Airport struggles! (Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG))

Member Name:

Product:	Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG)
Date:	08/12/00 (70 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easily accessible from Paris

Disadvantages: Dreadfully laid out, not enough signs, drab looking

I've passed through this airport (Terminal 1) a few times, twice very recently and once as a child. The only thing that struck me this time was that it looked the same as ever and I think that says something.

On the plus side, the airport is very well connected to Paris city centre. The excellent suburban rail (RER) train goes to both terminals from Gare du Nord and there are many bus services from various places throughout the city. When you arrive at the airport RER station a free shuttle bus serves all terminals. This service is very good and very frequent.
It is all plain sailing until you get inside!

I found the airport really badly signposted. When I got inside it took a few minutes to work out where the Aer Lingus check in desks are. The departure boards are not very plentiful either so it's even a task in itself to find out if you flight is even operating still.
The layout of terminal 1 is messy, like many of my reviews! =) It's a circular building that looks the same everywhere you go, so it is quite disorientating.
Toilets or restaurants are quite dirty looking. In honesty the whole place looked dirty and dreary looking, I'm sure all it needs is a lick of paint!
When you go to board the flights you have to go to 'satellite' buildings. They are connected to the main terminal by moving
walkways, almost all of which are uphill which feels like climbing Everest if you have a lot of luggage.
The baggage reclaim area is very cramped which is very noticable when a lot of flights have arrived at the same time.

In general the airport is very hot, overcrowded and badly designed and after passing through you feel thoroughly worn out. Air travel is not the favorite pastime of many people, but without a doubt, this place is enough to make us all want to stay at home forever.
I haven't used the other terminals yet but I'm curious to know is it any better over there?


Happily after all that hassle I had a lovely flight and really really
enjoyed it! =)

Summary: