Paris CDG Airport review by P Edwards

23 April 2008   Customer Rating :

Flew from CDG T2 to New York with Air India. The airport is drab and depressing. The facilities are awful for a modern airport with only a handful of shops, poorly signposted facilities and appalling service levels through security. The airport staff were amongst the rudest people I have ever encountered within the service industry. Will never ever fly to or from CDG again - makes Heathrow look utopian!

Paris CDG Airport review by D Chown

23 April 2008   Customer Rating :

It is difficult to stay unbiased when talking of CDG Terminal 1. Food choice is poor and the food area in a basement area. Moving walkways out to the satellite gates weren't moving, a long and uncomfortable walk as the walkway is not flat, it rises and descends. April 16th, Terminal 2. Virtually no seating available in the unrestricted areas - I don't mean it was occupied, I mean there isn't any. General impression that it is outdated, ill-maintained, dirty and user unfriendly.

Paris CDG Airport review by K Beermann

23 April 2008 2008  Customer Rating :

I've had to go through CDG a couple of times, and from experience with other airports I can agree with other 1-star-comments. Try to avoid CDG, it has proven to be a Bermuda triangle for my baggage. Expensive, poor food, disorganized, crowded, dirty, unhelpful staff. To put a price tag on CDG: I already paid up to a 60€ premium (one way) to avoid CDG.

Paris CDG Airport review by L Schilling

16 April 2008 2008  Customer Rating :

CDG could be a prototype for hell. I just had a hideous experience there, resulting in a missed plane, no one willing to help, no signs, virtually no food options, rudeness - everything that could be wrong with an airport exists here tenfold and I would go out of my way to avoid it in the future. It put a bad taste in my mouth after a perfectly lovely visit. Why can't they at least have signs?

Paris CDG Airport review by Martin Brady

16 April 2008 2008  Customer Rating :

Utterly inadequate information for connecting flights, with unhelpful and snappy staff (I was pointed in the wrong direction to collect my onward boarding card, and the man I asked where to go made no move to correct me). The only place in France where you cannot find anything decent to eat. I hate to carp (I may have caught people on a bad day), but I can't think of any reason I would fly through CDG in the future if I had an alternative.

Paris CDG Airport review by L Amiri

15 April 2008 2008  Customer Rating :

Worst airport I've been to, had to walk miles for a toilet, sign posts very confusing, hardly any seating. Not enough room at check in desks resulting in people ending up in the wrong queue. One very ineffectual woman with a piece of paper directing people to different checkin desks to what it said on the board. then another woman came along took some of us out of the queue and back to the original check in desk which meant people who had arrived first ended up checking in last much to their annoyance. Hope never to fly their again.

Paris CDG Airport review by Bobby Giannakopoulos

15 April 2008 2008  Customer Rating :

If you have a connect flight to this airport make sure to have at least 2 hours minimum. Last time I went to CDG I had about an hour and I missed my flight to Athens due to long time to get off the plane from Montreal and take a bus to the terminal - and 30 mins waiting at passport control. If you arrive in terminal 2 (if you travel Air France) make sure which of the 6 halls you arrive and where your connect flight leaves.

Paris CDG Airport review by U Keger

11 April 2008 2008  Customer Rating :

Crowded and narrow: with ever more security checks built in departure halls from the 60s, the layout appears makeshift and leaves hardly any space for passengers passing through to other gates and of course makes your routes through the airport confusing. You have to queue for dirty bathrooms, there is expensive food and not a lot to choose from, not to mention other shops. all seats taken, everywhere. Has anyone noticed there are no clocks? not even the flight info screens show you the current time.

Paris CDG Airport review by Andrew Carr

3 April 2008 2008  Customer Rating :

Amsterdam to Paris to Toronto I had a 45 minute connection time from Paris CDG 2F to 2E. The flights were ontime, and although the airport was very busy, if you have a tight connection they fastrack you through security and I made it to my gate in 2E which was the furthest at gate 87 with over 15 minutes to spare. I understand this is not the furthest distance to connect, but I see people complain about even this connection. I found Charles De Gaulle and to be good, I have even chosen to do another 45 minute connection in a weeks time. I think as long as you are able to walk briskly and dont get flustered by lack of time, the 45 minute connection time between 2F and 2E is sufficient.

