It was the ugliest, now it's the most ... new: review Air France lounge terminal 2E doors K
I have visited this lounge many times, and compared to the 2F lounge and even the E-port lounge, it is [...]
Air France
SkyTeam
CDG
I have visited this lounge many times and, compared to that of 2F and also to that of the E ports, was always the unlucky sister: the one where you hoped you wouldn't end up.
In this article:
Of course, CDG terminals will soon change their name so that you can figure out, without any possibility of error, where the flight starts and, more importantly, which lounge you will end up in, without any doubt.
My last visit was in the spring of 2024: I had passed through here in transit from Ho Chi Minh to Chicago, with a stratospheric ticket booked with miles to experience in one fell swoop both theA350 of Vietnam Airlines both the new Air France's business class, again on the A350.
A lot of water has passed under the bridges of the Seine since then. and among the new features that Air France introduced at CDG was the redesign of this hall. And I must say that the work shows.
Location
We are at the K gates, those dedicated to non-Schengen flights. Once you get to the duty free area you have to continue to the gates: at some point you literally run into them.
Access
It is Air France's lounge, so you enter with a business class ticket or Flying Blue status from Gold and up. Of course, access is also allowed to passengers of SkyTeam carriers and some partners, such as Etihad.
However, you do not enter with Priority Pass, American Express or other "all you can visit" cards.
I remind you, in terminal 2 there are no independent lounges if you fly Air France, either status or business or -- bench.
The lounge
For those who had been here before the redesign, the change is immediately noticeable right from the entrance: previously you had to take the elevator down, but now you go through the turnstiles directly to the store floor.
From here, one can go up to the new part of the lounge or down to the historic part, which, however, has been refreshed in content and appearance.
The lower floor is the darkest and, today, also the least crowded. It is actually divided into two areas. On the left is the part with a view of the terminal. It is a square plan open space with a large bar counter in the center. Be careful not to misunderstand, however: there is no bartender.
It is a self-service island where drinks are served, with an ever-full range of wines, champagnes and spirits. Seating is varied, although overall the environment remains fairly uniform.
On the opposite side, however, is a more collected and darker area, aided by the low ceiling and smaller windows.
Here Air France has played its cards well: it has positioned the Clarins SPA, the relaxation area for taking a nap, and other amenities that avoid making this area feel like a C-section, while also better distributing the flow of guests.
Again there is a central beverage island and food area, with the offerings basically replicated in the various areas of the lounge.
Going up to the upper floor, however, one notices so Air France lounges' new stylistic course evident: The latest openings in the United States are very reminiscent of this space.
Here Air France has included several elements that are not found on the lower floor.
There is a lounge area where phone use is prohibited. There is a work area complete with a free meeting room, although you are asked to vacate it after 90 minutes.
Then there is the small lounge dedicated to Ultimate and the rest of the room that runs from side to side, just as it does downstairs. The décor is fresh, modern, and consistent with the brand's new language, although the stylistic features remain the same as downstairs: the atmosphere and brightness, above all, change.
There are two dedicated beverage islands here as well, with the same offerings found in the rest of the lounge.
Food & Beverage
This is where Air France has really improved its proposal.
In the past I had talked to the service manager of the 2F lounge, one of the best in the Schengen area, and he had given me impressive numbers. The level here today is also very similar.
The hot offerings included meat bourguignonne, rice, a soup and vegetables.
There was also no shortage of cold meats, cheeses, salads, and various other cold items, as well as a wide selection of desserts, which Air France lounges are practically never short of.
Service
As mentioned, there is SPA, although frankly it is difficult to find availability unless you have an 8-hour layover.
Then there are showers, a work area, and little else: in this respect Europe continues to be not particularly imaginative.
In conclusion
Definitely better than the previous version. My advice is simple: walk in and go right upstairs, unless it is 6 a.m. and you want to try your luck with the spa as soon as it opens.
Pro
- Recently renovated
- SPA
- Professional meeting room
Against
- Not very bright