Killing time at ORD & CDG
 

On our flight next week to Biaritz (SJC-ORD-CDG-BIQ), we'll have 3.5 hours to kill in Chicago, and 4 hours in Paris.

So what does one do at ORD for 3 hours on a Sunday afternoon? It's not enough time to leave the airport and go anywhere, and I'd rather not go on a brat-eating binge. :D

CDG is another matter entirely; my guess is that we have to claim & re-check our luggage for the CDG-BIQ (Biarritz) portion, which will eat up some time. Hopefully it can all be done from the arrival terminal (rather than having to lug everything between Sats 1 & 2 or whatever). Still, there's going to be a bunch of extra time between flights. Any ideas of interesting ways to waste some time at CDG? (1st choice would be to sleep, but don't think that'll work out!).

Thanks-

Since this is not United-specific, and would benefit from wider input, I'm moving to TravelBuzz

cblaisd
Moderator, United

Not sure what you can do at either ORD or CDG for the 3+ hrs.

You will not have to reclaim your bags at CDG, these will go all the way to your final destination (unless there is something different about BIQ), and you go through the exit for non EU arrivals.

I assume you need to go from T1 to T2 at CDG. Best to take the shuttle to T2 ASAP as T1 is one of the worst terminals in the world.

I'm surprised that baggage doesn't need to be re-checked at CDG; when flying into the US, your first point of entry is where you clear customs, and you need to re-check your luggage.

I certainly agree with your assessment of T1 at CDG! I've never seen a less-efficient place, with lines snaking all over the place, not to mention the bizarre tubes through the center.

it is true. no re-check. just make sure that all flights are added to the luggage tag and that it shows BIQ... it's the european, not the US System ;)

For CDG2, there are many things to do, depends on what you like (food, see city, ... )

UA will check your bags all the way to BIQ. So, no need to worry about that.

UA will land at T1, Satellite 1. You can then take a bus from T1, Satellite 3 that will take you to all of the T2 terminals. But, as that bus service is not always regular, the suggested option would be to clear customs (if the line is not too long), and go outside and take the inter-terminal bus. These buses on the outside seem to run every 5 minutes or so.

If you are on AF, the BIQ flights should depart from terminal 2D. Many of the 2D flights require that you take a bus to the airplane parked far out on the tarmac. Allow enough time for this.

2D has a few shops and cafes. You will find other food options - including a few restaurants - between 2D and 2B. Or, if you need a good stretch of the legs, then take a walk through all of the T2 structures.

At ORD, you might take the shuttle train to Terminal 3 (if you're not already there), then walk through the tunnel to the Hilton. On your right, directly opposite where you would turn left into the hotel, is an airline memorabilia shop where you can easily browse for more than the time you'll have. If you want an Eastern Airlines golf shirt, that's the place to get it! It means going landside and clearing security again, but you should have time for that.

This wouldn't be useful for everyone, but I know there's a workout facility at the Hilton, and I believe I remember once reading that one could purchase a day pass.

On a more obvious note, you could always get into one of the airline lounges to relax. The only reason I bring that up is that I enjoy sitting in the American Airlines Admirals Club, at the Southwest corner; it seems to have the best runway views, though I'm certain a more haggard roadwarrior can suggest an even better spot.