Deseret News | Reader comments: Paris, here we come! Salt Lake lands direct flight

Reader comments
Paris, here we come! Salt Lake lands direct flight

Aragon | 1:23 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

I bet parents with kids on a mission in France are happy about this new route...

Jimmy | 2:04 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

I would really like to see the News do some reporting rather than take a news release and make a big deal out of it. Let's see. Almost $2 million of my tax money is now going to help Delta fly to France. And the News reported recently how the Delta revenue was larger than expected. No wonder, with public funding like this.

What about funding teachers -- talk about long-term impact to a community. Or funding of health care?

All the fat cats will say this helps tax revenue and will increase business revenue. Get real. How much revenue will Utah really get from this $2 mil gift. Why don't you News folk evaluate and tell us the facts -- such as where this business revenue will help us in cold, hard dollars.

What it means is a sweet deal for Delta. Sure it's a big airline deal to fly from SLC to France. Who really benefits? Folk who can afford to fly. I can't and a whole lot of SLC area readers cannot afford to either -- except once or twice a lifetime. If government groups would stop giving away tax money at $2 or $3 mill at a time, it could add up to a hefty decrease in class size, better and more effective teaching and long-term benefits by having educated kids becoming productive and not just living on welfare.

I am very weary of all these "deals" that give me so many "benefits." But I guess to all the high-dollar "public servants" money isn't that important. They don't have to scrape by and watch their kids in overcrowded classrooms.

Sophie Langdale | 3:16 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Good news that there in a direct flight from Europe into SLC but bad news that it involves Charles de Gaulle International Airport. That is one of the most badly designed airports in Europe. We live in the UK and would rather switch planes at Atlanta than face that misery.

Comments continue below

Gary S. | 6:20 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Jimmy, I agree with your frustration over this government payout. It's hard to see a benefit worth $2 million here. If Delta thinks the route is profitable, then let Delta fully fund the route and reap the profits. As it is, if the market isn't really there, this route may create jobs in the SLC area that will be lost in two years when the route is canceled. That's the kind of thing that happens when government messes with free trade.

However, I disagree with your criticism of the News' article. The article does state the facts, including information from Delta and quotes from key players. The "facts" for which you're asking are not facts but estimation and speculation--leave those to the op/ed page. Maybe you mean you would like them to include quotes from someone who opposes the $2 million boondoggle, in which case I would agree with you.

A. | 7:08 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Hmmm. I'll have to rethink my hatred for and disgust with the Charles deGaulle airport, easily the worst designed, smelliest, least friendly airport on the planet.

Arc | 7:40 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

The Paris airport is fine. I have been in and out of there several times. I am excited to go without going through Detroit or NY or...

The french are very nice. You only have to learn one phrase.. parly vu on-glay? (yes the spelling is wrong). You ask them in their language if they speak yours. Wouldn't you be frustraited if some tourist walked up to you and started speaking a language other than english in your country and assumed you knew it?

Otis | 7:50 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

As a business traveller heading to Europe 8-10 times per year this is great news. CDG is disorganized and prone to labor strkies, but from there you can jump to almost anywhere else in Europe in an hour or an hour and a half. 2 hours to Athens and less than 3 to Cairo or Jerusalem. Air france is a delta Partner, so this is a good strategic move for Delta also. This is a good use of tax incentives as it will bring Europeans here if the dollar is still weak next year. They will come year round to ski and visit red rock country.

Erik | 8:19 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Classic short sided thinking in the comments about "giving" away tax revenues above. Since you are so big on education, feel free to sign up for an economics class at your local community college. You just may end up learning something as you sit in the outdated classrooms and listen to an underpaid professor.

John | 8:27 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Good for Delta dna good for SLC!! It is so frustrating to read the comments of some that are so myopic in their views and never think outside of their Utah bubble. I hope that Delta continues to add more international flights from SLC in WOULD be a great benefit to us all, despite what some may say.

