V-Flyer

I'm sorry if some of this has been asked before, and if it is long winded, but I have managed to get an Ex-BRU flight to SFO next year (thanks to the advice received on here) and as its my first I have a few questions. We are flying to Brussels the day before from BHX so that we can spend the day and explore, and so we aren't leaving it too tight for getting the flight in the morning. We have a BA CE flight to LHR and then have to go to T3 from T5 to get the Virgin Flight (1st ever in Upper Class!!!). We have 3 hours 50 minutes between flights. And now the questions. Does anyone have any tips for things to do in Brussels? Will my luggage be checked through as I am on one ticket for both flights? I asked BA and their answer confused me. In one breath they said no and in another possibly!!! I understand I get access to the Clubhouse, but having seen the TV programme on Tuesday I am slightly wary about dress code for access. Are there any major no nos for the Clubhouse? Does anyone have any recommendations for things I should do whilst I'm in there?

I have booked 10A and 11A on the A340-600 which is being listed as the aircraft for VS19, but again, are there any tips about the flight. I'm heading for the bar and my husband wants the bed as he usually sleeps for the first couple of hours.
I am early asking this, but I'm a planner who won't settle until everything is in place, and only then will I relax and switch off. Im also really excited about my first Upper Class flight and I'm becoming worried that I will never want to turn right again. Thanks for any help/advice/tips that you are able to provide.

Hi - I'll leave it to others to recommend things to do in Brussels but in answer to your other questions:

Yes, the BA check in agents at BRU can check your bags right through to SFO.

That way, when you land at LHR you can stay airside and use the Flight Connections bus to get to T3 (follow purple signs).

On arrival at T3 you'll re-clear security and can then go straight to the Clubhouse although I'd recommend stopping at the VS desk in the Flight Connections centre just so they know you've arrived and can check that your bags are in the system.

As for the Clubhouse - there really is no dress code! The documentary may have tried to portray it as a millionaire's playground - which I'm sure is the image VS want - but it really isn't. Yes there'll be plenty of "suits" travelling for business who'll be appropriately attired but you'll find it a friendly, relaxed place with plenty of leisure travellers too. You'll love it!

If you want a spa or hair treatment then head straight there and book an appointment as soon as you arrive as it's first come first served and does get busy. Then just find a nice seat and enjoy the food and drink. It's waiter service for both - but there's also a deli counter where you can go for breads, salads, cheeses etc, and you can always go to the bar if you want a particular drink mixed just how you like it.

On board, just let the crew take care of you! Certainly head to the bar after lunch and stay as long as you like - most crew love to chat. Above all enjoy UC!

depends on time of year, and weather (which is just as unreliable as the uk)

if you've not been before, having a wander in/around grand place and exploring the small side streets can while away the time between meals, plenty of cafes and restaurants

one of the traditional flemish dishes is vlaamse stoverij, you could call it a beef stew but that's damning with faint praise, normally served with frites it's well worth trying, the nearby vismarkt/st catherine's area has fish restaurants from stand-up to posher

when we've been, we usually end up wandering at random rather than having a plan, but if you want to see museums or churches etc. there are many to choose from, and chocolate shops

public transport is good and cheap compared to the uk, taxis are ok but avoid rush hour as traffic can be bad

the pedestrian zone at boulevard anspach has different attractions, plus of course more places to eat and drink!

there're a number of markets which you can find here http://www.brussels.be/artdet.cfm/4984 plus various fairs, the christmas one is fun but i suspect not the right time of year for you!

It's some years since we were last in Brussels - friends used to live there. Grande Place for sure where there is or used to be a flower market on Sunday if that's when you're there. Depending on timing, if mussels are in season, they are a speciality. In spring a lot of the chocolate shops are awash with sugared almonds which it's a tradition to give.

Thank you all so much for your help and tips. I really appreciate it and certainly feel a lot calmer now

I understand I get access to the Clubhouse, but having seen the TV programme on Tuesday I am slightly wary about dress code for access. Are there any major no nos for the Clubhouse? Does anyone have any recommendations for things I should do whilst I'm in there?

Relax, the CH is a very smart but informal place to wait for a flight. It is not a gentlemans club. We wore chinos and a shirt but would of felt quite comfortable in a T-shirt, jeans and trainers

As in any airport lounge there will be some in grey suits and others dressed as though they are heading out for a night on the town, fair do's for them, but sensible people dress for comfort when flying long haul

One thing I notice is that when "celebs" are photgraphed by paps getting on or off commercial flights at airports they are generally looking very casual in what they are wearing. If it's good enough for them, it's god enough for you So, wear what you want, relax and enjoy the CH. You will not be judged by what you wear.