I’ve flown Brussels Airlines more times than I can count, and here’s what you need to know: it’s efficient and reliable rather than luxurious, but it truly shines when things go sideways. The Belgian carrier serves routes across Europe, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia as part of the Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance.
Founded through a merger between Virgin Express and SN Brussels Airlines, it filled the gap left by Sabena’s earlier collapse. Today, the airline operates an all-Airbus fleet of A330 and A320 family planes, and traveling through its Brussels Airport hub has always been a smooth experience.
On one trip, my plane missed a late-night connection because of weather delays completely out of the airline control. I braced for a long night at the airport, but when I got to the help desk near midnight, they had me rebooked on the first flight out the next morning in minutes. They’d already sorted out my hotel and a ride there.
When I got to my room, a courtesy meal bag with fresh sandwiches, chips, a drink, and (of course) Belgian chocolate was waiting for me. It’s not the first time a flight of mine has gone sideways, but this was an incredibly smooth recovery. That’s the kind of service you remember.
Brussels Airlines classes
Brussels Airlines structures its classes differently depending on the plane. Long-haul A330 flights offer three separate cabins: Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy. Short-haul A320 family planes have two classes, though the business cabin uses Euro-business style (a standard economy triple with the middle seat blocked.
Throughout every flight, the airline infuses what they call Belgitude into the experience. That means friendly, efficient staff, Belgian favorites on the menu and understated elegance in cabin and lounge design.
Brussels Airlines long-haul Business Class on the Airbus A330-300
Most A330-300 business class cabins follow the “Boutique Hotel in the air” concept, with a staggered layout offering both single and paired seats. With 30 seats total, most passengers get aisle access, and couples can snag “Twin” seats in rows 2, 4 and 6 on the left side.
The seats convert to lie-flat beds up to 2 meters (6ft 6¾ inches) long.
You’ll find divider panels between twins that lower for conversation, plenty of storage, AC power for work, noise-cancelling headphones, and a 15.6” HD entertainment screen. What I particularly appreciate is the Belgian walk-up bar stocked with snacks and beverages throughout the flight.
Two aircraft break from this pattern, retaining a 2-2-2 configuration from their previous operator (Lufthansa/Eurowings).
Brussels Airlines long-haul Premium Economy on the Airbus A330
Brussels Airlines offers a separate premium economy cabin with a comfortable recliner-chair style seat in a 2-3-2 configuration. I prefer this class for most long-haul flights since it’s more affordable than business class and still superior to flying in the economy cabin.
The airline’s reclining premium economy offers a leg rest, footrest, and large headrest, so you can stretch out and sleep. A larger tray table and AC power outlet make staying productive during the flight easier. You can enjoy in-flight entertainment on a 13.3”, which also offers a USB power outlet to keep your phone charged. Other perks of booking premium economy include a dedicated menu, access to the onboard self-service bar, priority check-in at Brussels airport and lounge access for a fee.
Brussels Airlines long-haul Economy on the Airbus A330
The airline’s A330 economy cabin is arranged in a 2-4-2 layout, except for the last four rows, which are 2-3-2. The bulkhead row (20) and exit row (40) offer more legroom. Seats feature an articulating headrest, which helps with neck support when you want to sleep, a 10.1” in-flight entertainment screen and USB power outlets.
One downside of flying with Brussels Airlines is that the airline does not offer in-flight connectivity. I make a point of catching up with any work that needs to be done at the airport before boarding. There are many places to stop and work at Brussels Airport, even if you don’t go to a lounge, including dedicated workstations throughout the terminal. In-flight, I enjoy the offline time and catch up with programs, movies or a book.
Brussels Airlines medium- and short-haul flights on Airbus A320-family planes
Brussels Airlines flies medium and short-haul routes on A319, A320ceo and A320neo planes. All are arranged in a 3-3 configuration, with the first rows dedicated to Business class, which leaves the middle seat empty. The airline’s slimline seats are 17.8” wide and set 30” apart, with more legroom in the exit rows.
On the A319, beware of the standalone triple in row 25, which has limited recline, no window and is next to the lavatory. On the A320neo planes, you will enjoy the more spacious Airbus Airspace cabins and larger overhead bins for your hand luggage. There are USB outlets to keep your devices powered.
In my experience, the airline’s service is comfortable enough for most European routes, though the planes are often crowded. I would not count on having a lucky empty middle seat, so it might be worth paying a business-class ticket for that reason alone. I have mostly flown economy class on these routes, but I am not tall, so personal space is less of an issue.
Other advantages of Business class include lounge access, dedicated check-in, priority boarding and luggage, and meal service onboard.
On mid- and short-haul flights within Europe, the airline offers a buy-on-board Bistro menu that includes hot and cold meals and snacks. I’ve found the fresh selection well worth paying for in a pinch. That said, there are many good bars and restaurants at Brussels Airport. I usually opt for an airport meal if the connection time allows.
In-flight dining
Brussels Airlines takes its Belgian identity seriously when it comes to food. The airline partners with Belgian Star Chefs to create business class meals that go beyond typical airline fare.
Premium economy passengers get a more generous experience than economy, with a premium fresh starter, cheese plate, and an aperitif service after takeoff. Even in economy, you’ll find Belgian touches throughout the menu.
Brussels Airlines lounges
When traveling through Brussels Airport, you can access three lounges: The LOFT and The Sunrise, operated by the airline, and The VIEW, operated by the airport. Economy class passengers (except Economy-Light) can pay to enter when room is available.
The airline also offers access to lounges in other cities through contracts or its Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance members.
The LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus
The LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus is the biggest and most stylish of the three, located in Pier A (Schengen Zone) across from gate A42. It’s light, spacious, and divided into zones for dining, sleeping, working, or just hanging out.
The treats here go beyond the standard buffet and self-service Belgian Bar with draft beer. You’ll find a Neuhaus chocolate corner with a Maître Chocolatier, Grohe Spa shower suites for freshening up, and individual nap rooms with stars on the ceiling for extended waits. Lufthansa elite HON Circle members get access to an exclusive VIP area within the lounge, complete with its own state-of-the-art Miele kitchen, living room, and changing art collection.
The Brussels Airlines Sunrise Lounge
Located at the end of Pier A in the T-zone (Non-Schengen area) dedicated to passengers traveling to Sub-Saharan Africa, the Sunrise lounge is a bit smaller but offers fantastic runway views for all the aviation geeks out there (I’m one of them). It has all the essentials: comfy seating, showers, nap boxes, a solid buffet and a self-serve beer tap.
The VIEW in Pier B
If you’re flying to a non-Schengen destination from Pier B, you’ll have access to this airport-run lounge. It’s on the level above departures near Gates B01–B05, with a homey vibe and, like the Sunrise lounge, provides excellent views of the action on the tarmac. You’ll find an all-inclusive hot and cold buffet here along with a self-service drinks area offering soft drinks, coffee, wine and Belgian beers.
Brussels Airlines the Suite Lounge at Kinshasa
Brussels Airlines offers many flights to Africa, with Kinshasa as one of its most popular destinations. To reflect the importance of this route, the airline has a dedicated lounge at N’Djili Airport in Kinshasa, D.R. Congo, opposite the airline’s gate. It is small but has a similar Art Nouveau design aesthetic and cozy atmosphere to the airline lounges in Brussels. Staff serve food and beverages on request.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