Charlotte Van Tielen | 8:30 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

I have "great reservations" (no pun intended!) concerning the direct flights from Paris, France to Salt Lake City and visa versa.... There is much unrest in Paris these days, and I would hate to see any of the crimes associated with it, come into our city. I have many relatives who live in Europe, and of the ones that live in France, we hear the most concerns regarding threats, protests, car fires, fights and conflicts. Many of these upheavals are between the original population, and the Muslim communities. Are we SURE we want to bring this kind of "business" and "convenience" to our beautiful State of Utah? Frankly, it makes me feel a lot less safe!

travel weary in Europe... | 8:50 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

These aren't mypoic comments about the CDG airport. I have to fly through there at least four times a year, and it really is as bad as everyone said--the only proper, normal terminal they had was the brand new terminal G, that opened about three years ago (and collapsed about two years ago...) I had one flight to Cincinnati via the new terminal, and in the process of marvelling at the open spaces, good seating, and overall huge upgrade in quality compared to its other dank, smelly, no-seating terminals, I NOTICED THE HUGE FREAKING CRACK in the "new" terminal cealing! Two weeks later it collapsed and killed 4 or 5 people.

Those with worries about CDG have valid concerns. The airport has a horrific layout, has nowhere to sit, is filthy, and smells throughout like an open sewer. I've lived in Europe for 4+ years now and am no "country bumpkin", innocent to all things different outside Utah Valley. CDG just is what it is--a disgusting, poorly run, smelly, foul place. I'm upset that after FINALLY getting a long hoped for direct flight from Europe to SLC, it has to be Paris. Bleh.

Elder Schmelder | 8:53 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

I totally agree with Charlotte Van Tielen on this one. The people of Utah would be much better off without this flight. Think of all the potential risks involved here! Do we want to see people roaming our streets wearing Berets?? And we all know how promiscous the people of France are. What if this new flight causes the teen pregnancy rate to go through the roof?? We are opening ourselves up to "worldly people". Lets raise the state taxes, and begin construction on a "Utah State Border Fence". This way, we can try and ensure that no "unclean" or "unworthy" heathens enter our pristine sanctuary know as Utah.

Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson | 9:40 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Who wants to go to France anyway?

Jim | 9:41 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Jimmy is absolutely correct about needed improvements in education, and in less than 300 words he did a marvelous job demonstrating why. As has already been stated, he is woefully uninformed about economics in general. In addition to that his use of the word "weary" is sorely out of context, or (as I would guess) it wasn't even the correct word to impart the meaning that he wished to convey. I am guessing that he should have used "leery" or "wary." Those are just a couple of examples where one person was "failed" in their education. I simply wish that our society's educational problems were truly so simple that throwing money at them would result in solutions.

With respect to the article, even though a slightly different approach might have been more ideal from my perspective, I believe that this development will be a positive one for Salt Lake City and Utah in general.

T-Dog | 9:53 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

The People of Utah should be thankful that Delta has made the decision. The $2M in incentives for Delta should be looked at as an investment that will be returned many times over in tourism dollars and other benefits that having direct transatlantic service will bring. Hopefully it will open eyes to the fact that there is more to this world beyond the Utah borders that they are missing out on. That is probably too much to ask for though. The pregnancy rate go through the roof? Are you kidding me? You should live behind a fence!

BB | 10:09 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Now if they could figure out a way to get a route to Asia we would have a very nice, well rounded International Airport. Regardless of what some people think, this will be a huge boost to our local economy.
I agree that it would be nice to have this tax money go towards education, but the only way to have sustainable money allocated towards education is for the economy to continue to grow. For it to grow, the government needs to invest in long term sustainable programs like this new route.

Jane | 10:27 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

I am really surprised that Utah would pick France over England or Germany. Who in Utah would want to ever go to France - the people are rude and they do not like us 'true Americans'. I have a feeling this will last for a few months and then be canceled.

Voyageur | 10:28 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Get real, Charlotte. Those people doing all the rioting are so dirt poor (hence the reason for their rioting) that I seriously doubt you'll see them buying a ticket to come and spoil our beautiful state.

