Consolidated CDG connection time/logistics/lounge {Archive}
Apr 13, 2014, 1:34 am
#61
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: 8,826
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!
Regarding CDG in general, I'm pretty familiar with it, having transited through 15, 20, who knows how many times? I've gotten to the point where I kinda enjoy it, my visit to an airport designed by Escher. And familiar with both standard and FC lounges from trips as a Plat & 1K as well as award trip in F. And you're right on all points.
Regarding lines, ohmygosh CDG would be a dreadful place without status! That, and IAD, are two places where status makes the difference between getting through quickly and a dreadful experience.
OK, here's a question. You'd think I'd know the answer to this after so many trips. How much time from landing to TGV station? Thanks again-
Apr 13, 2014, 5:34 am
#62
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 4
Hi Mike,
Once you've cleared pp and customs and have made your way to the CDGVAL shuttle train, it takes you less then 10 mins (trainride and walk to the TGV station).
Does anyone know whether the refurb of the *A lounge at CDG has been completed? On their website it says "refurb from 16Feb until approx. 11Apr"...
Once you've cleared pp and customs and have made your way to the CDGVAL shuttle train, it takes you less then 10 mins (trainride and walk to the TGV station).
Does anyone know whether the refurb of the *A lounge at CDG has been completed? On their website it says "refurb from 16Feb until approx. 11Apr"...
Apr 13, 2014, 6:04 am
#63
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Indianapolis
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, HH Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 383
I have a question for the experts.
I booked a same day turn ORD-CDG-ORD in the recent business class fare sale. ORD-CDG arrives at 0925 and CDG-ORD departs at 1115.
Will I need to go through immigration or will I be able to stay in transit?
According to this link http://www.easycdg.com/1/passenger-i...s-cdg-airport/ it looks like I can stay in transit, but I wanted to check with those more familiar with CDG.
Thanks in advance for any assistance!
I booked a same day turn ORD-CDG-ORD in the recent business class fare sale. ORD-CDG arrives at 0925 and CDG-ORD departs at 1115.
Will I need to go through immigration or will I be able to stay in transit?
According to this link http://www.easycdg.com/1/passenger-i...s-cdg-airport/ it looks like I can stay in transit, but I wanted to check with those more familiar with CDG.
Thanks in advance for any assistance!
Apr 15, 2014, 3:48 am
#64
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Once Seattle...then DC....now CDG.
Posts: 4,059
Yup, you can absolutely stay in transit (assuming no bags).
When you come out of the tunnel from the terminal pods you'll be directly in front of the line for immigration. It has a bunch of fake plants making a barrier.
Simply don't go in that line.
At this point, you're in the international departures area with Duty Free shops and all. Assuming you want to head to the *A lounge, just hang a left and you'll find the lounge elevators directly across from the departing immigration booths. All of a 45 second walk at a dazed pace.
About the only worthwhile place to go in T1 outside of immigration is the Starbucks, which isn't offered inside the international zone. Should you decide you want to head out, I'd actually just wait a tiny bit for the immigration arrivals line to die down. Then you can exit in all of 30 seconds.
(From a weekly CDG-er)
When you come out of the tunnel from the terminal pods you'll be directly in front of the line for immigration. It has a bunch of fake plants making a barrier.
Simply don't go in that line.
At this point, you're in the international departures area with Duty Free shops and all. Assuming you want to head to the *A lounge, just hang a left and you'll find the lounge elevators directly across from the departing immigration booths. All of a 45 second walk at a dazed pace.
About the only worthwhile place to go in T1 outside of immigration is the Starbucks, which isn't offered inside the international zone. Should you decide you want to head out, I'd actually just wait a tiny bit for the immigration arrivals line to die down. Then you can exit in all of 30 seconds.
(From a weekly CDG-er)
Last edited by mymiles2go; Apr 15, 2014 at 4:06 am Reason: Spelling
May 31, 2014, 9:21 am
#65
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA Plt, FB Silver
Posts: 848
Does PremierAccess entitle one to Acces 1? I'll have PremierAccess via the United Club Card since I no longer have status.
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
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
But can anyone answer these questions for an upcoming flight?
TiA.
Aug 5, 2014, 11:24 am
#66
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K and MM, Marriot, Hilton
Posts: 804
How does one obtain a access 1 pass for arrivals at CDG? is this possible?
Aug 5, 2014, 11:54 am
#67
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: UA Premier 1K: PlAAtinum; DL SM, MM; Marriott Gold; CO Plat Emeritus; NW Plat Emeritus
Posts: 4,776
Aug 5, 2014, 12:22 pm
#68
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K and MM, Marriot, Hilton
Posts: 804
I am on a P fare but routing from sfo-iad, Thanks
Aug 5, 2014, 6:04 pm
#69
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA 1K, Starwood Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 982
However, the guest rules don't apply. The "members of the immediate family" rule is specific to United. It's a bit of a grey area but I'm afraid you can't bring any guests at all. Business class would entitle you to 1 guest and Star Gold to two.
