Aug 16, 21, 10:40 am
Consolidated CDG connection time/logistics/lounge - UA returned Jan 2023 to Term 1
Jan 21, 13, 5:31 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Programs: DL SM Plat, B6 TrueBlue, UA MP, AAdvantage
Posts: 10,008
Originally Posted by halls120
All of the above describes Terminal 1 perfectly. Too bad UA doesn't fly out of T3, which is nothing like the zoo of T1. T3 is modern, spacious and pleasant.
1. T1 (the original terminal, completed in the early 70's)
2. T2 (really a series of terminals. 2E is the most modern, and actually quite spectacular)
3. T3 (a small terminal serving LCC & a few minor airlines)
CO used to be in T2 when it was a part of SkyTeam (which includes AF) and PC members had access to the quite nice AF lounges.
T1 is old and although it's definitely an interesting, unique space, it is also showing its age as a modern airport facility.
The UC is closed at CDG, and UA passengers now use the very minimalistic *A club there, which is well below the standard of most of the *A clubs.
Jan 21, 13, 5:37 pm
#17
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: At home in the PNW
Posts: 50,732
Originally Posted by TWA Fan 1
CDG is divided into three sections:
1. T1 (the original terminal, completed in the early 70's)
2. T2 (really a series of terminals. 2E is the most modern, and actually quite spectacular)
3. T3 (a small terminal serving LCC & a few minor airlines)
CO used to be in T2 when it was a part of SkyTeam (which includes AF) and PC members had access to the quite nice AF lounges.
T1 is old and although it's definitely an interesting, unique space, it is also showing its age as a modern airport facility.
The UC is closed at CDG, and UA passengers now use the very minimalistic *A club there, which is well below the standard of most of the *A clubs.
1. T1 (the original terminal, completed in the early 70's)
2. T2 (really a series of terminals. 2E is the most modern, and actually quite spectacular)
3. T3 (a small terminal serving LCC & a few minor airlines)
CO used to be in T2 when it was a part of SkyTeam (which includes AF) and PC members had access to the quite nice AF lounges.
T1 is old and although it's definitely an interesting, unique space, it is also showing its age as a modern airport facility.
The UC is closed at CDG, and UA passengers now use the very minimalistic *A club there, which is well below the standard of most of the *A clubs.
Jan 23, 13, 2:11 pm
#18
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Alexandria, VA - DCA
Programs: BA Gold, American Airlines, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond
Posts: 5,068
Aside, for those planning to take the RER Line B to/from CDG in the next few months, note they have significant service disruptions scheduled for several weekends. In some cases the RER trains will stop short of CDG and buses will take you the rest of the way. Search the Paris Metro/RER website for details. Allow a LOT of extra time. Or take a taxi. 
Jan 23, 13, 4:26 pm
#19
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Once Seattle...then DC....now CDG.
Posts: 4,059
Originally Posted by geo1005
Aside, for those planning to take the RER Line B to/from CDG in the next few months, note they have significant service disruptions scheduled for several weekends. In some cases the RER trains will stop short of CDG and buses will take you the rest of the way. Search the Paris Metro/RER website for details. Allow a LOT of extra time. Or take a taxi.
You can't underestimate how quickly the train disruptions can hose you due to track work. Lately, my standard rule is leaving 3hrs from the center of Paris before a flight*. I'll usually try the RER first and see what it looks like when I get to the initial station screens (how far the train is going).
If that looks bad, I'll immediately jump in a cab.
As others noted, Taxi times range. At rush hour, it's easily 75-90 minutes. But, at a quiet time, it can be done in 25 minutes. Just depends on luck.
As far as UA check-in goes, as others noted, if you're in the premium line it's generally not too bad. Ensure to ask for a Access 1 pass. Sometimes they'll say "oh, it'll scan your boarding pass" - not always true. About half the time the boarding pass scan doesn't work.
When going up to customs, you'll need to walk the OPPOSITE way around as everyone else to use the access one pass. With the pass, in general I can get through customs in 5 minutes.
Then come security, budget 5-8 minutes for that even with the pass. There's nobody watching the 'merge' of pass vs non-pass, so it gets kinda messy.
Finally, when you arrive into CDG off a UA flight you'll be right in front of customs. Look at the line. If there's a line, keep on walking all the way around the loop (it'll take about 60 seconds) instead. That's the access 1 station. Always empty, at worse 2 minutes. It's also the crew entrance/exit, and in general, the guy there cares far less about checking passports than the other folks - so it gets super-quick.
*Keep in mind, I'm the person who in the US will get to the airport 45-55m before a flight and never worry.
