-
My experience flying Brussels Airlines Premium Economy on the A330 was okay, except for the unbearable heat.
The cabin was ferociously hot because they had the heat blasting the entire flight.
Premium Economy is only three rows, and the heavy curtains at the front and back of the cabin trapped the heat, making it like a sauna with no air flow.
There were no personal overhead air vents, so we couldn’t get any air moving.
We asked the flight attendant to cool it down, and it got slightly better for a few minutes, but then the Belgian passengers started putting on coats and blankets, so they turned the heat back up.
All the Americans in Premium Economy were visibly sweating.
In Economy and Business, it was much cooler because those cabins are larger with better air circulation.
Economy was about 1/3 full, whereas every seat in Premium Economy was occupied, making it even hotter.
Premium Economy passengers had to go back to Economy to use the lavatories, which wasn’t too bad because it was cooler back there.
Otherwise, it was a typical international Premium Economy experience.
The seats were okay but nothing special.
The in-flight entertainment selection was very limited with few movies or TV shows, and the flight map didn’t work.
Dinner and breakfast were okay.
On the plus side, the service was friendly, boarding was efficient, and we took off on time and landed early.
The plane was clean but showing its age.
The safety video was hilarious and brilliant.
Overall, not as good as Premium Economy on Lufthansa, or even transatlantic Premium Economy on Delta, American Airlines, or United Airlines.
If the temperature hadn’t been such an issue, it would have been an unremarkable experience, which is usually all I ask for unless I’m in Business or First.
Brussels Airport is small, but the lounge was nice.
Our layover was over 6 hours, but it passed quickly.
We were just happy to be somewhere with AC rather than heat.