CDG departure - how early to get there?
#31
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, UA Silver
Posts: 1,366
Just to report back- I did arrive nearly 3 hours in advance of my flight. I used the elite check in line and was given a card that let me use the priority security line. There were no lines at passport control for either priority or non priority. I was able to get through in just a few minutes and had lots of time in the lounges. Without the priority at security it would have been an extra 20 minutes or so. I'll be back in a few weeks and will probably try to cut it closer. Fortunately the AA lounge had surprisingly good food, so hanging out fit a while is no hardship.
#32
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Programs: UA Lifetime 1K (3.52MM BIS miles) AA EXP (3.64MM)
Posts: 1,097
Current time to get thru CDG for a long haul flight on AA
Hi
This seems to be one of the most recent threads I can find about how much time to allow to navigate thru the various "obstructions" in CDG
We are travelling business class on AA on this Monday.
The AA website says: We recommend arriving to the airport at least 4 hours before departure time to allow for increased security checks.
That seems a bit excessive but I have not flown out of CDG in years....
What is the latest?
Thanks
This seems to be one of the most recent threads I can find about how much time to allow to navigate thru the various "obstructions" in CDG
We are travelling business class on AA on this Monday.
The AA website says: We recommend arriving to the airport at least 4 hours before departure time to allow for increased security checks.
That seems a bit excessive but I have not flown out of CDG in years....
What is the latest?
Thanks
Last edited by CVO 1K 2 Million; Jun 2, 2018 at 4:27 pm Reason: clarification
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,928
Hi
This seems to be one of the most recent threads I can find about how much time to allow to navigate thru the various "obstructions" in CDG
We are travelling business class on AA on this Monday.
The AA website says: We recommend arriving to the airport at least 4 hours before departure time to allow for increased security checks.
That seems a bit excessive but I have not flown out of CDG in years....
What is the latest?
Thanks
This seems to be one of the most recent threads I can find about how much time to allow to navigate thru the various "obstructions" in CDG
We are travelling business class on AA on this Monday.
The AA website says: We recommend arriving to the airport at least 4 hours before departure time to allow for increased security checks.
That seems a bit excessive but I have not flown out of CDG in years....
What is the latest?
Thanks
#34
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Paris, France
Programs: United, TAP Victoria, AVIOS
Posts: 480
I believe Delta and United recommend one´s being at the check in desk 3 hours before scheduled departure, AA has indeed indicated 4 hours. I can´t imagine AA would make such a recommendation without it´s being necessary. Passport lines alone can exceed 1 hour.
I should think those with status of some type could trim the guideline times somewhat but CDG is very unpredictable and one can never be absolute sure of the time he may need for processing formalities.
I should think those with status of some type could trim the guideline times somewhat but CDG is very unpredictable and one can never be absolute sure of the time he may need for processing formalities.
#35
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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Dopn't forget that Paris seems especially strike prone this spring/summer, with many days of AF strikes but also some affecting public transportation. I would assume that various categories of airport workers and ATC are also at risk for strikes. If a bunch of AF flights are canceled this can have a ripple effect for several days, including some impact on other carriers. Still, premium cabin travel or elite status could make a difference.
#36
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Denver CO
Posts: 3,682
#37
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Paris, France
Programs: United, TAP Victoria, AVIOS
Posts: 480
You should ask AA if their agents are in position at their recommended check in time. I rarely fly AA out of CDG. Usually not but at various times throughout the years, I have arrived 3 hours in advance of scheduled departure time and have needed every minute.
#38
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: London, UK and Southern France
Posts: 18,364
Just to report back- I did arrive nearly 3 hours in advance of my flight. I used the elite check in line and was given a card that let me use the priority security line. There were no lines at passport control for either priority or non priority. I was able to get through in just a few minutes and had lots of time in the lounges. Without the priority at security it would have been an extra 20 minutes or so. I'll be back in a few weeks and will probably try to cut it closer. Fortunately the AA lounge had surprisingly good food, so hanging out fit a while is no hardship.
I usually fly BA rather than AA out of CDG 2A/C but I have never seen it rammed to the gills the way 2E can be and it is usually a breeze if you have OW Elite status.
#39
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Denver CO
Posts: 3,682
I’ve gone through CDG on OW quite a bit and it was never close with three hours, much less four, which I repeat is nuts. I am often through checkin, passpost check and security in an hour or less. I wouldn’t count on that but nor would I waste time arriving ar 8am for a noon flight.
