[dropcap size=small]I[/dropcap] was invited by Brussels Airlines to take a sneak peek at their new lounge before it opens tomorrow. It’s named ‘The Loft’, and this new lounge will accommodate up to 300 passengers and is available in the Schengen terminal concourse A (Gates A and T flights) at Brussels Airport. With over 300,000 passengers each year spending around 74 minutes in the Brussels Airlines lounge, it’s no wonder the airline decided to upgrade the facilities.
THE HUB EXPERIENCES
There are eight hub experiences that passengers can access and include:
1- Welcome; offering a more personal registration area
2- Connected; offering a unique digital experience
3- Delighted; offering typical Belgium food and beer!
4- Productive; offering business centre and premium meeting room
5- Inspired; offering individual living rooms to relax
6- Refreshed; offering innovative bathrooms with mood lighting and sound systems
7- Relaxed; offering nap boxes
8- Exclusive; an area specifically for Miles and More Senators and HON-Circle members
FOOD AND DRINK CONCEPTS
Food is the centrepiece of the lounge and offers local Belgian snacks and meals that are prepared by the airlines catering partner Autogrill. The beer comes from local supplier Inbev who produce over 200 beer brands, including brands like Stella Artois, Brahma, Beck’s, Corona, and Leffe. There are seven coffee machines scattered throughout the entire 1240 m2 lounge that will produce piping hot JAVA coffee for passengers, while the lounge has also had the very first newly designed Coke self-service machine installed.
Further snack options include a full salad bar, as well as homemade apple pie, healthy breakfast options and of course Belgian waffles, rice pudding and Callebaut chocolate mousse.
DEDICATED STAFF MEMBERS
Brussels Airlines has introduced the ‘Maitre de Lounge’ that have received specialised training and understand the Brussels Airline product back to front.
SHOWERS AND MORE
There are shower suites available that can be individually tailored to suit your needs via the mood lighting and sound system; there are also nap rooms and meeting rooms. Passengers can borrow a Surface Pro 3 tablet to use while they are in the lounge and use the ‘ConnectedLounge’ app to book a shower, see if the nap rooms are available or schedule a meeting room.
This lounge has set the bar high at Brussels Airport, especially if you consider the fact that the lounge was designed and created in conjunction with customers and based entirely on their feedback. The local food and drink options help to emphasise the Belgian local products, and it’s great to see that the lounge staff have received additional training.
GALLERY
