Extime Lounge

The Extime Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Terminals 2B-2D, is a collaboration between Groupe ADP (the operator of Paris airports) and TAV (a global airport services provider). Launched mid-2022, the Extime Lounge is the cornerstone of Groupe ADP’s expanding Extime portfolio, which encompasses meet-and-greet services, lounges, and Duty Free retail operations. At this time, Extime Lounge locations include CDG Terminal 1, CDG Terminals 2B-2D, and Orly 4.

Situated in the connector building between Terminals 2B and 2D, just after the security checkpoint and Duty Free area, the Extime Lounge welcomes airline-invited customers, as well as all passengers departing from Terminals 2B and 2D on a pay-in basis, irrespective of their class of service or destination.

The Extime Lounge, the sole club in the Terminal 2B-2D complex, is located before passport control. Passengers bound for destinations outside Europe’s Schengen zone should allocate sufficient time for passport checks.

Extime Lounge CDG design

The Extime Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport Terminal 2B-2D is located in the footprint of the former Sheltair Lounge, though the space has undergone a complete rebuild and makeover. The Sheltair Lounge, a time capsule sporting Air France’s original décor, was in dire need of rejuvenation. Not only is the Extime Lounge more spacious than its predecessor, but the mezzanine area has been fully enclosed, shielding patrons from concourse noise.

The Extime Lounge sports a residential décor inspired by traditional Parisian flats with an underlying Asian influence.

A wide hallway connects the small lobby area to the main lounge. This modern interpretation of the traditional Hausmanian gallerie is adorned with intriguing art pieces and occasional benches.

At the end of the hallway, a small sitting area mimics a Parisian living room with hardwood floors, crown moldings, round tables, stylish armchairs, a large mirror, eye-catching chandeliers, and a sculptural bookcase.

While a bit kitschy and Vegas-esque, the decor is pleasant and unpretentious. The room is bathed in daylight, though this section of the lounge doesn’t feature any views as the room overlooks a metal walkway. Power outlets line the walls, although the center tables lack access to plugs, an oversight for a new lounge.

Behind the living room is the main sitting area, where the Parisian theme takes on a more pronounced Asian influence with additions such as artificial flowers in glass jars, bamboos, and candles. The layout aims at offering as much privacy as possible: few seats face each other, and guests have their choice of traditional lounge seats, which are conducive to conversation with a neighbor, and more secluded cube chairs for enhanced privacy. Families will find a small partitioned-off section with couches and a few games and toys. Power outlets, as well as USB-A and USB-C ports are available at most seats.

The buffet area, adjacent to the main sitting room, is stylish but noticeably cramped.

In the rear, a quieter room with a more residential decor features tabletop seating, recliners, cube chairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tarmac. This section includes an elegant separate VIP room.

While the Extime Lounge earns high marks for its elegant décor and privacy-oriented layout, it falls short in several aspects. There are few suitable workspaces—most seats have tiny side tables which aren’t ergonomic, while most full-size tables in the room adjacent to the lobby do not have power outlets. Furthermore, as the only club in Terminals 2B and 2D, the Extime Lounge isn’t spacious enough. The facility routinely operates at capacity, and the buffet area and bathrooms are not adequately dimensioned. Finally, despite its young age, the Extime Lounge already shows signs of wear and tear—we noticed scuffs and marks, wobbly power outlets, and a broken toilet seat.

Extime Lounge CDG amenities

The Extime Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Terminals 2B-2D, boasts a comprehensive hot and cold buffet with a high-quality spread. The cold selection includes snacks, cold cuts, tabouleh, a salad bar, and fresh seasonal offerings. Hot entrees, like butter chicken and roasted vegetables, complement sweets, chia pudding, and fruit.

On the beverage front, patrons can enjoy mineral water (including San Pellegrino), juices, soda, red and white wines, Lucien Lalardier Champagne, a variety of self-served liquors and spirits, tea, and two espresso machines.

There are also a few snacks, nibbles, and treats in the first room near the lobby, along with fruit juices.

In addition to the general offerings, El Al customers will find a dedicated Kosher buffet in the main sitting area, complete with snacks, hot food, and wines. Microwaves are available for warming up sandwiches and pastries.

The bathrooms are on the small size and inadequate for peak-time traffic. The men’s room has only two sinks and no urinals. When we visited, the touchless water faucets and hand dryer were finicky and difficult to operate.

The Extime Lounge provides two shower rooms, accessible for a 20 Euro upcharge, even for Business and First Class customers. This policy may be due to limited real estate at Charles de Gaulle airport, but it’s disappointing for a newly-built lounge.

Other amenities include fast Wi-Fi and a complimentary selection of online newspapers and magazines. Notably absent are business amenities like printers or a copier.

Extime Lounge CDG bottom line

As the sole club at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminals 2B-2D, the Extime Lounge impresses with its elegant décor, private seating, fast Wi-Fi, and high-quality buffet.

The Extime Lounge serves as an excellent amenity for short-haul passengers but falls short of a premium club for long-haul travelers. Limited workspaces, the absence of business facilities, and a 20 Euro charge for showers detract from the overall experience. The club also lacks luxurious touches that tend to be the hallmark of modern business class lounges such as handcrafted coffee or private resting spaces. Also, the location before passport control may inconvenience those traveling outside Europe’s Schengen zone.

The 65 Euro admission fee is steep, but high entry prices help limit crowding, to the benefit of airline-invited guests.

Historically, lounges operated by Paris Airports under the former Icare brand were abysmal. The airport’s recent focus on premium passenger experiences is a welcome development. Extime Lounges are a dramatic improvement over Icare Lounges, but they’re still mid-market clubs.