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I Spent 4 Hours in The Loft at Brussels Airport – Here’s Everything You Need to Know
We had a long layover in Brussels on our way to Europe, and I figured this was the perfect chance to check out The Loft by Brussels Airlines. If you’re flying United or you’re a Star Alliance Gold member, this lounge is available to you – and after spending four hours there with Vika and the kids, I’ve got some thoughts.
Getting In and First Impressions
When you walk into The Loft at BRU, the first thing that hits you is how spacious it feels. The natural light is fantastic – they’ve got these huge windows that give you great views of both the tarmac and the terminal. It doesn’t feel cramped like some airport lounges can, which was a relief since we were settling in for the long haul.
The layout is pretty smart too. They’ve got different zones for different needs, which I’ll get into, but it felt like they actually thought about how people use airport lounges instead of just cramming in as many seats as possible.
The Food Situation – Better Than Expected
Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by the food selection here. The selection included several types of pasta with different sauces, and I would say the quality was pretty solid.
Beyond the pasta, there’s a good spread of cold cuts, salads, and what I’d call European comfort food – some stews and hot dishes that actually had flavor. The dessert selection was decent too, though nothing that’ll blow you away.
**PRO TIP:** Hit the food stations earlier in your visit. The pasta station can get a bit backed up during peak times, and the hot food gets refreshed more frequently in the early afternoon.
The Cocktail Station is Next Level
This is where The Loft really stands out from other airport lounges. They’ve got a mix-your-own cocktail station with proper spirits and mixers. I made myself a pretty decent gin and tonic, and the selection was better than what you’d find at most hotel bars, let alone airport lounges.
They also have beer on tap – several Belgian options, which makes sense – plus wine and the usual soft drink machines. The coffee stations are scattered throughout the lounge, so you’re never far from a caffeine fix.
Kids Will Actually Enjoy This Place
Here’s something that sets The Loft apart: they’ve got a legitimate kids’ corner. Not just a couple of toys thrown in a corner, but a proper play area with Smurf-themed décor (very Belgian), books, games, and enough space for kids to actually play without bothering other travelers.
Emily and Josh spent a good chunk of our time there, and it kept them entertained while Vika and I could actually relax. That’s kind of a hidden gem for families transiting through Brussels.
The Nap Situation
They’ve got a dedicated quiet area with what they call nap pods – basically reclining chairs in a dimmer section of the lounge. There are lockers available if you want to store your carry-on while you rest. I tried one out for about 30 minutes, and while it’s not going to replace a proper hotel bed, it’s definitely better than trying to sleep in a regular airport chair.
**PRO TIP:** The nap area fills up during peak European travel times (mid-morning and early evening). If rest is a priority, grab a spot early.
The Little Details That Matter
Here’s something I found amusing – they still have old-school phone booths with Skype logos for private calls. It’s like a little time capsule, but honestly, they’re actually useful if you need to make a work call without the whole lounge hearing your conversation.
The seating variety is solid too. You’ve got everything from communal tables to individual chairs with power outlets, plus some booth-style seating that’s good for families or small groups.
What Could Be Better
Don’t get me wrong, The Loft is a solid lounge, but it’s not perfect. The Wi-Fi was reliable but not particularly fast – fine for browsing and light work, but you’re not going to be streaming 4K videos. Also, during our visit, the lounge got pretty crowded around 2 PM, and finding seating became a bit of a challenge.
The shower facilities exist but are pretty basic. If you’re connecting from a long-haul flight and really need a proper refresh, you might want to manage expectations.
My Verdict
If you’re transiting through Brussels and have lounge access, The Loft is definitely worth your time. It’s not the fanciest airport lounge I’ve been to, but it covers all the basics well and has some nice touches – especially that cocktail station and the kids’ area – that make it stand out.
For a four-hour layover with the family, it served its purpose perfectly. The kids were happy, the adults could relax, and the food and drinks kept everyone satisfied.
Watch the Full Tour
I shot a complete walkthrough of The Loft showing all the areas, the food stations, and those quirky phone booths. If you’re planning a trip through Brussels or you’re just curious about Star Alliance lounges in Europe, check out the full video on my channel.
Have you been to The Loft at BRU? Let me know your thoughts in the comments – and what lounge I should review next. If you found this useful, I’d actually appreciate a thumbs up – it really does help my channel grow.