Paris CDG Airport review by J Malmont

2 April 2008 2008  Customer Rating :

I agree with most of the comments here. It's really hard to find your way, and worst if you want to go from one side to the other (for example from B/D side to A/C side). Air France left one of those overaged terminal to take place in the new and impressive S3. The terminal E and F are also more modern and "easy to use". I always fly from Montpellier or Barcelona and I know this airport very well - though I understand somebody new to this may be lost. The architects in the 60's did not think about the fact this airport will have to grow and get bigger and bigger, it was made as a block of 4 terminals. In spite of all the efforts to make it more useful and provide Air France a top class airport, they will never cover the gap to reach Schipol level. If you have to fly thru this airport, take at least a 70 minutes connection. I do not remember how many times I missed my planes.

Paris CDG Airport review by D Lytle

28 March 2008 2008  Customer Rating :

An absolutely terrible place - loaded with unfriendly staff, unhelpful signage, bad food and no space. The best food areas and waiting spots are located outside of security and the entire airport has become so large that it's impossible to get from one place to another without getting frustrated. One major terminal only has two small cafes for food and the day we went through the coffee machine was broken. Forget about seeking out French food and drink - old pasta salad and expensive drinks were about the only thing available. I understand the French hatred of fast-food. Didn't know they embraced bad food.

Paris CDG Airport review by M Golding

19 March 2008 2008  Customer Rating :

Possibly one of the worst airports I've been in. Flying from Terminal 2B to Edinburgh with Easyjet. Terminal is old with dire facilities and poor signposting. Only 2 places to buy food and just one set of toilets for the whole departure area once you've checked in and gone through passport control. No seating anywhere (although we did see 2 circular benches sitting perhaps 10 people in total hidden behind a duty free kiosk once we were queuing for security.) Because we were flying Easyjet we wanted to get to the Gate quickly to have a good chance of being near the front in the rugby scrum for seats. However once you've gone through security (slightly odd that it's at the gate rather than at passport control) there are no facilities. No toilets or refreshments other than a drinks machine. If you need the toilet you have to go back out and through security again. Inadequate seating in the gate area resulting in many people having to stand. Unpleasant end to a great break in Paris.

Paris CDG Airport review by R Fretz

14 March 2008 2008  Customer Rating :

Terminal 2B with its recently added separation wall Schengen/Non-Schengen has become an even bigger nightmare to arrive at or depart from. Early morning arrivals result in long queues in front of understaffed immigration counters. While arriving passengers queue up in very long lines, passengers on their way to the check-in counter cross their paths. Confusion for everybody as everything happens on the same level with the respective chaos as a result. ADP is building airports around the world but they are not able to run their own at home in an efficient and customer friendly way.

Paris CDG Airport review by Z Shah

12 March 2008 2008  Customer Rating :

My experience with CDG is different as compared to the other posts as my incoming and connecting flights were through Terminal 2E in the new S3 midfield terminal. Overall I was impressed as getting to my connecting flight was as easy leaving the plane, going through a security check, and then walking to my gate. Air France provides information kiosks in which you can find out the location and status of your connecting flight. But the S3 terminal is quite impressive with lots of glass and steel, ample shopping areas, easy navigation, and large and clear signage. The only draw back is that not all of Air France's flights operate out of Termainal 2E.

Paris CDG Airport review by A Chia

10 March 2008 2008  Customer Rating :

Paris CDG terminal 1 is shockingly dilapidated. Its definitely not a welcoming sight for a passenger to arrive into Paris, its walls are blackened by layers of dirt and the coupled with the lighting, the terminal appears gloomy. Transit Area was puny and basic, nothing much to kill your time away before departure other than a couple of eating stations.

Paris CDG Airport review by M Granger

7 March 2008 2008  Customer Rating :

Arriving at 0900 in Terminal B, only one immigration desk was open for several flights reslulting in the longest queue ever in an airport. On the way back in Terminal 2 B, I had to go first through passport control and then I could check my bag in. Then you have the duty free area with no more than 5 shops (including the bar and the Bureau de Change) and finally you go through security before boarding. It is a confusing. Terminal 2B has a serious lack of facilities, signs and airport staff. They must do something about the whole airport in fact as it looks old and dirty.

