Aug 16, 21, 10:40 am
Consolidated CDG connection time/logistics/lounge - UA returned Jan 2023 to Term 1
Jul 4, 13, 6:00 am
#46
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: BSL
Programs: AA (EXP); among others :)
Posts: 2,347
thanks everybody for the input.... good to know they're hard on the cutoff times.
I've done the train thing recently for departures on MH out of T1 with ~75 minutes to departure, but then I have Accčs No1 status as well as PARAFES and didn't check bags so no lines....
We're actually staying at Disneyland - a nine-minute, one-stop TGV ride away. Beats sitting in a bus or cab for the <45-minute drive ( when lucky with traffic). But I'll play it safe, cancel the train tickets and and book a limo for about the same price as a cab. Bye-bye sleeping in
Side note: I did call UA and asked about OLCI knowing this is an international flight and not all airlines allow it - they said it could be done. Guess who I trust more, the agent or this board....
I've done the train thing recently for departures on MH out of T1 with ~75 minutes to departure, but then I have Accčs No1 status as well as PARAFES and didn't check bags so no lines....
We're actually staying at Disneyland - a nine-minute, one-stop TGV ride away. Beats sitting in a bus or cab for the <45-minute drive ( when lucky with traffic). But I'll play it safe, cancel the train tickets and and book a limo for about the same price as a cab. Bye-bye sleeping in
Side note: I did call UA and asked about OLCI knowing this is an international flight and not all airlines allow it - they said it could be done. Guess who I trust more, the agent or this board....
Jul 4, 13, 8:18 am
#47
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 719
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...e-checkin.html
Jul 6, 13, 10:48 am
#49
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 1,538
I flew US CDG - IAD in late April and OLCI worked fine for me.
There was some sort of ritual at the ticket counters of having someone look at carry on bags and put a numbered sticker on them, which sticker did not even stay on very well. I did not understand whether this was necessary or not.
The flight was around noon. Getting through security and to the gate area (well the over crowded lounge) didn't take more than 15 minutes from when I stepped off the "Air France" bus. I was flying Y, no special security status or pass. YMMV though, and I'd listen to those who frequent this indeed confusing airport.
There was some sort of ritual at the ticket counters of having someone look at carry on bags and put a numbered sticker on them, which sticker did not even stay on very well. I did not understand whether this was necessary or not.
The flight was around noon. Getting through security and to the gate area (well the over crowded lounge) didn't take more than 15 minutes from when I stepped off the "Air France" bus. I was flying Y, no special security status or pass. YMMV though, and I'd listen to those who frequent this indeed confusing airport.
Jan 7, 14, 8:13 pm
#53
Join Date: May 2008
Location: WAS
Programs: AA Ex Plt
Posts: 1,629
I am not a CDG noob but my memory is not like it should be 
I am a 1K traveling in Y with a few questions.
1) how can I determine whether there is RERB track work or not?
2) opposite way for customs? A bit more details or is it really that simple? (I remember the gate to get in, I am just foggy on how to get to them)
3) when arriving after flying in Y, will I receive an Access 1 card? Will I have to ask for it? I may have old ones from my last trip through (about a year ago). Will that still work?
I have a couple tight train connections at Gare de L'est and I cannot take other trains so need to find any times savings that I can.
Cheers
I am a 1K traveling in Y with a few questions.
1) how can I determine whether there is RERB track work or not?
2) opposite way for customs? A bit more details or is it really that simple? (I remember the gate to get in, I am just foggy on how to get to them)
3) when arriving after flying in Y, will I receive an Access 1 card? Will I have to ask for it? I may have old ones from my last trip through (about a year ago). Will that still work?
I have a couple tight train connections at Gare de L'est and I cannot take other trains so need to find any times savings that I can.
Cheers
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 7, 14, 10:58 pm
#54
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: West Coast
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 261
Not sure if RATP has a status page but they have schedules I think. I usually wait ten minutes max. The screens on the track tell you when the next train is due. One time the screen flashed from 2 minutes and then switched to ominous delay. Which seemed scary but then it ran express to Paris. On the other way Gare du Nord has good electronic signs with train departures. They really run often all day.
http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/r_61874/rer-b/
I think you only get a No 1 access card for business class. I forget when they give them out, probably on the plane. I usual arrive CDG intra-EU on LH so I can't recall. Would definitely politely plead the 1K with tight train connection case at checkin and/or on the plane and lobby for a No 1 access pass. Any No 1 access electronic scanners will generally work for UA*G boarding pass. The signs are purple and usually easy to spot. Duck through the line dividers while holding up your No 1 card and declaring une personnalité if you end up in the pleb lane on the wrong side.
Departing CDG on United is the real colossal mess. I've seen people backed up halfway down the spoke corridor to the gate satellite with the french security yelling down the stairway to try and expedite people about to miss their flight. It can be difficult to even get to the No 1 access point.
You'll make it but definitely burn rubber where you can.
http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/r_61874/rer-b/
I think you only get a No 1 access card for business class. I forget when they give them out, probably on the plane. I usual arrive CDG intra-EU on LH so I can't recall. Would definitely politely plead the 1K with tight train connection case at checkin and/or on the plane and lobby for a No 1 access pass. Any No 1 access electronic scanners will generally work for UA*G boarding pass. The signs are purple and usually easy to spot. Duck through the line dividers while holding up your No 1 card and declaring une personnalité if you end up in the pleb lane on the wrong side.
Departing CDG on United is the real colossal mess. I've seen people backed up halfway down the spoke corridor to the gate satellite with the french security yelling down the stairway to try and expedite people about to miss their flight. It can be difficult to even get to the No 1 access point.
