If you’re planning to fly from Chicago O’Hare to Paris Charles de Gaulle this winter know that Air France is suspending the route come October, according to a report on the Chicago Tribune. It says the run goes into hibernation until March. High fuel costs are one factor. So too is demand.
That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to fly nonstop from the Windy City to the City of Light. American and United both have major hubs at O’Hare, and both offer nonstop Chicago flights to Paris.
The Chicago Tribune also reports that Alitalia is putting its Chicago flights to Rome on ice this winter. It goes on ice in December and is set to re-emerge in April 2012. Your nonstop alternative in this instance is American Airlines. It fields a daily Chicago flight to Rome.
The Paris and Rome route suspensions come as carriers the world over struggle against still-elevated jet fuel costs. Then there’s the seasonality factor. Transatlantic airlines often pare back flights to top tourist destinations during the winter because of the fall off in seasonal demand. Airlines are no longer in a position to run flights year-round on some routes. Instead of keeping the flag flying on the run, they simply cut seats.
If you can’t book a nonstop this winter to Paris or Rome consider connections. Seats could get tight around Christmastime. The key is to plan ahead and book early.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: ParisSharing)