Paris CDG Airport review by Pierre Fabre

5 February 2008  Customer Rating :

On the whole, CDG still remains one of my most hated airports, an opinion shared with most international travellers. Although I've recently experienced much worse in India (Mumbai and Ahmedabad), Paris CDG is under the standards one would expect for a major european hub. CDG is one of these airports where depending on luck everything will run smoothly or everything will go wrong (horrendous queues at customs, very long waiting for your luggage, strikes, etc.) There are also extreme disparities between terminals: Terminal 1 used to be horrendous, but its recent renovation (not yet completed) has already brought back some appeal to it. There is much more space for check in (now on 2 floors) and the new shopping area is more accessible good looking and clean. Luggage delivery though remains the same - too slow. There is also a free automatic shuttle train, CDG Val, now connecting in all terminals but I haven't had the opportunity to use it. Terminal 3, which is the smallest and least appealing, a simpler building on a single ground floor reserved for low cost flights, is actually still the most convenient of all CDG terminals: it is the closest to RER subway line and has a the most accessible parking. Terminals 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D are now the worst in my opinion. There is still the same lack of space and proper signaling. Still the same problems with the luggage carpets that constantly break down. Terminals E and F are the most recent but reserved to Air France (and partner airlines). I seldom fly with Air France because of the higher fares and risk of strikes!

Paris CDG Airport review by A Peckham

5 February 2008  Customer Rating :

Had past traumatic transfer experiences so was aprpehensive, and gave a three hour transfer time. Landed, and need to go 2E to 2F. Empty. took 15 minutes. No cues anywhere There were two other flight to my final destination, which I could have taken, but at time of booking I was thinking for to short for connecting. Think at peak times CDG is nightmare, otherwise a pleasure. However limited catering in 2F-1 (schengen) departure lounge.

Paris CDG Airport review by Mats Genberg

30 January 2008  Customer Rating :

I travel to or through CDG a few times per year from CPH. never fly SAS there again. Not that it is a bad airline, but since they land at T1. massive terminal with 1 restaurant in the basement, no lounge and a bizarre feeling about it. The place has been under renovation so long I think they're just joking. Takes forever to get to the RER station. AF (T2) is better. But make sure you get there just in time if you are to travel within Europe. As once you are airside you can't get anything better than a coffee in a paper cup. And it is crowded! T3 is my new favourite. No thrills. But a short walk from RER-train station. Large and airy. Lots of seats airside, Café and even a shop(!). But best of all - no people. Flew out today - and they had a total of three flights before noon! Complete no-stress aiport! More of those please. Will always use Lo-Cost carriers to Paris in the future if only just for this terminal.

Paris CDG Airport review by J Ludewig

29 January 2008  Customer Rating :

I arrived at CGD 2D to continue from 2E. Though I had over 2 hrs layover, it was pretty close. First a bus ride from the plabe to 2D, then quite irritating signing to get to the bus to 2E. The bus trip to 2E alone took quite a while to finally end in a pretty chaotic terminal 2E. Confusing waiting lines, irritated passengers, stressed personnel. On the return trip, arrival in 2E, a nice walk, then a short train ride followed by a walk to customs. However, though two or three planes, aka a few hundred people arrived at customs, there was no customs officer in sight. It took 15 minutes until they started to work. Is that Paris or a Third World country. After that I preferred to walk over to Terminal 2D to save me from further surprises. If you can avoid CDG 2E, do it.

Paris CDG Airport review by David Macdougall

22 January 2008  Customer Rating :

My problem was with the announcements. I was flying from Paris to Edinburgh on Air France from Terminal 2F. All the announcements I heard were totally unintelligible no matter the language they were given in. The only way to know was to park yourself at your gate and constantly watch for someone to signal that your gate was open for boarding. One other passenger told me she had missed a flight a couple of years ago since the announcements were so bad. Is this not a new terminal? They either need to do way with announcements so passengers realise the onus is on them to be vigilant or improve the sound quality. Otherwise I like this airport; interesting design, polite staff, easy to use.

