Which Horrible Connection to Book?
Apr 6, 2018, 12:34 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northern Calif./Eastern Ida.
Programs: Amethyst Premier Plutonium Medallion
Posts: 20,640
EDIT: i misread the OP as a 55 minute connection in CDG, not the actual1 hour and 55 minute connection. given the extra hour, CDG is the way to go definitely in this case.
Apr 6, 2018, 2:41 pm
#18
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Mostly living in the basement
Programs: Newly minted free agent; MR LT(!)TE, HH SE, BA SECM, DL MM, UA PS, 2V Fanboi, CBP GE
Posts: 5,108
I'd probably go with 1h55 via CDG. Even if emmigration is backed up (which does happen) that should be enough time to clear, and they're usually pretty good at holding the long hauls if it looks like a large number of connecting pax are delayed.
Bottom line though is either airport can be a crapshoot.
Bottom line though is either airport can be a crapshoot.
Apr 6, 2018, 4:24 pm
#19
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
Apr 6, 2018, 5:40 pm
#20
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: UA Silver, BA Gold, DL Gold
Posts: 9,779
My point was not about "gaming" the system, its about educating the customer (who has far less knowledge of how the system works than the supplier), about the high likelihood that there will be a schedule change between now and the date of the flight, and that it is 1) no reason to panic or have anxiety and 2) not a reason to go around complaining about how the airline is out to screw you. I am certainly not implying that OP would do either, but I have seen enough threads about it and talked to enough people, that I think it is wise to view the situation in the manner I described.
OP: I would route via CDG.
Apr 6, 2018, 6:07 pm
#21
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MEM
Programs: Starbucks Green Card
Posts: 5,431
I don't consider it educating the customer to advise them to take a riskier routing when there is pretty much zero possible upside. Sometimes the simple answer is the correct answer and all that muddying the waters with talk of reschedules does is, well, muddy the waters.
OP: I would route via CDG.
OP: I would route via CDG.
Apr 6, 2018, 6:32 pm
#22
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: UA Silver, BA Gold, DL Gold
Posts: 9,779
Flights matter. There is no upside for this itinerary. The OP is already taking one of the two best possible routings.
Apr 6, 2018, 6:38 pm
#23
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MEM
Programs: Starbucks Green Card
Posts: 5,431
ok, even in that case, saying there is "zero upside" is wrong, some people value avoiding CDG, some people value shorter connections and don't want to sit around an extra hour, etc. People have different tolerance for risk and different value on their time, etc.
Apr 6, 2018, 7:53 pm
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,042
I'd go against most, and say AMS. I find easier and quicker to get through immigration and less prone to delays. AMS has egates that US passport holders can use for exit immigration. Thus you're through in seconds. Plus there's a seasonal KLM flight to SLC, providing backup if it's operating when you travel.
Apr 6, 2018, 7:55 pm
#26
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: UA Silver, BA Gold, DL Gold
Posts: 9,779
At any rate, I stand by it. The OP has identified the two best possible routings. While I don’t want to say that there is zero possibility that a schedule change would open better ones, it is pretty close to zero.
Apr 6, 2018, 8:02 pm
#27
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
Agree, in this case if you book AMS and a schedule change breaks it, you'll be choosing a longer connection at AMS or going back to CDG. So why bother?
I'd go with CDG, not as bad as it used to be and I like to have some buffer time if possible, as I happily spend it in the lounge if I don't need it.
I'd go with CDG, not as bad as it used to be and I like to have some buffer time if possible, as I happily spend it in the lounge if I don't need it.
Apr 6, 2018, 11:19 pm
#29
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond 1.7MM, Starlux Insighter, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 3,947
I can at least confirm, from recent experience flying two Delta One routes within a few weeks of each other, that SEA-CDG received enhanced wine, while SEA-HKG did not. That said, it wouldn’t surprise me if this was another example of Seattle getting special treatment...