Brussels-Zaventem lounges, pier by pier: which ones you can get into

At Zaventem the lounges owned by the airport coexist with those of Brussels Airlines, the home carrier. The former open with the Lounge Pass, which you buy online on the airport's website, or through agreements with airlines; the latter are designed for Business passengers and for status members of the Star Alliance group.On pier A the reference for those without a premium ticket is the Diamond Lounge, near gate A42 at the top of the escalator: hot and cold buffet and a selection of Belgian beers. It is the first to open in the morning, but precisely in the morning rush hours it is best to book the Lounge Pass in advance rather than turn up at the door. Those flying with Brussels Airlines must take the works into account. The Loft, the airline's main lounge opposite gate A42, is closed for renovation and is due to reopen by the end of 2026. In the meantime its passengers are welcomed in the Brussels Airlines Pop Up Loft, near gate A27, one floor down: Business passengers of Brussels Airlines, of the Lufthansa Group and of LOT, Star Alliance Gold members and Miles & More Frequent Traveller members get in, while paid entry is not offered. At the end of the pier, between gates A69 and A74, the Brussels Airlines Sunrise Lounge works only in the afternoon and evening. It has a useful feature: those flying with Brussels Airlines the same day can get in by paying outside peak hours. For those departing from the last gates it is the closest solution. On pier B, the one for non-Schengen departures, The View between gates B04 and B05 is the lounge that admits the most types of access. It accepts Business and Star Alliance Gold members, but also Priority Pass and LoungeKey, as well as the Lounge Pass, which costs less online than at the desk. Besides the bar with Art Deco windows and the all-round view over the apron, it has showers and private sleeping cabins. There is, however, a three-hour limit on stay, to keep in mind in case of a long layover.

To choose in Brussels it is enough to cross-reference pier and ticket. On pier A, those travelling in Business or with a Star Alliance status go to the Pop Up Loft while The Loft remains closed, or to the Sunrise in the afternoon; those paying out of pocket enter the Diamond Lounge, booking if departing early. On pier B The View satisfies almost everyone, cards included, and is the only place to take a shower or close your eyes before a non-Schengen flight.