Star Alliance Unveils Chic Paris CDG Lounge with Local Flair

Star Alliance has opened its second branded lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), available to select passengers on flights departing the Schengen zone.

Launched on October 12, the €10 million ($10.5m) new lounge has a youthful, hipper look than the airport’s original Star Alliance lounge, located just down the concourse in Terminal 1.

With a color palette curated to appeal to travelers from around the world and avoid invoking the livery of individual Star Alliance members, the space takes its design inspiration from Paris.

Photo: Courtesy of Star Alliance

The decor invokes the city through black and white photographs of famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, dividers depicting the maze of streets in different neighborhoods, wall moldings and archways with flowing curves, and artwork by French artists, such as sculptor Gabriel Sobin.

The space, sprawling across 3,000 square feet and two floors, has seating for 300 guests, ranging from private “work cabins” and cozy nooks to banquettes and laptop benches in an open-plan area.

Each seat has a dedicated electric socket, offering guests one of the most-coveted airport amenities: charge for personal devices.

Photo: Courtesy of Star Alliance

While they power up their cell phones, guests can watch aircraft taking off and landing on the runway through the second floor’s near panoramic windows. Others may want to shake off the jet lag and take in the fresh air in the outdoor courtyard or Winter Garden, a feature this lounge shares with the older Sky Alliance across the terminal. Shower facilities are also available.

A Welcome Bar greets passengers as they enter the space and serves Champagne and other drinks while a wine cellar pours wines from former rugby player Gérard Bertrand’s vineyards in the South of France. The Tea Salon serves cuisine from around the world.

Photo: Courtesy of Star Alliance

Eligible guests gain access to the lounge through touchless entry gates. It’s open to first and business-class passengers on Star Alliance member airlines (20 operate from CDG), Star Alliance Gold frequent flyers, Priority Pass cardholders, and paid members of the United Club and Air Canada Maple Leaf Club.

The lounge is located airside, just past immigration and security checkpoints, and is intended for passengers departing from gates 10 to 38 on flights leaving Europe’s visa-free Schengen zone. The existing Star Alliance lounge in Terminal 1 will now primarily serve passengers flying within the open borders zone.

Photo: Courtesy of Star Alliance

Star Alliance chief executive Theo Panagiotoulias said: “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 traveler.”

With the opening of the second Parisian lounge, Star Alliance now operates seven branded lounges around the world, at Amsterdam (AMS), Buenos Aires (EZE), Los Angeles (LAX), Paris (CDG), Rio de Janeiro (GIG), and Rome (FCO).

Star Alliance airlines include Air Canada, United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines.