Welcome to my part 2 of my Air France A220-300 Trip Report!
My ride, F-HZUS being prepared for its return flight to Paris CDG.
Introduction
Flying with Air France means a stopover at Paris CDG Airport, not exactly a popular airport among frequent travellers. The last time I was there was in 2011 for the Paris Air Show, I didn't exactly like the airport for the complicated layout especially in Terminal 2. You have Terminal 2A all the way to 2G and sometimes you need to do a few loops to connect from this part of the terminal to another. This was my experience in 2011, I was so confused back then. 14 years later, let's see if I understand the airport network better.
So before I booked my flight, I considered a few options of which flight combination should I go with and since this pair of flights I chose includes the late night connection but the airfare was cheaper than the others and also both flights were operated by the A220-300, I decided to go for it.
Initially I wanted to book the airport hotel online but I was quoted 250 Euros so decided to try my luck at the hotel reception and was quoted the same price, insane especially I will use only 5 hours for the short layover before connecting to my next flight. I remembered that time at JFK, I wanted to stay at this particular hotel besides JFK Terminal 5 but they were charging an exorbitant price of my personal record of a whopping US$500 for the one night stay. Isn't it better to have last minute passengers occupying the room charging them at reasonable rate for airport than hoping for 1 out of 200 passengers willing to pay such an insane price. If they charge Euros $100 per night, I would have gone ahead and book the room.
For transit airport hotel like this, hourly rate should be charge instead of per night, to give the passengers more flexibility as very few would stayed more than one night at a transit hotel, right? So in my opinion, this business practice doesn't make sense.
Obviously I gave it a skip and I found a place at the departure hall (airside) to rest for a few hours. Not only did I save the $250, I managed to grab a couple of hours at a resting area and later on at my accommodation, another couple of hours of rest before I had enough energy to exploring the city later that day. This flying schedule is not recommended if you are travelling together with your family or with your partner.
How was my impression of this airport? Read more to find out.
About Paris CDG Airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport is the main international Airport in Paris opened in 1974. This airport was named after the French President who took charge of the country from 1890 to 1970. Therefore not only the airport is named after him, the IATA airport code has his initials, CDG.
The airport layout of CDG airport
This airport consists of 4 runways, (08L/26R, 08R/26L, 09L/27R and 09R/27L) and was opened in March 1974. Air France, Air France Cargo and FedEx Express use this as a hub for its operation. For Air France, this is the primary airport for both regional and international flights and is popular with international airlines from all continents.
This airport has 3 terminals, but it is not as straight forward as what we think. While terminal 1 and 3 are separate building facing each other and for terminal 2, it is located on another side with 6 sub-terminal buildings connected to each other and that's why you have the Terminal 2A to 2F. While for Terminal 2G, it is a separate building from Terminal 2E and 2F and can only be connected by airport shuttle.
For now, all Star Alliance airlines are assigned to terminal 1, Oneworld Alliance airlines are assigned to terminal 1 for routes to the Middle East and Asia and terminal 2B for routes to the America, Africa and European regional routes. Skyteam Airlines are assigned 2E for international routes and 2F for Schengen routes. For the national airline, (Air France), it uses terminals 2E (long haul flights), 2F (Schengen flights) and 2G for regional routes.
During my transit at CDG Airport
As I arrived late at night, the terminals were quiet as I navigate my way to the transit hotel to check the rates. In this trip report, I will share my experience with you on my layover at this airport. What I can tell you is this is not a passenger friendly airport, do read on to find out.
This is Terminal 2E
If you are there for the first time, it might take a while to understand the layout of the terminals and do study the map of the airport layout to understand the airport better especially if you have to transfer from one terminal to another. The good news is there is an train shuttle that helps you get from Terminal 1 or 3 to Terminal 2A to 2F but to get to Terminal 2G, you need to get to the departure hall of Terminal 2F and look for the signboard leading you to the bus stop to take the bus shuttle N2 to Terminal 2G.
Besides the train connection of Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 to Terminal 2, there are bus shuttle N1 and N2 and LISA shuttle in Terminal 2E connecting the airside passengers within this terminal from hall K to L to M. For more information, you can check out the airport's website over here.
This airport offers complimentary airport Wi-Fi.
I wanted to access Terminal 2F but the immigration and security check were closed. It was a good thing because I seek help from a staff and the airport transit hotel was located at the terminal I was at (Terminal 2E)
So with the help from the helpful staff, I made my way to the airport hotel.
