About this flight
I returned to Fukuoka from Brussels, the capital of Belgium, via Narita.
In Brussels, I used the Brussels Airlines lounge.
At that time, ANA was still relatively new to international routes, so until March 2020, they offered a service where Star Alliance Gold members and above could receive a complimentary upgrade to Premium Economy if seats were available, even with an Economy Class ticket. In my case, I was able to enjoy this benefit and was upgraded to a Premium Economy seat free of charge.
Although the in-flight meals were from the Economy Class menu, they were delicious and quite substantial for a long-haul flight. I was served three times: a meal after takeoff, a light snack, and another meal before landing.
For the final leg to Fukuoka, I flew on a Boeing 737-500 “Super Dolphin,” which was retired in June 2020, making this a memorable and valuable flight.
Brussels Airport
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Check-in Counter
This is the ANA check-in counter at Brussels Airport.
Priority Security Lane
This is the priority security lane after completing the check-in process.
As a Star Alliance Gold member, I was able to use the priority lane even with an economy class ticket.
Since Brussels Airlines is based here in Belgium, it seems there are also quite a few business class passengers using this airport.
Airport Shops
These are the shops after passing through the security checkpoint.
At the back, there’s a bakery that even sells focaccia.
In the front, you can see shelves stocked with soft drinks.
Lounge
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To the Brussels Airlines Lounge
This is the lounge information board. Since Brussels Airlines is a Star Alliance member, ANA passengers are directed to the Brussels Airlines The Suite Lounge.
It also shows that there are other lounges available, including the Diamond Lounge and the British Airways Lounge.
Lounge Entrance
This is the sign at the entrance to the Brussels Airlines lounge. It is used by several Star Alliance member airlines.
Business Class Lounge
The entrance to the Brussels Airlines Business Lounge. This is where you go in.
Magazine Corner
This is the magazine corner, featuring a wide variety of publications from around the world. There are quite a few Japanese magazines as well. On the lower middle shelf, I even found around eight copies of ANA’s in-flight magazine Tsubasa no Okoku (“Wings of the Kingdom”).
Meals Enjoyed at the Lounge
This is what I had at the lounge.
- • Braised meat
- • Cheese and ham
- • Beets, olives, and more
- • Bread
Additional Dishes
Here’s what I had additionally.
- • Another serving of beets
- • Mixed nuts
Boarding Gate
As the boarding time approached, I left the lounge and headed to the gate.
Onboard the Flight to Narita
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Premium Economy Seat
This is my Premium Economy seat. Although I had an Economy Class ticket, I was upgraded for free. At the time, since ANA was relatively new to international routes, they offered a service until March 2020 where Star Alliance Gold members or above could receive a complimentary upgrade to Premium Economy if there were available seats on the day of departure.
In-flight Safety Video
This is the in-flight safety video, which at the time featured a Kabuki-themed version.
The seat has a convenient pocket in front where you can store items like masks and toothbrushes, making it very comfortable.
In-flight Meal
This is the Economy Class in-flight meal, and it was surprisingly luxurious.
- • (Main) Schnitzel with broccoli
- (Thinly pounded meat coated in breadcrumbs and fried)
- • Vegetable salad, mini hamburger steak, and potato salad
- • Prosciutto, cheese, and crackers
- • Sparkling wine
- • Bread
Ice Cream
Dessert included ice cream, even in Economy Class.
It was a pleasant surprise to enjoy this level of service.
Champagne and Dessert
On ANA’s Premium Economy, between the first and second meal services, you can enjoy select Business Class desserts and alcoholic beverages.
I took the opportunity to have a glass of Business Class champagne along with one of their desserts.
Light Snack
I also had a light snack.
- • Soup pasta, available in Premium Economy
- • Banana, also available in Economy
Breakfast
This was the second meal service.
- • Macaroni gratin
- • Corn potage soup
- • Fresh fruit
- • Pudding
Coffee and Tea
Beverages served after the meal.
- • Black coffee
- • Tea
Business Class Seat
Our departure from Brussels was delayed, and since I had a connecting flight in Fukuoka, the crew asked me to move to an available Business Class seat before landing so I could disembark quickly. It was a front-row seat.
Front-row Business Class Seat
In front of the first-row Business Class seat, there was a spacious storage area like this.
Flight Route
This was the flight route displayed on the screen shortly before landing.
Narita Airport
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Connecting to the Fukuoka Flight
Thanks to the support I received by being seated in the front-row Business Class seat on the Brussels–Narita flight, I was able to make my tight connection just in time and catch my onward flight to Fukuoka.
Shuttle Bus to the Aircraft
I took a shuttle bus from the terminal to the aircraft bound for Fukuoka.
Aircraft
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Super Dolphin
The aircraft for the Fukuoka-bound flight was this Boeing 737-500, nicknamed the “Super Dolphin.” Since this aircraft was retired in June 2020, it can no longer be seen in service.
Just Before Boarding
This was the view just moments before boarding the plane.
Onboard the Fukuoka-Bound Flight
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Seat I Sat In
This was the emergency exit row seat in economy class where I sat that day. Because of its location, it had more legroom compared to regular seats. This Boeing 737-500 aircraft had older-style seats with thick, firm upholstery.
Drink Service
This is the drink I was served after takeoff.
