Originally Posted by JDiver
We're booked I class (J cabin) SFO - ORD - MAN on AA, MAN - BRU on SN Brussels (AA codeshare) later this month.
1) It sounds like we will be issued seats at SFO, and bags woud be checked all the way through to BRU (though we do shorter trips with carry-ons only, meaning SN will likely take them and put them in the belly of the a/c for being oversize on SN.)
2) Can anyone enlighten me on the transfer drill at Manchester from AA to SN? I'll guess a transfer desk and process, but what about things like terminal changes, etc.? Any lounges (we've almost 3 hours between flights, in the morning; both AA EXP / ow Emerald, in J cabin, Diners...)
TIA!
AA will be able to check your bags all the way to BRU.
Both AA and SN operate from BA's modern, manageably sized Terminal 3 at MAN. Your arrival and departure gates will be within a two minute walk of each other. It could not be more different from LHR.
The jetway will deposit you onto the lower arrivals level of the terminal. Follow the signs for Flight Connections T3. This will take you through a security check and then upstairs to the departure level. You should not have to transit immigration or customs.
Alternatively, go through immigration (if you want the stamp in your passport!), walk through the baggage reclaim area into the Arrivals hall, take the elevator up 1 level to departures, and walk through the check-in area to security.
Once on the departure level at T3, there is one lounge, a sizeable BA Terraces Lounge in a large rotunda on the roof of the terminal with 360 degree views of the apron and surrounding countryside. This is personally one of my favourite BA lounges (though I am biased as Manchester is my home city!). There is a smoking area but it is in a hermetically sealed windowless room well away from everyone else (colleagues who smoke hate this aspect of the lounge). You should be able to pick up some continental breakfast (pastries, cereal etc) here. There are showers (clean and perfectly useable though not as nice or spacious as in the LHR Arrivals Lounges).
The morning SN flight to BRU is often served by one of SN's Airbus A319's. These should present few problems in the carry-on department. You'll be able to see the plane land and taxi up to the terminal, so should be able to know in advance what it is. If the coach seating is 6-abreast (i.e. if there is a "B" seat) then it is an A319, as the Avro RJ's all have 5-across seating in both business and coach (i.e the seats are the same!). SN Brussels have good inflight service (better than BA on short haul flights in my experience) and you should enjoy the one hour flight to BRU.