At this point, I was looking at other options in case the rate of the hotel is too expensive.
There are benches where I can rest.
After being quoted 250 Euros for a night stay at the hotel and I had only about 5 hours for my next flight, I decided to find a place to rest at one of the benches I passed by earlier.
I decided to rest over here and fortunately I managed to grab a couple of hours of sleep.
This is another good option for resting.
I came across the Air France self check-in kiosks, I decided to check the load of my flight.
I decided to move to another seat as the middle seat was vacant.
I was issued a new boarding pass.
I took the LISA skytrain based in Terminal 2E.
I was able to check my flight status on one of the big monitor screen and it's nice to know that my aircraft type remained as it is.
Once the immigration and security was opened, I went through them and was at terminal 2F within minutes.
This is terminal 2F airside
At this early hour, most of the duty-free shops were closed.
These are the list of flights happening at that time.
This side of the terminal doesn't looks too shabby.
While this part of the terminal reminds me of BKK airport.
This way to connect to other terminals from Terminal 2F.
Air France's Salon Lounge at Terminal 2F
At this time, the shops were opened.
It started getting busy as there are many early departures.
There are a good number of cafes and restaurants.
This is the gate area.
The escalator leads to the toilets located at the lower level.
F33 is the gate where my aircraft was parked.
The lower floor
Waiting for my flight.
Later on I found out that the aircraft I flew in from LHR was assigned to my flight to BCN. What are the odds of flying the same aircraft on different routes with a fleet of around 30 A220-300?
Finally after 8-9 hours of layover at CDG airport, I was on my way.
A last look at CDG airport.
Nice to see you again, F-HZUS!
It's time to board.
I certainly love the nose of the Airbus A220. Do you?
My ride: F-HZUS
(With a fleet of around 30 A220-300, the probablity of getting the same aircraft is 1/900!)
(Photo: Teemu Pesonen)
Airbus A220-300 (CS300)
Name: Chinon W
Configuration: CY148
Delivered in January 2023
Engines: 2 X PW1521G
Age: 2+ Years Old (May 2025)
Built in Montreal Mirabel (YMX)
Flight Route: CDG-BCN
Miles: 533
Seat: 16F (Photo: Aerolopa.com)
Date of departure: 4th March 2025
Airline: Air France
Flight: AF1148
Route: CDG-BCN
Aircraft: Airbus A220-300
Registration: F-HZUS
Seat: 26A changed to 16F
Gate: F33
Terminal: 2F
Load: 80% in Y Class
Flight Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Actual Flight Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Schedule Departure: 0705
Boarding: 0627
Push Back: 0706
Take Off: 0720
Schedule Arrival: 0850
Actual Arrival: 0852
Departure Runway: 08L
Departure Weather: Clear
Arrival Runway: 06L
Arrival Weather: Clear
Since this cabin product has been covered in my part 1 (Click here for the trip report), I will focus on my flight experience and photos of the cabin in this report. Hope you find the information useful .
My Flight Experience
Boarding commerced about 40 minutes before the schedule departure time and once again I was on board the same aircraft but this time I was sitting on the right side of the aircraft (3-seater) and fortunately for me, I had the middle seat vacant. One noticable observation I noticed the deicing fluid on the wings of the aircraft (green in colour) and it was a pity not to see the deicing action. However after pushing back while on the way to the runway, I managed to see some deicing action on an Easyjet A321 aircraft.
After a smooth climb towards our assigned flight level and direction, the friendlier cabin crew (compared to my previous flight) came around to start the service and once again we were given a snack and a choice of beverage. The flying condition towards Barcelona was nice and there was hardly any turbulence on this flight.
After 7 flights with the A220, I can tell you how much I love flying on this aircraft and you have to give this aircraft a try whenever you can. Anyway, for the rest of the flight, the approach and landing was a smooth affair. The Captain gave us a good update before departure and landing so that's great.
Once touched down, we taxied about 10 minutes before reaching our gate. It was great to be back in Barcelona, ths last time I was here, I flew Spanair from Madrid to Barcelona on the A320 and the return flight on the MD-87. Of course Spanair has since ceased operation but its memories like this that make it more memorable for us.
Overall, it was a great flight with Air France, I thoroughly enjoyed the A220 experience. Although the exterior livery has a lot to be desired, the interior impresses with its modern and luxurious cabin.
Cabin photos
The 2-seater side at the business class section.
One of the seats will remain vacant for business class passengers.
