Belgian carrier Brussels Airlines serves routes to Europe, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania. Founded in 2006 through a merger between Virgin Express and SN Brussels Airlines, it filled a gap in the market following the collapse of the Belgian flagship Sabena, which operated from 1923 to 2001. Today, Brussels Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group and a member of the Star Alliance. The airline operates an all-Airbus fleet of A330 and A320 family planes.
I’ve always enjoyed my flights on Brussels Airlines and traveling through its hub at Brussels Airport. The airline is efficient and reliable rather than luxurious, performing excellently when things go wrong.
Such was the case when our aircraft missed a late-night connection due to weather delays outside the airline’s control. When we queued up at the Brussels help desk in the Terminal near midnight, I was instantly rebooked on the first flight home the following day. The airline had already made arrangements for our hotel and transport. The process only took minutes.
I found a courtesy meal bag with fresh sandwiches, chips, beverages, and chocolate waiting for me when I got to my room. I had time to enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel buffet before returning to the airport. It’s not the first time I’ve flown when things went awry, but this missed connection was particularly memorable because Brussels Airlines did not miss a beat on service.
Now, let’s talk about what it’s like to fly on Brussels Airlines on most flights when things go as they should.
Brussels Airlines classes
Brussels Airlines offers three classes of service in separate cabins on its twin-aisle A300 planes operating long-haul flights: Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy class. On the single-aisle A320 family planes, which fly mid- and short-haul flights, the airline offers two classes of service: Business class and Economy. However, the A320 business class is in the Euro-business style, a standard economy triple with the middle seat blocked.
Throughout its service, the airline focuses on infusing Belgitude into the passenger experience, ensuring a taste of Belgian culture. That includes friendly, efficient staff, Belgian favorites on the menu and understated elegance in the design of its cabins and lounges.
Brussels Airlines long-haul Business Class on the Airbus A330-300
Most of the airline’s business class cabins on the A330-300 are arranged in the airline’s ‘Boutique Hotel in the air’ design concept. This cabin alternates 1-2-1 and 2-2-1 configuration, with 30 seats in all, most with aisle access. There are three sets of twins by the window on the left-hand side of the cabin, in rows 2, 4 and 6, ideal for couples flying together.
The comfortable shell seat is 20.5” wide and converts to a 2-meter (6ft 6¾ inch) bed. It offers a divider panel between twins, which can be lowered for conversation, plenty of personal storage space and room to work with AC power. The airline provides noise-cancelling headphones and a 15.6” HD screen for in-flight entertainment.
Two aircraft have different layouts. One alternates a 1-2-1 2-1-2 arrangement, and the other ‘Eurowings’ aircraft features a different but comparable seat in a 2-2-2 arrangement.
I like that the Brussels Airlines Business class cabin includes a self-serve bar with snacks and beverages to enjoy during the flight.
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 puts a lot of Belgitude into its in-flight service, including in-flight dining in all classes. The airline partners with Michelin-starred Belgian chefs to create unique and delectable business-class meals.
The dedicated premium economy menu is more generous than the economy class, with a starter and cheese plate. The airline serves an Aperitif after take-off.
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 partnerships.
The LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus
The LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus is the largest and swankiest of the three, with many different zones to dine, sleep, work, or hang out. It’s light, spacious, and full of treats, including a buffet, self-service bar and Neuhaus chocolate corner. There are showers to freshen up after a long flight, and sleeping rooms are available for those with extended waits, complete with stars on the ceiling.
Lufthansa elite HON Circle members can enjoy the private lounge within a lounge at the LOFT, which has its own Miele kitchen for self-service snacks and beverages and a living room for relaxation.
You’ll find the LOFT in Pier A (within the Schengen Zone) across from gate A42.
The Brussels Airlines Sunrise Lounge
Located at the end of Pier A, in the Schengen Zone, the Brussels Airlines Sunrise lounge is perfect for spotters as it offers excellent runway views. You’ll find comfortable seating, showers, rest zones, a generous buffet, and a self-serve bar.
The VIEW in Pier B
Pier B at Brussels Airport is the non-Schengen airport area, and Brussels Airlines premium passengers can access the airport-run lounge there. It’s located on an upper level between Gate B012 and B05, accessed via stairs or elevator. The ambiance is homey, and it also offers excellent runway views. You can enjoy a buffet and self-service bar.
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.
