CDG departure lounges
 

Hi!

For some reason, the search function doesn't work on "lounge". So here goes:

In CDG, what is the best One World Lounge for someone on AA business class CDG - JFk? I assume the Cathay lounge, but I thought I'd check.

Cheers and thanks!

At CDG I've only experienced the Admirals Club, which isn't at all bad even though they don't put out food (just snacks). The drinks are free, including beer and white wine.

There no showers, neither are separate spaces for families or smokers (whole airport went non-smoking a few years back).

Last few times I flew out of CDG the gates used were very close to the AC, but this might not be the norm.

What are you looking for beyond this?

Thanks for your post.

Well if I used LHR as an example, the seats are nicer and the alcohol is higher class and the snacks are much much better in the CX lounge.

The CDG Admirals Club is much, much nicer than the one at LHR T3! It's been a couple of years since I've visited the AC at LHR and I hear it's being remodeled, so maybe this situation will improve.

Perhaps someone who's been to both AC and CX's club at CDG will comment?

I was in the CX lounge about 2 years ago. It was quite small, especially compared to the AA lounge, but had better food and was comfortable enough. It is upstairs one level from the main departure areas. The hours are quite limited though and since CX has cut back on the CDG schedule, you may find that it is closed when you try to use it. If it is open and you are not flying on CX, they might politely remind you where the AA lounge is, but you can politely answer back that you would prefer to try their lounge since the AA lounge is 'all way out in the satellite'.

Speaking of that, AA spent a ton of money remodeling their lounge and placing it out in the satellite gates of CDG 2A, then they promptly stopped using those gates for the most part. So it makes for a lot of walking back and forth. The CX lounge is much closer to where most AA flights depart.

Have been in both the AA and CX lounges at CDG in recent weeks, so happy to share my experiences.

The AA lounge/Admirals Club is actually very nice - hardly the BA F lounges at LHR or the CX lounges at HKG or the QF ones in SYD - but a very comfortable and welcoming facility, with most things you would want/expect in it.

Lots of comfy seating (though without easy places to put your drinks down, bit of a design flaw), a computer room like the ones they have in their bigger lounges in the US, long bar type thing with lots of drinks and nibble options etc. (Not sure there are showers though... but I could be wrong).

My big issue always with AA lounges is the lack of real food, and this is the case here too... however, and it is a big however, the one thing that was available were without a doubt the nicest tuna sandwiches (seed covered baguette sections with the filling) I have had in years! Gorgeous. Had four of em! :D

The CX lounge is meanwhile very small, but quite cute and comfy. Some one-seat sofa and mini-table seating, some reading stuff, some refreshments etc, in open style one level up looking over some of the gates. (Reminds me in size and style of the F section of the QF/BA lounge at HKG, if you know it).

Big advantage of this lounge is its right above the gates... BIG disadvantage is that they ONLY call the CX flights !!!! (A clever way of keeping us OW Em. and Sapps. out unless we are flying Cathay!).

Hope this helps!

Thanks, this is a big help!

Were there computers in the CX lounge? Any tasty snacks?

Depending on your outlook, this may or not be an issue....

But my recollection is the CX CDG lounge does not have any toilets, let alone showers.

In some airports that mightn't be a big deal, but in my experience CDG is one where it is.

Yes, that's an issue all right!!

Thanks!

The location of CX lounge is far better; CDG may look good on the outside but is very dysfunctional - to get to the AA AC you have to carry, and I mean CARRY, your carry-ons up a staircase, walk through a sometimes crowded cafeteria, and down on other side, where there eventually is an elevator working (didn't work tuesday last week) , then head out to satellite and down escalator to lounge. Back to gate the same way.

On a warm summer day, the CX lounge location is a disadvantage, as they have no AC, so it tends to be a hot visit - good excuse for refilling your glass with ice cold beverages, selection better than AA.

:cool:

Well, as I recall, the toilets are literally right outside the entrance door, so it isn't necessarily overly inconvenient. They are public toilets however, with all the potential 'pleasantries' that those can bring. I agree about showers, I don't see how there could be showers given how small the space is.

What I've done in the past is go to the CX club for some food (warm/cold Asian food like fried rice, steam rolls, maybe sushi), then go down to the AC more quiet, relaxation, open bar, add'l. (low grade) snacks, internet, etc. If you have time, that's the best plan. I usually used them before AA41, which used to be the last AA departure so the AC was really nice and quiet, especially the room to the right of the entrance desk.

Happy to help.

I didn't see an computers, but didn't look for any either, so I can't be sure on the point.

There were a few food options, inc. those noodle (add hot water) pot things, but nothing special/not a big range.

That's quite right. They are right outside the lounge. They are the public toilets.
.

Sorry to disagree, but I find the new AA lounge (opened a few months ago) much better than the CX one. I have used both numerous times since the recent opening of the AA lounge.
The AA lounge is right in the terminal satellite where AA planes usually depart (alltough they might sometimes depart from a gate nearer from the CX lounge). there are no staircase to use only an escalator. While the CX lounge is small, crowded and you need to fight your way up a long staircase adjoining a cafetteria. There is no stairs for the AA lounge if you originate from CDG. I have now used AA lounge three times in the past four months and never encountered any stairs. If you are connecting in CDG you must walk up and down stairs whatever lounge you use (indeed CDG is dysfunctional for connections). But the AA lounge is modern, quiet, quite nice, airy, computers and all amenities. But no food (never got sandwiches) and awful wine.

As of yesterday:

Ambiance - AA much better (CX is sort of above the main area without soundproofing). Bruno's description is a good one.

Chairs - AA much better

Location - AA much better for AA gates

Access- AA much better (escalator down vs. stairs up)

Bathrooms - AA has 'em inside, CX outside

Food - CX a little better I think (choice of cereal, better fruit, ramen) but AA did bring out the tuna sandWiches (not on baguette; I didn't see CX closer to lunch )

Liquor - CX so much better it's hard to believe. Unless you don't like either wine or Martell XO!!!!! Which I love and had one even though it was 10AM (it was a going to be a long flight). Other than wine or Martell, it's just much better (JWB vs. JWR).

Bottomline, if you want to drink, stop in CX lounge otherwise don't bother

PS AA free wifi, didn't check CX

PPS Thanks to all the previous posters who helped me decide what to do.

thanks for the comparision. I've intended to check out the CX lounge out of curiosity. won't bother unless I'm thirsty ... ;)

bon voyage