Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG)

Common Complaints

• Disorganized and Confusing Layout: Travelers frequently cite the airport's poor layout and contradictory, confusing signage, making navigation difficult and increasing the risk of missing connecting flights. Transfers between the fragmented terminals are often described as long and complicated, sometimes requiring additional security checks.
• Rude and Unhelpful Staff: A consistent complaint is the indifferent, rude, and unhelpful demeanor of airport and security staff, with some reports of staff laughing at passenger distress or showing a lack of urgency during delays.
• Excessive Security Wait Times: Security checkpoints are frequently slow, unorganized, and understaffed, leading to "horrible" and "atrocious" queues that can last an hour or more. Unexpected weighing of carry-on luggage before security, requiring bags to be checked, and manual bag checks performed out of sight contribute to delays and frustration.
• Tedious Customs/Immigration Experience: Passport control and immigration often involve long and tedious queues, with reports of waits ranging from 30 minutes to over 2.5 hours. Issues with non-functional automatic gates and insufficient staffing are common, especially for non-EU passport holders.
• Limited and Overpriced Facilities: Food options are frequently described as "abysmal and overpriced," with a scarcity of proper meals, mostly limited to snacks. Seating is often insufficient, and many seats have armrests, making it uncomfortable for extended waits or overnight stays. Some areas, like Terminal 2, have been noted for cleanliness issues.
• Challenging Transportation Connections: Getting a ride-share from the airport is considered "nearly impossible" by some. The RER train to the airport can be overcrowded, and airport staff may provide unhelpful advice for connections.

Overall, many travelers suggest avoiding CDG if possible, or at the very least, allowing a generous amount of time (at least 3-4 hours) for connections and pre-departure processes due to its reputation for disorganization, long queues, and unhelpful staff.