Paris CDG Airport review by M Tobin

21 January 2008  Customer Rating :

Travelled through CDG twice this month, en route to and from Hong Kong from Ireland. 1st experience was arrival in 2E, departure 2F. Bus from aircraft to gate was slow to board and almost 20 minutes after we boarded the bus we finally moved towards the gate. On arrival at the gate, the nearest restroom was a further 10 mins walk ahead! We had lounge access so can't comment on gate areas. On return trip, signs for flight transfers directed us to the right, which was a dead end! To the left was a glass door which was eventually opened, 10 mins later. At security we were directed into a line, when we reached the security area the guy shouted "NO" and directed us back to where we entered the line. He then had a shouting match with the woman who directed us to the line and re- directed us to another line. After a quick lounge stop we headed to the gate and were bussed out to the aircraft. Not allowed off the bus for 30 mins due to an issue with the aircraft - they should have let us wait in the gate area rather than standing on a bus for 30 mins after a 13 hour flight. Not impressed at all with CDG!

Paris CDG Airport review by Derek Tunnicliffe

13 January 2008  Customer Rating :

We arrived at CDG by Air France bus, wanting terminal 3. The bus driver was helpful, even tho there were no indications that there might even be a terminal 3. He dropped us at terminal 2 gate E and told us to follow the signs for "station", there we would find the new Roissyval transfer train. Terminal 2 is like a deserted set from star-wars - huge, empty halls. A solitary but friendly worker gave us further directions. Without these we'd still be wandering these empty halls: there are no signs to the station until you're nearly there. Roissyval train is excellent - quick, comfortable and well-signed (written and spoken guidance in French & English). On arrival at "terminal 3" we found we then had at least a half-mile open-air walk to the terminal building (it was wet and windy and we weren't happy). And terminal 3 is 1960's third-world standard (personal experience), catering to match. I just wish more international flights went from Bordeaux (our local airport) - so much cleaner and better-organised all round.

Paris CDG Airport review by H Lee

10 January 2008  Customer Rating :

We had the pleasure of using CDG on 4 occasions last month. Our overall impression of the airport is it looks good but very impractical. I've never seen any world class airport with Arrivals & Departures on the same level like in T2 which creates unnecessary congestion. T1 has these impressive satelites to the gates and escalator tubes in the centre, but the signs are so confusing. Once you go through the security check and wait to board the plane, there is no washroom at the gates. You have to bring your passport & boarding pass to get out of the security zone and do another security check to return to your gate. On the plus side, CDG is the only airport in Europe other than Frankfurt that has a train station to connect you to other cities directly. With the congestion inside the terminals and depending on where you are, it will probably take as long to get to airport train station as the ones in the city anyway. We would avoid flying through CDG as much as possible.

Paris CDG Airport review by Rainer Burger

8 January 2008  Customer Rating :

I can only say the same as the previous comment: avoid Charles de Gaulle airport. The ways can be very very long, which means if you walk in terminal 2 you can need about 30min from your arriving inner european flight to your international departure or vice versa. If you take the bus, you don't have to walk, but it must not be necessarily faster but you get a long airport tour. The Air France Lounge looks quite modern in design (too modern for my taste), but no internet connection was working when I was there (already 3 times) and the drink selection is not good and the snack/food selection very poor. The atmosphere in many gate waiting areas (and many other areas for people that have no lounge access) have the charm of a run down bus waiting hall. The airport can be recommended only for people who like big uncomfortable concrete jungles with a mostly unfriendly staff. For all others I can only repeat my recommendation: avoid this airport.

Paris CDG Airport review by S Bear

8 January 2008  Customer Rating :

I found it to be extraordinarily confusing and unfriendly, even the people who worked there didn't seem to know what was going on and seemed bored with any questions. The American Express office was the most inefficient and miserably staffed I've ever seen. It was taking 30 minutes to issue anyone cash back for the VAT. We went through security only to find that the Red Carpet Club, unlike everywhere else is before security!! It was all in all a horrid place and I'd advice anyone having to go through there to have at least 3 hours to mess with or you'll miss your flight.

