Introduction

Today the airline has 38 aircraft in service with an average age of under 10 years; these include 26 of the Avro RJ line featuring both the 85 and 100 models of this quiet jet. SNBA covers an impressive 90 destinations including a well developed network in Europe and a number of little served locations in Central and West Africa.

Classes

My flight

I do not care for flights that are not fully inclusive but for what is likely to be my last visit to Brussels for sometime I decided to try SNBA in the 'Light' cabin. As I had to travel on a Sunday afternoon this worked well as the 17:25 departure arrives in Brussels at 19:30. The return was less suitable so I had to use Eurostar (BA having no discounted flights available on their later services into London).

Check in

This was not a good start and when I made my way the Aviance check in area where there was no evidence of the SN Brussels check in being open. I was told I may have to wait a hour as they concluded the check in for another operators flight to Accra. For those who do not know Aviance provide ground services for multiple airlines so they have to set up individual desks according to the flight. As I stood at the desk a small but steady stream of other disgruntled passengers who had possibly got a flea in the ear from the same obnoxious woman on the BA service desk began arrive.

Security

Airside

When we got to the lounge we were told that SN Brussels Airlines had withdrawn from their agreement with BA and hence BA would not honour the privileges in terms of bringing guests. To the credit the ladies we conversed with were far more pleasant than their sister back landside. They explained acute embarrassment that passengers booking with BA were being treated in this manner and even showed correspondence that proved they had argued for status card holders who had booked with BA to be allowed in the lounge but pointed out that the guest clause was not included in this, a decision they felt was wrong. After some friendly discussion and negotiation they decided to make an exception and allow me to enter. They did however warn us that they were not allowed to show details of the SNBA flight on the monitor or make any announcement. Beyond their control and I imagine SN Brussels too but nevertheless pathetic and petty rules from above.

We set off for the gate in good time in the absence of a pre-boarding call. The lower cost airlines are often located furthest from the terminal building but our flight was from a gate not far from the lounge. Boarding commenced well before the scheduled departure time and those passengers in the premium cabin were invited forward first along with members of SN Brussels Airlines 'Privilege' club. This seemed to be most of the plane but it did not matter as now passengers can only take one bag on a plan space is not such a premium.

In the cabin the small plane (I think the capacity of the model I flew was 85) felt deceptively spacious. Seats are arranged throughout in a 2-3 configuration and are covered in navy leather. The premium section was only the front two rows on this flight but I noticed that this was an adjustable arrangement. There was ample storage for my pull along case which is at the top end of spectrum for baggage dimensions. Sitting down leg room was not too bad either compared for example to some of the smaller craft I have used with Lufthansa.

Once airborne the in flight service commenced; this was polite and professional throughout. A menu was handed out and passengers ordered. Prices on the menu were not excessive compared to many other airlines that charge. I had a premium brand 50CL bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin and a tonic for 5 Euro. The gin was chilled as was the tonic and it was served with ice and lemon just as it should be. It is worth knowing you must pay in Euros' if you wish to use cash. Cards are also accepted. The reasonable prices and (from speaking to others) reputation for decent quality meant many passengers ordered something from this service. I do not know what was served to those in B. flex economy. What all passengers did however get before the service concluded was a free chocolate; a small but nice touch.

Finally in respect of the flight itself I must comment on the exceptionally smooth take off and landing and the fact that the aircraft was indeed extremely quiet. It was hard to believe I was on a jet plane.

We landed in Brussels on time and though exited by a bridge immediately had to go down steps onto the tarmac and board a bus to a different part of the terminal. From here it was still a good 5 minutes walk to the passport control. Thereafter in the absence of any checked bags I managed to exit the terminal quickly.

I wish (or if I was not moving onto a new position would have wished) SN Brussels had more flights from Gatwick on a daily basis. If they could mirror the BA timetable at Heathrow I am sure they would pick up more customers. With the Eurostar terminal moving to St Pancras those in the south of London and Sussex I have spoken to would certainly give some consideration to regular Gatwick service as an alternative to the train.