Belgium's largest airline Brussels Airlines

Founded in 2006, Brussels Airlines might be one of the more recent arrivals on the aviation scene in Europe, but it certainly enjoys a prestigious history. Belgium's flag carrier airline came into existence when SN Brussels Airline merged with Richard Branson's Virgin Express after signing enterprising agreements in 2005. Re-branded as Brussels Airlines, the re-imagined aviation company was unveiled to industry experts and press at Brussels Airport in November of that year. By early spring of 2007, the newfangled enterprise was finally flying, operating a select service of flights to popular European destinations.

In the years that followed, Brussels Airlines prospered, with savvy stakeholder investments from the likes of Lufthansa, dramatically opening up potential for the organisation. The airline became part of Star Alliance, and the next decade saw the airline soar to success, expanding operations to include far-flung destinations. In 2012, Brussels Airlines became the first Belgium aviation operator to provide direct services to New York in a decade, with numerous weekly services to Washington Dulles and Toronto Pearson airports strengthening its North American network.

Today, the airline boasts a fleet of 46 Airbuses flying to almost 100 different destinations. The airline is also the chief provider for air travel services for Club Med customers flying out from Belgium. It employs almost 2,500 employees carries in excess of 7.7 million passengers annually. Year-on-year rises in passenger numbers seem a sure-fire sign that this airline is unlikely to lose altitude anytime soon.

Flying with Brussels Airlines

This increasingly popular flight operator provides customers with a choice of four ticket types, each clearly packaged and marketed for distinct ranks of passenger. Those after no-frills value can opt for their low cost option Check&Go, providing cheap tickets that don't include checked luggage as standard, while light refreshments and indulgences are offered on board for purchase. Those looking to add checked bags to their ticket are covered by Light&Relax, an everyday economy class ticket. For those needing more flexibility and frills, Flex&Fast is designed to please, providing premium perks and complimentary extras on board, along with fast-track security processing, priority boarding and the option to change dates and details of travel without incurring extra costs. For passengers flying within Europe who require that bit more, Bizz&Class is the top-flight ticket option, with delicious onboard meals, complimentary champagne and drinks, not to mention full flexibility in managing travel itineraries and change requests.

Practical Information

Check-in: Passengers can check-in their bags at drop-off desks at their departure airport, although online check-in facilities are available for a more expatiated service. Although the cheapest ticket tariff doesn't usually include a checked baggage option, some of the longest-haul services do. All passengers are advised to print their boarding passes off ahead of their arrival at their departure point.

Luggage:

• 1 piece of hand luggage and 1 small accessory, max 12 kg in total, is allowed.
• Additional pieces of cabin luggage are allowed for Bizz&Class passengers.
• Standard weight of hold luggage varies between 23 kg and 32 kg, depending on ticket tariff and regions flown to.
• Please check the Brussels Airlines site directly for more details on baggage rules