You'll make it but definitely burn rubber where you can.
I am not a CDG noob but my memory is not like it should be
I am a 1K traveling in Y with a few questions.
1) how can I determine whether there is RERB track work or not?
2) opposite way for customs? A bit more details or is it really that simple? (I remember the gate to get in, I am just foggy on how to get to them)
3) when arriving after flying in Y, will I receive an Access 1 card? Will I have to ask for it? I may have old ones from my last trip through (about a year ago). Will that still work?
I have a couple tight train connections at Gare de L'est and I cannot take other trains so need to find any times savings that I can.
Cheers
I am a 1K traveling in Y with a few questions.
1) how can I determine whether there is RERB track work or not?
2) opposite way for customs? A bit more details or is it really that simple? (I remember the gate to get in, I am just foggy on how to get to them)
3) when arriving after flying in Y, will I receive an Access 1 card? Will I have to ask for it? I may have old ones from my last trip through (about a year ago). Will that still work?
I have a couple tight train connections at Gare de L'est and I cannot take other trains so need to find any times savings that I can.
Cheers
Apr 12, 14, 4:37 pm
#55
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 797
And on a similar note, does a United Club membership grant access to the *A lounge at CDG? If so, do the usual rules apply (member plus immediate family)? .bomb refers you to the *A website, which is vague on this.
Thanks
Last edited by CJ99; Apr 12, 14 at 8:31 pm Reason: Typo.
Apr 12, 14, 5:23 pm
#56
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,739
I'm flying paid BF into and out of CDG in July. Is there anything extra I have access to (like priority passport control etc) compared to flying in Y as a Plat?
Apr 12, 14, 6:43 pm
#57
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 251
Yes, Access 1 FastTrack immigration control and security. It rarely takes me more than a few minutes to get through either. However, I would leave for the gate/security screening well in advance of boarding time - the x-ray machine can get really backed up.
Apr 12, 14, 9:53 pm
#58
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Modesto, CA
Programs: UA Premier Gold, 1MM
Posts: 353
I consistantly get Access 1 FastTrack as a Plat traveling in Y, not BF.
Apr 12, 14, 9:57 pm
#59
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,739
What would be super-nice would be a place to take a shower on arrival, since I've got another 6 hours on a train after landing. Even if I had to pay for it.
Thanks-
Apr 13, 14, 12:08 am
#60
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Arizona, USA
Posts: 2,363
Mike Jacoubowsky,
You can take a shower upon arrival. United's contract is still with the Sheraton, so you do have to take a train (CDGVAL) to get to it. They often provide a conference room that has a shower. It's a bit odd, but it's not terribly difficult. The only inconvenience is that you have to schlep your baggage to the Sheraton.
You can ask an agent in the United Club or at the gate at your US departure airport to make sure that this happens. Sometimes they're very attentive, and they'll provide you with a card about the Sheraton. On other occasions, I've gone directly to the Sheraton with my boarding card.
On your way out, check-in can look very crowded, but it's often quite quick in the Business and Global First lines. In fact, I've never had to wait longer than few minutes.
There line for passport control is usually quick, even if there is a line.
The Star Alliance lounge is dark, often busy, but it's still nicer than anything in the US. There are plenty of shower rooms there. (You can only access it as a departing passenger.) The upstairs section is for first class only. It's less crowded, but it has no showers and no other noteworthy benefits.
In my experience, the United, Alyzia, and contract security staff who handle the United check in and gates are incredibly friendly. I've never had a bad experience in the past decade.
Terminal 1 is pretty disgusting, but I find the staff to be exceptionally friendly. Just think of it as some sort of time machine.
It's true that security can be backed up. Just go to the far right and scan your business class boarding card. An automatic gate will open, allowing you to bypass some of the line. Again, there might be a line but it goes quickly. Just remember to take out all electronics and cables (iPads in particular). Again, I've never had a bad experience, and a major portion of my family in Paris. I fly there fairly often, and it's almost always been on United.
Bon voyage!
You can take a shower upon arrival. United's contract is still with the Sheraton, so you do have to take a train (CDGVAL) to get to it. They often provide a conference room that has a shower. It's a bit odd, but it's not terribly difficult. The only inconvenience is that you have to schlep your baggage to the Sheraton.
You can ask an agent in the United Club or at the gate at your US departure airport to make sure that this happens. Sometimes they're very attentive, and they'll provide you with a card about the Sheraton. On other occasions, I've gone directly to the Sheraton with my boarding card.
On your way out, check-in can look very crowded, but it's often quite quick in the Business and Global First lines. In fact, I've never had to wait longer than few minutes.
There line for passport control is usually quick, even if there is a line.
The Star Alliance lounge is dark, often busy, but it's still nicer than anything in the US. There are plenty of shower rooms there. (You can only access it as a departing passenger.) The upstairs section is for first class only. It's less crowded, but it has no showers and no other noteworthy benefits.
In my experience, the United, Alyzia, and contract security staff who handle the United check in and gates are incredibly friendly. I've never had a bad experience in the past decade.
Terminal 1 is pretty disgusting, but I find the staff to be exceptionally friendly. Just think of it as some sort of time machine.
It's true that security can be backed up. Just go to the far right and scan your business class boarding card. An automatic gate will open, allowing you to bypass some of the line. Again, there might be a line but it goes quickly. Just remember to take out all electronics and cables (iPads in particular). Again, I've never had a bad experience, and a major portion of my family in Paris. I fly there fairly often, and it's almost always been on United.
Bon voyage!