As far as CDG is concerned, I'm not sure what some of you are talking about. Yes it had the unfortunate collapse of 2E (a couple of days before we flew in there) but as far as seating and cleanliness, you are up in the night. You are probably the ones who complain about their croissants having too much of a buttery taste over there. CDG also has the convenience of having a TGV terminal right in the airport.

Sweet Sue | 10:29 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

I was in Paris in June. I had to fly through Houston and then direct to Paris. Coming back, I flew to Newark, New Jersey and then back to SLC. This was my first time out of the country. Paris was magnificent! You are right, however, CDG is the worst airport I have ever set foot in. However, the French were wonderful people. I had been warned so many times about their rudeness, and I was not looking forward to their attitudes. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! I did not have ONE bad experience while in Paris. I took in the whole scene....sights, sounds, smells, etc. It was wonderful. In fact, the only rude person I encountered on the whole trip was from a Delta employee at the Delta counter in Newark, New Jersey, when I tried to book an earlier flight back to SLC! I can't wait to go back, and the idea of a non-stop flight is appealing to me.

Anonymous | 10:47 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

I agree with Elder Schmelder on this one. Teen pregnancies and all. Have any of the rest of you considered the horrific consequences of "throwing" open the gate and letting the French simply march in? Don't you realize these people drink wine at every meal? ...even breakfast! The women sunbathe topless and the men wear speedos. They use cologne instead of showering and they talk like Pepe Le Pew. I for one, will not stand idle and allow our community to be destroyed by the French and their ilk. Vive Utah!

MVick | 10:47 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

T-Dog, It's unfortunate to see good sarcasm wasted.

Jeff | 10:55 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Interesting, non-stop to Paris, but I can't fly non-stop to Indianapolis to see my kids and grandkids. Great!

Gernot | 11:11 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Absolutely. We live in Brittany, France, and flew to SLC 4 weeks ago. To avoid the Paris CDG-airport we preferred to drive 600 miles to Frankfurt, Germany and took a direct flight to Las Vegas.

Because the other big problem when flying to SLC is that you cannot check through your luggage. You have to pick it up at the first US-airport, pass through customs, immigration,check in again and go through safety check. A good chance if you make it in 2 hours. So any direct flight from Eurooe to SLC is welcome...but Paris CDG was really the worst choice.

You want proof: last year our son arrived in CDG with a ticket for the TGV. But he had to change the railway stations to Paris-Montparnasse. All ticket machines at the airport were out of order and only one counter was open with a long file. He missed his train and in addition had to buy a second ticket for the TGV.
On the way back he arrived in time by train...but the the bus-drivers to Terminal 2 were on strike. Nobody told him he could walk. So he arrived by taxi 30 minutes before the plane would leave. Check in was no more possible because of security check.

I wrote several mails to Aeroport de Paris and always got a confirmation that my mail would be replied soon...I am still waiting.

Anonymous | 11:16 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007

That airport in Paris is a big disaster. It's is so disorganized and scary to experience. I've been through there many times on my way to Germany and it never changes. Very disorganized and not user friendly at all. I've vowed never again to go through there ever again.

SomeGuy | 12:06 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Jeff, SLC used to have a non stop to IND, but it was done away with. I can see it coming back though.

travel weary in Europe... | 12:06 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Gernot, unfortunately any time you switch planes in the US when incoming from another country, you have to pick up your luggage and recheck it. this isn't unique to one particular airport--its mandatory at every entry point airport in the US. the good thing aout a SLC route to and from Europe, is that you'll get to skip this step, and just colect your bags in SLC (as it becomes the entry point). To whoever syays the CDG airport is magnificent (U2 video notwithstanding), you've abviously never spent time in terminals 2B or 2C, the terminals that contain most of the connecting flights to points onward in Europe.

And yes, the buttery croissants are lovely, everything you's want in a french pastry. The oil-stained greasy floors, overlowing toilets, lack of seats, and disdainful grumpiness of the staff, however, are not.

