UA to TG connection: FRA vs CDG
Dec 21, 2013, 5:18 pm
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2012
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UA to TG connection: FRA vs CDG
Looking to book a UA flight to Europe to connect to Thai's A380. It seems my options would be to either fly a 777 ORD-CDG or a 747 ORD-FRA. Both in F. Which would you choose, based on the aircraft and connecting airport? Been through FRA a long time ago, never flown through CDG. Thanks!
Dec 21, 2013, 5:34 pm
#2
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I would say FRA for the most part save for the fact that your inbound will be operated by a UA 744, so tech-related delays are an elevated possibility.
I like the SEN "City Lights" lounge around B43 and the TG flights often depart nearby. IMO this is a better lounge than the *A F section at CDG. I haven't experienced TG ground services at CDG but at FRA you will have a personal assistant meet you at your inbound flight and escort you to the lounge and later to the gate for boarding.
I like the SEN "City Lights" lounge around B43 and the TG flights often depart nearby. IMO this is a better lounge than the *A F section at CDG. I haven't experienced TG ground services at CDG but at FRA you will have a personal assistant meet you at your inbound flight and escort you to the lounge and later to the gate for boarding.
Dec 21, 2013, 5:35 pm
#3
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Best option would be Lufthansa ORD to FRA, which would also allow for use of First Class Lounge at FRA. If not available now, book the UA metal and search diligently at the 2 week out mark for LH to become available.... Assuming this is for travel prior to mileage increases if you make changes.
If for some reason you are stuck with UA metal, I would still go through FRA. Much better options in case of some irrops. There is a 2nd TG flight out of FRA at night, as well as an LH flight most of the time, to BKK.
Nothing special at CDG, and I don't find much difference in 777 vs 747 on UA.
If for some reason you are stuck with UA metal, I would still go through FRA. Much better options in case of some irrops. There is a 2nd TG flight out of FRA at night, as well as an LH flight most of the time, to BKK.
Nothing special at CDG, and I don't find much difference in 777 vs 747 on UA.
Dec 21, 2013, 5:38 pm
#4
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FRA
I can't comment on connecting through CDG as I have never done it but I do know that ORD-FRA LH availability is some of the easier LH F seats to get.
Depending on when you fly, and how many people you are booking for you may be able to change your UA F segment to LH F a few days before the trip begins and that would be a HUGE plus.
My 2cents.
Depending on when you fly, and how many people you are booking for you may be able to change your UA F segment to LH F a few days before the trip begins and that would be a HUGE plus.
My 2cents.
Dec 21, 2013, 6:29 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2010
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I've had recent similar experiences at both airports. My transit thru CDG was not from UA to Thai, however. It was UA to LX. It was a MISERABLE connection because of long slow lines at immigration and security. I had maybe 5 minutes to spare, on a 1.5 hour connection, and the gates were very close together. No long walk involved, whatsoever.
FRA gates, on the other hand, are FAR FAR FAR apart. The good news is, since you are arriving and connecting to TG in F, you will be met at your arriving flight and escorted to your lounge/gate (NO golf carts). I agree that the lounge near gate B43 is very nice. Just spent time there a few days ago, waiting for the TG flight to BKK in F. Hubby spent an hour or so sleeping in their big sleeping room.
The TG agent who met us in FRA at the gate and escorted us was a little bit inept, but he did manage to collect a boarding pass for me, which UA at ORD could not give me when we checked in for the ORD to FRA flight in F. I was afraid UA had lost my F seat on TG when I couldn't get a boarding pass at check-in. I had some flight-switching last minute, and was afraid my reservation was all screwed up, but it worked out just fine.
I guess I would go with FRA as my choice, but the plane is showing wear. It rattles a lot at take-off! I was surprised to see it ageing so fast. We took this same flt BKK-FRA less than a year ago in F, and there was no rattling and shaking at take off. Oh well... I digress...
I'd probably choose FRA. I'm not sure if a TG agent at CDG could expedite a connection or not, the way the agent can cut lines at FRA.
FRA gates, on the other hand, are FAR FAR FAR apart. The good news is, since you are arriving and connecting to TG in F, you will be met at your arriving flight and escorted to your lounge/gate (NO golf carts). I agree that the lounge near gate B43 is very nice. Just spent time there a few days ago, waiting for the TG flight to BKK in F. Hubby spent an hour or so sleeping in their big sleeping room.
The TG agent who met us in FRA at the gate and escorted us was a little bit inept, but he did manage to collect a boarding pass for me, which UA at ORD could not give me when we checked in for the ORD to FRA flight in F. I was afraid UA had lost my F seat on TG when I couldn't get a boarding pass at check-in. I had some flight-switching last minute, and was afraid my reservation was all screwed up, but it worked out just fine.
I guess I would go with FRA as my choice, but the plane is showing wear. It rattles a lot at take-off! I was surprised to see it ageing so fast. We took this same flt BKK-FRA less than a year ago in F, and there was no rattling and shaking at take off. Oh well... I digress...
I'd probably choose FRA. I'm not sure if a TG agent at CDG could expedite a connection or not, the way the agent can cut lines at FRA.
Dec 21, 2013, 6:45 pm
#6
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I'll grant you it was 3 years ago but on a CDG transfer to TG F I met with no TG staff until at the gate area. None. I wouldn't count or even hope for TG to do anything at CDG.
Dec 21, 2013, 7:55 pm
#8
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Dec 21, 2013, 9:00 pm
#9
Join Date: Dec 2008
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CDG is a disaster. Whoever designed it should be shot. If you've got all the time in world, it'll probably work out, otherwise go FRA. You won't need to go thru immigration, just security, which will be short, flying F.
Dec 21, 2013, 9:24 pm
#10
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The connection from UA to TG at CDG is fairly painless
- Very close together (from one pier to an adjacent pier; perhaps 10 minutes walk at most.
- No immigration check between the two; you will have a security check to get into the gate area for the TG flight
The lounge situation is certainly better at FRA, but for a quick connection CDG is a good option.
- Very close together (from one pier to an adjacent pier; perhaps 10 minutes walk at most.
- No immigration check between the two; you will have a security check to get into the gate area for the TG flight
The lounge situation is certainly better at FRA, but for a quick connection CDG is a good option.
Dec 21, 2013, 11:27 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2013
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If you choose to route via FRA... I found the TG escort at FRA less than useful. If you're able to score LH to FRA make sure you visit the FCL. The escort tried to steer me to a SEN lounge and seemed annoyed when I suggested the FCL instead. Also hope you get an escort that helps you with your luggage instead of walking 10 paces ahead of you (maybe too much to expect but every other escort I've ever had at least offered to help). Oh, and keep an eye on your boarding time. Our escort was late picking us up and we had to rush in order to not miss the flight. Other than that, the TG 380 was great!