[Caleb]

Always good to have a notarized letter signed by both parents – one for travel and another for medical.

[Caleb]

Depending on where you are driving from, it might make sense to drive to Michigan City, IN, and take the South Shore train into the city.

There is good free parking, and the train tickets are cheap and easy to get.

You can then walk to your hotel and the museums without worrying about driving or parking.

This is what we normally do, and it is much easier.

[Caleb]

I don’t mind using my Amex for car rentals.

I think it only costs $20 per rental.

[Caleb]

I thought that when you rented an EV from Hertz, you didn’t need to charge it before returning it.

I might be wrong, but I thought they did that because not many people were renting their Tesla Model 3s.

[Caleb]

I missed my deadline with Capital One by about three days, but after calling them, they extended it for an additional ten days.

[Caleb]

You need to click on the flight details (while booking or viewing options) to see the specific aircraft assigned to that particular flight.

[Caleb]

We booked a one-way economy flight on ANA and were able to select the exit row for free.

There was plenty of room.

[Caleb]

Only after 8 hours does El Al attempt to circumvent compensation by claiming the delay is less than 8 hours and then changing the flight code.

This way, even if the delay exceeds 8 hours, they find a loophole to avoid compensation under Israeli law.

Perhaps your travel insurance will cover you?

[Caleb]

I recommend the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45.

Bit pricey but well worth it.

Will last a lifetime.

tombihn.com

TOM BIHN Aeronaut 45, Multi-carry duffel, 45L, 22" x 14" x 9"

Tough maximum-sized carry-on for US and major international airlines. Convertable from hand or shoulder-carry duffel to backpack. Expandable main compartment. 5 pockets and handles placed for use as a overhead bin bag. Designed and sewn in Seattle, WA, USA with … Continue reading

[Caleb]

Sofitel at Terminal 5 would fit your needs perfectly.

No need for a bus, taxi, Uber etc.

[Caleb]

We just flew Air China 2 weeks ago, and uploaded everything.

I agree, they ask a lot, but that is typical for China.

BTW, they lost 4 of our bags, but returned them 4 days later.

It was an inconvenience though!

[Caleb]

Unless you’re going for the Olympics, you might want to avoid Paris anytime during the Summer of 2024.

It’s going to be so crowded and the prices for everything are much higher than normal.

Accommodations are being booked up really far in advance, and plane tickets cost a ton.

Even if you’re planning to go in the months before or after the Olympics, prices are still much higher than normal because demand is much higher.

Additionally, a lot of famous sites will have temporary stadiums built near or around them that they put in place far in advance of the actual Olympics.

Your view of the Eiffel Tower might include bleachers for the beach volleyball stadium – not exactly picturesque.

And security will be extra tight. Something as simple as walking to the store could be interrupted by multiple security checks if you happen to cross into areas near Olympic venues.

They will have large secure zones around each stadium – a much wider space than you might anticipate.

So if you’re not going for the Olympics, you might have a very expensive and very different experience in Paris than you might have hoped for.

[Caleb]

It’s a terrible points redemption by most accounts but I book cruises through Chase Sapphire Reserve at 1.5 cpp.

I think they sell all lines besides Disney and you have to call in.

[Caleb]

Seriously consider changing your flight reservations.

Do either all JFK or all EWR.

Whatever that costs just might be worth it.

[Caleb]

We usually stay near Chatelet les Halles which is a major hub for the metro and RER (regional train) so you can get anywhere in the city as well as from/to CDG easily.

Lots of hotels and AirBnB in the area to choose from.

As for things to do in a non-touristy way you could consider booking an escorted food and wine tour.

Tours by Locals and Viator are good ways to book such a thing.

A 23 hour layover is a decent amount of time.

Since most flights from North America arrive in the morning, I assume you are as well.

Catch the RER into Paris, if you’re staying at a hotel then they will have baggage storage available if you’re too early for check-in.

Go wander the neighborhoods and have lunch, or take your tour, grab dinner a bit later than normal (maybe at a restaurant recommended by your tour guide from earlier).

Also try to book one of the string quartet/quintet concerts at Sainte Chappelle and have a late dinner afterward.