BRU and VIE connections
Mar 6, 2023, 9:17 pm
#1
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BRU and VIE connections
I am planning a trip to STR, likely in PE, and see options to connect through Vienna and Brussels that may work well for me. I have never connected through them and wonder if there are any advantages or disadvantages connecting through VIE or BRU compared to more common hubs like FRA or LHR?
Mar 7, 2023, 1:25 am
#2
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I am planning a trip to STR, likely in PE, and see options to connect through Vienna and Brussels that may work well for me. I have never connected through them and wonder if there are any advantages or disadvantages connecting through VIE or BRU compared to more common hubs like FRA or LHR?
If entitled to Star Alliance lounge access — PE doesn’t do it — SN’s Lexus (Schengen-side) lounge at BRU is nicer than the VIE lounges.
The major disadvantage for me if going via VIE rather than via FRA: in case of flight service disruptions, VIE has fewer back-up options than FRA.
Mar 7, 2023, 1:07 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2010
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Definitely go with VIE. Passport control for non-Schengen passports in BRU is an absolute living hell and I would advise to avoid it at all costs. The airport is OK if you are connecting Schengen-Schengen or can use the E-gates, but VIE is guaranteed to be less hassle and more efficient for everyone. Even last summer when every other airport in Europe was having a full meltdown, VIE had no major drama and no noteworthy queues on both trips I took there. VIE and ZRH are two of the best hub airports for ex-Schengen travel, as well as intra-Europe travel. MUC is typically OK, but DE airports have had a lot of labor-related issues that are still ongoing, with multiple strikes/shutdowns.
Last edited by downinit; Mar 7, 2023 at 1:13 pm
Aug 2, 2023, 5:09 am
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Aug 5, 2023, 12:28 pm
#7
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I also vote for VIE because of transfers are smoother, minimum connection time is shorter, and I have had more success there with tight connections than FRA or MUC. As already mentioned, trains from VIE to Budapest take only 3 hours and run frequently.
Jan 27, 2024, 4:03 pm
#8
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BRU connections?
I am passing through BRU on Wednesday. I arrive from the US on UA, have a 3-hour layover and then flying to Toulouse on SN. I am a UA 1K and will in Polaris.
Is there a separate lane, like Access No. 1 in France?
Which lounges are available and would be convenient to my SN flight?
Any and all suggestions for getting through border controls and lounges greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Is there a separate lane, like Access No. 1 in France?
Which lounges are available and would be convenient to my SN flight?
Any and all suggestions for getting through border controls and lounges greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Jan 28, 2024, 2:01 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2003
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All intra-Schengen flights leave from the A gates. You can use SN the lounge there, "The Loft": https://www.brusselsairlines.com/at/...irport-lounges .
(It's the best lounge at BRU, but also the most convenient in your case.)
(It's the best lounge at BRU, but also the most convenient in your case.)
Jan 28, 2024, 11:31 am
#11
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It can sometimes get busy at the Schengen entry / exit points in BRU but this is (mostly) an issue during the busy travel periods in the summer.
Jan 28, 2024, 3:54 pm
#13
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provided no significant delays inbound then you will easily make the connection
Is this all on OS on one ticket??
Jan 28, 2024, 8:12 pm
#14
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Jan 29, 2024, 3:56 am
#15
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as this is all OS within schengen then you are likely to disembark the BER flight directly into the schengen departure are in 'F,' which is where your ZAG flight will leave from, probably around 5 minutes walking to your gate, and the gate staff will know when your aircraft arrived and if they should keep the gate open an extra few minutes for you.
Lots of info in the austrian airlines forum , in particular here
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/lufthansa-austrian-swiss-brussels-lot-other-partners-miles-more/719912-connecting-vienna-vie.html
Lots of info in the austrian airlines forum , in particular here
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/lufthansa-austrian-swiss-brussels-lot-other-partners-miles-more/719912-connecting-vienna-vie.html