Paris CDG Airport review by David Howe

8 January 2008  Customer Rating :

Terminal 3 seems like a temporary structure, buses to and from the aircraft which seem to suffer from unexplainable delays. However unlike a previous post, I was very impressed with the Pre Board Screening. The Screening Officers seemed very professional, spoke perfect English and asked intelligent questions with courtesy. I also liked the way the terminal was carefully monitored and this was done in an obvious fashion, and yet all the personnel I dealt with were extremely courteous and professional. Catering facilities were very limited, but the lounge area and duty free were perfectly adequate but did seem to be a little unsophisticated for an airport in a city such as Paris.

Paris CDG Airport review by Jan C Eggers

4 January 2008  Customer Rating :

I recommend to avoid CDG. They often disembark you to overcrowded shuttle buses, opening bus doors or rather not opening them rather highhandedly, and ferry you around endlessly. They have also used buses to disembark B777 - which takes ages. Security appears quite disorganised. The facilities are also way behind other major hubs such as LHR or AMS.

Paris CDG Airport review by J Ricker

2 January 2008  Customer Rating :

I would advise travelers to avoid a transfer at CdG. I just did the "CdG Dash" on both my outward and return journey! Terminal 2F to 2E and back. Air France and CdG insist that this is a fantastic airport and an easy transfer. ON top of the miles of walking, there is a seemingly needless exit from the secure area in order to pass passport control, resulting in a necessity to join an endless line to go through security. AS Air France thinks 45 minutes is enough for a transfer there are dozens of other travellers all with the same time problem so even though Air France does TRY to get you a priority lane, they are often just as crowded. As everyone is rushed and anxious it makes for an exceedingly unpleasant experience. Looking back I would have paid more for my ticket to avoid the Air France/CdG route. If you can't do that try to get at least 1.5hours for your transfer!

Paris CDG Airport review by H Rankin

7 December 2007  Customer Rating :

Transited through CDG from Hong Kong returning to home to Edinburgh travelling with my 2 year old daughter, sister and brother. I was very disappointed with the way we were treated by both the French police checking passports when we arrived and at the security check prior to boarding. We are Chinese and felt that the staff we encountered treated us like second class citizens. We only had 1 hour 20 mins to transfer to our flight to Edinburgh. The police were checking our passports just as we got off the plane. There was a large back up. As we had to sit on the plane for 20 mins on arrival we were running out of time. 3 caucasions came out of the queue to the front of the queue and were allowed through. We tried to do the same and told them we had a connecting flight and were shouted at to go to the end of the queue. When we eventually got to the front of the queue, the female police officer physically pushed me to the side whilst I was carrying my child. We then had to run to the bus to transfer to terminal 2F. When we got to the security check in terminal 2F, we were allowed in the priority queue. My daughter and I went through and then we had to wait for my brother and sister. They were asked to let a family of four through who had the same connecting flight that we had to Edinburgh. When my sister told them they were connecting to Edinburgh as well, she was ignored and the family were allowed through. Surprise surprise, the family of four were caucasian. I have never encountered such treatment whilst travelling before. This has put me off both travelling to France and via France on the basis of our treatment by the airport staff which felt outright rude and racist. I will definitely be avoiding this airport in future. It is a pity as I have enjoyed lovely holidays in France in the past.

Paris CDG Airport review by Bernard Feissat

9 November 2007  Customer Rating :

I agree with comments abort cleanliness, unpleasant architecture, price and food quality (this is why I haven't spent one euro for that for years in this airport), shabby restrooms and so on; but on the whole it is a very convenient airport if you travel to/from T2 ie. mostly if you avoid T1 mainly used by Star alliance airlines. Living in northern France I very often connect from fast trains railway station (between 2D and 2F) to 2D, 2F or 2C; very quick; the only problem with this airport is the size and the lack of space in public places; whereas I can find my way through Orly even with "closed eyes", though I use more often CDG T2 I always read very carefully the signs at CDG (letter case should be of a greater size). I always use internet or airport self check in for domestic flights and travel first or business on international, so I never have to complain about check in queues - as for connecting from one terminal to the other, if immigration rules enable you to do so, I recommend to leave the arrival terminal through the luggage area (at 2D or 2B ie.) and walk the open air way, glass corridor or underground way to your next departure terminal; it's quick. But perhaps CDG has been made by French people for French people that's why it looks easier to me.

