Snapshot review: Diamond Lounge, Brussels Airport
Brussels Airport, at least in the non-Schengen zone, is my least favourite in Europe. Compared to the Schengen area of the airport, the space is neglected and rather drab - and that is reflected in this lounge.
Considering I was flying from a Star Alliance hub airport (Brussels Airlines) on an alliance member (Thai Airways), there was no Star Alliance airline-operated lounge in the non-Schengen terminal area. This is quite poor and leaves a lot to be desired in the passenger experience. Prior to the pandemic, Brussels Airlines operated The Suite lounge - which is now in a deserted, unbranded state.
Instead, Thai Airways, and many other non-Schengen operating airlines, provide access to the Brussels Airport-operated Diamond Lounge. This is a standard issue contract lounge which can also be accessed by paying EUR 37.50 for entry.
The lounge can be found by going up the staircase to the upper level near Starbucks Coffee at Gate B01-B05.
I didn't manage to grab a picture of the outside but it is on a pretty unremarkable corridor. Immediately after entering the lounge, you’ll reach a buffet area for self-serve food.
I arrived around lunchtime where a limited selection of hot foods and some leftover items from breakfast was available. None of the food was particularly appetising or appealing.
Fortunately, the selection of beverages was significantly better - and beer drinkers will be happy to see a good selection of Belgian options. Patrons of the lounge can self-serve both alcoholic and soft drinks.
Canteen style seating sits at the far end of the lounge which was not particularly inspiring and neither did the fit and finish of the space feel well made. I was glad to get here, due to trouble with my previous flights and getting my boarding passes, but the lounge itself wasn’t a great place to spend time.
The one redeeming feature of the lounge was excellent views of the apron and runway, including the Airbus A350 aircraft operated by Thai Airways that was due to take me to Bangkok, Thailand.
While the lounge was quiet and did give me some time to quickly relax before my next flight, I wouldn’t go out of your way to visit if you have a non-Schengen connection. You are not missing out.
