No experience at this. Flying tomorrow night (WBC...YAY!!! ) to CDG. Changing to a KLM flight to AMS. Since this is an intra-EEC trip, do we have to change terminals? If we do, does that mean we have to go through security again and if we do, what carry-on rules apply?

I know this has been posted before, but an extensive search of posts that had change+terminal+CDG+Charles DeGaulle in it, turned up zippo.

Hope someone has gone through this change before.

Thanks.

A2

Did you ask NWA which terminal you are arriving at, and what terminal the connecting flight is leaving from?

Don't know about your specific flight...BUT...We changed from NW Detroit flight to AF to Madrid about one month ago. It is a nightmare! We arrived in the boondocks and had to use a ramp and lengthy, time consuming bus trip to the terminal bldg. Being elite we were in the front of the plane, so we got the first bus. Otherwise we would not have made it. There is a bus that runs circles around the airport inside security, but we didn't see any signs. Previous posters have given horror stories on using the bus and getting seriously delayed and missing their connection. Therefore we had to leave and reenter security walking to the next terminal. Security didn't take too long, even kept shoes on.Others have reported delays at security so it must depend on luck of the draw. The AF flight left from terminal and no bus. Our return trip used buses both ways. Both times we had only a minute or two to spare on a scheduled connection. If we never see CDG again, it will be too soon. AMS is a much better place to transfer.

Normally, yes, you do have to change terminals. You have to take the bus... there's no escape from the buses in CDG! You go through security, since you are technically entering the EU and connecting to a "domestic" flight. In my experience though, transatlantic AF flights can end up at arbitrary terminals, so there is always a small chance you may not have to change terminals. They "park" whereever they want (2A, B, C, E...).

As for the carry-on rules, check AF.com or KLM.com to be sure. There are the EU carry-on rules + whatever "Simon says" rules KLM has. It's not bad tho- no worries.

You are NOT going to like changing terminals in CDG, especially for the first time. Expect some frustration. I've noticed that there is a HUGE difference in the way the aiport staff treats you if you speak French. It's a BIG bonus.

A2 is right on the mark. Ever since the collapse of part of termainal 2 last year, CDG has set up a temporary concourse somewhere in France... When arriving one must take a bus - from I think Normandy to the terminal building. There you go through Passport control and then walk to the other terminal. One must go through security again to catch your connecting flight. We go to NCE all the time and while AMS is a better airport there are fewer flights - so CDG isn't bad... even if we miss one flight there is one like every hour.

Flying back through CDG is a much longer process - one has to walk a long way to make the connections and security.... and then the bus to the Loire valley for the flight home, at a temporary but pleasant little terminal........

I suppose you are travelling from DTW ?

So, here is a thread from the AF forum which should be useful, although a bit longish. Perhaps you can start from the end Connecting in CDG

You should be arriving in CDG 2E and departing from 2F1 (the Schengen pier of 2F). As you will be entering the Schengen zone in CDG before your connection to AMS, you need to clear immigration in CDG. Your baggage will be checked through to AMS, where they can be inspected by customs. In CDG, you may have a cursory check of your carry ons. If you arrive in another CDG2 hall, you will also have to clear immigration there.

You do not mention the time you have for your connection. In any case, you have the choice between the landside shuttle and walking. Taking the airside shuttle is not an option as you are transferring to a Schengen terminal. In addition, it is much quicker to walk in your case. The landside shuttle is not a good option IMHO.

When arriving in the 2E building from the remote stand where your aircraft should be parked, you will need to clear immigration. After clearing immigration, go through the baggage retrieval area and go landside. Once you have left the baggage retrieval area, follow the signs for 2F. You should be going through a very wide, airy corridor, with floor to ceiling windows on both sides and photographs of Charles de Gaulle, over a set of moving walkways, the "Galerie". It should take you less than 5mn to go through this Galerie. When arriving on the other side, you are in 2F, on the arrivals level. Take the escalator in front of the moving walkways you have been using and go up. You are on the departures level. Turn left and go to the security check to enter the gates area for Schengen departures. If your connecting flight is in Business Class or if you are SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus, you can use the leftmost security line which is the fast track security line. Once you have cleared security, you are 5 mn away from any gate in 2F1.

Short summary, if things go smoothly :
- bus ride from remote stand to 2E building : should be < 15mn
- clear immigration in 2E : should be < 10mn
- walk through the Galerie between 2E and 2F : < 5mn
- walk to security check in 2F1 : < 3mn
- fast track security check : < 5mn
- walk to the gate : < 5mn

Some contingency planning, if you are arriving in another CDG2 international hall :
- walking from 2A or 2B to 2F1 : 15mn
- walking from 2C to 2F1 : 10mn
- walking from 2F2 (international pier of 2F) to 2F1 : 5mn
(estimated time once you have cleared immigration)

If your connection gets short but is still doable, AF can decide to have agents guide you from your incoming aircraft to your departure gate, but this happens mostly when connecting to (not from) a long-haul flight. You know this happens (if flying AF from the US) when the chief purser announces during taxiing that "passengers connecting to xxx should contact AF ground staff when leaving the aircraft".

Regarding carry-ons, you should be allowed one bag and one personal item (laptop, handbag). Regarding liquids, you should check the www.adp.fr web site. If you follow the US rules concerning the size, it should be OK. Regarding liquids purchased in duty free, if they have been purchased on an EU carrier, you will be able to keep them with you. If purchased outside the EU (and Switzerland, Norway and Iceland) or on a non-EU carrier, you will need to check them, so this could be a waste of precious time.

Regarding security, CDG, as some other airports in Europe such as MXP or FCO, but not all, ALWAYS screens a departing passenger, whether he is connecting or not.

Enjoy your flights.

Thanks to everyone who responded! I used to fly through or to CDG often, but it's been a while. VERY good answers indeed.

Thankfully, if the flight is on time, I'll have plenty of time to make the connection. If not...

I am somewhat lucky because je parle Fran�ais...or used to anyway. I'll find out how many brain cells I've killed since I really needed it last!

I'm also PE, so the security thing shouldn't be an issue...I hope. And I'll walk...always preferable to riding around in an airport bus.

A2