MSP-CDG-(NTE) advice? Smart Airline/Program/Route Choice?
 

Seeking counsel on which airline(s), or routes I should try (and try to stick with), as I'll be making repeated flights between MSP and CDG (actually NTE/QJZ [that's Nantes]) over the next few years. Of many route and airline options, none seem obvious to me yet. MSP has my extended family and the home office of my organization, NTE is my new home and work. Miles earned (or otherwise procured) would go towards the same route most likely.

My budget for flying is always bottom-dollar. My organization points me toward purchasing through an agency that specializes in travel for humanitarian workers. The result I notice with others is different airlines used every year. I currently hold a mere 33k miles on Continental and 42k on Delta (some cc bonus miles for both also expected). I'd be so grateful for any targeted advice!

I worry this post isn't the right way to go about this, but I've searched these forums until dizzy, notice this way of seeking help worked for some, and am possibly weeks from FT feeling intuitive for me. I AM thankful for finding this community, and hope to one day have some wisdom to contribute here also.

Many thanks..

Based on your two locations, MSP and CDG/NTE your best bet will be SkyTeam.
MSP and CDG are both mega ST hubs. You will also be able to connect through AMS, if the price is better.
I would say stick with Delta, any other alliance, OW or *A will force you into a double connection.

Thanks!

If its advisable to stick with direct-like (rather than mileage-boosting) routes, would there be any advantage over collecting the miles on Delta's Skymiles to rack them up on Air France or KLM or even Korean Air's programs?
I have read (here) many gripes about SkyMiles not stretching as far as they should, but very little about the foreign company miles programs.

ALso, Air France flies CDG-NTE (Nantes), but I've seen a shiny fare (pretty sure it was on travelpapa.com) which included the TGV to Nantes (QJZ) instead. The fare quote stated 'French Based Carrier' but that Delta operates the air leg (obviously the French SNCF operates the train). I couldn't figure out if I could acquire the miles between Paris and Nantes buying the travel this way... Anyone know?

Again, super grateful, thanks!
e111

There was a daily DL nonstop MSP-CDG for a part of last summer which may or may not return this year. Unfortunately, it was a hrooible old 767 plane, so maybe this was why the route didn't succeed. AMS connections are easy and efficient, and allow you to go through customs at MSP on the return, so no worries about long lines or delays causing missed connections. DTW is also a quick and easy connection point, even in winter. The best DL aircraft for international coach is the Airbus 330, which is currently used for AMS-MSP (2-3 times daily, depending on the season); new planes and great IFE/AVOD with individual TV screens in coach. If you travel enough to get Plat on DL or any other SkyTeam Elite Plus, you'll get lounge access (MSP,DTW,CDG,AMS) on any international SkyTeam ticket.

To me, it looks like there isn't much choice other than DL, but you might want to consider United as they have a number of MSP-ORD flights throughout the day. This would get you into the *alliance for airport lounge access and you could consider flying United but crediting your miles on Continental.

Wow, thanks much! Your reply is so info-rich - really valuable to me -and made me learn some ft lingo. I hadn't considered the equipment at all (sounds like I would have, after that particular direct flight). I also would not have guessed DTW was a better customs/transfer point.

My newbie mile-accumulating idea had been to add Texas: MSP-IAH-CDG on CO, suggested by their interactive map (http://continental.innosked.com). It adds 1400 miles each way, but if memory serves intn'l arrivals/transfers at IAH have been less than fun.

Heh, AND I finally saw that KLM and AF share one ff program.. Does anyone favor Flying Blue over CO, DL?

Merci Beaucoup!

Thanks kindly for your dense-with-goodies reply! I hadn't even thought about the equipment in this research, but it sounds like I would have in retrospect - I'll see about catching more A330's. There's so much more to learn and pay attention to!

The one trick I had in my newbie head was the thought I could travel MSP-IAH-CDG as with the Texas detour there'd be those extra 1400 miles each way-I less than love that airport after some of my international arrivals, but at least its not LAX. I had no idea Detroit would be slicker. Again, thanks.

You have me looking up ft acronyms, this is good!
And I've figured out AF & KLM share one ff program. Do y'all the Flyertalk guru-types recommend mileage accrual on US-based over foreign programs? I know they're in the same clubs between the three 'teams', but it'll be a couple years before my miles go that high (unless, it seems, I learn thow to churn..).

I remain grateful for this and any further related advice anyone cares to share.. :cool:
e111

Have been hunting for this and coming up empty. Anyone get air miles for land travel (train) purchased as a single itinerary/ticket?

I haven't used this myself, but CO lists SNCF as a travel partner for train tickets booked in conjunction with CO-operated flights to CDG with onward travel by TGV to/from: Angers St. Laud, Avignon TGV, Bordeaux St. Jean, Le Mans, Lille Europe, Lyon Part Dieu, Marseille St. Charles, Montpellier St. Roch, Nantes, Nimes, Poitiers, Rennes, St. Pierre de Corps/Tours and Valence. (As you noted, the air and train portions must be purchased from CO as a single itinerary.)

Yikes! I priced an midrange fare with Continental for an itinerary MSP-CDG-QJZ (had to call reservations); the fare more than doubled with the train ticket included- making the train ticket over ten times what the SNCF charges for 2nd class.

I wish I could find out more about the t&c on the itinerary I shown on travelpapa; it seemed like I'd have to buy it to see any more detail.

Thanks tho!