operationalD

This is my first time in Paris
The problem is I am arriving 6 hours before my friend, so we thought it would be best if I wait for her in the airport and leave together to the hotel
-Is there anything I can do in the 6hours after baggage claim
-do I have to leave the airport with my luggage or can I hang out with my luggage at duty free

would be great if anyone could help me

Thank you

KTtravel

Why not wait for her at the hotel where you'll be much more comfortable? Or better yet, check into the hotel and see a bit of Paris before she arrives.

There's no guarantee your friend's plane won't be delayed which could mean an even longer wait.

suze

I also would go on to your hotel separate and meet there later on. Sitting around the airport for 6 hours (or longer!) is no way to start a vacation.

KTtravel

I had another thought, are you sure she'll be arriving at the same terminal?

I really can't imagine waiting such a long time at the airport. I can't remember the set-up of the Charles de Gaulle airport (I'm assuming this is where you're arriving?) but most airports aren't really set up for passengers to linger after they've picked up their luggage.

You can take a bus or taxi or train into Paris from the airport. If you post where your hotel is located, I'm sure many people here can help you with transportation advice.

janisj

one hour -- sure wait at CDG. But six hours?? No way I'd sit there that long. And what if her flight is delayed?

Definitely - just go straight to your hotel. Even if you are too early and can't check in yet, they will hold your suitcase. Then (if you can check in) can freshen up and wait at the hotel.

If you can't check in, you can walk around the neighborhood, have a nice lunch, check out nearby cafes/bars/sites. Then return to the hotel to wait for your friend.

Let's see?
six hours in nasty CDG
vs.
six hours in Paris

gerrit

If you want to wait for your friend,you might really enjoy the AirFrance Business Class Lounge which I believe you can pay to enter, if you flew bus. class it's free. Free food, free drinks, comfortable seating and spotless shower rooms. A nice way to spend 6 hours at an airport.

suze

What is the reasoning for meeting/waiting at the airport? Maybe that would help me understand, but I can't think of one single advantage. Sure I can see using a Lounge as suggested above on a stop-over, but not for the first 6 hours when I ARRIVE Paris. No way!

lincasanova

you'll probably doze off and miss her anyway. ( just kidding). I agree with the above.

StCirq

No way I'd wait 6 hours at the airport. Go into Paris, get checked in at your hotel, take a walk, have a café, look around, take a shower, and meet up with her later in the day. No-brainer.

susanna

I'm with everyone above, go into paris.
If it's your first time there just take a cab to your hotel, it'll run u about 50euros, write down the name and address on a piece of paper to hand the driver if you do no speak any french....really, you can thank us all later.

nytraveler

Airports are made for people waiting for planes - not those that have already arrived. One you get landside (go through Immigration and get your luggage) you need to enter France and the airport doesn; have seats or services for people there. You'll be left standing there for 6 hours - a gigantic waste of time.

Go ahead into Paris, check in to your hotel and see somrthing or Paris - don;t waste most of a day.

Sidny

Agree that 6 hours is a long time to hang around the airport, but the information that there are no seats or services available after picking up luggage is NOT correct. I recently waited 3 hours for a friend (Terminal 2)--my 8am arrival,hers 11am (mostly so we could split the taxi fare in--I would have taken RER but I knew she would take taxi if solo), and the time passed quickly. I freshened up a bit in a bathroom, had coffee, sent a few emails and did some reading. There are plenty of shops/coffee kiosks and seating available post baggage claim. So never fear if you're set on waiting at the airport. That being said, w/ 6 hours I would def head into the city, drop my bags at the hotel and check out my new neighborhood! Buy a bottle of wine and some snacks for you both to enjoy in the room while your friend gets freshened up before you head out to check out Paris.

operationalD

wow you guys are were an amazing help. I know waiting is a bit stupid but this is more sentimental than anything. its paris for the first time and I want to see it with her .... fully

the problem is I arrive terminal two....my friend; terminal one

I might play it by ear I guess. I already checked with the hotel I can not checkin at 530am and if I do I believe paris will be kinda dead that early in the morning

you guyz have been so amazing for replying

lincasanova

You have the Hyatt with a free shuttle bus.. to get out and get some fresh air.. if you want to go for breakfast and/just read their papers with a coffee on their comfy sofas.

I had a very long layover once, and just to get out of the airport I did that. Much more comfortable than hanging around the airport... You also have the Sheraton above the Rer station for breakfast, but they do not have a large lobby to hang around in.

.

suze

You can still leave your bag at your hotel even if you can't check in. As long as their front desk is open that early.

janisj

"<i>I might play it by ear I guess. I already checked with the hotel I can not checkin at 530am and if I do I believe paris will be kinda dead that early in the morning</i>"

If you land at 05:30 you won't be at the hotel until about 7:00 or 07:30 -lots of cafes will be open and there will be folks out and about.

"<i>I know waiting is a bit stupid but this is more sentimental than anything. its paris for the first time and I want to see it with her .... fully</i>"

It sounds like you have this romantic notion of 'seeing' Paris for the first time together. Well - the ride in from CDG is not romantic or scenic.

Definitely go into the city and leave your bags at the hotel. (BTW - Of course the hotel says you can't check in early -- because they won't/can't guarantee it. But if they were not full the night before, the room might actually be ready when you arrive. If so, they will let you check in)

Gretchen

Just one more--go to the hotel. You can take a shuttle and save a little money as a single passenger. Let someone here who has done that advise how.
I would not advise a first timer to do any public transportation.
AND the arrival at different terminals is a real deal breaker for getting together. It is a confusing (and ugly) airport.
You will have a ball going to the hotel and finding a little cafe nearby to have your first cafe and croissant.
Enjoy.

suze

janisj, That's what I was thinking about that idea.
You don't really "see" Paris all of a sudden or all at once arriving from the airport. You're kind of already there. It's a big sprawling city. You can you have 1st time *wow* moment with your friend when you meet at the hotel or spot the Eiffle Tower or walk along the Seine instead.

StCirq

You're going to be real UN-sentimental after 6 hours on a hard seat at CDG. Plus, as noted, driving into Paris from the airport is just ugly dead time - not something you and your friend are going to wax romantic about in the future.

Go to your hotel, leave the bags (any hotel will keep them for you until the room is ready), get out and get a coffee and stroll around, get your bearings, and pick up a bottle of wine and some good cheese and a baguette, so when your friend does arrive you can actually have a memorable first moment together.

LynnBryant

You didn't ask about a good way to get into the city, but we have used Blue Van several times and been very pleased. It's less expensive than using a taxi and you pay ahead of time when you make your reservations online.

I also vote for going on into the city and meeting up with your friend there!