Do tell us how things work out for you.
Aug 5, 2014, 9:09 pm
#70
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
A United Club membership gives you reciprocal access to the Star Alliance network lounges, so yes -- you should be able to get in.
However, the guest rules don't apply. The "members of the immediate family" rule is specific to United. It's a bit of a grey area but I'm afraid you can't bring any guests at all. Business class would entitle you to 1 guest and Star Gold to two. ....
However, the guest rules don't apply. The "members of the immediate family" rule is specific to United. It's a bit of a grey area but I'm afraid you can't bring any guests at all. Business class would entitle you to 1 guest and Star Gold to two. ....
Star Alliance Lounge Access Policy
Aug 5, 2014, 10:10 pm
#71
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA Plt, FB Silver
Posts: 848
A United Club membership gives you reciprocal access to the Star Alliance network lounges, so yes -- you should be able to get in.
However, the guest rules don't apply. The "members of the immediate family" rule is specific to United. It's a bit of a grey area but I'm afraid you can't bring any guests at all. Business class would entitle you to 1 guest and Star Gold to two.
Do tell us how things work out for you.
However, the guest rules don't apply. The "members of the immediate family" rule is specific to United. It's a bit of a grey area but I'm afraid you can't bring any guests at all. Business class would entitle you to 1 guest and Star Gold to two.
Do tell us how things work out for you.
Acces 1 would have been very helpful here, but it was denied to me by the checkin agent. All in all, the Club Card benefits were pretty meager at CDG.
Aug 6, 2014, 7:15 am
#72
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Programs: United Gold
Posts: 2,047
we had no problem getting Access 1 for 5 travelers on our July P fare sale trip..
but there was a really long line to get through "Secondary security" (the little station right outside of United's pod of gates in the terminal. There was the unwashed masses snake line, and the Access 1 line. But since there were 3 flights leaving around the same time, and the line was long, they kept bumping up people in the next departing flight. oh, and only one conveyor was in use. There were some really frazzled travelers.
anyway, don't forget these secondary lines, esp for those of you looking to kill time in the lounge. a very upset (but quite pleasant in tone) GS came up to the end of the long line pretty close to his flight, tried to elbow his way through before realizing we were all waiting for the same flight. He was on the phone with GS telling them what was up, and asking to be protected on the next flight. Of course they held the plane for the many people in line..
but there was a really long line to get through "Secondary security" (the little station right outside of United's pod of gates in the terminal. There was the unwashed masses snake line, and the Access 1 line. But since there were 3 flights leaving around the same time, and the line was long, they kept bumping up people in the next departing flight. oh, and only one conveyor was in use. There were some really frazzled travelers.
anyway, don't forget these secondary lines, esp for those of you looking to kill time in the lounge. a very upset (but quite pleasant in tone) GS came up to the end of the long line pretty close to his flight, tried to elbow his way through before realizing we were all waiting for the same flight. He was on the phone with GS telling them what was up, and asking to be protected on the next flight. Of course they held the plane for the many people in line..
Aug 6, 2014, 9:30 am
#73
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 6,324
Re: check-in staff for UA @ CDG: I had a very positive experience on Monday where I arrived at 60 min cutoff and they tried a few things to get my bag checked. In the end i dumped some liquids and took it as carry on. They did chase after me to give me the Access No. 1 card, though (which was not required since the lines were short - perhaps because I was "late"). YMMV.
Aug 6, 2014, 10:35 am
#74
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: San Francisco
Programs: 1K 2.2MM
Posts: 2,352
I didn't get it last Friday, EWR-CDG P-fare, 1k. The purser made several announcements about no landing cards required. Immigration was a breeze, and so was CDGVAL to the RER station into Paris.
Re: check-in staff for UA @ CDG: I had a very positive experience on Monday where I arrived at 60 min cutoff and they tried a few things to get my bag checked. In the end i dumped some liquids and took it as carry on. They did chase after me to give me the Access No. 1 card, though (which was not required since the lines were short - perhaps because I was "late"). YMMV.
Re: check-in staff for UA @ CDG: I had a very positive experience on Monday where I arrived at 60 min cutoff and they tried a few things to get my bag checked. In the end i dumped some liquids and took it as carry on. They did chase after me to give me the Access No. 1 card, though (which was not required since the lines were short - perhaps because I was "late"). YMMV.
Aug 6, 2014, 10:51 am
#75
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: anywhere and everywhere
Programs: UA GS, AS MVP 100K, DL Diamond, Marriot Lifetime Titanium, AmEx Centurion
Posts: 5,528
How is the transfer between Terminal 1 (UA arrivals) and Terminal 3 departures these days? Is 2:10 likely to be a long enough connection to pull this off?