I know in a previous post someone asked where to meet a friend at CDG the next day. But my delima is a little different. I will be flying in to CDG and arriving around 8:30 am on American Airlines. My friend is flying in on Delta, but arriving around 6:15 am. I wish it was the other way around, as I have flown in there twice and don't feel intimidated by it anymore. I know at least a little French, enough to ask simple questions, and have some Euros from my last trip. So if I was arriving first would be fine walking around and trying to find a coffee (although I don't rememer a cafe around, but sure there is something). But since she will be there first, I would like to give her some pretty good directions for her to follow to wait and then find me.

I am pretty sure that we both arrive at terminal 2, but I think they will be at different points. 2B and 2D (or something like that. I just can't remember right now.) Is customs at different points for that or just one for Terminal 2. Then once through, could you recommend a place for her to spend time and then directions to go to an easy meeting spot?

Thanks in advance. We probably wont have use of cell phones at that time to text or email, so need to have a plan.

Each module (A, B, C, D....) has its own exit from the security/customs zone.

Your friend can just meet you coming out of your exit. There is a stand-up coffee bar across from each exit, but I'm sure there will be no problem finding a place to sit down for coffee.

Frankly, I do not see how not speaking French can be a problem for an English-speaker in the principal international airport of the European continent.

I met my nephew at the aiport recently and maybe some of my photos will help you get oriented.

http://tinyurl.com/yfynwck

Two years ago, I faced the same problem with non-French-speaking friends. I suggested they go to the Sheraton for coffee, a little breakfast and a comfortable place to wait for two hours. They did go, but had to pay a princely sum for a buffet, which one of them hardly touched. I felt a little guilty.

When we reached the Sheraton, our friends were parked outside on a bench waiting for us, as I recall. The good thing about the Sheraton is that there is only one. No chance for confusion. You could tell you friend to head there and just find coffee or breakfast on the way, unless she is feeling flush and wants to splurge on an expensive brunch buffet. (It could be a deal, depending on how much smoked salmon one can eat!)

Good luck and have a great trip!

Thanks guys. That helps. I just know her well and have traveled with her a few times and having a well laid out plan helps.

Well, your friend will get into 2A and you will get into 2E. They might as well be separate terminals.

Here is the link to the airport map. I would find a spot on the map that makes sense for you:

http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/e.../maps/maps.htm

The map idea is a good one. I would also have a back-up plan in case one of the flights is delayed by several hours. (Will the other party go on to the hotel, etc.)

Are you going in to Paris together by train? Renting a car? That might determine the best place to meet.

I hesitate to suggest she meet you after your baggage claim because this seems to change. We've always picked up baggage at 2E and gone out into the galerie to the rental car area, but once out of the last four times we found the car counter on our left rather than on our right. And we don't think all the car rental desks were moved. It's because CDG has a lot in common with the Bermuda Triangle.

Thanks, everyone. We will probably take a taxi together when I arrive. The map helps. And yes, I will give her a back up plan for very late arrivals. Although she is one of my dearest friends, I have watched her get swayed by the timeshare people in the Cabo airport even with warning and know that it is better with specific instructions.

Justs about a month away! Yea!