Reviews: Brussels Airlines Business Class

Brussels and Egypt Air reviews

On a recent return trip from Belgium, I noticed that the flight was going to be quite full. Out of curiosity, I asked the lovely people at the counter if there was still room in business class. Luck would have it, there were plenty of seats available. Even better, Brussels Airlines was running a very discounted special on upgrades. With such an opportunity, I wanted to share my reviews on the Brussels Airlines business class flight from Brussels to Washington Dulles Airport.

The cabin was fairly modern that alternated between double and single seats along the windows and double seats down the middle of the plane. We received the customary comfort toiletry kit, a bottle of water, and a choice of champagne, orange juice, or water. There were pillows but no blankets on our seats. However, blankets were provided upon request.

Brussels Airline Reviews

Brussels Airlines never has had a great movie selection and I generally end up reading a book or watching TV shows I downloaded onto my iPad. They only have a few recently released movies and not even a good selection of classic movies.

The meal service was pretty good. They served drinks and nuts as a snack before dinner. I think the food was better than economy class, but probably the middle of the pack for business class. I had the veal as an appetizer and it was very good, especially since I had no idea what to expect. The fish was dry but the flavor was decent. As expected, the wine was great!

Brussels Air reviews
Brussels Air reviews

The seats were lay flat seats, and fairly comfortable. I would say that the single seats give you more privacy, but when I laid down, I was a tad claustrophobic and it felt like I was in an MRI. However, I got use to it with time and slept well.

Reviews: EgyptAir Coach and Business Class

Brussels and Egypt Air reviews

The reviews on EgyptAir coach and business class are mixed at best, but are generally horrible. I have flown one round trip domestic flight and one short leg in business class on EgyptAir, which I think was enough for me to get a feel for the airline. All of my flights on this airline originated in Cairo. The Cairo Airport can be a little crowded and nuts. Please note that you must show your travel itinerary to security before they will allow you to enter the airport. 

My first flight on EgyptAir was to Luxor, Egypt. Checking in was pretty easy and what you would expect out of any airline. Before you can enter into the gate area, security will scan your luggage. You must go through security again at the gate. I experienced this on both domestic and international flights, so you should give yourself plenty of time to make your flight.

For smaller, domestic flights, it is not clear if anyone is actually manning most of the gates and it is possible no one will announce when the flight is boarding.  I only knew that my flight was boarding because people started standing up. I still do not know how they all figured it out. In the same spirit, it is also difficult to know if, when and for how long your flight will be delayed. On my return flight from Luxor to Cairo, we waited and waited. We watched the clock tick by as our boarding and departure times came and went. We did not get a single update from the staff or on the departure board.

Flying Coach

The aircrafts are between old, and very old and falling apart. The coach flights were short and sweet. We were served drinks and a pack of cookies, which is pretty standard for most domestic flights. The stewardesses are not known for their hospitality, but they were very nice on both legs of my trip.

Flying Business

I flew EgyptAir business class to Istanbul Turkey. The trip was less than three hours and the seats were what you would expect for a short haul flight. It was an old plane and the TV monitors were falling apart. However there was plenty of leg room. I am short, but it was till nice to be able to fully extend my legs. The seats laid back about half way. We received a pillow and blanket, but not travel kits.

EgyptAir coach and business class
Business Class from Egypt to Istanbul, Turkey

To be honest, the food was pretty horrible. The business class food looked and tasted like United Airlines’ economy class food on international flights, which I never eat because it is so bad. They serve it on real plates, but that’s the only thing good about it. Even worse, EgyptAir is a dry airline. They do not serve alcohol, but they will allow you to bring your own onto the plane. They will give you a glass and ice if you ask.

EgyptAir coach and business class

EgyptAir is known to cancel domestic and international flights with regularity and without notice. I only flew this airline because I had no other choice. If you must fly this airline, I recommend that you have a back up plan just in case you get stuck.