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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.