Brussels Airlines The Suite

Brussels Airlines The Suite – Brussels (BRU)

The Suite by Brussels Airlines at Brussels airport Terminal B is the Belgian flag carrier’s new lounge for passengers departing to destinations outside Europe’s Schengen zone (with the exception of passengers bound for Africa, who are invited to use the Sunrise Lounge in Terminal T instead.)

Opened in May 2016, The Suite replaces the former underwhelming Brussels Airlines international lounge, which was significantly smaller and lacked amenities as basic as a restroom. The new lounge features space for 160 passengers, with an overflow space for an additional 100 guests across the hallway.

Brussels Airlines The Suite BRU design

The design of The Suite by Brussels Airlines draws upon the success of The Loft, the airline’s flagship lounge in Terminal A.

Brussels Airlines The Suite – Brussels (BRU)

Bathed in daylight, the stylish open space boasts a large window wall with a view of the tarmac, elegant hardwood floors, slick minimalist furniture, and high-end finishes. The Earth tones, light colors, and natural materials foster a sense of well-being. Impressions of surrealist Belgian artist Rene Magritte dot the space.

The lounge features two main areas. To the left of the lobby is a relaxation zone furnished with inviting oversized leather armchairs, while to the right is a large work and dining area with both individual and communal tables.

The layout is resolutely compact and designed for space efficiency. While the décor features numerous elegant touches, the dining area looks like a classroom, with rows of desks side-by-side. At peak departure times, the club can be painfully crowded and noisy, obliterating the otherwise serene design.

An overflow space with a similar design, located across the entrance to the main lounge, accommodates an extra 100 passengers but is hardly sufficient to compensate for the early morning crowds. The Suite gets significantly quieter around 11am.

Power outlets are available at virtually every seat in traps in the floor—while the design preserves the clean lines of the décor, reaching inside the traps is not particularly hygienic.

Brussels Airlines The Suite – Brussels (BRU)

In each room is a wall of TVs tuned to various channels, with headsets available for guests. Next to the buffet area is a stylish nook with high-top seating and a selection of newspapers and magazines.

A designated quiet zone is available behind a closed door with a blackout curtai

n. The room is furnished with five tightly packed recliners with ottomans, including two behind a glass partition. The room is a nice amenity when it’s not busy, but lacks privacy otherwise.

The pristine buffet area features a slick modern design with clean white lines, but is under dimensioned—expect to bump elbows with fellow patrons at peak times.

Behind the reception desk is an unmarked separate room with six desks and a large picture window. Hardly noticeable at a first glance and unknown to most guests, the space typically remains quiet at peak times, and might be the lounge’s best kept secret.

Brussels Airlines The Suite BRU amenities

Brussels Airlines’ The Suite at Brussels Airport Terminal B (Non-Schengen) features a set of essential amenities.

Brussels Airlines The Suite – Brussels (BRU)

The buffet selection consists mainly of snacks, cold cuts, and finger food including yoghurt and pancakes at breakfast time, and salads throughout the day. The spread is elegantly presented, and includes a variety of healthy options with high quality ingredients. However, there is no hot food and the relatively modest selection is no substitute for a meal.

On the beverage front, patrons will find juices, espresso, soda, and a small and liquor wine selection. True to their roots, Brussels Airlines also offers local beer poured by automated temperature-controlled dispensers.

While satisfying for short flights to the UK, the food and beverage selection is somewhat overwhelming for long-haul passengers. Incidentally, Brussels Airlines’ lounge for Schengen passengers in Terminal A, The Loft, boasts far superior offerings including hot food and several local brews on tap.

There are bathrooms in both sections of the main lounge—a large facility in the dining area, and two additional stalls in the relaxation zone. Unfortunately, The Suite lacks showers.

Wi-Fi is available throughout. With handy power outlets, the main dining area is an excellent place to work, though there is also a dedicated business center next to the reception desk with three individual cubicles, computers, and a printer.

Other amenities include a selection of newspapers and magazines, as well as a luggage storage area next to the quiet room.

Brussels Airlines The Suite BRU bottom line

Brussels Airlines The Suite – Brussels (BRU)

The Suite by Brussels Airlines at Brussels airport Terminal B (Non-Schengen) is a significant upgrade over the former international lounge. The club boasts an airy, elegant and minimalist design, as well as a private and convenient business center. Unfortunately, the intrinsic qualities of the design can’t compensate for the sheer lack of real estate. At peak departure times, the club is crowded to the point that finding a seat may be challenging. The overflow space provides much needed extra seating, but features virtually no amenities.

And even in the main lounge, the array of amenities pales in comparison with the luxuries on display at Brussels Airline’s flagship lounge, The Loft, located in Terminal A (Schengen zone.) Unlike The Loft, The Suite lacks hot food, showers, and private rest areas.

Terminals A and B are connected airside, so The Loft is a viable alternative to The Suite, keeping in mind that there is a 15-20 minute walk between the two terminals with a passport check and unpredictable lines. Priority Pass members may also consider using the Diamond Lounge immediately adjacent to The Suite, which features a more spacious layout along with enhanced amenities such as private work nooks and showers.