Paris Orly Airport – Terminal 4 (Experience: Paris to Algiers)
Traveling from Paris Orly Airport to Algiers offered a mixed experience, reflecting both noticeable improvements and persistent inefficiencies typical of many mid-sized international airports.
Pros: Affordable Access via Public Transport: One of the major conveniences is that Orly Airport is easily reachable by public transportation. You can access the airport from central Paris using the metro and Orlyval light rail for the price of a local ride. However, depending on which terminal you’re flying from, be prepared to walk. For Terminal 4 in particular, the walk from the train station can take up to 20 minutes, which feels unnecessarily long, especially with luggage. Improved Check-in Process at Terminal 4: Terminal 4 has seen substantial improvements in recent years, especially for flights serving North African destinations. Orly has become something of a hub for airlines operating in this region, and the infrastructure reflects that. Multiple check-in counters and automated kiosks have made the process more efficient. During our trip, it took less than 10 minutes to get boarding passes, a significant improvement compared to past experiences. Early check-in is advisable, not just to avoid stress but also to secure preferred seating. Basic Amenities Covered Pre-Security: Before going through security, you’ll find a pharmacy (a welcome addition), and a small FNAC store that offers last-minute tech accessories like cables and chargers.
Cons: Poor Signage and Long Walks: One of the most frustrating aspects of the airport is the unclear signage. Navigating between sections isn’t intuitive, and with so many long corridors and limited guidance, it's easy to feel lost. This is especially challenging for non-frequent travelers or those unfamiliar with the airport layout. Inefficient Security and Immigration Layout: The transition from check-in to boarding is where Orly still lags behind. The airport features a very long corridor between check-in and security, and although it was mostly empty during our visit, the walk itself was a pointless 15-minute trek. It felt like a poor use of space, and it would make sense to have an alternate layout during low-traffic periods. Once at security, the process was standard, neither faster nor slower than most European airports. However, getting to immigration added another 20-minute walk, worsened by the fact that only two passport control booths were open. This created an unnecessary bottleneck, and while our own process was quick, others, especially travelers with visas, faced delays.
Limited Dining Options in Terminal 4: After clearing immigration, the terminal opens into a duty-free area, followed by a few cafeterias and shops. There’s a small convenience store, but no proper restaurant. You’ll find cafes selling basic coffee, pastries, and pre-made sandwiches. Unfortunately, the quality of food is underwhelming, we recommend grabbing your croissants and baked goods from a real boulangerie in Paris before you arrive. The ones sold at the airport were undercooked and flavorless. Lack of Seating and Ambience: Seating areas were available but basic. Don’t expect much in terms of comfort or ambiance. The overall feel is functional but not particularly inviting or relaxing.
Final Thoughts: Paris Orly Airport, especially Terminal 4, is practical and improving, particularly for North African routes, but still suffers from poor layout planning and limited amenities. If you're traveling through, arrive early, bring your own food if you can, and be ready for long walks between each step of the journey. With some more investment in signage, layout optimization, and better food offerings, Orly could provide a much...
Read moreThis airport and Security group by far has been one of the worst people I have ever encountered in my whole traveling and flying career.
I arrived from New York at the airport CDG. I took an Uber from CDG to Orly Airport for my flight on Transavia going to Istanbul September 14th at 21:55pm. With that being said, I had passed through the TSA at JFK with all my little travel liquids that were under 3.4 ounces with no issue. When I arrive to Orly, after I checked in my bags with Transavia and went through their TSA system and security, I can say that the people working within the security system are one of the most rudest, diminishing and condescending individuals I have ever met in my life.
There was a girl with long brown curly hair, light skin complexion with a big forehead, sitting on the conveyor belt, looking through the camera screen to see the items. She grabbed my green backpack and asked me “if this was my backpack” and I responded to tell her “yes” she screamed at me through the glass where the bags were coming out of the machine saying, “THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE”. She threw my backpack against the conveyor belt.
A tall African-American/Black man with a white shirt opened up my backpack and began to empty my liquids that were in a bag already into a plastic bag. I asked him if he spoke English, his response was, “I don’t speak English and you don’t speak French so don’t speak to me”.
Extremely rude. I have never had someone say that to me before ever in this lifetime.
