- Prologue: The Most Stressed Out Cruise Vacation Ever – So Much Just Went Wrong!
- Introduction: My “Free” Carnival Glory 14 Day Crossing Cruise from Barcelona Spain
- Not Very Impressed: The Atlanta American Express Centurion Lounge (Review)
- Fox Brothers Bar-B-Q Beef Short Rib Delta Air Lines First Class Meal Review
- How to Transfer from Mexico City MEX Airport Terminal 2 to Terminal 1
- The Hilton Mexico City MEX Airport Hotel Terminal 1 Review 2024
- Review: American Express Centurion Lounge Mexico City Airport MEX Terminal 1
- Air France A350 Business Class Mexico City to Paris Review
- Review: The Air France Lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport – Terminal 2F
- Review: Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona Spain Corner King Suite – A Diamond Free Upgrade
- Carnival App plus Pre-Boarding and Boarding Experience Arriving Early
- Carnival Glory Aft Wraparound Cabin 7445 Review
- Carnival Glory Main Dining Room Food Review 2024
- Carnival Glory Entertainment Reviews 2024
- Expedia Booked “Rapha Transport” Driver Speeding at 90+ MPH While Blasting Religious Music From Carnival Cruise to Orlando Airport Transfer!
- My Disappointing Delta Air Lines 757 First Class Flight from Orlando to Detroit
- Final Thoughts on my “Free” 14 Day Carnival Cruise from Wydham Status Match Offer.
After our 10-hour Air France business class A350-900 flight from Mexico City we had only a short time to make our connecting flight to Barcelona, Spain. However, thanks to something we ingested during our stay at the Mexico City Hilton, we were looking for a brief bathroom break and this lounge was close at hand.
There is little in the way of signs to find the club but if you can locate (or enter through) security you simply turn left and you will find it not far away. Air France also tells you it is “close to the Lacoste shop” to help you locate it (would not more signs help instead, I ask you?).
A quick scan of our boarding pass and we were in through the automated barriers with a nod from the attendant overseeing the entrance on a tablet.
For me one of the most important parts of any lounge is that it is bright and inviting. As an example the Seattle Sky Club is a sea of glass with stunning views but by contrast we have the latest Dallas Centurion that went from the old lounge that was open and light to a cave that only a hibernating bear would love (what was Amex thinking).
This lounge has two levels and if you find the lower level packed it is worth a walk to the upper level that may or may not have more open seats.
You will find food and beverage choices on both levels.
Considering the current state of my tummy I went with just a French beget and a glass of French wine (we were in Paris after all – I had to try something).
If you are in need of a shower there are several available. I did not have time to check how long the wait would be but if you would like one I would check in as soon as you enter the lounge.
There are also both napping and sleeping areas – something you will rarely expect to see in a Delta Sky Club. Just be sure to set you phone alarm should you try these and make sure it has updated to the local time.
Lastly they do have a limited spa with facial treatments. I did not sample their offerings but if any readers have I would love some feedback. Overall for an amazing quick visit I enjoyed the club and would have liked to have had more time to relax and enjoy this club! – René
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Unlike some of the other Air France lounges at CDG, this one has not been renovated. There is a noticeable lack of outlets. But I like the upstairs area because it feels much more private.
Some may find the food limited, but Air France serves a meal in business-class even on short, 45-minute intra-Europe flights. So, I think that explains why the buffet isn’t as huge as some might expect.
The self-serve wine bar is the best feature. I was here a couple of weeks ago. They had a 2016 Bordeaux grand cru red blend. Grand cru! Air France uses a few different champagne brands, but they’re ALWAYS real champagne and generally brands that would be $50-60 or more retail in the USA. And the best part? Self-serve.
I really enjoy connecting through CDG these days. Before the pandemic, Amsterdam used to be my connection point. But the KLM lounges have awful food and drinks, the location of the main KLM lounge is too far from many gates, and Dutch passport control at AMS is awful these days. You used to be able to connect with 1-hour layover. That is virtually impossible these days. While CDG has issues, I find arriving or connecting at CDG is NOT an issue if you arrive or depart after about 1 or 2 pm. Which isn’t an issue if you’ve done the Aeromexico or Air France flight from Mexico City.
The only problems I have with with the Air France lounge?
1) Staff don’t have a lot of capability or expertise in fixing a problem if your ticket involves say Delta, Aeromexico or another partner. In December 2023, my return flight was canceled. I had to call the Delta Diamond Desk and do things over the phone because the ground staff didn’t have the experience to fix an issue. Contrast that to KLM. I guess KLM’s old partnership with Northwest gave them a lot of institutional knowledge and a better linking of the Delta and KLM systems. Of course, it’s bizarre because Air France and KLM are actually the same company. But they operate as two separate airlines.
2) In the Air France lounges used by Delta for the late morning flights to the USA, Air France has reduced the amount of wine, especially champagne. It’s common not to see ANY champagne until the first wave of Delta flights to the USA have departed. They’ll still have spirits out. And reds and whites. I assume this is because Delta may not be reimbursing Air France enough money for the champagne.
If you like what you see in this posting about the AF lounge and want to try Air France for a mileage run, there is a some good (not super) deals. Last week, I just did a round trip JFK-CDG-NRT in Premium Economy (Class A) for little over $2K; and the MQD is $4800+, that is over 2x the Return on MQD. Today, I booked this itinerary again, and the price today for Aug Departure is $2500+. Still, it is not a bad deal given the fact that you get over $4800+ MQD. What is even more great is that the exchange rate in Japan right now is SUPER STRONG for the US dollar. You can have a meal in a regular restaurant for less that $20 (tax and tip “no tipping in Japan”) included; and if you love 7/Eleven, this is the best place for a great takeout meal for less that $10 USD. Try it. OH, I also just booked 2 nights at the Crown Plaza at NRT at $62 per night for Aug. Yes, you heard right, $62 per night at a Crown Plaza; and it includes airport and Local shuttle. Mileage run is all about keeping the total cost down while getting the highest return on MQD; and I think this is run will qualify. OH… in concern with this posting, you can even get to try out the AF lounge while you have your layover in CDG.
WARNING: The actual flight time from NRT to CDG is 14hr30min because the flight have to circumvent Russia.
Thanks, Roger! Where the Premium Economy seats comfortable? I hear some people complain about them.
Did you happen to notice a sign at the entrance stating that Amex cards do not grant access to the lounge? Comical.
Chris,
RE: Premium Economy seat comfort level. It depends on the type of the aircraft. I flew the A350 from CDG to JFK, and it was comfortable. It is the pretty much the same type of seat as DL’s Premium Select seats. However, the Boeing 777 seats are not as comfortable. Let me just say “acceptable”. Since it is a LONG haul Flight between CDG to NRT, no matter what kind of seat, one will have to get up, stretch, and walk around periodically. Otherwise, the butt will be very sore from sitting 14+ hrs.