Paris CDG Airport FAQ

[JOUY31]

Originally Posted by SULAX50

Read thru about 8 pages of this thread and could not find an answer on transfers from T1 to 2F.

I arrive on United from IAD at 655AM then depart on AF to Barcelona from 2F at 935AM. Based on a response to a poster earlier doing a transfer from T2 to T1 I know I will have enough time, but I am hoping someone can help me with the steps I need to take to transfer to T2.

Do I need to go thru customs, claim my bags and exit T1, then go to T2?

Also, does Air France sell one day passes to their lounges like Star Alliance does?

Thanks for your help!

1. You need to go through immigration in T1. If your bags are not checked through to BCN, you also need to pick them up and go through customs in T1.
2. Once you are landside, follow the signs to the CDGVAL shuttle train, located on the lower level of the terminal building.
3. Board the CDGVAL and go to the end of the line "CDG2 - Gare" which should take 8mn, with a shuttle every 3-4mn at that time
4. Take the escalator or the lift to exit the CDGVAL station and then turn left toward 2F and use the moving walkways. At the end of the moving walkways, take the (very short) escalator up to the departures level where you can find all the check-in desks.

Unfortunately, Air France does not sell day passes to their lounges. The best option for breakfast is at the Sheraton (2mn away from the CDGVAL station in CDG2) or Brasserie Flo landside in 2F. Your SPG Gold card should enable you to use the Internet workstations in the Sheraton lobby for free. Just enter your SPG number in the appropriate box on the screen.

Enjoy yoiur flights .

[UVAhoo06]

I'm flying into 2E aboard AF (from JFK-CDG) and then transferring aboard a CX flight (CDG-HKG) operating out of 2A. I've been browsing through the CDG map/guide and this FAQ page, and it seems that I can take the airport buses (#1 or #3) though they're quite roundabout: I would essentially have to ride almost the entire loop just to get from 2E to 2A.

Questions:

1) Once I land in CDG, do I simply head to the transit desk and pick up my CX BPs? I'm fairly sure there is an interline agreement between CX and AF, so I don't need to reclaim bags and re-check them?

2) I have 1:30 in transit time--that is, barring any delays from JFK. Will this be enough time for me to get from 2E to 2A? I'm in J class (Affaires) with AF and then connecting onto CX business class. How might this impact luggage delivery in terms of re-tagging bags and also actually loading them on the next aircraft?

3) The AF website advertises assistance (i.e., meet and transport) for J/F pax who have a tight connection. Does this apply to connections onto non-AF-operated flights even though I just arrived on an AF flight?

4) Will I have to pass through passport/customs control? I'm a US citizen.

5) More importantly, should I walk or take the bus to my connecting flight? What advice do you have?

Any seasoned or experienced FTers have suggestions? Many thanks!

[JOUY31]

Originally Posted by UVAhoo06

I'm flying into 2E aboard AF (from JFK-CDG) and then transferring aboard a CX flight (CDG-HKG) operating out of 2A. I've been browsing through the CDG map/guide and this FAQ page, and it seems that I can take the airport buses (#1 or #3) though they're quite roundabout: I would essentially have to ride almost the entire loop just to get from 2E to 2A.

Questions:

1) Once I land in CDG, do I simply head to the transit desk and pick up my CX BPs? I'm fairly sure there is an interline agreement between CX and AF, so I don't need to reclaim bags and re-check them?

AF should be able to interline your baggage to CX, even on separate tickets. Getting your boarding pass is more tricky, as I don't believe CX has a transfer desk in 2E, and you would need to a valid boarding pass to board the airside shuttle bus to 2A. Does CX have OLCI ?

2) I have 1:30 in transit time--that is, barring any delays from JFK. Will this be enough time for me to get from 2E to 2A? I'm in J class (Affaires) with AF and then connecting onto CX business class. How might this impact luggage delivery in terms of re-tagging bags and also actually loading them on the next aircraft?

This should be enough to take the shuttle bus from 2E to 2C and 2A.

3) The AF website advertises assistance (i.e., meet and transport) for J/F pax who have a tight connection. Does this apply to connections onto non-AF-operated flights even though I just arrived on an AF flight?

Highly unlikely, I am afraid.

4) Will I have to pass through passport/customs control? I'm a US citizen.

No. Just take the ADP (not the Air France) airside shuttle.

5) More importantly, should I walk or take the bus to my connecting flight? What advice do you have?

If your flight from JFK is on time, this is one of the connections where I would stick to the airside ADP shuttle. It runs every 15-20mn. If you arrive at the S3 satellite in 2E, 2A is your 3rd stop (1. main pier in 2E, 2. 2C and 3. 2A). If you arrive at 2E's main boarding pier, you only have two stops (2C and then 2A).