Jan 23, 13, 7:35 pm
#20
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 1,534
Originally Posted by mymiles2go
When going up to customs, you'll need to walk the OPPOSITE way around as everyone else to use the access one pass. With the pass, in general I can get through customs in 5 minutes.
Jan 23, 13, 8:34 pm
#21
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: United 1K
Posts: 11
Really Helpful information, thanks you probably saved me a lot of time and aggravation on my next trip.
Originally Posted by mymiles2go
Agreed, as one who moved over here last summer and flies every week from CDG (primarily the Star Alliance 'Terminal' - T1).
You can't underestimate how quickly the train disruptions can hose you due to track work. Lately, my standard rule is leaving 3hrs from the center of Paris before a flight*. I'll usually try the RER first and see what it looks like when I get to the initial station screens (how far the train is going).
If that looks bad, I'll immediately jump in a cab.
As others noted, Taxi times range. At rush hour, it's easily 75-90 minutes. But, at a quiet time, it can be done in 25 minutes. Just depends on luck.
As far as UA check-in goes, as others noted, if you're in the premium line it's generally not too bad. Ensure to ask for a Access 1 pass. Sometimes they'll say "oh, it'll scan your boarding pass" - not always true. About half the time the boarding pass scan doesn't work.
When going up to customs, you'll need to walk the OPPOSITE way around as everyone else to use the access one pass. With the pass, in general I can get through customs in 5 minutes.
Then come security, budget 5-8 minutes for that even with the pass. There's nobody watching the 'merge' of pass vs non-pass, so it gets kinda messy.
Finally, when you arrive into CDG off a UA flight you'll be right in front of customs. Look at the line. If there's a line, keep on walking all the way around the loop (it'll take about 60 seconds) instead. That's the access 1 station. Always empty, at worse 2 minutes. It's also the crew entrance/exit, and in general, the guy there cares far less about checking passports than the other folks - so it gets super-quick.
*Keep in mind, I'm the person who in the US will get to the airport 45-55m before a flight and never worry.
You can't underestimate how quickly the train disruptions can hose you due to track work. Lately, my standard rule is leaving 3hrs from the center of Paris before a flight*. I'll usually try the RER first and see what it looks like when I get to the initial station screens (how far the train is going).
If that looks bad, I'll immediately jump in a cab.
As others noted, Taxi times range. At rush hour, it's easily 75-90 minutes. But, at a quiet time, it can be done in 25 minutes. Just depends on luck.
As far as UA check-in goes, as others noted, if you're in the premium line it's generally not too bad. Ensure to ask for a Access 1 pass. Sometimes they'll say "oh, it'll scan your boarding pass" - not always true. About half the time the boarding pass scan doesn't work.
When going up to customs, you'll need to walk the OPPOSITE way around as everyone else to use the access one pass. With the pass, in general I can get through customs in 5 minutes.
Then come security, budget 5-8 minutes for that even with the pass. There's nobody watching the 'merge' of pass vs non-pass, so it gets kinda messy.
Finally, when you arrive into CDG off a UA flight you'll be right in front of customs. Look at the line. If there's a line, keep on walking all the way around the loop (it'll take about 60 seconds) instead. That's the access 1 station. Always empty, at worse 2 minutes. It's also the crew entrance/exit, and in general, the guy there cares far less about checking passports than the other folks - so it gets super-quick.
*Keep in mind, I'm the person who in the US will get to the airport 45-55m before a flight and never worry.
Jan 23, 13, 9:03 pm
#22
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Arizona, USA
Posts: 2,355
Access 1 is similar to FastTrack. It offers preferred lines for premium passengers at security and arriving and departing immigration. There are purple signs indicating the Access 1 entries.
For the United gate area, go to the far right side. It looks blocked off, but you need only scan your Access 1 card and the gate will open for you.
If you are traveling in GlobalFirst, a United Agent will walk you to the gate from the Star Alliance First Class lounge, but it's really not difficult to manage on your own.
At immigration (arriving and departing) just look for purple signs.
Bon voyage!
For the United gate area, go to the far right side. It looks blocked off, but you need only scan your Access 1 card and the gate will open for you.
If you are traveling in GlobalFirst, a United Agent will walk you to the gate from the Star Alliance First Class lounge, but it's really not difficult to manage on your own.
At immigration (arriving and departing) just look for purple signs.
Bon voyage!
Jan 24, 13, 5:56 pm
#24
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 1,534
Originally Posted by Mats
At immigration (arriving and departing) just look for purple signs.
Bon voyage!
Bon voyage!
Jan 24, 13, 6:48 pm
#25
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 715
Originally Posted by MojaveFlyer
Thanks, Mats. Does this come automatically with *Gold I wonder, or do you have to ask, or will I get it because I'm pre-check on UA domestic? I don't want to blunder into the wrong line on arrival and feel stupid!