#40
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: NYC
Posts: 10
Jumping into this thread after doing some reading through others:
I land at CDG on Sunday morning at 8:20am (AF7, business class)
Departing CDG on Sunday afternoon at 5:40pm (AF3764/Code Share with Belavia, also business)
This gives me approximately 9 hours to land, clear immigration/customs, RER-B to city and then play -- before returning. Thinking I need to leave Paris to return to CDG around 3pm?
I'm arriving in T2E and leaving from T2D. Looks like there's a left luggage area right near there. I have SkyPriority and flying business, only hand luggage.
Those of you who know Paris/CDG -- does this sound doable? I don't need to actually accomplish anything in Paris, just want to get some air, food, and walk around before I'm off to Minsk. If you all think I have time to stop in the 2E arrivals lounge, I'd like to do that as well.
Thanks everyone!
I land at CDG on Sunday morning at 8:20am (AF7, business class)
Departing CDG on Sunday afternoon at 5:40pm (AF3764/Code Share with Belavia, also business)
This gives me approximately 9 hours to land, clear immigration/customs, RER-B to city and then play -- before returning. Thinking I need to leave Paris to return to CDG around 3pm?
I'm arriving in T2E and leaving from T2D. Looks like there's a left luggage area right near there. I have SkyPriority and flying business, only hand luggage.
Those of you who know Paris/CDG -- does this sound doable? I don't need to actually accomplish anything in Paris, just want to get some air, food, and walk around before I'm off to Minsk. If you all think I have time to stop in the 2E arrivals lounge, I'd like to do that as well.
Thanks everyone!
#41
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: France
Programs: too many
Posts: 686
Jumping into this thread after doing some reading through others:
I land at CDG on Sunday morning at 8:20am (AF7, business class)
Departing CDG on Sunday afternoon at 5:40pm (AF3764/Code Share with Belavia, also business)
This gives me approximately 9 hours to land, clear immigration/customs, RER-B to city and then play -- before returning. Thinking I need to leave Paris to return to CDG around 3pm?
I'm arriving in T2E and leaving from T2D. Looks like there's a left luggage area right near there. I have SkyPriority and flying business, only hand luggage.
Those of you who know Paris/CDG -- does this sound doable? I don't need to actually accomplish anything in Paris, just want to get some air, food, and walk around before I'm off to Minsk. If you all think I have time to stop in the 2E arrivals lounge, I'd like to do that as well.
Thanks everyone!
I land at CDG on Sunday morning at 8:20am (AF7, business class)
Departing CDG on Sunday afternoon at 5:40pm (AF3764/Code Share with Belavia, also business)
This gives me approximately 9 hours to land, clear immigration/customs, RER-B to city and then play -- before returning. Thinking I need to leave Paris to return to CDG around 3pm?
I'm arriving in T2E and leaving from T2D. Looks like there's a left luggage area right near there. I have SkyPriority and flying business, only hand luggage.
Those of you who know Paris/CDG -- does this sound doable? I don't need to actually accomplish anything in Paris, just want to get some air, food, and walk around before I'm off to Minsk. If you all think I have time to stop in the 2E arrivals lounge, I'd like to do that as well.
Thanks everyone!
#42
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: NYC
Posts: 10
Jumping into this thread after doing some reading through others:
I land at CDG on Sunday morning at 8:20am (AF7, business class)
Departing CDG on Sunday afternoon at 5:40pm (AF3764/Code Share with Belavia, also business)
This gives me approximately 9 hours to land, clear immigration/customs, RER-B to city and then play -- before returning. Thinking I need to leave Paris to return to CDG around 3pm?
I'm arriving in T2E and leaving from T2D. Looks like there's a left luggage area right near there. I have SkyPriority and flying business, only hand luggage.
Those of you who know Paris/CDG -- does this sound doable? I don't need to actually accomplish anything in Paris, just want to get some air, food, and walk around before I'm off to Minsk. If you all think I have time to stop in the 2E arrivals lounge, I'd like to do that as well.
Thanks everyone!
You want to be at the T2D by 3pm, not leave Paris at 3pm, right? if so, should be fine
I land at CDG on Sunday morning at 8:20am (AF7, business class)
Departing CDG on Sunday afternoon at 5:40pm (AF3764/Code Share with Belavia, also business)
This gives me approximately 9 hours to land, clear immigration/customs, RER-B to city and then play -- before returning. Thinking I need to leave Paris to return to CDG around 3pm?
I'm arriving in T2E and leaving from T2D. Looks like there's a left luggage area right near there. I have SkyPriority and flying business, only hand luggage.