Walking would involve 2 immigration checks. The one in 2E should be fairly quick as there is an Access n°1 fast track lane. Walking to 2A would require about 15mn. There is an Access n°1 lane in 2A, too; but when I went through 2A a few weeks ago for my BA flight to LHR, it was blocked by baggage carts and seemingly not in operation.

Enjoy your flights

[UVAhoo06]

Originally Posted by JOUY31

AF should be able to interline your baggage to CX, even on separate tickets. Getting your boarding pass is more tricky, as I don't believe CX has a transfer desk in 2E, and you would need to a valid boarding pass to board the airside shuttle bus to 2A. Does CX have OLCI ?


This should be enough to take the shuttle bus from 2E to 2C and 2A.


Highly unlikely, I am afraid.


No. Just take the ADP (not the Air France) airside shuttle.


If your flight from JFK is on time, this is one of the connections where I would stick to the airside ADP shuttle. It runs every 15-20mn. If you arrive at the S3 satellite in 2E, 2A is your 3rd stop (1. main pier in 2E, 2. 2C and 3. 2A). If you arrive at 2E's main boarding pier, you only have two stops (2C and then 2A).

Walking would involve 2 immigration checks. The one in 2E should be fairly quick as there is an Access n°1 fast track lane. Walking to 2A would require about 15mn. There is an Access n°1 lane in 2A, too; but when I went through 2A a few weeks ago for my BA flight to LHR, it was blocked by baggage carts and seemingly not in operation.

Enjoy your flights

Thanks for the helpful responses! I have some additional follow-up questions that you might hopefully be able to answer .

1) Let's just say that CX doesn't allow me to check in online--and hence I wouldn't have a boarding pass from CX--what then? What are my options, and will I still be able to make it on time? I was always under the impression that transit desks handled all transfers regardless of alliance. I'm definitely learning something new.

2) Also, will signs for ADP be clearly marked? I've heard that CDG can be a nightmare, and knowing me, I'd somehow take the AF bus :P.

3) Will I have time to use the Arrivals Lounge and shower? Or, not so much? I'm traveling in J class (for the first time ever aboard AF!) and I want to take advantage of all the available amenities.


Thanks once again.

[D3hwsu8]

Hello,

I've a question regarding a suitable meeting place at CDG. I'm arriving via NWA to terminal 2E. My friend is arriving 2 hours later via Air France to terminal 2D. I figure that I'll meet my friend when she arrives and we can head into Paris together.

Based on the earlier inquiries, it looks like our best bet may be the Sheraton hotel located between 2D and 2E.

I was looking at CDG's terminal 2D map (http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/R...port_CDG2D.pdf). Is the mapped area behind the security gates? or before? If it's before the security gates, does that mean I can access Hippopotamus or Cafe Select (as it seems to be a better place to meet)?

Thanks.

D3hwsu8

[JOUY31]

I had a longer layover than usual in CDG today. I hopped on the Val to Roissypole (less than 10mn from 2D) and booked a room at the Ibis (EUR 12 per hour, with a minimum of 2 hours - between 6AM and 8PM only). Clean room with a hot shower. I was able to take a nap and paid just EUR 24, far cheaper than my usual stay at the lobby of the Sheraton. A nice option, but no HHonors, SPG or Priority Club Points . I will certainly use this option again if I have a layover longer than 3hours .

[Ejote]

Originally Posted by JOUY31

I had a longer layover than usual in CDG today. I hopped on the Val to Roissypole (less than 10mn from 2D) and booked a room at the Ibis (EUR 12 per hour, with a minimum of 2 hours - between 6AM and 8PM only). Clean room with a hot shower. I was able to take a nap and paid just EUR 24, far cheaper than my usual stay at the lobby of the Sheraton. A nice option, but no HHonors, SPG or Priority Club Points . I will certainly use this option again if I have a layover longer than 3hours .

+1. I did the same thing this past Saturday, and it worked out quite well. Particularly for those of us who otherwise wouldn't have access to showers -- thanks, UA! -- the Ibis is a cheap (24 euros) and convenient (probably 5-10 minutes from terminal 1) solution. It's not going to win any awards for large or lavish rooms, but it beats the alternative.

[GlenP]

Due to be flying MAN - CDG - CAI, in J, next month &, forgetting the fact that the terminal for the CAI flight has changed from 2C - 2E - 2F (& the transfer planner still calculates it as being from 2E), I'm a bit confused about how security will check hand luggage.

Although I'm used to going through security & the variations on belt & shoe removals this might entail; seems to be different for each terminal at MAN, it's been a while since I last had to transit through CDG.