Mar 7, 13, 1:49 am
#26
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: IAD
Programs: UA GS, 1MM; Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 561
Thanks for info in thread. Left early (830) for 1145 flt. Taxi was >1hr from Marriott Rive Gauche. United checkin was a breeze in 1k/Plat line. Got the Access 1 pass no line for customs and found my way to *A club. Very nice, warm food comfy chairs.
What time do I leave and head to gates for 1145 departure? I'm antsy so probably head out at 10:30.
Thanks again for all the valuable info, all.
5v1
What time do I leave and head to gates for 1145 departure? I'm antsy so probably head out at 10:30.
Thanks again for all the valuable info, all.
5v1
Mar 9, 13, 7:45 am
#27
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: many
Posts: 1,437
I havent been to CDG since the week of 9/11 more than a decade ago and don't remember the airport as there was enough chaos going on at that time.
I'll be arriving on TG flight in F and departing on UA flight in GF.
The layover is 4hrs.
Am I able to get and benefit from an Access 1 pass if I want to check out some of the other terminals to kill some time?
For Terminal 1, am I correct that the lounge for use with be the *A first class on level 11?
Are there other lounges in other terminals worth getting to that I would have access to? No status, just departing on UA in GlobalFirst and have UA club membership, and PriorityPass Membership.
(ie. is the Air Canada Lounge better than the *A first?)
Thanks for any further help and insight.
I'll be arriving on TG flight in F and departing on UA flight in GF.
The layover is 4hrs.
Am I able to get and benefit from an Access 1 pass if I want to check out some of the other terminals to kill some time?
For Terminal 1, am I correct that the lounge for use with be the *A first class on level 11?
Are there other lounges in other terminals worth getting to that I would have access to? No status, just departing on UA in GlobalFirst and have UA club membership, and PriorityPass Membership.
(ie. is the Air Canada Lounge better than the *A first?)
Thanks for any further help and insight.
Last edited by pcharles; Mar 9, 13 at 7:53 am
Mar 9, 13, 9:09 am
#28
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 715
Originally Posted by pcharles
I havent been to CDG since the week of 9/11 more than a decade ago and don't remember the airport as there was enough chaos going on at that time.
I'll be arriving on TG flight in F and departing on UA flight in GF.
The layover is 4hrs.
Am I able to get and benefit from an Access 1 pass if I want to check out some of the other terminals to kill some time?
For Terminal 1, am I correct that the lounge for use with be the *A first class on level 11?
Are there other lounges in other terminals worth getting to that I would have access to? No status, just departing on UA in GlobalFirst and have UA club membership, and PriorityPass Membership.
(ie. is the Air Canada Lounge better than the *A first?)
Thanks for any further help and insight.
I'll be arriving on TG flight in F and departing on UA flight in GF.
The layover is 4hrs.
Am I able to get and benefit from an Access 1 pass if I want to check out some of the other terminals to kill some time?
For Terminal 1, am I correct that the lounge for use with be the *A first class on level 11?
Are there other lounges in other terminals worth getting to that I would have access to? No status, just departing on UA in GlobalFirst and have UA club membership, and PriorityPass Membership.
(ie. is the Air Canada Lounge better than the *A first?)
Thanks for any further help and insight.
Unless you get an Accès 1 card from TG you would probably have to go to the UA check-in counter to get one which means going through immigration and customs. You can get to T2A on an international connection bus without going through immigration so you wouldn't really need the card until you get to security back at the T1 gate for your UA flight.
You are correct, the *A IFL is on the 11th floor. There are also LH lounges in the basement and the AC lounge in T2A but I haven't been to them.
Mar 9, 13, 12:44 pm
#29
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: many
Posts: 1,437
Originally Posted by cranky1K
TG operates in T1 like most (all?) *A carriers so you don't have to change terminals for your connection.
Unless you get an Accès 1 card from TG you would probably have to go to the UA check-in counter to get one which means going through immigration and customs. You can get to T2A on an international connection bus without going through immigration so you wouldn't really need the card until you get to security back at the T1 gate for your UA flight.
You are correct, the *A IFL is on the 11th floor. There are also LH lounges in the basement and the AC lounge in T2A but I haven't been to them.
Unless you get an Accès 1 card from TG you would probably have to go to the UA check-in counter to get one which means going through immigration and customs. You can get to T2A on an international connection bus without going through immigration so you wouldn't really need the card until you get to security back at the T1 gate for your UA flight.
You are correct, the *A IFL is on the 11th floor. There are also LH lounges in the basement and the AC lounge in T2A but I haven't been to them.
I wont be expecting the BKK TG F lounge/spa
