CDG airport questions

[fully6mps]

Hi all,

Just have a couple of questions regarding CDG, hoping someone will have had previous experience and can assist:

1 - My wife and I are flying in J from NY to CDG (via LHR), can anyone advise if there is fast track immigration at CDG for First/Business passengers? The answer to this may impact the next question,
2 - How much time will we need to allow to connect to a TGV train that leaves CDG, allowing for baggage collection, immigration and walking time from Terminal 2A? The CDG airport website appears to suggest 60 mins to connect from plane to train so wondering how reliable this is.

Our BA flight is scheduled to arrive at 1:00pm, now I know that a flight delay can throw everything out of whack, but there will come a point where we need to assume (hope?) our flight is on time so we can book our train tickets.

There is one train I would love to book which is scheduled for 2:49pm, ordinarily I wouldn't push my luck with such a small time buffer however we are trying to make our way to Freiburg and there appears to be limited options to get us there in time to check in to our hotel (cut-off is 10pm I believe).

Happy to receive any alternative suggestions, hints, tips etc!

Thanks!

 

[docjames]

Which airline LHR-CDG?

Last time I flew BA - there was no fast track at CDG but it (immigration) wasn't exactly slow - the slow part was awaiting the checked luggage (in spite of priority tags).

Unless you raise "red flags" I'd go with the timing you've suggested.

 

[fully6mps]

Which airline LHR-CDG?

Last time I flew BA - there was no fast track at CDG but it (immigration) wasn't exactly slow - the slow part was awaiting the checked luggage (in spite of priority tags).

Unless you raise "red flags" I'd go with the timing you've suggested.

Airline is British Airways for both legs (JFK - LHR, LHR - CDG). I was hoping to allow at least 2+ hours but unfortunately the train timetable is forcing my hand a bit.

And no, hopefully no red flags from me lol. Although no doubt I will get 'randomly' selected for a pat down/bomb materials test as per every flight I take....

 

[michaelj]

If I read it right you are only 11 minutes short of the 2 hours you prefer. I would book it if I was you. Terminal 1 is where you get the bigger delays and you need to get the shuttle over to the TGV station, Terminal 2 is fine in my experience.

 

[fully6mps]

Just an update on this. Rang BA who confirmed there is no express immigration service at CDG for First/Business customers (with them at least). Decided to try change the second leg from LHR-CDG to LHR-FRA, easy on the paid ticket but not on the points one, spent a total of 60 mins on hold over 3 calls the last two days before hanging up, 40 mins on another before it was answered but was told no award availability, then another 60 mins on the phone tonight but finally had success in grabbing the last award seat to Frankfurt so don't have to worry about how long to clear customs etc.

3500 points lighter mind you, plus some small change for taxes but happy with the result and the service I got tonight, if I had caught the guys name I would have liked to provide a commendation.

Cheers