I asked him why he was emptying my liquids. He said that I had too many liquids above 100 ml that were not in a bag. He would not give me the bag or items to choose from that I wanted, instead he placed them in a gray bin behind the glass on the screen. He gave me a plastic bag that was filled with items that HE chose for me. I DID NOT CHOOSE MY ITEMS THAT WERE NEEDED. I asked to speak to a manager/supervisor and the security refuse to give me back my bag and they told me to leave. They even tried to take my perfume bottle that was fully sealed, not opened and under 3.4 ounces!!! they even took my shampoo and conditioner that was sealed away its own plastic bag to reduce spillage. I could not shower for the whole week due to the loss of dandruff shampoo that I needed.
In my liquid bag, there was medication that was prescribed by my Primary Care Physician for my hormonal acne. I proceeded to tell the Security girl with the long brown curly hair and she proceeded to on me and say “LISTEN TO ME, LISTEN TO ME”. Until this day, I can still hear her saying that to my face and screaming in front of everybody at the security belt. Which is very extremely unnecessary.
After I told her that the cream was medication prescribed by my doctor. I even showed her the prescription. She laughed in my face and walked away and said “THIS IS NOT MEDICATION”.
They even took away my sunscreen stick that was not liquid, it was solid stick like a deodorant stick. I am truly disgusted about what I have encountered and what I have seen and how they treat people within this airport system and security.
as I went up the escalator and it looked on the overview of the security system from the top of the escalators, on the conveyor belt I saw the girls who were making fun of me and laughing at me dividing up my items that were taken against my will and giving the items to each other.
I even expressed all my concerns via TikTok video. Others have reported the same issue and abuse from security staff.
I highly do not recommend this place to anyone to travel from. I will attach images of the items that were taking from me. They were under 3.4 ounces which meet the...
Read moreI recently traveled through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), and I must say, it left me with a memorable experience that was a perfect blend of sophistication and convenience. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a frequent flyer, CDG ensures that your journey starts and ends on a high note.
✈️ Arrival & Check-in: Landing at CDG felt like stepping into a world where modern technology meets French charm. The immigration process was surprisingly swift, and the staff were courteous and multilingual, making the transition smooth even for non-French speakers. I opted for the self-check-in kiosk, and within minutes, I had my boarding pass and luggage tag ready.
🧳 Baggage Handling: Baggage retrieval was impressively quick. I was pleasantly surprised to see my suitcase rolling onto the carousel within 15 minutes of landing. The luggage belts are well-marked and easy to locate, even for first-timers.
🕰️ Navigation & Signage: The signage throughout the airport is crystal clear, with directions available in multiple languages. CDG’s layout can be a bit sprawling, but interactive touchscreens and friendly airport staff make it easy to find your way around. If you have a connecting flight, the transfer process is smooth, and shuttle services between terminals are timely.
🍽️ Culinary Delight: One of the highlights was exploring the food scene. I indulged in a warm, flaky croissant paired with a perfectly brewed espresso at Le Marché Gourmet. For a more refined experience, Caviar House & Prunier offered a taste of luxury. Whether you're craving a quick snack or a full meal, CDG has an impressive range of options to satisfy your palate.
🛍️ Shopping Experience: Duty-free shopping at CDG is a treat! From high-end fashion brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermès to local French delicacies, the variety is stunning. I picked up some beautifully packaged macarons from Ladurée as a perfect Parisian souvenir.
🪑 Lounge & Relaxation: I spent some time at the Air France Lounge, which was a sanctuary of peace amid the hustle. Plush seating, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a delightful selection of wine and snacks made waiting for my flight a pleasure. For those flying economy, CDG also offers plenty of comfortable seating areas and charging points.
🚄 Transportation Connectivity: CDG’s connectivity to the city is remarkable. I hopped on the RER B train, and within 40 minutes, I was in the heart of Paris. Taxis and private car services are also readily available, ensuring seamless travel.
💡 Pro Tip: If you have a layover, take some time to explore Terminal 2E, known for its architectural beauty and art installations. Also, downloading the My Paris Aeroport app can help navigate the airport efficiently.
⚡ Room for Improvement: While the overall experience was stellar, the Wi-Fi could be more consistent in certain areas, especially in Terminal 1. Additionally, security checks during peak hours can get a bit crowded, so arriving early is advisable.
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