Brussels Airlines has recently been acquired by Lufthansa. The airline will be folded into Lufthansa’s Eurowings (low-cost) division, but remain a separate brand. Here’s what you can expect on a longhaul Brussels flights in business class, at least for now.
In the interest of transparency, I state at the outset that this review has never been published before, but is from October 2013. It is part of my Star Alliance Business Class Adventure in Europe and Asia report. I outline in that post why I post older flight and hotel reviews.
We spent the night at the Courtyard Marriott Brussels Airport and arrived about 90 minutes before our flight. After spending a few minutes in the Brussels Airlines Sunrise Lounge, we boarded our flight to New York.
Brussels Airlines 501
Brussels (BRU) – New York (JFK)
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Depart: 10:25 AM
Arrive: 12:4o PM
Duration: 8hr, 15min
Aircraft: Airbus A330-300
Seat: 5D (Business Class)
Brussels Airlines A330 Business Class Seats
The business class cabin features fully lie-flat seats in a staggered 1-2-1 or 2-1-2 configuration. Choose seats A or K in odd numbered rows or E in even numbered rows if you want one of the coveted “throne” seats.
The seats were just like my Austrian flight the day before and on some Delta flights in business class. While I do find the seats a bit tight in the leg well, I had no trouble sleeping through half the flight. Note pillows but no blankets in the pictures below. While I’m sure blankets were available, they were not proactively offered and I never asked for one.
Brussels Airlines A330 Business Class IFE
I’d rate the selection on this flight as more limited than many carriers, but there were still the usual latest Hollywood releases you see on planes as well as a library of Belgian movies, music, and games. I watched In Time (I love sci-fi movies like this) and then 42, the story of Jackie Robinson.
You can check out what films and other IFE will be available on your flights here.
Brussels Airlines A330 Business Class Food
I enjoyed the food on the flight, even though the Austrian flight the day before had even better food. Here’s the menu–
Service began with a cocktail prior to takeoff. I never learned what it was, but was fruity and sweet from Caipi One.
After takeoff, both mixed nuts and canapés were offered. The canapés included crab and mozzarella balls drizzled in pesto sauce.
I chose meze for the appetizer, more out of curiosity. While I wish I would have ordered scallops, the meze wasn’t bad. Not sure what the pink sauce was, but the grape leaves and tabbouleh were great. Very nice bread with delicious butter as well.
For my main course, I enjoyed a fabulous breast of chicken with lemon ravioli and fennel.
My brother ordered pasta with mushroom:
Next came a cheese course with crackers and more bread:
And finally the highlight of the meal, a delicious dessert of fruit puff pastry with tea and a chocolate truffle:
In the front of the cabin, whole fruit and bottles of water were available throughout the flight.
Halfway through the flight a “movie snack” was offered — delicious Belgian ice cream!
90 minutes before landing a light meal was served. Still stuffed from the last meal and ice cream snack, I just picked at it. The shrimp and beef were of good quality.
Brussels Airlines A330 Business Class Service
With the cabin only half full, the crew was able to provide more personal service. While one of the male FAs seemed to be just going through the motions, a female FA who worked my side of the aisle was very engaging and courteous.
My favorite part of the Brussels service was the box of chocolates presented prior to landing–
Not just a small sampler, but an entire box of Neuhaus chocolate! What a pleasant surprise and nice touch. Perhaps someone who has flown in Brussels more recently can chime in below whether these chocolates boxes are still given out.
I apologize that I do not have a picture of the amenity kit. It was very basic. Lucky included a picture in his review.
Brussels Airlines A330 Business Lavatory
Lavatories are small but clean. Real towels are available.
CONCLUSION
I won’t say Brussels Airlines was a pleasant surprise. I had high expectations and Brussels met them. It is a very respectable option if you have Star Alliance points and are looking for a good business class product. I look forward to flying Brussels again.
Remember, Brussels Airlines serves the following North American cities:
- Toronto
- Washington IAD
- New York JFK
A one-way business class ticket between North America and Brussels costs:
- 70K United miles (no fuel surcharge)
- 55K Aeroplan (no fuel surcharge)
- 63K Avianca miels (no fuel surcharge)
- 65K Singapore miles (with fuel surcharge)
- 88K ANA miles round-trip (with fuel surcharge) [no one-way bookings]
Award space is hit-or-miss.
Great review of Brussels Airlines! I completely agree and I have flown them often between JFK & BRU. Wish they flew to ORD or year-round to IAD. Have always found the service to be spot on and much more attentive than LH. I truly hope that this brand continues even under the Eurowings Group. Love that they give out a chocolate box gift to every passenger prior to landing….and I really like how they block economy passengers from deplaning until all bus class have disembarked – a nice touch of respect.
Half of the post is a 4 years old menu. Seriously?
Aeroplan charges 55K without fuel surcharges.
Thanks. That was a typo.
I believe the welcome drink was champagne with some cassis liquor or a Kir royale is what the drink is called! 🙂 Nice review!
The pink sauce served with the starter is called (Greek) tarama. It’s smoked cod eggs mixed with olive oil, bread crumbs and lemon.
Just flew Brussels Airlines business class this week-end, from Toronto. Indeed, a great experience !