I'll be taking camera gear & a recent airport review at Airline Equality, states that, although this will pass through the standard X-ray scanners, it is also necessary to remove the camera, lenses, etc. & put them through on a tray.

As I like to be properly prepared to comply with such requirements; & thus help to speed up the whole security screening process for everyone involved, is there anyone who could provide confirmation as to whether the situation described by the reviewer is correct?

Thanks in advance for any clarification.

[kaminski]

Originally Posted by JOUY31

I had a longer layover than usual in CDG today. I hopped on the Val to Roissypole (less than 10mn from 2D) and booked a room at the Ibis (EUR 12 per hour, with a minimum of 2 hours - between 6AM and 8PM only). Clean room with a hot shower. I was able to take a nap and paid just EUR 24, far cheaper than my usual stay at the lobby of the Sheraton. A nice option, but no HHonors, SPG or Priority Club Points . I will certainly use this option again if I have a layover longer than 3hours .

Jouy31...thanks for that piece of information! Can you pre book these rooms per hour online?
Reason I ask is that to avoid KLM, sometimes I layover at the airport for 8 hours,usually staying at hotels and paying for one night, I didn't realise you could book by the hour!

[JOUY31]

Originally Posted by kaminski

Jouy31...thanks for that piece of information! Can you pre book these rooms per hour online?
Reason I ask is that to avoid KLM, sometimes I layover at the airport for 8 hours,usually staying at hotels and paying for one night, I didn't realise you could book by the hour!

Unfortunately, I have no idea. And this is specific to the Ibis CDG.I just came to the front desk, and they tried to charge EUR 1 to my credit card rather than do a pre-authorization, and they told me I would settle the bill upon departure, meaning it was up to me to decide how long I wanted to stay. I had planned on staying three hours and said so, but actually checked out after 1h50, so they charged me just for 2 hours . Unless there is a very special event (snowstorm, Airshow in Le Bourget), I don't think there is a problem getting a room. Perhaps you could call them in advance ?

[JOUY31]

Originally Posted by GlenP

Due to be flying MAN - CDG - CAI, in J, next month &, forgetting the fact that the terminal for the CAI flight has changed from 2C - 2E - 2F (& the transfer planner still calculates it as being from 2E), I'm a bit confused about how security will check hand luggage.

Although I'm used to going through security & the variations on belt & shoe removals this might entail; seems to be different for each terminal at MAN, it's been a while since I last had to transit through CDG.

I'll be taking camera gear & a recent airport review at Airline Equality, states that, although this will pass through the standard X-ray scanners, it is also necessary to remove the camera, lenses, etc. & put them through on a tray.

As I like to be properly prepared to comply with such requirements; & thus help to speed up the whole security screening process for everyone involved, is there anyone who could provide confirmation as to whether the situation described by the reviewer is correct?

Thanks in advance for any clarification.

I am afraid you have to take out all your camera equipment and put it on the tray. I have witnessed it several times in 2E, most recently less than a month ago.

[GlenP]

Originally Posted by JOUY31

I am afraid you have to take out all your camera equipment and put it on the tray. I have witnessed it several times in 2E, most recently less than a month ago.

Thanks for confirming that. Bit of a pain, but it's always best ot be prepared for these things, rather than finding out on the day.

Suppose that's what I get for looking to combine business & pleasure; can't go to Cairo again without taking some photos, as nobody believed I'd been last time.

[GenevaFlyer]

Hey all,

Having just gone through 2E security, wanted to confirm the warnings ... they will sadistically make you take all cables and computer equipment out of your bag ....

This just reminded me of why I avoid CDG like the plague. Although operations have improved with the opening of 2E, such passenger harassment for no good reason just makes transiting painful. (And believe me, once I took out my GPS, cellphone, chargers, external hard drive, usb keys, network cables, etc, it took a while to repack everything.)

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer

[Jonasdk]

Hey.
I'm going to arrive from Seattle at 8.35 at 2E with a connection flight to Copenhagen at 9.40 from 2D. Is there any possibility of making it? And what would be the easiest way for a 16 year old to transfer between the 2 terminals?

[kaminski]

Originally Posted by JOUY31

Unfortunately, I have no idea. And this is specific to the Ibis CDG.I just came to the front desk, and they tried to charge EUR 1 to my credit card rather than do a pre-authorization, and they told me I would settle the bill upon departure, meaning it was up to me to decide how long I wanted to stay. I had planned on staying three hours and said so, but actually checked out after 1h50, so they charged me just for 2 hours . Unless there is a very special event (snowstorm, Airshow in Le Bourget), I don't think there is a problem getting a room. Perhaps you could call them in advance ?

Thanks again for the reply..yeah, I should call in advance and hopefully I can get an arrangement!