by peteropny (Post 9892705)

Since many of "you" haven't been to Paris (at least in quite a few years), please be very careful of pickpockets especially in the Metro. Unless things have gotten a lot better in the last few years, they're especially bad in this city. The only place where I've gotten pickpocketed (and my partner was a "near miss").

My Mother-in-law has reported exactly the same thing. Thanks for the heads up!

heffa

Jun 17, 2008 12:00 pm

Lucky, that you very much for administering this thread and in-official the Do as well.

Put me down on dinner on Friday and Saturday and the great Impressionism museum tour on Saturday.

Canarsie

Jun 17, 2008 4:20 pm

Here are my intentions as of now:

I intend to stay at the Hilton Orly on Saturday night. I have not reserved the room yet, but at approximately US$170.00 all-inclusive and non-refundable, I plan to pay for the room rather than use Hilton HHonors points.

I currently have no reservation for Friday night:

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrizShel (Post 9887778)

However, just in case anyone needs it, I will hold on to my reservation at the Courtyard Paris Defense West for a couple more days - since I booked it at the tax inclusive rate of 99 Euros per night, the rate has jumped to 229 Euros per night.

I may be interested if this room is still available.

Award rooms are available at the Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris hotel for 40,000 Hilton HHonors points for Friday night. I am considering that as well, since the room price is no fewer than US$538.00 for that night.

I am debating whether or not I should blow 50,000 US Airways Dividend Miles and US$60.00 on a flight from Atlanta to New York, or use my Delta Air Lines SkyMiles plus US$75.00 and perhaps arrive the night before the flight, meaning tomorrow night.

I am still paying for the Master of Business Administration degree that I just completed last month, so I am currently on a tight budget...

lucky9876coins

Jun 17, 2008 4:35 pm

Welcome to the club, Canarsie! Do you know which cabin you'll be in for which direction, so I can update that info in the OP? Look forward to meeting you.:)

Canarsie

Jun 17, 2008 5:25 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky9876coins (Post 9895838)

Welcome to the club, Canarsie! Do you know which cabin you'll be in for which direction, so I can update that info in the OP? Look forward to meeting you.:)

Thank you, lucky9876coins. I look forward to meeting you too.

I am currently in seats:
9A Paris-bound in Prem+
4E New York-bound in Biz

I wonder how comfortable the Prem+ seat will be for sleeping overnight.

These seats can always be changed contingent upon who wants to sit next to me...

Pat89339

Jun 17, 2008 5:35 pm

That would me be in 9A outbound. :D

lucky9876coins

Jun 17, 2008 5:40 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canarsie (Post 9896051)

I wonder how comfortable the Prem+ seat will be for sleeping overnight.

Well they seem to have 52 inches of pitch and about 140 degrees of recline, so I would say they're not too far from UA recliners in C. Not perfect, but not great either. That being said, there's no time to sleep on the flight.:p

bobovespa

Jun 17, 2008 6:00 pm

Please put me down for the dinners and the Musee D'Orsay tour please.

With so little time I am questioning the wisdom of switching hotels; I am wondering whether just staying at the Hilton Orly on Friday makes sense when I'll be there Saturday anyway? Is the concern that it's hard to reach late at night except by cab?

By the way, seats:

12A outbound
2B inbound

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