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US to EU: 772 via BRU or 763 via ZRH?

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Old Jan 24, 2020, 9:50 pm
  #1  
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US to EU: 772 via BRU or 763 via ZRH?

Looking to book an award (Polaris) and my choices are:

(1) IAD-BRU-FRA on a 772 (1:50 connection time)

(2) IAD-ZRH-FRA on a 763 High-J (1:35 connection time)

Departure / arrival times are roughly the same. For both, the TATL legs are UA metal, and LH A320 for the quick intra-Europe hop.

I'm used to the 772, so know what to expect there. Never flown on the 763 though; imagine it feels much more cramped than the 772?

Also have never been through BRU or ZRH, so don't know what to expect there either.

Would love to hear any opinions / suggestions / advice on which option to choose, and why. TIA!
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Old Jan 24, 2020, 10:02 pm
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If both have the new hard product, I would still probably go with the second one. I prefer ZRH to BRU. Grab some Sprungli while you are transiting If you are tall / wide, you may care for the slightly bigger dimensions of the new Polaris seat on IAD-BRU.
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Old Jan 24, 2020, 10:30 pm
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Yes, both have the true Polaris hard product. I'm 6' tall and fairly slender, but a visit to Sprüngli would probably change the 'slender' part. 😬
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Old Jan 24, 2020, 10:31 pm
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I hate FRA. Glorified concrete jungle aka prison. Never been to ZRH. I can’t imagine ZRH transit would be as much walking too.

Edit: I misread OP. FRA is the endpoint not transit. Apologies.

Last edited by uastarflyer; Jan 24, 2020 at 10:37 pm
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Old Jan 24, 2020, 10:35 pm
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Originally Posted by uastarflyer
I hate FRA. Glorified concrete jungle aka prison. Never been to ZRH. I can’t imagine ZRH transit would be as much walking too.
You have the satellite terminal that one arrives at, but transiting in ZRH has always been pleasant for me. BRU isn't terrible, but ZRH is unquestionably better IMO.

Originally Posted by uastarflyer
I hate FRA. Glorified concrete jungle aka prison.
​​​​​​​Good thing OP is terminating travel there, then
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Old Jan 24, 2020, 10:49 pm
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Seat will be noticeably tighter on the 763.
Originally Posted by PsiFighter37
Grab some Sprungli while you are transiting
Laderach ftw.
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Old Jan 25, 2020, 2:42 am
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I would pick ZRH over BRU. I think BRU you still need to re-clear security to connect from a US arrival. And BRU has that terrible immigration control setup that seems to take forever (by EU standards).
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Old Jan 25, 2020, 8:28 am
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I would agree with ZRH. 763 is a little tighter but IMO not uncomfortable.
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Old Jan 25, 2020, 8:44 am
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ZRH over BRU every time. The connection experience there is one of best in Europe.
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Old Jan 25, 2020, 9:13 am
  #10  
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ZRH. Better connection, better lounges, better everything.
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Old Jan 25, 2020, 9:42 am
  #11  
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On a 1:35 I - D connection, I wouldn't be too concerned about lounges.
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Old Jan 25, 2020, 10:19 am
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Originally Posted by Kacee
On a 1:35 I - D connection, I wouldn't be too concerned about lounges.
since you can connect easily in 15 mins in ZRH ... you SHOULD be concerned about lounges

Take a shower in E upon arrival, quick BF then fly onwards.
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Old Jan 25, 2020, 10:45 am
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Id pick zrh over BRU. Immigration in Brussels takes a long time over Zurich. An added bonus in Zurich if flying from the E gates is a visit to the Whiskey bar within the Swiss lounge.
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Old Jan 25, 2020, 10:52 am
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Originally Posted by cfischer
since you can connect easily in 15 mins in ZRH ... you SHOULD be concerned about lounges
It's an efficient airport, but 15 minutes to clear immigration, take the Heidi train, and clear security is quite unlikely. And it can be quite a walk to the gate depending on where in A/B your flight is departing from.
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Old Jan 25, 2020, 11:05 am
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I've always found ZRH transit to be fast (and you get a ride on a yodeling train). Long lines to enter Schengen area at BRU (unless you have an EU or CH passport) each time I've been there.
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