We definitely thought we’d sleep on the overnight flight from L.A. to Paris.
But we were mistaken.
Instead, we arrived at Paris-Charles De Gaulle airport in an exceptionally groggy state with an hour to get through the passport line, collect and re-check our baggage, and catch our connecting flight.
But we were misinformed.
Our bags wouldn’t be coming down the luggage conveyor we were watching so intently. By the time we realized they were booked through and already on the plane for Madrid, we almost didn’t make the flight, arriving breathless at the gate as final boarding calls were announced.
The plane took off, and we could see the Seine below us through breaks in the clouds.
A couple hours later in Madrid, we found ourselves once again staring down a baggage carousel, so we could switch airlines for our last flight.
It was around 11pm when that flight landed in Rome, and we went – one more time – to wait for our bags.
And that is how you tour three European capitals’ baggage claim areas in one day.
Fortunately, it wasn’t that bad! 3 visits to baggage claim, 2 times actually picking up luggage, 1 time through immigration. :)
Oh no, that’s a terrible route to take!! Three times through immigration? Argh! (Also, our worst ever arrival experience in over 50 countries was in Rome, so I hope it went smoothly for you.)
Anyway, you’re now in one of my favourite cities. Enjoy!
Oh, the flying, security checks, and baggage are pretty stressful. Hope you had a good trip. I was recently at the CDG airport, changing flights :)
That’s funny! Seemed like a nice airport from what we could see rushing through. I think there was a nap area-?
Oh my gosh! That sounds so stressful! Hope the rest of your trip goes much better! Have fun!
We’re back now, and it did get better from there! Thanks!
Wow. That sounds like a lot of stress, but I bet there was a payoff ultimately.
Trying not to be too jealous!
Yes, totally worth it! Maybe you and your fashionista can go to Paris and/or Milan one of these days. :)
Oh, wow. And this is another reason why I find flying so stressful! Have a wonderful trip, what great things to see (now that you have your bags).
Yesssss, so many things make flying stressful!!! But there are great things to see once you’re out of the airport.
Hoping to post a trip wrap-up Thursday!
Okay, technical issues meant I was off by about a week, but my trip overview is up now! https://www.travelcraftjournal.com/italy-a-30000-foot-view/