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It was my first booking with Air France for their Air and Rail combined trips. Air France introduced this a while ago and started selling these premium revenue tickets, including award tickets using the Flying Blue frequent flyer points.
I redeemed Flying Blue points from LAX to CDG in Air France Business Class seat and took the First Class train from CDG directly to Brussel-Zuid/Midi (ZYR) train station.
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| Air France Air & Rail |
Air France Train From Paris to Brussels
- The Air and Rail combined trips with Air France are only available for premium class. In other words, Air France does not sell Air and Rail tickets for the economy.
- The train leaves directly from CDG Paris Airport to Brussel-Zuid/Midi (ZYR) train station, so you do not need to go into the city.
- The travel time is around 2 and a half hours between CDG and Brussels.
- You cannot select seats in advance for the train. Your seats are pre-assigned, and you know when you receive your boarding pass for the train.
- The train ride segment is by SNCF, operated by TGV fast train, and you will travel in First Class. However, lower your expectation as it is an underwhelming First Class rail experience.
- You will be offered a 16 euro voucher per person to spend at the Galaxy Bar inside the Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel as part of the “lounge experience” for premium class passengers at the train station.
Check-in
While I was checking in for my flight at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) check-in counter, the agent could not issue the boarding pass for the train ticket segment. I could only receive the boarding pass for my first segment, the Air France Business Class flight. I was informed that I checked in to get my train ticket’s boarding pass when I arrived at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at the Air and Rrail counter.
Air France Air and Rial Process
Below is the step-by-step guide to help you understand how the Air France Air and Rail process works. If you need any clarification, please let me know. It can be confusing as there’s no sign of the Air and Rail at CDG airport until you reach the train station.
- After deplaning, follow the sign for baggage and exit (sortie in French). See screenshot #1
- Continue on to clear the Immigration (Tip: use the Skyp Priority lane for Business Class) and then customs to exit. See screenshot #1
- After that, look for the sign that says Gare Train Station. Take the escalator or elevator to level 2, where the Gare train station is, and continue walking. See screenshot #2
- Walk until you reach the train station, and take the escalator down back to level 1 or locate the Starbucks store, which is located on level 1 of the train station, if it’s easier.
- The Air France Air and Rail office is on level 1 of the train station. See screenshot #3
- Note: Ignore the kiosks because they can’t issue the Air and Rail ticket I know of. You must stop by the Air and Rail office.
- Simply check in with the Air France Air and Rail office staff and hand them your passport. You’ll receive the following:
- The boarding pass for your train ticket journey.
- Your assigned seat(s). Seats are pre-assigned, so you cannot select online or know until you check in at the office.
- An invitation to enjoy the Sheraton CDG Paris Airport Hotel, with a 16 euro voucher per passenger, because Air France does not have a lounge at the train station, and you are taking the First Class train out of there.
- The staff will also inform you where to check your train departure information.
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| Screenshot #1 |
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| Screenshot #2 |
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| Screenshot #3 |
Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel Voucher
Air France does not have a lounge at the train station, so it’s nice that they offer a voucher for 16 euro per person to spend at the Galaxy Bar inside the Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel.
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| Galaxy Bar inside the Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel Invitation Voucher |
The Sheraton CDG Paris Airport Hotel is conveniently located inside the train station. You take two escalators up to where you were for the hotel’s entrance.
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| Sheraton CDG Paris Airport Hotel |
We ordered the Monthly Cocktail from the menu because it cost 15 euros. See the menu below:
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| Galaxy Bar inside the Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel Menu |
Train Seats
Although it is First Class for the train, don’t expect much for luxury other than comfort.
- Seats are pre-assigned, so you cannot select seats in advance. Any seating issues or preferences should be addressed only at the Air France Air and Rail office.
- Seats are arranged in 2-1 configurations on the train in the First Class carriage, carriage 1.
- Seat numbers are located in between or on the seats.
- Seats are facing forward in the direction of the train.
- Seats can be reclined with ample legroom.
- Seats have large panoramic windows, but the views are mediocre between Paris and Brussels.
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| First Class Carriage |
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| First Class Train Seats |
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| Seat Number Location |
Baggage
Any baggage can be easily dropped off at the Air France Air and Rail office when you check in to receive your train’s boarding pass. The staff will handle the baggage for you and load it on the train. You’ll pick up your bags at the Brussels train station.
Each seat on the train also has an overhead space where you can stow a carry-on size bag if needed.
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| Baggage Awaits For Loading Onton the Train by Staff |
Brussels Central Station
It’s worth noting that your train ticket will get you only to Brussel-Zuid/Midi train station. If you are staying around the Grand Place in Brussels, you must go to the Brussels Central Station.
French rail company SNCF/TGV makes it simple for you:
- You do not need to buy another train ticket to reach the Central Station when you arrive at Midi Station in Brussels.
- Your CDG to Brussels Midi station ticket can be used to travel to Brussels Central Station free of charge.
- Make sure to keep your train ticket in case you are asked for the ticket on the train.
- The travel time takes only 5 minutes.
I asked the staff on the train, and he was nice to make sure we could use the ticket for Brussels Central Station by writing on the back of the ticket for his colleague.
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