The 3-seater side of the right side of the cabin.
The overhead compartment
Economy Class Cabin
The unique 2-3 configuration
This time I sat on the right side of the A220.
Here is the view of the seats across my row.
Legroom space is tight.
The view from my seat
Legroom space
Each seatback has a phone holder with the charging ports of type A and C available for the passengers.
More photos of the seat
Charging ports of USB-A and C
The overview photo of the cabin
One last look of the cabin before disembarking.
Time to leave the aircraft.
A peek of the A220 cockpit
The emergency row
Inflight snack and beverage
We were given a packet of biscuit and a choice of beverage, orange juice for this case.
Inflight entertainment
The website also indicates which area has WiFi coverage.
Lavatory
There are 2 lavatories located at the rear of the cabin.
I was able to fit inside the lavatory without issues.
The interior of the lavatory
Window view photos (Take off to Landing)
Notice the green fluid on the wings? This is used during the deicing process to prevent the wings or important parts of the aircraft from being frozen as they are critical for flying.
Look at how lovely the weather was that morning.
Passing by Air France's corperate office.
Air France Concorde on display.
An Easyjet A321ceo aircraft was undergoing the deicing procedure.
At this point, we reached the threshold of the runway.
Making our turn into the active runway.
Off we go! It's not everyday I get to fly on an aircraft with green fluids all over the wings.
We lifted off with raindrops showering on our aircraft.
The rain got a bit heavy at one point but it was hardly turbulent.
We were out of the rainy clouds.
See you France, perhaps a visit next time to your country in the near future!
After an hour of flying, we started our descent into Barcelona.
The view is certainly breathtaking especially in good weather.
The wings of the Air France A220 and if you notice, the green fluid is gone.
Another wonderful joyride on the A220-300, courtesy of Bombardier.
We made a few turns during our descent to follow the traffic in preparation for landing.
Flying over some hilly areas.
We were on final approach into runway 06L.
Touched down!
Spoilers were armed while the reverse thrust was deployed to slow the aircraft.
We arrived in good weather in Barcelona.
We taxied for quite a while to our gate.
Passing by an Etihad Boeing 787-9 featuring a special livery.
Turning into the taxiway leading to our gate at one of the piers.
We are almost there.
Turning into our parking lot.
With that, my flying adventure with Air France A220 came to an end.
My flight summary
Welcome to Barcelona!
The airport terminal didn't change much since my last trip here.
As Spain is part of Schengen Area along with France, there isn't a need to go through passport control (immigration) at this airport. So we were allowed to disembark at the departure hall which we made way to the arrival hall without passport check.
A group of passengers waiting to board their aircraft.
That's all for my Air France A220-300 trip report review!
My Ratings
Airline Website/Mobile App: 5/5
Airport Experience (CDG Airport Terminal 2E and 2F): 3/5
Inflight Service: 4/5
Seat Comfort: 4/5
Inflight Entertainment: 3/5 (Complimentary messaging only)
Cabin Ambiance: 5/5
Condition of the aircraft : 5/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
InFlight Meal/Beverage: 4/5
Punctuality: 4/5
Overall Rating: 42/50
Percentage: 84%
Conclusion
While I am not a fan of CDG Airport, my experience there was not too bad. Although I find it strange that the security and immigration section at the transit section not opened for 24 hours, at least I managed to find a decent resting spot to rest and there are charging points to charge my devices. So for those who wish to hang around the transit area during the overnight layover, there are a few places for you to rest if you are like me, refuse to splash over the top for the hotel room. Personally I won't use this airport for overnight layover, it is better to stay at least a day in Paris before continuing the journey to your destination, what I had just experience is not worth the hassle.
As for the Air France's A220-300, they are certainly a good upgrade over the older narrow-body aircraft such as the A318 and A319. The airline is still operating a relatively old and tired fleet of A320 and A321ceo and what would replace them? We have no idea yet but one thing for sure is the A220-300 is too small to replace the A320 and A321. Whatever it is if you have the chance, go for the A220-300 for the better economy class experience especially on longer legs.
Hope you enjoy this trip report. I have plans to do more regional routes in summer probably with a few European low cost carriers, stay tuned for it.
For my part 1 of my Air France Trip Report (LHR-CDG), click here
For my next final part of this flying adventure in Europe for February/March 2025, click here for the trip report.
Thanks for reading!
Charles
(If you are happy with my work, feel free to contribute by donating any amount over here. Greatly appreciated!)
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