Air France Lounge Access at CDG During Layover?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 18
Air France Lounge Access at CDG During Layover?
Hi,
I'm flying from JFK to BIQ with a layover in CDG, on a business class fare. My flight from JFK -> CDG is in the business cabin, but the flight from CDG -> to BIQ is in economy as that's the only cabin available. Will I be able to use the business class lounge in CDG?
Thanks,
Jen
I'm flying from JFK to BIQ with a layover in CDG, on a business class fare. My flight from JFK -> CDG is in the business cabin, but the flight from CDG -> to BIQ is in economy as that's the only cabin available. Will I be able to use the business class lounge in CDG?
Thanks,
Jen
#2
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: France
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Posts: 3,164
But why is Y the only cabin available? CDG/BIQ do have C cabin.
In theory, no access but you may talk your way in depending on the fare paid and the reason why you don't have a C seat on CDG/BIQ.
In theory, no access but you may talk your way in depending on the fare paid and the reason why you don't have a C seat on CDG/BIQ.
#4
Join Date: May 2023
Location: 👉 flyingbluealerts.com
Posts: 32
I've relatives on a similar journey that got refused lounge access at CDG (MIA-CDG (J) then CDG-BOD (Y)).
Later they complained to the company and were told it was a mistake... But I keep thinking lounge access is only at departure airport but I could be wrong..?
Later they complained to the company and were told it was a mistake... But I keep thinking lounge access is only at departure airport but I could be wrong..?
#5
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: France
Programs: FB Plat for Life, UAMP, BAEC, Accor ALL Platinum, Marriott silver, Hilton, Meliá silver.
Posts: 3,164
I've relatives on a similar journey that got refused lounge access at CDG (MIA-CDG (J) then CDG-BOD (Y)).
Later they complained to the company and were told it was a mistake... But I keep thinking lounge access is only at departure airport but I could be wrong..?
Later they complained to the company and were told it was a mistake... But I keep thinking lounge access is only at departure airport but I could be wrong..?
What we are saying about the op's case, is that it sounds strange that he flies C JFK/CDG but could not buy C for the CDG/BIQ. It makes no sense. So, depending on the reason and the fare paid, he may talk his way into the lounge. In some cases, the fare is C but the cabin is Y (for whatever reasons).
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
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Hi Jen,
Lounge access is granted only prior to departure in business class. As you will departing from CDG in Economy Class, you will not have access to the lounge ahead of this additional flight (unless you or a travelling companion has the relevant SkyTeam status that would allow lounge access).
It's surprising to read that "It's the only cabin available"; the J cabin on AF short-haul expands or contracts according to demand, so it would be very unusual that a J seat could not be provided (unless this was bought very close to departure). Could it be that you (or whoever purchased the ticket) bought this as a multi-city booking and requested that the short connection was in Y?
Lounge access is granted only prior to departure in business class. As you will departing from CDG in Economy Class, you will not have access to the lounge ahead of this additional flight (unless you or a travelling companion has the relevant SkyTeam status that would allow lounge access).
It's surprising to read that "It's the only cabin available"; the J cabin on AF short-haul expands or contracts according to demand, so it would be very unusual that a J seat could not be provided (unless this was bought very close to departure). Could it be that you (or whoever purchased the ticket) bought this as a multi-city booking and requested that the short connection was in Y?
#7
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: France
Programs: FB Plat for Life, UAMP, BAEC, Accor ALL Platinum, Marriott silver, Hilton, Meliá silver.
Posts: 3,164
Hi,
I'm flying from JFK to BIQ with a layover in CDG, on a business class fare. My flight from JFK -> CDG is in the business cabin, but the flight from CDG -> to BIQ is in economy as that's the only cabin available. Will I be able to use the business class lounge in CDG?
Thanks,
Jen
I'm flying from JFK to BIQ with a layover in CDG, on a business class fare. My flight from JFK -> CDG is in the business cabin, but the flight from CDG -> to BIQ is in economy as that's the only cabin available. Will I be able to use the business class lounge in CDG?
Thanks,
Jen
On CDG/BIQ, if in Y cabin indeed, you will be allowed one bag only, against 2 in C.
AF is not very strict on this, but in case of a full flight, you may be forced to put one bag in the hold.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 18
Thanks all for the input. It looks like the CDG -> BIQ business seats were sold out for that particular flight which is why I was stuck in the economy cabin. However, the fare I paid is the Business Flex fare, which is fully refundable if cancelled. Based on the responses I've received, it sounds like I won't have access to the lounge, which kind of sucks. I was hoping to rest a bit during my layover after an overnight flight.
#9
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: France
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Posts: 3,164
Thanks all for the input. It looks like the CDG -> BIQ business seats were sold out for that particular flight which is why I was stuck in the economy cabin. However, the fare I paid is the Business Flex fare, which is fully refundable if cancelled. Based on the responses I've received, it sounds like I won't have access to the lounge, which kind of sucks. I was hoping to rest a bit during my layover after an overnight flight.
If indeed the fare is Biz Flex, you should revisit this booking and check again.
In any case, contrary to what you have understood, this is a case where you have a chance of talking your way into the lounge.
You need to explain to them that you are in fact with a biz ticket (they might actually be able to move you into the right cabin if your fare allows it) but have been assigned a Y seat.
I am not saying it WILL work but there is a chance it does.
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold
Posts: 15,737
Thanks all for the input. It looks like the CDG -> BIQ business seats were sold out for that particular flight which is why I was stuck in the economy cabin. However, the fare I paid is the Business Flex fare, which is fully refundable if cancelled. Based on the responses I've received, it sounds like I won't have access to the lounge, which kind of sucks. I was hoping to rest a bit during my layover after an overnight flight.
My only explanation is that you bought a Z fare and occasionally, there is no Z availability on CDG-BIQ.
#11
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: France
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#13
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: France
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Posts: 3,164
#15
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Actually, also ask at the airport if a seat opened up in Business. They might be able to rebook you if you have paid a Business fare all the way.
Even now, can’t you be waitlisted for Business while you retain your confirmed economy flight?
Even now, can’t you be waitlisted for Business while you retain your confirmed economy flight?