New Star Alliance lounge opens in Paris CDG Airport

Singapore Airlines and Star Alliance passengers departing from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport will now be able to enjoy a brand new Star Alliance lounge, which began operations on 13 October 2023.

This €10 million facility is housed in the newly-renovated section of Terminal 1, which has undergone a €250 million revamp and is gearing up to welcome visitors for the 2024 Olympics.

The latest Star Alliance lounge is the seventh in the alliance’s global network, alongside Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro and Rome.

Doesn’t Star Alliance already have a lounge in Paris?

Yes. Star Alliance’s first Paris lounge, which opened in 2008 (and received a refurbishment in 2019), will remain in operation. 

However, this lounge’s location is far from ideal- at least for Singapore Airlines passengers and others departing on long-haul flights. It’s located before security, which means that passengers have to leave the lounge early and buffer extra time.

This lounge is open from 5.30 a.m to 10 p.m daily, and will continue to serve Star Alliance passengers departing to Schengen destinations (Gates 50-78), as well as Dragon Pass, Priority Pass and Lounge Key members.

A review of the lounge can be found here. 

New Star Alliance lounge

The new Star Alliance lounge is located after central immigration and security screening, on level 3 of Terminal 1. Because of this location, it’s only accessible to passengers flying to non-Schengen destinations (flights departing from Gates 10-38).

Operating hours are from 6.30 a.m to 9.30 p.m daily. 

Singapore Airlines operates two daily flights from Paris to Singapore, and while there’s no problem for passengers on SQ335, those on SQ331 will have to leave the lounge about 40 minutes before boarding starts. 

• SQ335, departing CDG at 12 p.m
• SQ331, departing CDG at 10.40 p.m

The lounge has a footprint of 1,300 sqm and seating for 300 passengers. It was designed by leading architecture firm, Gensler, which also designed the Star Alliance Los Angeles airport lounge in 2013.

Here’s how Star Alliance describes the lounge:

“With great runway views, the lounge offers ample natural light with a glass façade running across its length, giving a sense of further largeness to the space. It continues the design tradition of uniting the evolving desires of today’s travellers with an ambience inspired by the local touch of the destination.

The space is enriched by local brands and artists for the quintessential French charm. Reminiscent of the timeless Parisian aesthetics with wall mouldings and archways, decorated with captivating black and white photographs of the Eiffel Tower, and furnished with meticulously selected pieces by French artists, the lounge promises a visual delight like no other.

Standout features include a stunningly designed Welcome Bar offering a range of beverages, an immersive Wine Bar featuring master wine maker Gerard Bertrand and their wines from the South of France, and a Tea Salon offering an assortment from around the world. For business travellers who prefer a quieter space, there are private work cabins and secluded nooks throughout the lounge.”

Other noteworthy features include a spacious outdoor courtyard (which Gensler first introduced with the Star Alliance lounge in Los Angeles), as well as four well-appointed shower suites with Sothys amenities. USB-A, USB-C and wireless charging pads are located throughout the lounge. 

Prince of Travel and Head for Points were at the media preview of the lounge, and have shared some additional photos in their articles. 

One thing that struck me was the absence of a separate area for First Class passengers, which the other Star Alliance Paris lounge offers. That’s even more odd now that the older lounge will be primarily handling Schengen departures- none of which offer First Class!

For what it’s worth, Singapore Airlines First Class passengers can still visit the Schengen lounge if they so wish. They’ll just need to budget extra time to clear security.

Who can visit the lounge?

The new Star Alliance lounge is open to the following passengers departing on a Star Alliance operated flight:

• in First Class (+1 guest)
• in Business Class
• in any cabin with Star Gold status (+1 guest)
• in any cabin with a paid membership to United Club or Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Worldwide (+1 guest)

Ever since May 2021, guests must be travelling on the same Star Alliance flight as the main passenger.

While paid entry is available to Star Alliance lounges in Buenos Aires, Los Angeles and Rio de Janeiro, it won’t be offered in Paris, at least for now.

Conclusion

Star Alliance’s newest lounge has opened in Paris, providing First Class, Business Class and Star Gold passengers with a modern and impressive-looking space to unwind before their flight. 

If you’re passing through Paris in the next few weeks, be sure to share your thoughts!