Let me guess, if you found yourself at this page you’re thinking “I’ve gone through security a million times, why is a review necessary?” Trust me, I think the same thing, there’s no reason to “review” clearing airport security, but honestly clearing security in Paris Charles De Gaulle’s Terminal 2 was unlike anything else I’ve even been through. I’ve read time and time again that many travelers hate flying out of Paris’ Charles De Gaulle airport and now I understand why.
Retrieving A Boarding Pass
I’m not sure if this is new or not, but it seemed as though American did not allow passengers to get mobile boarding passes prior to arriving at CDG airport. We were unable to get electronic boarding passes and were instructed to visit an American Airlines check-in desk at CDG airport to retrieve our boarding passes. The line just to check-in and get boarding passes was absolutely terrible! Based on the size of the line and slow movement I’m guessing the entire wait would have taken at least 45 minutes.
Luckily, mostly because of a last-minute segment run last year I still maintain American AAdvantage Gold Elite status. American allows all levels of status to use the Priority Check-In lanes at Charles De Gaulle airport. There was no line for the Priority Check-In lane and we immediately found ourselves in front of an AAgent. The check-in agent asked us both several “security” questions about our occupations, our visit to Paris, and a few other random questions. After an extremely awkward conversation with the agent we had our boarding passes in hand and were heading to the security lanes.
Clearing Customs At Charles De Gaulle Airport
Prior to reaching the security lanes at CDG Terminal 2 all passengers must speak to a immigrations officer. I expected a slew of questions like those asked by American Airlines representative earlier, but the agent simply looked at us and sent us on our way. After passing the immigrations officer, all passengers are directed to security screening lanes. Since we still had our “Acces NO.1” card we were again directed to a faster security screening lane.
Clearing Security At Charles De Gaulle Airport
When the American Airlines check-in agent handed us our boarding passes he also handed us a priority “fast past” for security. The laminated purple card which read “Acces NO.1” allowed quick access through both security screening lines and customs lines. After heading downstairs to the security checkpoint we showed the card to security personnel who directed us through the purple NO.1 access point.
Security screenings at CDG are similar to those found in most international airport. Security requires all passengers to remove ALL liquids and ALL electronics from carry-on bags which must be placed in various trays. Leaving liquids, iPads, Laptops, etc. in a carry-on bag will trigger additional screening.
Final Thoughts
Occasionally while traveling you reach a moment when all of the money spent on tickets, hours flying, and countless delayed flights start to make sense. By simply having American Airlines Gold Status (lowest level) we were both able to skip several incredibly long lines at Paris CDG airport which helped us get through security faster than otherwise. Security at CDG was among the worst I have ever experienced and I’m not sure I would do it again if I didn’t have status. I’m not sure what security at Paris’ Orly Airport is like, but I can’t imagine it’s any worse than security in Terminal 2 at CDG airport.
