AF FA said use 2K + train for M28, red vest stopped me!
 

I am trying to learn how to get at this the next time I have a tight connect at CDG.

I started the day in ATH with the AF flight to CDG. The crew was late so we got to the 2F gate maybe 13-14 minutes late. Some of us were worried about connections while George Hamilton was relaxed since a car was waiting for his entourage.

While in flight, I asked the lead FA about the best way to get to 2E-M28 and he drew lines on a map of CDG showing that I would be best to do passport control at 2K then take the train to M.

I did as he said. There was a person in a red vest with a scanner at the 2F-K passport line and when she saW 2E-M28 on my eBP, she insisted I retrace my steps and head to M. I was confused and do not remember if I explained the FA endorsed route. I was very frustrated because the passport lines there were short (maybe 10-15 minutes), esp the SP line.

I go to the signs for M and when I get to 2E-M passport the lines are huge getting there as quickly as possible by running when I had room to do so. The SP line was as slow if not slower than other lines. In the meantime, a red vest who had not monitored the SP line opened up the EU line next to us for a large group that showed up at the back of us. Eventually those of us in the SP line who might not make our connection moved to that line. We were not helped much by the person (black outfit) monitoring the line, but eventually got through.

As we all know that means you walk a ways, take an elevator then get on a bus. Today’s driver thought 5 mph was like the Autobahn, but eventually we get to the 2M door. Those of us who were going to miss our flights went running as it is some distance to the departure gates. This was not easy for me as I am not fit enough to run without stopping while navigating congestion and rolling a sizable rollaboard.

So what do I do next time? Tell the red vest At 2F-K that I have the right to route as I please or am I doomed to the 2F-M passport lines that it seems are always too long for a connection under 1 hour (due to late arrival, etc)?

I'm confused.

Did you walk to 2E LANDSIDE (almost past the CDG Sheraton) and go to the passport control that people originating at CDG for DL TATL flights would use? That one serves K, L, and M, although after you do passport control there are signs for security and the K gates or the train to L and M where you do security on the way upstairs to gates. IMO the big 2E passport control for K/L/M is an enormous mess, including SkyPriority, although special FC passengers seem to be escorted to the front of their own nonexistent line and those who can use the EU automated gates to the right of SkyPriority usually get through very quickly. I've waited an hour for exit passport control at CDG 2E.

There seems to be an alternative path between 2E and 2F but I don't recall ever taking a bus. The maps of CDG seem confusing so I'm not sure I can recreate what I might have done when I've had connections from TATL DL flights to AF Schengen flights and VV.

Next time say you know you can go that route, but this one is quicker and your inbound was late. AFAIK they have zero power to force you to use one passport control over another. They're more or less there to prevent those that dont have a clue from going the wrong way and to try preventing a backup.

I landed in 2E back in January and had an onward connection out of 2F. I wanted to use the better lounges at E but the red vest at passport refused me. It seems you're only allowed entry to the passport lines of the terminal which you are next departing. stupid policy if you ask me.

Neither EWR nor JFK have this policy.

What is clearly a challenge is going through passport control for a connecting flight. So either the scheduled connection times need to increase or let us do passport control at the point of origin regardless of the Eu rules.

France isn't the same as the USA. They make their own rules for airport security and access.

So you think if I have a ticket on AA leaving T8 at JFK I can go through security at T7 the BA terminal?

If I remember well the only connection from 2F to M gates without reclearing security is via bus. If you go in transit towards K or L gates and then take the train, you have to pass security in M. I think the agent was right in redirecting you towards the bus.

Sure you could. You wouldn’t be able to board your flight from there and would have to re-clear security at T8 but if you wanted to visit T7 for some reason you can.

For me, SkyPriority airport security in M has always been fast. The problem is passport control, and sometimes the DL SkyPriority check in lines at CDG.

AF FA said no security on that route but I do not know

That's surprising to me. So you are saying if I just wanted to access some restaurant in the B6 terminal - even if I was on a different airline leaving from a different terminal - I could access the B6 terminal, etc.?

See cdg map

General TSA policy is that a boarding pass is valid for any terminal at a given airport.

I don't mind CDG. Maybe I'm just used to it.
But I never schedule a cxn of less than 2.5 hours. If the choice is between a 90 minute or a 3 hour cxn, even though 90 minutes is possible, I'm lounging for a couple of hours. This way, I never get that CDG Stress Syndrome.
I can also see how those unfamiliar with the complications geographically-speaking of changing terminals at CDG can get messed up.
So when asked, I always pass along this link:
Easy CDG
Here's an example of a specific guide:
2E to 2F
(not all guides are as detailed)