PARIS CDG AIRPORT review : 3 July 2008 : by Jacques Dang
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Customer Rating : 4/5 |  |
AF transfers within CDG2 have improved substantially over the past year with the opening of
satellite S3 and the re-opening of 2E's main boarding pier. I recently had a very good experience
when transferring from 2D to 2E, using the direct transfer bus that runs until 1:30PM. I went
through immigration in 2D (no one in the queue), boarded the bus that took 5mn to reach S3, where it
stopped for 1mn before going to 2E's main boarding pier, reached after another 5mn. 2mn to clear
security using the fast track lane "acces numero 1". Uneventful and flawless.
PARIS CDG AIRPORT review : 30 June 2008 : by W Wilson
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Customer Rating : 1/5 |  |
It was an unpleasant surprise to find that easyJet flights had been moved from T3 to T2B. Having in
the past experienced the joys of a dirty, crowded 2F courtesy of Air France, I did not appreciate
having to use an even dirtier and more crowded 2B. Particularly bad is the absence of any seating in
the departure area (apart from that found in the gate holding area). T3 is much better than T2, and
it is certainly more bearable to be delayed there than in T2. I'm lucky: I'm young enough to be able
to sit on floors in reasonable comfort, but what of elderly passengers? Are those old folk who don't
normally need wheelchairs expected to stand for ages before boarding? One good point was that
baggage reclaim was very quick, but overall CDG presents as bad an image of France as Heathrow does of the UK.
PARIS CDG AIRPORT review : 27 June 2008 : by Charles Melans
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Customer Rating : 1/5 | |
Beware of connections at Terminal 2 CDG (AF) - 2.5 hrs to get from 2E to 2F due to customs and
exceedingly inadequate security infrastructure. Hint, check out the volume one floor above (AF check
in and departure). Security facilities for connecting passengers often completely overwhelmed while
one floor above the security infrastructure (2-3 times larger) may be completely empty during
certain periods of the day! Otherwise bring lots of patience for what is sure to be a one in a
lifetime (with any luck!) exercise in frustration. Made it to the gate 30 mins after departure,
kudos to AF for holding the flight!
PARIS CDG AIRPORT review : 25 June 2008 : by J Béchaux
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Customer Rating : 2/5 |  |
One of the worst airport. As the traffic grows, they expand it without any passenger care. I flew
frequently through this airport and transfers are terrible in terminal 2 (Air France one). If you
are lucky, you don't have to change pier and it is fine, but if you are not, you have to go out of
the terminal, change pier, and go again through safety checks (bags, immigration) and it can be
long! (and very annoying when you only have 30 minutes to transfer). However, everything is well
indicated inside and staff is helpful. Fortunately, it is well served by suburban train (RER) and
buses as well as TGV (offering routes everywhere in France). Try to avoid it, prefer LYS, NCE or BDX
which are better even though they don't offer same destinations.
PARIS CDG AIRPORT review : 20 June 2008 : by Olivier Hugla
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Customer Rating : 2/5 | |
I am ashamed to be French each time I have to pass through Roissy CDG. The massage conveyed is just
"please be aware you are not welcome to France!" Considering numerous flights are not in contact
you have first been transferred by a bus that seems to take you for full a tour of the backstage
(there 20 minutes is not unusual). Then, tough luck, you are not travelling within EEC. Be ready to
queue for police control without any discrimination (economy, first, senior, children, nationals,
aliens, all alike at the same counter). Not that the number of booth is not sufficient. Just that
they are not manned and the officers standing aside don't care to help. Yes they tested for a year
an automated fast electronic control which was most of the time out of order. It's now stopped.
You still will have to suffer for luggage delivery which is quite poor and becomes dreadful if you
are at terminal 1 where 45 minutes waiting time is the average you must be prepared for. (No, it is
not the charter terminal). Do not try to take the train (there is anyhow no direct fast link to
downtown) if you have no Euros, as the vending machine states "credit cards issued abroad are not
accepted". And be aware of pickpockets very efficient on this line. You may take a taxi that will
try to reap you off, (which he does not need to do considering the speed at which the meter is
turning even at a stand still in the frequent commuters taffic jam). So the best solution may still
be the Air France bus (where service is far better on land than in the air). Flying out you will be
appalled by the lack of boutiques, and the dim light in the huge halls where surrounded by crude
concrete walls you may have to expect your departure. Beware the PA is not to be heard in all
places. Good for you if you can access a (usually small and crowded) lounge. And do verify the
letter indicating which is your terminal, they all look alike and nothing clearly indicates inside
in which building you are. Consider this is the entry cost and do enjoy your stay.
PARIS CDG AIRPORT review : 19 June 2008 : by Aaron O'Brien
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Customer Rating : 5/5 |  |
Flew through CDG on June 1st returning June 13th. My flight from Dublin arrived at 2E my flight to
Mexico was leaving from 2E. Went to security longish Q but was moving quickly enough. Staff at
security polite and spoke very good English. Didint have time to buy or look at anything as my
flight to Mexico was boarding by the time I got to the gate. Terminal looks great, nice wood roof,
red carpet and bright and airy. Return flight from Mexico landed at 2F for some bizarre reason.
Once off the flight followed sign positing to get to 2E, some of the sign posts were temporary.
Staff on hand to assist pax with getting on transfer buses etc. Arrived at 2E cleared security,
again friendly and fast. The only thing I didn't like was the prices charged in the snack shops.
Over 3euro for a 500ml bottle of water. But staff spoke good English.
PARIS CDG AIRPORT review : 17 June 2008 : by Ben Ward
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Customer Rating : 1/5 | |
The most appaling excuse for an airport we have ever travelled through. The food court was poor
with limited seating and in need of a good clean. The staff were rude and unsmiling. Security at
the satelite gate was a nightmare. Only two channels open for six flights in the time that we were
there. We stood in queue for almost and hour and a half. When we did get to the front of the line
there seemed to be a shift change with the security screening staff and that just threw things into
total chaos. We will avoid using CDG in the future.
PARIS CDG AIRPORT review : 4 June 2008 : by K Tunnicliffe
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Customer Rating : 3/5 |  |
First time using CDG. A pleasant experience once I had got over the strange walkways in plastic
tubes and the way your feet sink into the floor on them. Signposting was adequate and staff were
pleasant and helpful. Security sparse and a couple of lines marked out for passport control which
led nowhere and we had to reverse and start again. Food, drinks and shops were OK.
PARIS CDG AIRPORT review : 22 May 2008 : by O Thoral
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Customer Rating : 1/5 | |
Terminal 2F on Monday morning. A totally chaotic security control and as a consequence more than 40
min waiting time to go through control. This is an ongoing issue and neither Air France nor ADP seem
to care and their only answer is to blame another authority, this morning the Ministry of Interior
was faulty.
PARIS CDG AIRPORT review : 29 April 2008 : by Federico Muscogiuri
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Customer Rating : 5/5 | |
I have previously criticised CDG however my last experience connecting via T2F on AF was brilliant
and my 50 minutes connection time more than enough. Beautiful and airy architecture, reasonable
choice of shops and overall polite staff. It's probably a one-off but this time credit where credit is due.
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.
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