The busiest airport in Belgium and one of the key European airports is called Brussels Airport (IATA Code BRU). It is situated in Zaventem near the Belgian capital. No matter whether you are going to fly with the Belgian airline Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa Group’s partners, or many other international carriers operating at BRU, knowing the way check-in works will be useful for you to avoid possible delays, additional expenses, and problems. The following guide gives a clear idea of how passengers check in at Brussels Airport – from finding the right place to making an appropriate choice between different ways of check-in.
Check-in Area Location at Brussels Airport
There is only one terminal at Brussels Airport, which features three different access doors. The check-in area is situated on Level 3 of the terminal in the departures hall. The information screens that show airline names, flight numbers, departure times, and check-in rows for the flights will greet you inside the hall.
What helps in navigation?
- One terminal, 14 check-in rows – all check-in desks are located in the departure area and divided into 14 numbered rows.
- Information screens – the quickest method for finding out your row because airlines can sometimes be moved to other rows depending on the particular day of the week and flight schedule.
- Self-service kiosks – placed on both sides of the large central information screen and intended for some airlines that offer self-check-in.
- Premium economy desks – Business Class passengers have dedicated desks for check-in at BRU, while Premium Economy passengers can also use dedicated desks provided by several airlines, including Brussels Airlines.
As there are no guarantees that the airlines will not change their locations, it may be helpful to take a look at the departure screens right upon arrival in the terminal instead of just checking them online before leaving home.
Ways to Check In at Brussels Airport
There are three major ways to receive your boarding pass at BRU, and usually travelers use all three together.
1. Online or Mobile Check-in
The vast majority of airlines that depart from Brussels Airport, including Brussels Airlines, offer online check-in 24 hours before departure (long-haul and intercontinental flights can have 48 hours). The passenger may check in via the airline’s web page or mobile application, choose their seat, and receive an electronic boarding pass on their mobile device. It is usually the most time-efficient way of checking in and allows bypassing the counter if you travel with hand luggage only – you can move to security directly.
2. Self-Service Kiosk Check-in
If you didn’t check in online, there is also a possibility to use self-service kiosks located in Brussels Airport for a certain number of airlines (at the moment about fifteen). They provide the possibility to verify the booking, print the boarding pass and, in the case of some airlines, print the baggage tag.
3. Airport Counter Check-in
The traditional way of getting help from agents is still available for all passengers. An agent will check your travel documents, give you a boarding pass, weigh and tag your luggage, and answer any queries regarding your flight. In addition, this method is the only one for some passenger types (see below).
Note: Even if you are traveling only with hand luggage, you have to check in for your flight in advance — online, at a self-service kiosk, or at the counter — before going to security check.
Check-in Methods Comparison Chart
| Type of check-in | Time to start check-in | Boarding pass issued | The best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online / Mobile | 24-48 hours before departure | Digital on phone or printed | Travelers with only hand luggage, seat selection, no queues |
| Self-service kiosk | Available at the airport | Issued at the kiosk | For those travelers who did not do online check-in |
| At airport counter | Counters open several hours before departure | Issued by an agent | Check documents, get special assistance, unaccompanied minors, first-time baggage check-in |
Baggage Check-in: Counter vs. Self Bag Drop-off
If you are traveling with checked luggage, Brussels Airport offers you two options for dropping off your luggage:
- Manual check-in counter – An attendant will weigh your luggage, put a baggage tag on it, and drop it off on the conveyor belt right before your eyes.
- Self bag drop area – Suitable for those passengers who have already completed the check-in procedure either online or at the kiosk and are traveling with Brussels Airlines or any other airline from the Lufthansa Group family (such as Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, ITA Airways). The area is situated close to check-in counters 4 and 5, where you can scan your boarding pass or luggage label, print out the baggage tag yourself, and put the suitcase on the belt.
Some advice for making luggage check-in smooth sailing:
- Be sure you know the weight and size regulations for your airline before traveling to save yourself from additional charges.
- Always put a tag with your personal information on your suitcase in case of any problems.
- Do not leave your luggage unattended in the departure area since it might attract attention.
- Take your chargers, medicines, valuables, and a set of clothes with you in your carry-on luggage.
How Early Should You Arrive?
The time of arriving at Brussels Airport depends on where you are heading:
- Domestic flights / short-haul European (Schengen) flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before scheduled departure.
- International/long haul flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure because such routes also require additional procedures for document verification and, in some cases, non-Schengen immigration procedures.
- Transit passengers: Allocate more time in case of transferring from a Schengen to a non-Schengen flight because of the extra procedure of security or passport control check.
Such time is needed for check-in procedures, bag drop, security control, and walking to the departure gates, which will probably take more time on weekends and holidays, as well as in the mornings.
Required Documents
Before reaching the check-in counter, make sure that you have the following:
- Valid passport or national ID card (if needed for your particular route)
- Visa, if required, together with necessary documents for onward travel or funds (requested by border police)
- Booking reference or e-ticket number
- Health/travel documents, if any
Passport Control at BRU
Passport control at Brussels Airport is done using a two-lane passport control, one lane each for EU/EEA citizens and another for non-EU citizens. If you are traveling internationally using your non-EU passport, expect to spend extra time at passport control, especially during high travel seasons.
Facilities Available at Brussels Airport
During your check-in process at the airport, it would help to be aware of other facilities available at the airport. These include free Wi-Fi connection, duty-free shopping facilities including Belgian chocolate, waffles and Belgian beers, restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, luggage storage facility, baby care center, medical facilities, among others. In addition, premium customers have access to airport lounges which include Brussels Airlines Business lounge and priority lounges.
Conclusion
The check-in process at Brussels Airport does not need to be difficult or stressful if you are aware of how the process will work and what options are available to you. Having just one terminal, well-marked check-in lanes, and different options for getting your boarding pass – through the website, a kiosk, or an attended counter – most travelers will go through this process without difficulty. What matters is being prepared: check in to your flight online when possible, know if your flight will permit you to use self-bag drop-off, have all necessary documents on hand, and be ready for security and possibly immigration procedures with plenty of time to spare. Because the exact counter locations and times of check-in may differ between airlines as well as the day of the week, you should always double-check the departure screens in the airport as well as your airline’s official check-in site.
FAQ
Check-in counters can be found at the departures level of the single terminal building on Level 3, divided into 14 rows. Refer to the information screens available immediately after entering the airport to know your row, because this can differ depending on the flight.
Yes, all carry-on passengers need to check in online, through a kiosk, or at the check-in counter. If you have already completed the procedure online, then you will likely proceed directly to your gate.
Yes, but you should have checked in online or at the kiosk, and your airline must be Brussels Airlines or Lufthansa Group airlines (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, ITA Airways).
For most carriers, the online check-in period begins 24 hours before departure (48 hours for some long-haul flights) and usually ends an hour before departure. Cutoff times differ depending on the airline and the route, so always check the precise cutoff time on your electronic ticket.
It’s recommended that you arrive 2 hours before departure for any domestic or short-haul Schengen flight and at least 3 hours prior to departure for all other international or long-haul flights.