Brussels Airlines Introduces Flights from the U.S. to Europe


Family at the coastal village

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Ed Perkins

    Beginning this month, Brussels Airlines is running nonstop flights between Brussels and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. Daily flights operate on A330s, with economy- and business-class options.

    These aren't the only nonstops on the route; both American and Delta also fly nonstop from New York to Brussels.

    At this point, Brussels does not seem to be pushing any special introductory fares. Instead, it's following a "go with the flow" pricing strategy. For a test date in mid-October:

    • Brussels quotes a fare of $949 round-trip, exactly matched by competitive nonstops on American and Delta. United also posts the same Brussels flight as a United codeshare, again at the same price.
    • As is becoming the norm, you can cut the cost of a transatlantic trip by accepting a stop. One-stop flights from New York to Brussels are available for $781 round-trip on TAP Portugal, with a Lisbon connection, and $846 round-trip on Aer Lingus with a connection in Ireland.

      Brussels Airlines gushes about its new lie-flat business-class seats and deluxe cabin service. Its economy product seems to be a bit above average, too, with eight-across (standard) seating on an A330 and 33-inch (better than standard) seat pitch. In-flight entertainment—today's most active competitive battleground—is state of the art.

      Brussels is a member of the Star Alliance, which features through-ticketing options from lots of North American cities on Air Canada, United, and US Airways to a long list of European and Asian destinations. Again, following a general trend, with a top-of-the-line business class, Brussels does not offer first class. Perhaps a bit more surprisingly, and unlike many of its partner lines, it also offers neither a premium-economy nor a semi-premium extra-legroom option.

      All in all, Brussels Airlines looks like a good—although not overpowering—choice for flying nonstop between New York and Brussels. But look elsewhere if you prefer a semi-premium option.

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