Anyone know what arrival lounges are available in CDG for NW elites and/or WC members? Also, does AF offer NW elites priority seating or other benefits? Trying to decide if I should fly them or stick with NW/KL..

I use AF for most of my flights to Europe now, as I usually want to spend at least a few days in Paris anyway.

If Paris is your destination, and you can fly there nonstop on AF but not on NW/KL, it's a no-brainer. The seats/service/lounges/etc are comparable, and you don't have to connect. Just beware of low-EQM-earning fare classes on AF.

If you're traveling beyond Paris, CDG is nowhere near as good a connecting airport as AMS. The CDG situation has improved a lot this year, and is set to improve a lot more, but it's still a zoo for connections compared to AMS.

To address your specific questions, yes WC members, business and first class passengers, and NW Plats get lounge access. I have not used the arrivals lounge, though, because it's only open early in the day, and the flights I take arrive after it closes.

You can't book some exit row seats in advance, but you can get the equivalent of NW "P" seats either online or on the phone.

The only arrival lounge at CDG is located in 2C. I'm assuming that you'll be arriving from the US so you will arrive at 2E and therefore won't have access to the arrival lounge.

I would stick to NW/KL since it's way easier to connect at AMS.

Of course you have access to the arrivals lounge. I often arrive in 2E or F and then go over to the arrivals lounge for a shower and breakfast.

You do have access. Getting to 2C isn't unbearable. See this thread:

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=798410

my bad! I meant to say that the arrival lounge isn't located in the Terminal where you arrive.

Sorry against for creating confusion

It usually takes me 10 minutes max to get to the arrivals lounge from any of the 2X terminals. You may find this unacceptable, but if you are looking for a nice shower and some breakfast, it's well worth it IMO.