Brussels Airlines may be associated with one of Europe’s smaller international airports — Brussels Airport — but its significant role in connecting sub-Saharan Africa to the rest of the world makes BRU a key gateway to Europe.

Serving as a vital hub for both African travelers and those connecting to global destinations, the airline’s presence at BRU is felt well beyond its size. However, unlike many international carriers, Brussels Airlines does not operate its own dedicated lounge in the non-Schengen area, i.e. departures outside the Schengen area (the group of European states that have abolished passport controls for travel among their borders).

Instead, all carriers’ premium passengers share a generic lounge after passport control, called The View Lounge. This raises the question: can a shared space provide the level of comfort and amenities that international travelers expect?

I set out to answer that question during an early morning flight to New York JFK, where my experience revealed that, while not groundbreaking, the lounge offers generous space and comprehensive facilities, making it a worthwhile stop for transiting passengers.

After clearing passport control into the non-Schengen zone, I found the lounge easily. The terminal’s gates are arranged along a long corridor, with the lounge situated on an upper level above the gates, spanning a significant portion of the terminal.

Upon entering, after a brief interaction with a rather indifferent receptionist, I stepped into an expansive, open-plan lounge, designed by JPA Design. The wide, low-ceilinged space was flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

The lounge’s décor features earth tones with terracotta, brown, and beige furniture made from dark woods. Pops of blue and green add some welcome colour.

Seating options are varied, including couches, armchairs, study nooks, and high chairs.

To the left of the entrance is a designated quiet zone, while the rest of the lounge is dominated by seating areas.

At one end, there’s a buffet and dining section, and at the center, a large self-service bar designed in an art nouveau style, complete with a spectacular stained-glass lighting panel. 

The lighting is diverse, with standing lamps, side lamps, and mood lighting enhancing the ambiance. Tea and coffee stations and water fountains are conveniently scattered throughout the lounge.

I headed straight to the buffet to explore the breakfast offerings. There was a reasonable selection of hot and cold options, including pastries, although these were disappointingly chewy. Still, decaf coffee was available, which was a pleasant surprise, and there was an omelet station where guests could have them cooked to order. Even early in the morning, I sampled the sparkling wine, which was extremely sweet; no Ardenne Crémant here. 

After a light breakfast, I settled into an armchair overlooking the runway. Along the way, I noticed the lounge’s mix of generic and Brussels-specific touches, such as the art nouveau design of the bar. Also present were the expected generic aviation lounge quirks, like esoteric books and artificial flowers. Notably, there was an impressive pool table available for guests, adding a unique touch to the space.

When I requested a shower, I was given a café-style card with a number. About 20 minutes later, an attendant provided a key card for access. The shower facilities looked upscale, with gold and stone finishes, but the unbranded toiletries and shaving kits left something to be desired, and the towels had clearly been boil-washed many times.

After my shower, I tested the Wi-Fi which was a respectable 95 Mbps, and I spent the last few moments streaming content as the sun rose over a gray Brussels sky.

As I prepared to leave, my overall impression was positive. While The View lacks the uniqueness of the Brussels Airlines Schengen lounge (currently closed for renovations), its quality furnishings, ample space, and comprehensive services provided a comfortable environment.

For travelers arriving from a 10-hour flight from Kigali and connecting onward to a 7-hour flight to New York, the lounge delivers the space and amenities needed to relax and recharge.

Though not extraordinary, it meets the expectations of an important, if modest, international hub.

Related Articles: 

• Brussels Airlines EuroBiz: better but still missing the mark
• airBaltic wet-lease for Brussels Airlines: great service, no Wi-Fi
• Press Release: Brussels Airlines to open pop-up lounge during renovation
• Press Release: JPA Design unveils new lounge at Brussels Airport

All images credited to the author, Fintan Horan-Stear