roundtrip from MSP to IST

[Azulann]

I really want to book a last minute cruise Oct 31, 12 days out of IST.

Great price.But before I hit the button I need to figure out the flights.

 

it is the layover times with the airlines on the return trip.

Currently, Delta has a great flights : MSP AMS IST on Oct 28

It is the return flights I am worried about.

Nov 13 :IST to CDG with only 1 hour 20 mintues layover. then CDG to MSP.

Could I really make it even with a fast track at the airport?

Price is $956. per person.

If we miss the flight back to US there is another flight that leaves the next morning direct to MSP.

would not mind being stranded in Paris and get a hotel room for the night and rebook.

 

I have no status with Delta but my Delta AmerExpress credit card(.Could use some more sky miles )

But I do know a pilot and some flight attendants that fly this route.:-)

 

there is a option B with United and Turkish airline throughYXZ to IST

And IST THRU ORD MPS on return flights. Great layover times and have orphan United ff miles that are about to expire. but the price is $1093. and then baggage fees.

 

Love the ITA web site. Thanks for any thoughts from the experienced flyers.

[raindropsalways]

I have not been to Istanbul airport. If that is the schedule Delta is offering, I would be comfortable with it. However, if it is a time element you have created by booking separate flights, I would be concerned. My experience with de Gaulle is that it is relative easy to get around. That was a number of years ago, maybe someone else has more current experience.

 

 

Betty

from Crystal

[Azulann]

Raindrops,

This is what Delta has on their web site for the round trip option.

Problem is other departures they show are getting us back on Nov 14 or more stops with the same 1hour and 20 mintues layover in CDG on Nov 13.:mad:

thanks Betty.

[raindropsalways]

Betty – Earlier this year, I flew home from Rome. For my original schedule, they had me going through Madrid with approximately two hour transfer time. From previous experience, when I was able-bodied, I knew Madrid could be a nightmare. Now that I am classified as handicap, I had some serious concerns that there would be adequate time for me to make the transfer. So I called the airlines. The clerk advised me that there is a chart for all airports that outlines the transfer time required and not to worry.

 

 

The funny part about that flight is that before we started our trip, the flight leg from Madrid to MSP was canceled and the airlines changed my connection point to Heathrow with about 2 ½ hours transfer time. I did make the connection, however security called ahead to keep the gate open for me.

 

 

You shouldn't have any problems. However, if for some unknown reason you miss your connecting flight, do as you suggested, spend some time in Paris. Unless you have oodles of luggage, do not bother with a taxi, take the train into town. There are lots of hotels nearby the major two train stations and an excellent bus system into the heart of everything. We stayed at a hostel near Nord and the porters that got us off the train escorted us there.

 

 

Have a wonderful cruise.

Betty

[ab0si]

Good news: 90% on time for Turkish on the IST to CDG and 99% for Air France on this route.

 

Bad news: Frequent use of buses to unload passengers at CDG. THis slows things up.

[PaulMCO]

Good news: 90% on time for Turkish on the IST to CDG and 99% for Air France on this route.

 

Bad news: Frequent use of buses to unload passengers at CDG. THis slows things up.

 

CDG is the worst airport for connections.

 

Have take the direct UA flight from IST to EWR. That is a good one.

[voyager70]

CDG is the worst airport for connections.

 

Have take the direct UA flight from IST to EWR. That is a good one.

 

Agree with Paul. CDG has a horrible reputation as a connecting airport.

[FlyerTalker]

Two thoughts about connections at CDG:

 

1) With the consolidation of SkyTeam operations using the new parts of T2E, most of the AF/DL/KL connections are within T2E and T2F. Still have a few in/out of T2C/D, but the E & F consolidation makes for better connects. The new portions of T2E have an "Atlanta" design with parallel concourses, which is a huge improvement over the "curves" of the original T2 buildings. Plus, it keeps more passengers airside in the same building.

 

2) Those new T2E concourses are in the location of the former tarmac parking spots where you had bus transfers. The number of hardstands for passenger loading/unloading has gone down, while actual gates have gone up. So you are less likely to have a bus gate today than in years past.

 

CDG's past reputation was well deserved. However, they have learned a lot from AMS as a byproduct of the AF/KL merger. Signage is just one big improvement.

 

Of course, you still have the French running the place....;)

[Azulann]

Just a update about my search for the airfare to Istanbul.

today I booked the cruise and airfare with a brick and mortar TA.She would not

recommend chancing the small layover time.

Got MSP AMS IST roundtrip for $949.00 on Delta.

Good layover times, but very early morning flight coming home from IST(5:00am):eek:

but the FF miles will help my account and will be able to shop duty free in AMS on the way back!!!:)