OK, this did get a bit confusing.

Some big FYI's, here, svp.

AA uses Terminal 2A at CDG. They separate arrivals from departures, something very common in Europe and very much so in France, for security reasons. Hence, you will never have access to the Admirals Club, or for that matter, anything airside anywhere in Terminal 2 unless you are a departing/connecting passenger that day.
You have no way, if you transit into the area, to then exit and go to customs, unlike Terminal/Aerogare 1, which I prefer.

The CDG Admirals club is basic, no windows, in the basement, and the staff aren't all that friendly. They did have tons of Perrier(which I took ), so that worked, but I would never want to spend very much time there. It is downstairs at the rotunda where the AA flights depart. Overall, I don't care much for 2A to begin with. One reason why I go through LHR or LGW and connect AA/BA-Terminal 1.

If you leave early in the day, you can use the Cathay lounge, much nicer, which is upstairs, more airy, overlooking the terminal. The female staff are very nice(ok, and cute )... hmmmmmmm I found the food, newspapers, and drink much better, but only in the afternoon when the CX flight to HK is going out.

As had been pointed out, ad nauseum, AA Arrivals is only for arriving First and Bus. class pax, which I disagree that they won't allow elites in(stupid in my opinion, whatever that is worth). AA Arrivals at LGW did let me in once cause it was empty, he was cool, but generally, I would say, get the heck out of there and get to your hotel, where a nice shower and room service await
.

Also, a big warning. If you fly AA out of 2A early in the day, there are LONG lines to clear passport control and security, with several flights going out to Africa and the French check the Africans very closely. Hence, no last minute on this one. In the evening, the place is dead. Again, connect to BA and enjoy the shopping and lounges at LHR.



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Michael
AA PLT,1 MLN Miles+
Hilton Gold
Sheraton Gold
Marriot Silver