Star Alliance debuts new lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle

Complementing the original lounge, this elegant hangout is exclusive to travellers heading to non-EU countries.

By Chris Ashton, October 13 2023
Star Alliance debuts new lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle

Lounge-worthy travellers across the 26 Star Alliance member airlines are accustomed to stepping into the group’s branded Terminal 1 lounge whenever passing through Paris’ Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Its al fresco garden, in particular, is always a hit on sunny days.

However, there’s now a second Star Alliance T1 lounge – one which swaps the chic and timeless aesthetic of its older sibling for a fresher, more youthful vibe.

The newest Star Alliance lounge at Paris CDG Terminal 1.
The newest Star Alliance lounge at Paris CDG Terminal 1.

Both lounges welcome first and business class passengers, Star Alliance Gold frequent flyers and those with a Priority Pass card in their wallet, along with paid members of the United Club and Air Canada Maple Leaf Club programs.

The difference is that the original Paris Star Alliance is now intended primarily for travellers darting within the Schengen zone: a network of almost 30 countries in a European visa-free ‘open borders’ zone, including most EU countries as well as some non-EU members such as Switzerland.

The newer lounge, which follows a €250m modernisation of T1 during the pandemic, is set aside for flights to non-Schengen countries.

Star Alliance Paris CDG T1 lounge (non-Schengen)

Visitors to other international Star Alliance lounges will feel right at home here, as there are similar design elements and a relaxed contemporary vibe.

That’s not by accident: architecture firm Gensler, the same team behind the Star Alliance lounge in Los Angeles, created the latest 300-seat hangout, which primarily services flights to non-EU countries from T1 gates 10 to 38.

Simply swipe your boarding pass to gain entry, or chat with the staff at the desk.
Simply swipe your boarding pass to gain entry, or chat with the staff at the desk.

Beyond the touchless entry, guests are greeted by a Welcome Bar backed by runway views and serving Champagne and assorted spirits, followed by varied lounges and workspaces adorned in natural finishes of glass and timber, leather and stone.

Elsewhere, standout features include a wine cellar pouring the wines of Gerard Bertrand, as well as a Tea Salon offering an assortment of delectable dishes from around the world.

A social-minded lounge space sits alongside the Welcome Bar.
A social-minded lounge space sits alongside the Welcome Bar.

Wall mouldings and archways, curvaceous timber details and elegant black and white photographs of the Eiffel Tower, alongside pops of colour and selected pieces by French artists, make the lounge a delight for the senses.

Private ‘work cabins’ and secluded nooks are dotted throughout the lounge – as are seating choices for solos, couples and groups — while those needing to freshen up can slip into one of the shower suites.

The cellar swaps light and bright for intimate and cosy.
The cellar swaps light and bright for intimate and cosy.

Taking cues from the airport’s other Star Alliance lounge, which features an outdoor area for travellers to escape the typical ‘airport vibe’ before their flight, the new space includes a Winter Garden or outdoor courtyard.

Star Alliance Paris CDG T1 lounge (Schengen)

The original 220-person lounge will now primarily serve flights within the EU departing from gates 50 to 78, although Star Alliance says eligible travellers departing from all gates are welcome to drop by.

Dividers are inspired by Paris' arrondissements, or neighbourhoods.
Dividers are inspired by Paris' arrondissements, or neighbourhoods.

There’s plenty of seating to choose from across its two light-filled storeys, with Parisian style and architecture influencing the design and the selection of artwork found throughout. Shower facilities are also available to all passengers.

Power outlets and USB ports are found throughout.
Power outlets and USB ports are found throughout.

Near-panoramic views of the airport can be enjoyed from the upper level, where laptop benches and working areas intertwine amid more relaxed zones.

WiFi access is conveniently provided.
WiFi access is conveniently provided.

If you’d rather relax, there’s a more secluded, apartment-style space found over in the corner of the business class lounge, while first class passengers also enjoy access to a dedicated first class zone.

A separate first class area provides more privacy.
A separate first class area provides more privacy.

Buffet dining includes a variety of hot and cold dishes centred around French favourites and flavours, which can be enjoyed in the dining area, or if just settling in with a beverage, in a social area just behind.

Star Alliance now counts seven branded lounges among its global stable, with the others found in Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro and Rome.

30 Jan 2015

Total posts 25

Is the previous Star Alliance Lounge, now apparently dedicated to Schengen departures, going to be directly accessible from the Schengen side of the terminal? As I understand, previously you actually had to convince the border agents to let you temporarily go extraSchengen in order to use the lounge, and that might be difficult to do for people who don't hold native Schengen passports or residency.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

11 Oct 2014

Total posts 691

Yeah, no, nah - not doing it for me, design-wise. JMO (Just my opinion).

The pics certainly don't look inspiring - or even remotely 'aspirational'. The lead photograph looks akin to a 1950's Greyhound waiting room print ad. Pic 2 has overtures of the 1970's Saarinen TWA terminal at JFK. Beautiful timber floors (not noise-friendly) but what's with all those ugly stray mini-rugs everywhere? The pic tagged 'WiFi available' looks more like your average RSL club and has a distinct lack of charm.

The vibe here seem more 'Priority Pass' than high-end international traveller. The one redeeming feature though is the screens reflecting the Paris arrondisements. Nice touch, but the rest looks like somebody attended a cheap furniture sale ... and got carried away. Certainly not the style or ethos of the US - United Airlines 'Polaris' lounges. 

It has - for years - been accepted that the 'intra-Schengen' lounges (irrespective of alliance) have been fairly basic, dour and spartan. That is because these lounges equate to Australian domestic lounges and cater more to short-term visits. However, I would personally think that a 'non-Schengen' (read true international) lounge should be catering to exactly that market. CBD (Could Do Better).

As Velocity Golds my wife & i were unexpectedly invited to the Star Alliance lounge when flying Economy with Singapore Airlines in March. It's a nice lounge but the low ceilings make it feel very claustrophobic & when we were in there it was a bit like a sauna too. The new lounge looks a lot more spacious & bright


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