Brussels Airlines The Loft

Brussels Airlines The Loft – Brussels (BRU) Terminal A (Schengen)

The Loft by Brussels Airlines is the Belgian flag carrier’s fresh and hip flagship lounge at Brussels airport.

Located within Terminal A in the Schengen zone, the club is available to all passengers regardless of their eventual destination. The Loft serves Star Alliance Gold and premium passengers, as well as customers of a few other airlines, including Finnair.

Brussels Airlines The Loft BRU design

At 1,240 sqm, the Loft by Brussels Airlines is by far the largest lounge at Brussels airport. The slick design conceived by architectural firm DesignIt is minimalist yet welcoming. White surfaces, light tones, clean lines, resolutely modern furniture, LED accents and designer light fixtures, and elegant hardwood floors make for a slick and trendy decor.

Brussels Airlines The Loft – Brussels (BRU) Terminal A (Schengen)

Despite the open space and hip design, functionality is never sacrificed. Patrons find their way seamlessly around the multiple seating and activity areas; the angular lines formed by the desks, columns and partitions contrast intelligently with the round shapes of the buffet and bar islands.

The space benefits from windows on both sides, with views of the tarmac on the left side and a bird’s eye view of the concourse on the right side. The lounge receives abundant day light at all times.

Immediately when entering is a work and dining area with slick wooden tables around a prominent round buffet.

To the left, adjacent to the windows, is a space reserved for Miles&More HON members (Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines’ frequent flyer program’s most exclusive status) with comfortable high-backed chairs, though there are no specific amenities otherwise—or any attempt at enforcing the restriction.

Brussels Airlines The Loft – Brussels (BRU) Terminal A (Schengen)

In the rear of the lounge is a cozy and more intimate area furnished like a living room, with carpets, a greater variety of colors, curtains, and elegant Belgian furniture. The warmer tones offer a nice counterbalance with the rest of the space. Universal power outlets are conveniently located at every seat.

References to Belgian artists abound, with evocations of painter Rene Magritte, and Tintin memorabilia.

Outside peak times, The Loft offers plenty of seating options, and a comfortable degree of privacy. However, the lounge fills up fast at peak hours, and can be occasionally crowded and noisy. Brussels Airlines has opened an overflow space around the corner (next to the Diamond Lounge) with additional seating in a similar setting.

Early 2018, the airline will open a major expansion which should hopefully put a major damper on crowding issues.

Brussels Airlines The Loft – Brussels (BRU) Terminal A (Schengen)

Brussels Airlines The Loft BRU amenities

The list of amenities at The Loft is quite impressive for a lounge dedicated primarily to short haul flights, underscoring its flagship role.

The prominent buffet is a focal point of the design. The Loft features a spread of Belgian and international food items. Breakfast is simple yet tasty, with hot and freshly baked pastries that smell heavenly, fresh fruit, and cold cuts. Throughout the day, soups, finger food, salads, quiches, waffles, and a variety of desserts are available.

A stone’s throw away is a self-service bar, also designed as a welcoming circular island. In partnership with Beer Company AB Inbev, the bar features a selection of Belgian beers on tap, as well as wines and Champagne. On the beverage front, patrons will find a wide range of soft drinks, bottled water, as well as espresso machines. The bar area, which is equipped with power outlets, doubles as a convivial gathering place.

Brussels Airlines The Loft – Brussels (BRU) Terminal A (Schengen)

A slick business center features slick desks with partitions, and several computers. There are also two enclosed Skype cabins to make complimentary video calls—a leftover from Brussels Airlines’ defunct partnership with Microsoft, which once involved the availability of free tablet computers while in the lounge. Kids will find, immediately outside the business center, a large touch screen with various applications.

Complimentary secure Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Adjacent to the business center is high-tech board room with a view on the tarmac available on a first-come, first serve basis (reservations are recommended, with Miles&More Senator and HON members having priority.)

Brussels Airlines has put a major emphasis on the relaxation hub, which is exceptionally well appointed for a Schengen lounge. Several shower suites, complete with mood lighting and music, are outfitted with a rain shower and toilet, and come with towels and bath amenities. Adjacent to the bath area are four “nap boxes”: semi-private sleeping spaces equipped with a storage comportment and a power outlet. Weary travelers may enjoy a box for a period of time. Luminous signals indicate which boxes are available. The lounge expansion, scheduled to open in 2018, is expected to include additional rest amenities.

Other amenities include bag lockers (located in the hallway leading to the showers), as well as a selection of newspapers and magazines.

Brussels Airlines The Loft – Brussels (BRU) Terminal A (Schengen)

Brussels Airlines The Loft BRU bottom line

The Loft by Brussels Airlines at Brussels airport Terminal A (Schengen) is a well designed and appointed lounge which far exceeds our expectations for short-haul travel. The space is resolutely fresh and modern, yet functional and comfortable.

The amenities are plentiful, with showers, nap boxes, and business facilities. The beverage selection is strong, and snacks are plentiful.

Unfortunately, while spacious, The Loft often operates at capacity, especially since the closure of the adjacent SAS Lounge. Nevertheless, the Loft is an excellent showcase lounge—and by far the best club at Brussels airport. The planned expansion will bring additional amenities and help mitigate crowding.