Roland Kayser | 12:28 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Don't worry too much about the French. Their teen pregnancy rate is far lower than ours, as are their crime rates, murder rates, etc. I've been to France several times and encountered no more rude people than I would in the U.S. The French tend to treat strangers in a very formal manner which some Americans interpret as unfriendly, it is not.

Jo | 12:30 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Should have been London.

Wow | 12:31 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Some of the comments here are really embarrassing to Utahns. Your self-righteous, everything is a Sunday School Lesson approach to world economics and sociology is depressing. Hmm, a flight to Paris will bring crime and prostitutes to Utah? I guess along those lines, we should build a wall around Las Vegas so there's no intermixing of sinners there with all the perfect people in Utah. Gees.

Garlonuss | 2:02 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

I've never even been to Europe (just North and South America for me) so I can't speak to the quality of the CDG airport. However so far as Utah is concerned, this is a great thing. Yes, our schools could benefit from an improvement, but that doesn't necessarily mean money (though I will agree that it is a factor). And even if it did, the article pointed out that projections estimate that this new route could bring in as much as $150 million annually to the Utah economy. I think a $2 million initial investment is worth 'priming the pump', so to speak. You can't tell me that once 150 million more dollars come into the Utah economy, we won't be able to pay more for education if you still think that money is the answer.

Angie | 2:07 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

LOL

Living in Paris | 3:08 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

I am a Utahn who has also lived with my family in NYC, Seattle and Los Angeles. The past 3 years we have lived in Paris as ex-patriates. I commute daily into Paris and 2-3 times/mo my colleages and I fly in and out of CDG. Our experience living in France is much to the contrary to the fears expressed in this column.

For those who are required to fly to Europe from the West, a direct SLC flight to the heart of Europe is a great benefit. It saves many hours of travel time. The last 3 times I flew to Paris from SLC, my transfer time in Chicago was 5-hours, Detroit 4.5-hours, JFK 4-hours. I often see families traveling. Hours of time on the ground between planes are particularly hard on parents with young children and the elderly.

By international standards, CDG is a clean airport, certainly comparable to JFK, CHI, LAX or SFO. It is the 7th busiest airport in the world behind 1-Atlanta, 2-Chicago, 3-London Heathrow, 4-Tokyo, 5-LAX, 6-D-FW. There are many connecting flights throughout Europe, Africa and Asia.

For those who fear that a non-stop to Paris somehow jeopardizes their personal safety, I would point out that sadly the same elements can arrive on a domestic flight from anywhere in the U.S. and not have to clear customs before hitting the streets of Salt Lake.

During our time in France, we have been treated courteously and respectfully - never rudely. (We didn't speak French when we arrived.)

On the positive side, France is a beautiful country, the food is terrific and Paris is one of the most remarkable cities on the planet. And now, thanks to the Delta flight, Utahns will have an easier time visiting it. I personally hope that many more do.

travel weary in Europe... | 5:07 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

CDG is ideally situated for convenient transfers to the rest of Europe, and Air France's partnership with Delta is a huge plus. Its just a pity the experience at their airport is about the worst in the world. Every other aspect of the deal is great. CDG should really take a page from other ultra-modern, clean, efficient European airports, like those found in Prague and Budapest. They rival SLC for convenience, cleanliness, and comfort. The exact opposite of the CDG experience. That being said, I'll be swallowing my distaste for CDG and using it for the commute home to SLC just because the convenience of getting home in 12 hours vs. 19 hours trumps everything else.

De Gaulle | 6:55 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

I am sorry to hear of your dislike of my airport, and of your bad travelling experiences as you were passing by. I can assure you that my goal is traveller satisfaction. This airport is an old airport this is true, and unfortunatelly construction, renovation, additions, and remodeling are not sufficient to keep up with the need of the growth. Paris is a big city, and welcome a lot of visitors yearly in 2005 over 78 millions alone!
I can see by some of your comments that some of you aren't use to traveling, or do not know french people very well. You must have read too many books,seen too many movies, or relied on too many hear-say, because there is no perfect world out there! Paris is a beautiful city, and yes it has its drawback, but I am sure that some outsider would find some about the USA also. It doesn't mean it is not a great place to go and visit, do business or even live there. This is what makes the world go round.
I thought people in Utah were tolerant?

