We headed to the airport at around 6PM, and again walked to the train station and then took the inter-terminal train from terminal three to terminal one, which took about five minutes.
From the station we turned left and followed the signage towards Air China’s check-in counter.
Paris Airport Terminal One
While the terminal was mostly pretty empty, the Air China check-in counter had a massive queue which stretched around the whole side of the counter.
Air China check-in counter
Air China check-in counter
Fortunately there was no wait in the business class line. Check-in was efficient, and we were quickly issued boarding passes, lounge invitations, and priority security passes.
We headed towards passport control, which we were through in a matter of minutes. From there it was off to the Star Alliance Lounge.
Paris Charles de Gaulle terminal
Paris Charles de Gaulle terminal
At the entrance we presented our invitations but were also asked for our boarding passes, which had to be scanned. Kind of makes me wonder why they bother issuing invitations if you have to show your boarding pass anyway. As a reminder, if you wouldn’t normally have access based on your ticket, there are a couple options available in Paris for those with a credit card with lounge access.
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle entrance
The first class lounge is located on the same level as the entrance, while the business class lounge is located one level down, which is rather unfortunate since the elevator in the lounge was broken.
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle stairs to business class lounge
There is a nice outdoor smoking area downstairs and to the left.
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle outdoor area
The lounge itself isn’t especially nice. While the furniture is fine, the lounge has low ceilings and is way too small for the number of passengers it’s intended to accommodate. Air China, ANA, and Asiana all have flights departing around the same time, so the lounge is packed in the evenings.
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle seating
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle seating
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle seating
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle seating
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle seating
There’s a small business center with four PCs over by the entrance as well.
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle business center
The food spread itself is actually quite good, though that might just be because I love desserts and I love ridiculously good baguettes, both of which the lounge has in spades.
The spread featured hot options, including a meat dish, vegetables, and soup.
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle food spread
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle food spread
Then there were cold options, like cheese, finger sandwiches, meat, and salad.
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle food spread
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle food spread
The lounge also has an open bar.
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle drinks
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle drinks
And then of course there are the standard packaged snacks you expect in a lounge.
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle packaged snacks
I hadn’t eaten while on the ground in Paris and wasn’t especially hungry, though couldn’t resist the rather tasty-looking chocolate tart, which was even tastier than it looked.
Star Alliance Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle chocolate tart
WiFi in the lounge was generally slow, though I did manage to get a bit of work done. I was texting my mom from the lounge, and when I told her I was flying Air China she wasn’t very pleased — “Benji I am not sure if Air China is a good choice. I worry. I have not heard anything good about them. You should fly the Kitty plane instead.” After assuring her they have a good(ish) safety record and promising I’d text her upon landing she was a bit more at ease, I think.
We left the lounge 50 minutes before departure (at 7:30PM) given that we still had to clear security.
Walking to gate at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport
Charles de Gaulle is a generally crappy airport, though there’s something I love about the ridiculous moving sidewalks that probably should really be escalators, given that they “curve.” When walking on them I always feel like I’m about to get on Space Mountain at Disney World, or something.
Walking to gate at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport
While the general security queue was fairly long, the premium lane moved much more quickly. Our flight was leaving from gate 57, which was rather crowded. At around 7:50PM boarding began, starting with first and business class.
Paris Charles de Gaulle airport departure gate
Paris Charles de Gaulle airport departure gate
Air China 777-300ER Paris Charles de Gaulle airport
I’m not gonna lie, I was really excited to try Air China!
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