New Star Alliance lounge in Paris for Singapore Airlines passengers

Star Alliance opened its second lounge at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport today, with the brand new facility housed in the newest renovated section of Terminal 1, which has recently emerged from a EUR 250 million refurbishment, ahead of the city’s 2024 Olympic Games.

The terminal’s former somewhat messy arrangement, with separate satellite buildings, now boasts a single combined shared space where the boarding gates are located, and this has also allowed the opportunity for new lounges to take shape.

From today it means that eligible Singapore Airlines passengers will be directed to the brand new Star Alliance lounge, located after immigration and security, though the existing Star Alliance lounge prior to security control hasn’t gone anywhere, and still remains an option too.

New Paris Star Alliance lounge

The new lounge is located on Level 3 of the new Terminal 1 Junction Building, after the central immigration and security control zone, and therefore is accessible solely for those departing on flights to international non-Schengen destinations, including the likes of Singapore and Bangkok.

These services depart from Gates 10 to 38 in Terminal 1, and of course the twice daily Singapore Airlines flights that go wheels-up for the Lion City at 12pm (SQ335) and 10.40pm (SQ331) each day are included on that list.

The lounge is open daily from 6.30am to 9.30pm, so do expect to be booted out slightly earlier than you might have planned, if you’re departing on SQ331.

Thankfully that evening service departs 20 minutes earlier in the northern winter season, at 10.20pm, so it’s almost time for boarding anyway when the lounge pulls down the shutters at 9.30pm.

“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, CEO, Star Alliance

The top-floor location boasts great airport and runway views from the new lounge, which represents a EUR 10 million investment by Star Alliance.

The new lounge was designed by architecture and design firm Gensler, who were also responsible for the flagship Star Alliance lounge in Los Angeles, and a variety of the latest Air New Zealand lounges.

It spans 1,300 sq m (14,000 sq ft), and can accommodate over 300 guests.

On entry, guests are presented with the Welcome Bar, where a variety of beverages including Champagne are available, and the lounge’s floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the airport are immediately apparent.

In terms of the finish and decor, here’s how Star Alliance describes the new lounge.

“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.”

Star Alliance

If a pre-flight tipple is your focus, there’s a second option called the Wine Bar, featuring master wine maker Gerard Bertrand and their wines from the South of France.

Here you can also see some of the lounge’s “private work cabins and secluded nooks”.

Other seating includes high table bar-style options overlooking the airport and low armchairs, all with AC power, USB-A and USB-C charging sockets.

At the back of the lounge the Tea Salon offers an assortment of tea and bites from around the world.

There are also some more relaxed loungers with footrests in this location, while of course the lounge has a full buffet dining area including restaurant-style seating, which will no doubt offer a wide range of pre-flight dishes.

The lounge also boasts a Star Alliance favourite – the al-fresco terrace.

There are also four private shower suites available, each with their own toilet – great news for those departing on the later SQ331 service who have had to check out of their hotel potentially many hours earlier.

Review

Head for Points was at the media launch of the new lounge yesterday and has provided a great overview of the new facility, with several photos including seating options, private work pods and showers.

Check out the full article here for more insight on what you can expect.

Lounge access

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

• in First Class (+1 guest)
• in Business Class (no guests)
• in any class, holding Star Alliance Gold, including KrisFlyer Elite Gold and PPS Club status (+1 guest)
• in any class, holding paid membership to United Club or Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Worldwide (+1 guest)

In all cases your guest (where permitted) must be travelling on the same Star Alliance member operated flight as you.

You can still use the existing lounge too

While Singapore Airlines is now directing lounge-eligible passengers departing from Paris to the new lounge, which you’ll almost certainly want to try, there’s still nothing stopping you from visiting the old lounge too.

However, do note that this facility is now designed as the Schengen Zone Star Alliance lounge, for flights departing from gates 50 to 78, and is located before the security screening point, on level 10.

If you visit this lounge, you will need to clear security and immigration on the way to the gate (or on the way to the new lounge, if you intend to visit both).

The two-storey lounge was refurbished in 2019, just prior to the pandemic, and accommodates 220 guests. It is also available to Priority Pass members.

Facilities include showers, an outdoor deck and a dedicated zone for First Class passengers, the latter sadly missing from the new facility.

The latest Star Alliance lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Terminal 1 is the seventh to open globally, and it certainly looks like an impressive facility to relax and enjoy prior to your flight as a First Class, Business Class or Star Alliance Gold traveller.

Perks here include two bars, floor-to-ceiling runway views and even an open-air terrace.

Singapore Airlines travellers are among the first to benefit from today, and we look forward to seeing more photos and reviews in due course.

(Cover Photo: Star Alliance)