On the Ground: The 83-mile drive from my home in Pennsylvania to JFK can often be a hassle, but this time traffic cooperated and I arrived with time to spare. Check-in was smooth and uneventful. Security moved quickly, and I made a beeline for the Lufthansa lounge to wait comfortably before my flight.
Pre-Flight: Brussels Airlines passengers at JFK are welcome in the lounge of its parent company, Lufthansa. I spent an hour and a half there catching up on email, reading international newspapers and sampling the snacks and beverages on offer. When boarding was announced, it was a short walk to the gate. Boarding was efficient; I handed my coat to a flight attendant, stowed my carry-on and was in my seat within moments. Shortly after settling in I was offered a glass of Champagne and some light nibbles.
The cabin features a staggered seating layout in a 2-1-2 / 1-2-1 configuration. My seat was the aisle in a 2-1-2 row; the adjacent window seat remained empty, which gave me a pleasant sense of privacy. I had a single seat on the return and enjoyed it thoroughly. The seats convert to fully lie-flat beds and include a range of comfort adjustments, including precise firmness controls, lumbar support and a massage function, all operated via a touchscreen with memory settings—handy when you need to readjust after standing.
In-Flight: Once airborne I reviewed the menu and selected the chicken entrée. Brussels Airlines has earned recognition for its wine selection, and I sampled two choices: the Les Vieux Murs Pouilly-Fuissé 2009, which was excellent, and the Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni 2009, which was equally enjoyable. The meal was well prepared and was followed by a selection of Belgian chocolates—a fitting finish.
After dinner I explored the in-flight entertainment system, which offered a wide range of options from television shows to recent and classic films. I watched a movie, then rested. About an hour before landing a continental-style breakfast was served.
The Experience: Service staff make a major difference in any journey, and the Brussels Airlines team performed admirably. From the check-in staff through to the cabin crew, everyone was friendly, professional and attentive. The overall experience was very positive, and I would choose Brussels Airlines again for a similar trip.
GT Checklist
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Friendly and helpful agents
- Priority tagged bags
- Airport lounge
- Complimentary in-lounge food
- Priority boarding
- Helpful and courteous flight attendants
- Pre-flight beverage service
- Pre-flight newspapers and magazines
- Extensive on-demand menu
- Self-serve in-flight pantry
- Amenity kits
- Slippers
- Lie-flat seat/bed
- Mattress and comforter
- In-flight menu with three entrée choices
- Top-shelf wines and liquors