Mike | 7:23 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

It is possible to enter the US and not have to re-check your baggage. I use LAX often from Asia and after clearing customs you simply place your luggage back on the conveyor belt where it will hopefully meet you at your final destination. SEATAC also uses such a system which is very convenient. Hopefully Salt Lake will also implement something similar to reduce the bag drag associated with transferring from an international flight. Now if my old home town can only work our something to Asia...

Bart | 8:55 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

Having flown through and into CDG several times, I have to say that things are not as bad as some make them to be. This new connection will be great. And to De Gaulle, you thought Utah people were tolerant? Oh my!!! And to Jane who classified herself as a "true American" I can only respond by saying, have you heard of the "Ugly Americans?" It seems they are alive and well here.

AggieBlue | 9:21 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

I am so happy that I can finally fly to Europe without first having to fly east or west first! And what is all of the complaints about how nice or rotten CDG is... are you flying to France to see the airport? C'mon, get serious... your going to be in the airport for a max of four hours with a round trip, I'm sure you can handle that. Would you rather sit in an uncomfortable chair in Atlanta for six hours waiting for your connection flight? When I last flew to Europe the trip took me nearly 18 hours with flights and layovers... now that will it be down to 10.

And as for the economics of it... consider this. The direct impact on the local economy should be in the tens of millions of dollars a year. Boosted tax revenue will exceed the $2 million spent within three or four years. Once you add in the indirect impacts and apply the economic multipliers involved Utah comes out smelling like a rose.

I'll have a ticket booked ASAP and I'm heading straight for Carcassonne in the south of France, best place on Earth! Just be sure to go in the off-season.

Jegesmaci | 9:29 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

This is great news. We have family in Eastern Europe and this is just the thing that will help us better connect with them. Our travels with children usually are not pleasant as we have to transfer more than 2 times, this will be perfect! Thanks Delta and Thanks Salt Lake City for thinking about business opportunities for the international markets.

S. Gil | 11:11 p.m. Aug. 24, 2007

How bout Gatwick or Heathrow... Please!!!

E Nelson | 12:00 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

I agree with many of the comments about CDG being poorly designed and subject to labor strikes. However, Paris is a fantastic city with a high number of flights elsewhere. I hope this helps Salt Lake get more exposure over here in Europe because frankly, most people don't know much about our state.

I hope this is only the beginning of direct connections to SLC. Consider Amsterdam or Frankfurt, however, before any London airport since these airports are much better designed for transfers and also offer excellent destinations.

Tim | 10:02 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

As someone who lives outside the isolated world of Utah and the States, I have to say Utah would surely benefit greatly from Tourism from this.

Stop worrying about crime and terrorism (chances of anyone being interested in targeting Utah is surely zero anyway), and think of the big bucks to be made from all those skiers in Europe who are put off Utah simply because of the 14+ hour flight time and hassle with stops. Utah has some fantastic skiing.

However, London would be a better option than Paris. At the very least you can be sure of a lot of security as the UK has the highest level of public surveillance in the world and we're not far off the most advanced and intrusive biometric ID system in the world (whether we like it or not).

Barbara | 5:04 a.m. Nov. 12, 2007

We just returned from a one week trip to Paris. For the return flight, we arrived at CDG 3 hours early and were guided politely and efficiently through each step of our check in. The airport, including the restrooms, was very clean and pleasant. There are buses and a train for economical travel from CDG to Paris. We were at the budget level and cannot say enough good things about Paris and the French. It was a wonderful trip. Now if Delta would just offer a $100 round trip introductory fare!
PS - Comments re this flight allowing Utah to be in some sort of moral or physical danger are hilarious!

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