Brussels Airlines

SN 465 20th April EBB-BRU and SN 465 BRU-EBB 25th April. It beats my understanding why those head rests were added on the seats. A head rest is supposed to give comfort not torture. One needs a pile of pillows to support the back otherwise one has to sit hunched like a monkey. Fares to Brussels are much higher than some airlines but I decided to fly SN thinking it might be a better choice. The moment I boarded and sat down I regretted my decision because I realized I could not sit straight neither could I recline on my back. I inquired from a flight attendant if this "slab" could be removed but he said it was not possible. I had to resign to my fate and endured the torture for more than 16 hours (to/fro).

IAD-BRU-LYS in economy. Brussels Airlines was the low-cost provider and I cannot say anything super negative about them. Flights were on time food was decent and AVOD was more than adequate. FA's were not overly friendly but were helpful enough. Perhaps my cost-conscious flying experiences recently have lowered my expectations a bit too far but I thought Brussels Airlines was fine. Would definitely recommend and use again.

Vienna to Brussels - in the same cabin this airline does operate business economy with service and economy without - the last one with checked luggage or hand luggage only. I did receive a newspaper and a coke with one ice cube. Must describe FA as correct but not friendly - cold meal was horrible cold stodgy rice with some shrimps and a sweet and sour sauce - lucky there was a very small piece of cheese and 2 chocolates - plastic cutlery in business class. Choice of drinks was not presented - so I went for a second coke once again with one ice cube. One of the poorest business class services. Luggage was delivered in less than 20 minutes.

Had a flight from Brussels to Ouagadougou Burkina Faso which was scheduled 4 hour and 55 minutes. They re routed us with other flights to Accra Ghana then to Abdijan then to Ouagadougou to pick up more passengers. We flew right over Ouagadougou and this added 5 hours 20 minutes to our route. They did not apologize or care for the huge problems it caused or keeping us on a plane against our will for an additional 5 hours 20 minutes. I will never fly this airline again!

MAD-BRU and BRU-BUD. Fare was competitive with the direct services of Wizz and Ryanair. Earned Star Alliance points for both segments. Crew were excellent and efficient. No IFE and the food and beverage is pay as you go (I had a cold drink). This is a regional low frills carrier but several steps above the budget alternatives available. Was nervous about a 30 minute connection in BRU but made it with time to spare and my bag made it to Budapest as well. Would definitely fly them again short haul.

Had a flight MAD-BRU on 20/02. As a Star Alliance Gold Member I had access to the lounge in Madrid. Priority boarding went smooth. Comfort and service inside the plane were OK for this short flight. Satisfying experience over all. Only negative point is that the five pieces of luggage with a priority tab were delivered last upon arrival in Brussels.

BRU-BCN on 13/02. Easy and fast priority check in (Senator). The new SN lounge The Loft is a great place for having a drink and some food before the flight. Plane was A320. Comfort OK for the short flight. No IFE. Friendly staff.

Our outward flight to Barcelona from Birmingham was delayed by 6 hours without explanation. The return flight was delayed by 14 hours once again without explanation. The seats are uncomfortable. The hotel that we were put up in was a cheap transit type hotel with poor beds bedding and pillows. There were no curtains at the window either. The airline is trying to portray itself as a large national carrier but it is nothing more than a “tin-pot” disorganised budget airline. However the staff were friendly and did try to assist with our questions. I will never fly with this airline again and would suggest if you read this you heed my advice.

PRG-BRU-EDI Brussels Airlines is effectively a low-cost airline disguised as a proper national flag-carrier. Cramped aircraft with extremely uncomfortable seats and on both legs of my flight absolutely no overhead luggage space meaning that I had to keep my briefcase under my feet. There were two of us in our party and yet somehow we weren't seated next to each other - and the issue was explained to me as being unsolvable by ground staff. Absurd amounts of queuing for boarding and disembarking although the way boarding was called- one would believe that there was some logic being employed. Absolutely nothing is handed for free if you are flying Economy - not even water which again goes back to the point that they are operating as a low-cost carrier. Cost of a tickets is slightly lower than the cost of ticket on e.g. Lufthansa but not as low as Easyjet or Ryanair both of which in my opinion offer a direct service superior to Brussels Airlines. Also on a side note - Brussels Airport which is the airline's hub is a nightmare.

LHR-BRU return on A319. Small old aircraft. Seats unbelievably thin and hard even less comfy than LCC like AirAsia. Both legs departed late. However cabin attendants were friendly and helpful. It is obvious that they are doing cost-cutting but they still give water and pieces of Belgian chocolate for free. For a very short flight not bad at all.