Diamond Lounge

Diamond Lounge – Brussels (BRU) Terminal A

The Diamond Lounge at Brussels airport Terminal A (Schengen zone) is an independent lounge which welcomes all passengers for a fee regardless of airline and class of service, as well as members of lounge access programs such as Priority Pass.

After a brief stint on the basement level, the Diamond Lounge is now located on the upper level above the concourse, next to The Loft by Brussels Airlines, in the footprint of the now defunct SAS Lounge. The club is operated by Belgian service company Autogrill.

Diamond Lounge BRU design

Autogrill has taken the space left vacant by SAS, ripped out the Scandinavian airline’s signature design features—the convivial round tables and matching shades, the designer light fixtures, the joyful and colorful furniture are all gone—leaving the “bones” of the décor intact.

Diamond Lounge – Brussels (BRU) Terminal A

The result is a slightly disconcerting and inconsistent ensemble, with elegant hardwood floors but bare walls, an eclectic mix of old and new furniture, and lingering traces of SAS branding, such as the over-sized “Our food, Our wine” sign in the buffet area.

The Diamond Lounge overlooks the cargo processing facility and tarmac, and benefits from a comfortable amount of daylight.

Immediately behind the reception area is a dining zone with high-top seating running along the window—a convenient spot for laptop users if it weren’t for the uncomfortably high stools. To the left is a seating area.

At the center of the club is a buffet and dining zone furnished with cocktail tables and dining tables for two. The original design of the lounge aimed at creating privacy and a sense of flow by elevating the central portion of the space; the effect is now lost and the dining area feels awkwardly setup.

In the rear is another seating area overlooking the gates and the cargo zone.

Built before electronic devices became ubiquitous, the lounge lacks power outlets. A few are located along the walls, but most seats have no access to power.

A dated and re-purposed facility, The Diamond Lounge at Brussels airport Terminal A won’t earn any design awards, but the space is functional, and the club typically quiet.

Diamond Lounge BRU amenities

Diamond Lounge – Brussels (BRU) Terminal A

The Schengen Diamond Lounge at Brussels airport features a set of essential amenities for short-haul travel.

The buffet features a simple assortment of snacks, cold cuts, soups, and finger food. In the morning, patrons will find fruit, cereal, and a bread basket.

The drink selection includes espresso, soft drinks, Belgium beer, and local favorites such as Fanta. There is also a modest wine selection, as well as a minimalist liquor assortment.

The lounge includes a serviceable bathroom from another era—it’s clean, but in dire need of remodeling. A selection of newspapers and magazines is also available.

Dedicated complimentary secure Wi-Fi is available, in addition to the free open network operated by the airport. There are no business amenities such as computers or printers otherwise.

Diamond Lounge BRU bottom line

Diamond Lounge – Brussels (BRU) Terminal A

The Diamond Lounge at Brussels Airlines Concourse A is a modest lounge, but it delivers on most basics with comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and a selection of snacks and beverages. The space would certainly benefit from a makeover. The SAS design was already tired when SAS shuttered their lounge; the current incarnation is even more plain and bare-bones, and the lack of power outlets a definite minus.

That said, the availability of an option for pay-in customers and Priority Pass members is appreciated. At peak times, the Diamond Lounge is often quieter than The Loft, Brussels Airline’s fancy but busy flagship lounge.