My journey back from Cairo to Brussels began with a layover in Munich. The initial flight from Cairo to Munich, operated by Lufthansa, was slightly delayed but ultimately landed on schedule. The comfortable legroom in the emergency exit row, coupled with the provided pillow and blanket, made for a relaxing flight. The crew was exceptional, enhancing the overall experience.
Upon arriving in Munich, I had a two-hour layover before boarding my Brussels Airlines Airbus A319 to Brussels. Again, I opted for the emergency exit row in economy class, appreciating the extra legroom. Notably, my outbound flight with Austrian Airlines had included a surprise upgrade to business class, and to my delight, this trend continued on my return journey, albeit for the short flight to Brussels.
The check-in process at Cairo International Airport was a bit more involved. While online check-in with Lufthansa was straightforward, obtaining a boarding pass required visiting the physical check-in desks. Navigating the airport to reach these desks proved time-consuming. The signage was adequate, guiding me towards the “international departures” security line, which preceded the check-in desks. However, I was approached by airport workers trying to persuade me to bypass the line and follow them. Despite my having ample time before my flight, they insisted on expediting my check-in. Eventually, they understood my preference to wait and left me alone.
The check-in process itself was relatively quick, with boarding passes and immigration forms issued efficiently.
The transit experience at Munich Airport presented challenges. Long queues at security checkpoints and for the shuttle service to the departure gates were prevalent. Walking distances between various points within the terminal also felt extensive. At passport control, the long line for non-EU passports was intimidating. Luckily, the electronic passport scanners for EU passports were empty, allowing me to pass through swiftly.
A blueberry muffin served as my breakfast while I prepared for an upcoming interview.
Shortly after the announcement of my Brussels Airlines flight, SN2642, the gate agents began seeking volunteers to take a later flight due to overbooking. Despite my eagerness to fly with my flag carrier, the offer of €125 to take a Lufthansa flight two hours later proved tempting. While the compensation wasn’t substantial, I decided to explore the possibility, requesting lounge access for the wait. Unfortunately, the gate agent refused, despite my insistence. After confirming that my checked luggage would make it to Brussels, I agreed to the offer.
As boarding neared completion, a gate agent approached me with a new boarding pass. To my surprise, I was informed that I had been upgraded to business class on the original Brussels Airlines flight. This was a delightful surprise, especially after my previous upgrade with Austrian Airlines.
Upon boarding the aircraft, I was greeted warmly by the crew. The plane was clean and spacious, with generous legroom in the business class cabin. The middle seat was blocked off, a welcome feature for this short-haul flight. However, the lack of power outlets in the seats was a drawback.
Shortly after takeoff, meal and beverage service commenced. While the breakfast was satisfactory, it wasn’t exceptional. The mini pain au chocolat was served cold and hard, while the other pastry was small but acceptable. The fruit was a nice addition, and the use of metal cutlery was appreciated. However, the drink was served in a paper cup, which felt somewhat disappointing.
Although the meal was not bad, I felt that paying for business class on such a short flight with this level of service wasn’t quite worth it. This experience might not fully represent Brussels Airlines’ overall business class product but rather highlights the limitations of their offering for flights under two hours.
Upon arrival in Brussels, my baggage arrived promptly, and I exited the airport without any issues.