Those of you who know Paris/CDG -- does this sound doable? I don't need to actually accomplish anything in Paris, just want to get some air, food, and walk around before I'm off to Minsk. If you all think I have time to stop in the 2E arrivals lounge, I'd like to do that as well.
Thanks everyone!
You want to be at the T2D by 3pm, not leave Paris at 3pm, right? if so, should be fine
Last edited by jfur48; Jun 24, 2019 at 8:53 am Reason: misquote
#43
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,928
Jumping into this thread after doing some reading through others:
I land at CDG on Sunday morning at 8:20am (AF7, business class)
Departing CDG on Sunday afternoon at 5:40pm (AF3764/Code Share with Belavia, also business)
This gives me approximately 9 hours to land, clear immigration/customs, RER-B to city and then play -- before returning. Thinking I need to leave Paris to return to CDG around 3pm?
I'm arriving in T2E and leaving from T2D. Looks like there's a left luggage area right near there. I have SkyPriority and flying business, only hand luggage.
Those of you who know Paris/CDG -- does this sound doable? I don't need to actually accomplish anything in Paris, just want to get some air, food, and walk around before I'm off to Minsk. If you all think I have time to stop in the 2E arrivals lounge, I'd like to do that as well.
Thanks everyone!
I land at CDG on Sunday morning at 8:20am (AF7, business class)
Departing CDG on Sunday afternoon at 5:40pm (AF3764/Code Share with Belavia, also business)
This gives me approximately 9 hours to land, clear immigration/customs, RER-B to city and then play -- before returning. Thinking I need to leave Paris to return to CDG around 3pm?
I'm arriving in T2E and leaving from T2D. Looks like there's a left luggage area right near there. I have SkyPriority and flying business, only hand luggage.
Those of you who know Paris/CDG -- does this sound doable? I don't need to actually accomplish anything in Paris, just want to get some air, food, and walk around before I'm off to Minsk. If you all think I have time to stop in the 2E arrivals lounge, I'd like to do that as well.
Thanks everyone!
the luggage storage place is just above the train/RER B station.
of course not. T2D is small. Your plan is good (leaving Paris at 3 pm, you will arrive at 3:45/4 pm in CDG
#44
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 261
On Saturday afternoon at terminal 1 there was a delay of one hour to get through passport control. Add 15 minutes for priority check in and 10-15 minutes for security. If it were me I would follow the advice to arrive at 3, not to leave Paris at 3.
When we arrived in CDG terminal 2 on Thursday there was a 1 hour 20 minute delay at passport control and that was coming from a Schegen country, Malta. An agent said they pick 5 or 6 flights per day for full immigration control. There was a lot of angry people in that line.
I told my wife just be happy they don't go on strike while we are waiting.
When we arrived in CDG terminal 2 on Thursday there was a 1 hour 20 minute delay at passport control and that was coming from a Schegen country, Malta. An agent said they pick 5 or 6 flights per day for full immigration control. There was a lot of angry people in that line.
I told my wife just be happy they don't go on strike while we are waiting.
#45
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
Jumping into this thread after doing some reading through others:
I land at CDG on Sunday morning at 8:20am (AF7, business class)
Departing CDG on Sunday afternoon at 5:40pm (AF3764/Code Share with Belavia, also business)
This gives me approximately 9 hours to land, clear immigration/customs, RER-B to city and then play -- before returning. Thinking I need to leave Paris to return to CDG around 3pm?
I'm arriving in T2E and leaving from T2D. Looks like there's a left luggage area right near there. I have SkyPriority and flying business, only hand luggage.
Those of you who know Paris/CDG -- does this sound doable? I don't need to actually accomplish anything in Paris, just want to get some air, food, and walk around before I'm off to Minsk. If you all think I have time to stop in the 2E arrivals lounge, I'd like to do that as well.
Thanks everyone!
I land at CDG on Sunday morning at 8:20am (AF7, business class)
Departing CDG on Sunday afternoon at 5:40pm (AF3764/Code Share with Belavia, also business)
This gives me approximately 9 hours to land, clear immigration/customs, RER-B to city and then play -- before returning. Thinking I need to leave Paris to return to CDG around 3pm?
I'm arriving in T2E and leaving from T2D. Looks like there's a left luggage area right near there. I have SkyPriority and flying business, only hand luggage.
Those of you who know Paris/CDG -- does this sound doable? I don't need to actually accomplish anything in Paris, just want to get some air, food, and walk around before I'm off to Minsk. If you all think I have time to stop in the 2E arrivals lounge, I'd like to do that as well.
Thanks everyone!
What 2E arrivals lounge? AFAIK there's one AF arrivals lounge at CDG and it's between A and C, on the check in level.