Star Alliance opens a new Paris lounge

Star Alliance is building its presence at Paris’ key Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) with the opening of yet another alliance-branded lounge. Joining Star’s existing Business Class and First Class lounges, the new space provides travellers with a third lounge in which to mingle, relax or tackle any pre-flight work.

Like Star’s existing lounges, the new facility is located in CDG Terminal 1. But it comes with a distinct advantage. The new lounge resides after security screening. This makes it possible to kick back right until boarding time. Until now, passengers in Paris’ other Star Alliance lounges have had to leave early to clear that last formality.

But its location makes it accessible only to passengers flying to non-Schengen destinations. Or more specifically, when on flights departing from gates 10-38, which share the same security area as the lounge itself. For instance, all Singapore Airlines flights depart from these gates, which are also after passport control.

Star Alliance stands for elevating the experience of its member airline passengers, and airport lounges play a vital role. We’re very proud to present our new Paris lounge, which is not only a delight to experience but also thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of the modern frequent traveller.

– Theo Panagiotoulias, Star Alliance CEO, 12 October 2023

Here’s a look at what eligible Star Alliance passengers can expect when departing Paris from 13 October 2023.

Inside the new Star Alliance Paris Lounge

Star Alliance’s shiny new Paris lounge offers seating for over 300 guests. The space spans approximately 1,300 square metres, giving the group plenty of room to create some interesting experiences.

On the food and beverage side, there’s a ‘welcome bar’, a separate wine bar and a tea salon. This is all complemented by buffet-style dining. There’s also natural light throughout much of the lounge, thanks to a long line of airfield-facing windows. Private work cabins and other secluded nooks make for a quiet place for any pre-flight productivity.

For those putting their feet up, the ‘winter garden’ and spacious outdoor courtyard bring a flair not usually seen in more typical-style airport lounges. In fact, it’s straight from the playbook of Star Alliance’s Business Class lounge in Los Angeles, which is home to an outdoor terrace.

Most eligible travellers can admit themselves into the lounge, but staff are at hand to assist as needed.

Le seul, le vrai, l’unique voyage, c’est de changer de regard – the only, true, special journey is to change your outlook. -Marcel Proust

Start with a drink, get some work done or settle in and relax.

It’s great to see power points at every seat.

This space provides a nice contrast to the others, especially if you’re looking for a quiet corner.

The similarities don’t end there. As with the Los Angeles lounge, Star Alliance’s latest Paris lounge is the work of architectural company Gensler. It follows the lead of its Stateside counterpart by introducing touches of the local destination. Some are more obvious – such as black and white photos of the Eiffel Tower, as an aside to photos of the Hollywood Sign as seen in LA.

But the designers have also gone for more of a Parisian feel throughout the broader space. That’s reflected by elements such as the archways between zones, and various French objet d’art proudly on display.

Whether it is the design, décor or the F&B experience, we have carefully curated the lounge for a multi-sensorial experience for guests departing from the dazzling city of Paris.

– Christian Draeger, Vice President for Customer Experience at Star Alliance, 12 October 2023

As we’d expect of a key international lounge, shower suites are available too.

Who gets in?

Here’s a quick rundown of who qualifies for access to the new Star Alliance Paris Lounge. This applies when departing on any Star Alliance airline from gates 10-38 in CDG Terminal 1.

• First Class and Business Class passengers.
• Star Alliance Gold frequent flyers.
• Air Canada Maple Leaf Club cardholders (but only those on the ‘Worldwide’ membership plan).
• United Club members.

Star Alliance’s existing Business Class lounge in Paris remains open to the same travellers. But its location before non-Schengen security now makes it more appealing to those taking shorter flights: particularly from gates 50-78. This covers Star Alliance’s flights within the European Schengen Area. But travellers heading further afield to non-Schengen destinations won’t be turned away.

It’s also worth highlighting that the ‘old’ Business Class lounge continues to welcome Priority Pass members. This is available when flying with any airline to any destination – including on non-Schengen flights. That’s worth remembering even when flying on carriers like Singapore Airlines. Just allow extra time to clear security after visiting this lounge. The new Star Alliance Paris Lounge doesn’t take Priority Pass, though.

Terminal 1 is also home to a Lufthansa Business Lounge and a Lufthansa Senator Lounge, accessible to eligible travellers. Air Canada also operates a Maple Leaf Lounge in Paris, but it’s over in Terminal 2A where Air Canada’s flights depart.

Even though Paris is the ‘home hub’ of Air France – a member of the rival SkyTeam Alliance – Star Alliance still has a strong presence in the French capital. Of Star Alliance’s 26 member airlines, 20 serve CDG. Combined, travellers can fly from Paris to 34 destinations in 22 countries on a Star Alliance airline. Between them, Star Alliance offers 464 weekly flights at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport alone.

Also read: Star Alliance Lounge (Business Class) review, Los Angeles

All images courtesy of Star Alliance.