Paris CDG Airport review by Nick Fortuna

9 November 2007  Customer Rating :

Arrived/departed in Terminal 2D/2B respectively. Bit if a disaster of an airport. Arrival went well enough, but the space provided to retrieve one's luggage is not enough for a full 747. Trolleys plentiful, but they also took up the bulk of the space available. Searched for Roissybus to get into central Paris - again badly signposted. Departures also a bit of a mess - although there were very few passengers checking in and consequently lines minimal. Few shops selling overpriced trinkets. Security was surprisingly painless. Although why they do passport control before check-in will always remain a mystery to me. The lounges are wedged in the space under the grimy curved ceiling. No lifts to get to them and no washroom facilities either. Can't comment on transfering since my last effort in 2004 left a rather negative impression. Why can't they put in decent lighting? a bit cave-like in places. overall, gets the job done, but so do counltess other airports. A Heathrow-esque welcome to one of the world's loveliest cities.

Paris CDG Airport review by Mike Haville

3 November 2007  Customer Rating :

I travelled through CDG on Tuesday 30/10/07 and could not beieve the chaos. To check our baggage took 75 minutes with no control over the queue and no effort on Air France's part to speed it up with even one less check in agent than when we started in the queue to when we eventually got our bags checked. We then queued for an hour for passports and security, again with no queue control and this time only one passport officer on a 2 berth entrance. People were pushing in from all directions causing anger and frustration. As I got through, a major argument was starting behind me. No explanation was given, no apologies and no effort was made to control the situation. When I did ask, all I got was a gallic shrug.

Paris CDG Airport review by J Bertani

26 October 2007  Customer Rating :

I agree the facilities are not up to some other hubs in Europe (though the shopping area in the new Sat3 at terminal E is quiet impressive for CDG). But regarding transiting, the only way to avoid all the hassles passengers are facing with cramped buses and packed security lines is to walk from one terminal to another (ie from 2F to 2E takes 5 minutes, less than 10 mn from 2D or F to 2C) and the security check points are less crowded. For this all you need is follow the exit/luggage delivery sign and exit as if Paris was your final destination. It's going to save you time, frustration, angriness and lots of stress and you'll take advantage of fast track at security and immigration if you're a premium passenger (applies to AF and skyteam, though I've heard it might be extended to all airlines).

Paris CDG Airport review by Tomas Krulis

26 October 2007  Customer Rating :

I usually use this airport when flying AF to the American destinations - last time we almost missed our connection when we were on our way from Prague to JFK due to very long and bad organised transferring lines through the security(T2B-T2E)and except this I had a feeling that some of the French security guards see the foreign traveller like maybe a totally stupid marionette when they see that you are in hurry for your connection. It was a miracle that we found our baggage after landing at NYC on the belt because when I saw the chaos on the ramp from the airside shuttle I could not imagine it (on the way back to PRG I received my luggage 1 day later in the afternoon). I recommend to everyone to take at least 2 hours of connecting time or longer when travelling through CDG if possible but generally you never know what can happen at this place, it is like a lottery and when I have to compare it with the other big European hubs like Frankfurt, Amsterdam or London Heathrow, it is quite impossible and I agree with the most of the comments written on this page.

Paris CDG Airport review by M Liebmann

4 October 2007  Customer Rating :

After my last trip through CDG, I had expected to see more of the same (surly people with an attitude of "I don't want to be here and I don't want to help you!"). This time was different. The people were polite, efficient and helpful. The only bad thing was on my trip back. It seems that I took a flight from Narita which was the first flight of the day landing in Paris. My traveling companion and I had to walk nearly a mile to find a place where a bus was to pick us up to take us to our next flight, then we had to wait over an hour for the first bus to show up to take us to the other terminal. The flights involved were ATL-CDG-HKG, then NRT-CDG-ATL on the return.