zippinbye

Leaving Paris in a couple of days with some "sketchy" load numbers. I'm considering the chronological, "bird in the hand" method to anywhere in the U.S. Does anybody know if it's feasible to check-in for a particular destination, and when it looks grim, re-list for "Plan B" a bit later in the day? I know there are some check-in nuances, given Air France does our non rev handling there (evidently, the Airport Standby List is not meaningful until after departure). Not sure what the TSA ramifications would be either, with last minute changes to the pax list. Any general tips on CDG would be appreciated, but more so specifics on switch-hitting U.S, arrival cities. Thanks!

Chomeur

About two years ago, we nonrev'd from CDG to DTW when the loads looked okay the night prior. Upon arrival at the check-in desk, the agents told us DTW was oversold due to another airline's cancellation and transfer of their pax to us. They gave us the option of ORD, and rebooked us on that flight for us. AF was quite helpful though they couldn't offer many specifics. There was no problem for us at US customs. Maybe CVG would be an option as there aren't many connections for pax to catch.

FTFF

Though it was a coupe of years ago I was able to switch flights after checking in (was a regional guy with benefits). I recall I didn't have any checked bags but I think you'd be all right if you do. You can also try a ZED fare on Air France and the other US carriers (or Jumpseat) or just grab a train from Paris to numerous other airports Delta serves if the loads look better.

zippinbye

Thanks guys. Yup, CVG is often a covert option. Unfortunately, its neutered hub status presents as many connection options to an employee as it does our customers. But it is home soil. Ought to be able to RJ in the correct direction.

snowdawg

I use to DH all over Europe for cargo company. The best was train, first class. Paris to Brussels is about 150 miles as the crow flies. If you took an express train, which I would think they would have, it would be a quick trip. Seems like most trains run through/to the airport.

Everybody knows the challenges with Paris, it's getting out and the agents can be not so helpful, That's why if I ever flew to Paris my plan would be to take train out of Paris and to another Delta city and fly home from there.

Good luck

zippinbye

Just made it out of Paris back to U.S. soil. I must say, the lack of "Airport Standby List" absolutely blows; mainly because it's impossible to gauge the "HK" revenue standby factor. We ended up making a judgement to bypas preferred routing that would have us home by now. But instead, we're battling domestic holiday traffic in impossible markets. I guessed wrong, as the CDG - SLC flight that only had 7.seats open would have accommodated us as #1and 2 standbys (Monday morning quarterback analysis). My bad call was based on an assumption of 10 or more HKs wanting to get into an A-330-300. But I went with MSP for the same top of nonrev list status and close to 30 seats. The comfy Delta 1 seats and good food/drink and movies seem moot now that we are living an airport connection nightmare. Would have been home in LAS by now (due to SLC being the only DL hub with seats into LAS today) if I'd had the normal data to base a decision on. Plan D is now in play ... Delta to PHX with a WN Zed fare in hand for the final leg home. That best case outcome will net 24 hours since leaving our Paris hotel. Possible one way car rental will knock that up by many hours. Next time I'll view CDG as a viable arrival point, but fly out of another Euro city, probably AMS. Thought I was being sly, avoiding LHR departure taxes which are about 2x of CDG. Not so much.

full of luv

The only problem with that theory is that Paris has a dozen departures where as many other Europe markets besides AMS and LHR have just one or at the most two departures a day.

full of luv

If you can get to LAX, there is often seats to LAS. I've used LAS a few times from LAX to get to ATL

Jughead135

Same issue at AMS, with KLM handling all the gates, no?

trip

Also RNO-LAS, many flights on WN. Maybe SLC-SGU/CDC and drive or take the shuttle.
EDIT) never mind, see that was yesterday.. hope you made it, Merry Christmas!