Probably a dead-headding 787 crew, they always sit in First Class, probably coming back from another cancellation.

 

Suggestions and tips being sought.

I'm strongly considering taking the family of four to Paris the third week of March. I'll probably use the One Great Team passes for one of the kids and myself so I want to make a decision sooner rather than later to get the seats locked in. With that said I'm hoping some can help me out with some questions.

1. For non-rev purposes, is going to Amsterdam (then taking the train to Paris a couple days later) a better option for non-reving than Paris? We have to go through Atlanta and the wife and one child will be non-reving. Which has the better chance of getting 1st class-CDG or AMS? (Considering AMS to break up the 7-day trip a bit).

2. Any suggestions on where to stay or who to go through for lodging? I'm not looking to go on a shoe string budget, but I don't want to bust the bank either. Hoping to get something under $200/night that will sleep four. Possible? Searching VRBO.com right now, but I've never used them.

I'd consider other destinations, but the teenagers haven't been to Europe (or anywhere outside the 48 besides HI and the Caribbean) and I think Paris is a good place to start. South America has great destinations I've seen discussed here, but Europe just seems right for us at this point (I'm the less adventurous travel planner). That being said, other destinations I've considered are Barcelona, Rome, or London.

 

I'd seriously consider Switzerland. Jump on a train and spend the day in Lausanne, then down to the Interlaken area. Of course, you'll miss the big cities, but the scenery is spectacular.

 

We've had pretty good luck with VBRO. The key for us has been to email with the owner a few times to a) see if they're ok to work with, and b) build rapport to schmooze a better rate. They can also send you more pics, etc.

Are you still in the Reserve/Guard? Retired? Working thru Mildenhall/Lakenheath, etc. may open up some different options.

 

Try this hotel. It's in one of the best areas, and great value, too. Just stayed there a few months ago. Hotel Agora Paris | Official Website | 3 stars Hotel Also, try travago.com to book the cheapest rate – wherever you decide to stay.

 

No, these are pilots around cars, not on a date.

 

I stayed there a few years ago, you saved me from digging up the info. Great location, a short walk to everywhere.

Gunship, don't discount Normandy as a full day side trip.

 

The reward travel requires you to return out of the same city that you flew into so just keep that in mind if you are not flying direct to Paris. I took my family of four to Paris just this past March. The loads were fine until the week prior and they started filling up. We actually had trouble getting back so be prepared to get split up if you are using a reward pass. Also, if the flight out of Paris is oversold in coach, they will upgrade revenue coach passengers to business class. We had 21 open seats in business class and coach was oversold by 21. They upgraded everyone and not a single nonrev got on the flight.

 

If you go to the Delta Perks website, we also get deals at both the NH and ACCOR hotel chains. They might be worth a look to compare.

Depending on how long you are going for, consider getting the Eurail train passes (while you're still in the US) and spending 3 or 4 days in Paris and another city. Rome is a great place to go also.

Denny

 

FYP. While there will be some new hires in the right seat, the top half of the list will be much farther up in the right seat and the left will be at or near top scale for the vast majority of the list (even if there are some "junior" Captains at some point possibly maybe, most will be top scale)