Officially called THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus, this Schengen lounge at Brussels Airport (BRU) is Brussels Airlines’ flagship lounge and offers a number of nice amenities and space to spread out in one of the major airports most depressing in Europe.
Brussels Airlines “The Loft” lounge review
I’m not a fan of Brussels Airport… I find the boarding areas sterile and uncomfortable and the crowding and hot air tedious. But there is relief available in The Loft, which is Brussels Airlines’ main lounge.
Location + Access + Schedules
Located on Pier A opposite Gate A42, this lounge is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (unless the last flight departs earlier). Access is restricted to the following passengers:
- Business Class Passenger
- HON Circle members
- Star Alliance Gold Members
- Miles & More Frequent Traveler (but not other Star Alliance Silver members)
Paid access is also available for €39 at off-peak hours for passengers in economy class (maximum stay three hours). People traveling with Economy Flex or Premium Economy tickets can purchase access at the reduced price of €29.
Go up the stairs or escalator one level from the departures to find the lounge entrance.
Design + Seat
Brussels Airlines has partnered with Lexus to design this lounge. Inspired by Japan, Brussels Airlines Explain:
We’ve partnered with Lexus to bring you the best in luxury and design at The Lexus Experience, inspired by the best Japanese traditions of omotenashi, the art of hospitality. This ancient Japanese philosophy of treating each visitor as a valued guest in their own home is one of the core values of our partner Lexus.
The living room is L-shaped and when you enter you can walk straight in or head to the right to sit in the living room. At 8:00 a.m., the living room was packed. At 9:30 a.m., the living room was virtually empty.
Seating includes sofas, chairs and a room with desks in the back.
Plugs are widely available and universal, making it unnecessary to whip out your adapter if you’re traveling from overseas.
Food + Drink
Food and beverages are available in two different areas of the lounge. Aramark caters and the breakfast served during my visit included scrambled eggs,
Coffee from the Belgian family business Rombouts is available, but unfortunately only from vending machines. The coffee itself is good, but it would be nice to see a better machine and a barista to make the coffee.
Later in the day, Belgian chocolates are available at Neuhaus Corner.
The spa
The salon spa area includes:
- nap rooms
- massage chairs
- showers
- TOILET
- change baby are
Showers + toilets
The “spa” is presented by Grohe and includes showers and toilets with luxury Grohe toilets (with a bidet and other options).
The shower area is on request – see a salon attendant for access.
Sleeping area + massage chairs
Also in the spa area are several bedrooms (available on a first-come, first-served basis) and a pair of massage chairs. I didn’t notice any pillows or blankets and the bed was very firm, making this area ideal for a quick nap rather than an extended stay.
HON circle area
Behind a demarcated area is a special section of the lounge reserved for HON Circle members of the Miles & More program. It’s sponsored by Miele and features Miele cuisine (although the food and drinks are otherwise the same). There is also a dedicated seating area. It remained empty during my visit.
I stepped over the rope to take these photos and was quickly chased away by a staff member from the lounge…
The sponsored fair
I have never seen a show more “sponsored” than this one. It’s an interesting concept that I’m surprised we don’t see more of. Throughout the show you will see logos for Lexus, Miele, Rombouts, Grohe, Neuhaus and others. I imagine, though I’m only speculating, that these brand placements were in exchange not only for products (like Grohe showers and toilets), but probably for some recurring royalties as well.
I don’t necessarily want to see brand logos plastered lounges in the US, but it may be something to look for in the future and may be a way for airlines to offer better amenities without having to spend on that.
CONCLUSION
I like this lounge and find it a fitting flagship for Brussels Airlines. More than just a welcome relief from the terminal, it offers great amenities, plenty of space to spread out and great food and drink.
This is part of my Solemn Trip to Poland travel report.
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