Going to Prague for business - KLM via AMS or AF via CDG for the connection?
Jan 14, 2018, 7:41 am
#16
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Jan 14, 2018, 7:53 am
#17
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Really? Have you been in the CDG 2F or 2G lounges? They're not that great, and often overrun - last time I went to 2F they turned me away (they did give me a 10euro voucher). The Schengen lounge in AMS, with the new dining area, is always OK.
I do agree the non-Schengen (2E) lounges at CDG are better than AMS, but that's not enough to overcome the general discomfort of connecting in CDG. IMO, AMS remains the clear winner.
I do agree the non-Schengen (2E) lounges at CDG are better than AMS, but that's not enough to overcome the general discomfort of connecting in CDG. IMO, AMS remains the clear winner.
Jan 14, 2018, 8:00 am
#18
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Really? Have you been in the CDG 2F or 2G lounges? They're not that great, and often overrun - last time I went to 2F they turned me away (they did give me a 10euro voucher). The Schengen lounge in AMS, with the new dining area, is always OK.
I do agree the non-Schengen (2E) lounges at CDG are better than AMS, but that's not enough to overcome the general discomfort of connecting in CDG. IMO, AMS remains the clear winner.
I do agree the non-Schengen (2E) lounges at CDG are better than AMS, but that's not enough to overcome the general discomfort of connecting in CDG. IMO, AMS remains the clear winner.
Jan 14, 2018, 8:21 am
#19
Join Date: May 2013
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Really? Have you been in the CDG 2F or 2G lounges? They're not that great, and often overrun - last time I went to 2F they turned me away (they did give me a 10euro voucher). The Schengen lounge in AMS, with the new dining area, is always OK.
I do agree the non-Schengen (2E) lounges at CDG are better than AMS, but that's not enough to overcome the general discomfort of connecting in CDG. IMO, AMS remains the clear winner.
I do agree the non-Schengen (2E) lounges at CDG are better than AMS, but that's not enough to overcome the general discomfort of connecting in CDG. IMO, AMS remains the clear winner.
Jan 14, 2018, 8:39 am
#20
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Are you flying Delta metal TATL or AF/KLM?
Be aware that not all AF J seats are lie flat -- the A380 still has angled seats. I was flying LAX-JFK-PRG last may when LAX-JFK went MX. The KLM nonstop LAX-AMS was sold out so they put me on AF LAX-CDG-PRG (flights on Delta to AMS all ended up with a 4-6 hour layover in AMS). The AF connection got me there only about 2 hours later so I took it. I forgot to ask about the plane and it turned out to be the A380 and then it was too late.
That being said, this was my first connection in CDG in a while and I was pleasantly surprised. I had just over an hour and everything went smoothly.
I've only flown the 747 Combi on KLM and their seats are not all direct aisle access (there are a few singles). The AF 777 I believe have 1-2-1 configuration and true lie flats.
So I would look at the seats and make that choice first -- connecting in either is probably fine. All else being equal I would choose AMS because I am very familiar with it, but would not take a worse seat to avoid CDG.
Be aware that not all AF J seats are lie flat -- the A380 still has angled seats. I was flying LAX-JFK-PRG last may when LAX-JFK went MX. The KLM nonstop LAX-AMS was sold out so they put me on AF LAX-CDG-PRG (flights on Delta to AMS all ended up with a 4-6 hour layover in AMS). The AF connection got me there only about 2 hours later so I took it. I forgot to ask about the plane and it turned out to be the A380 and then it was too late.
That being said, this was my first connection in CDG in a while and I was pleasantly surprised. I had just over an hour and everything went smoothly.
I've only flown the 747 Combi on KLM and their seats are not all direct aisle access (there are a few singles). The AF 777 I believe have 1-2-1 configuration and true lie flats.
So I would look at the seats and make that choice first -- connecting in either is probably fine. All else being equal I would choose AMS because I am very familiar with it, but would not take a worse seat to avoid CDG.
I flew on the AF A380 CDG-LAX in J and thought it was great. I sleep in the cradle position anyway.
Last edited by apodo77; Jan 14, 2018 at 8:56 am
Jan 14, 2018, 8:54 am
#21
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Jan 14, 2018, 8:56 am
#22
Join Date: Dec 2014
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I recently connected in CDG and it was relatively painless. The security line was short – I cleared it in about 5 minutes – though I could imagine it being a massive headache if the line were long.
As others have mentioned, passport control moving between the Schengen and non-Schengen zones at AMS can be a mess, but it usually moves pretty quickly for citizens who can use the automated passport check queues (this includes US citizens).
As far as lounges are concerned, Air Frances operates more smaller lounges that are closer to the gates whereas KLM just has two massive Crown Lounges (one in the Schengen zone and one in the non-Schengen zone). I find that the non-Schengen lounge is significantly less crowded, so if you have plenty of time on your way back, you may want to visit that lounge before leaving the Schengen zone. Just be sure to save enough time to clear the passport control.
As others have mentioned, passport control moving between the Schengen and non-Schengen zones at AMS can be a mess, but it usually moves pretty quickly for citizens who can use the automated passport check queues (this includes US citizens).
As far as lounges are concerned, Air Frances operates more smaller lounges that are closer to the gates whereas KLM just has two massive Crown Lounges (one in the Schengen zone and one in the non-Schengen zone). I find that the non-Schengen lounge is significantly less crowded, so if you have plenty of time on your way back, you may want to visit that lounge before leaving the Schengen zone. Just be sure to save enough time to clear the passport control.
Jan 14, 2018, 9:06 am
#23
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Not only go through AMS, but see about a long stop. If you have the time, it is a quick train to downtown from the airport, so you have a little time to wander and have lunch. Back in 2014 when we went to Paris, we arrived at 9:00 am, and flew to Paris at 5:00 pm. Had time to go out, it was drizzling but not too bad.
Jan 14, 2018, 11:04 am
#26
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Please note that the lounge at 2G has been renewed and is in fact wonderful. I would say it’s the best AF lounge at CDG.
AMS is indeed the most pleasant one. Another reason to choose AMS and K is that the AF short haul J product is horrific. KLM J short haul is much better plus I really like the personal service of KLM.
So in the end I believe AMS is the better choice.
AMS is indeed the most pleasant one. Another reason to choose AMS and K is that the AF short haul J product is horrific. KLM J short haul is much better plus I really like the personal service of KLM.
So in the end I believe AMS is the better choice.