When I first started planning my trip to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union, one thing was clear: I wanted to travel smart without burning a hole in my wallet. Flights within Europe can be surprisingly affordable—at least on paper. A few quick searches on flight comparison sites showed me some unbelievable deals. €19.99 from Barcelona to Brussels? €25 from Milan? Tempting, right?
But if you’ve ever flown with low-cost airlines, you already know that those rock-bottom prices don’t always tell the full story. Still, I was curious: Are budget airlines to Brussels actually worth it? Can you truly travel for less, or are you just signing up for a frustrating experience riddled with hidden fees and logistical headaches?
Here’s my honest experience—from the initial booking to landing at Brussels and everything in between—plus a comprehensive breakdown of the actual costs, including the ones that sneak up on you.
Step 1: Booking the Flight — The Price Trap
When I booked my flight, the base fare was just €22. I thought I’d scored a bargain. I was using a popular budget airline, and the interface made it incredibly easy to choose my departure time and finalize the ticket. But then came the upsell carousel—seat selection, baggage, insurance, priority boarding, and even a “fast track” airport security option.
I chose none of them at first. I told myself, “I’ll travel light, I don’t need a seat, and I’ll be fine with general boarding.”
Here’s the catch: the airline charges for everything beyond the seat itself. Want to bring a small suitcase or even a backpack that fits under the seat but sticks out a little? That’s €20–€30 more. Prefer not to be assigned a middle seat at random? That’s €5–€15. Want to check a bag? Expect €35–€50 each way. The hidden costs added up quickly.
Eventually, I had to upgrade to include at least a 10kg carry-on trolley bag. I also caved in and selected a window seat near the front because I didn’t want to be stuck in the last row. Final price: €53 one way.
Step 2: Getting to the Airport — Hidden Time Costs
Most budget airlines don’t fly into the main Brussels Airport (BRU), also known as Zaventem. Instead, they use Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)—which, despite the name, is about 60 kilometers away from the city center.
This airport shift came with two hidden costs:
The transit cost from Charleroi to Brussels: The shuttle bus ticket cost me €17, one-way. The train and bus combination might be cheaper but adds even more time.
The time factor: It took me nearly 1.5 hours to get into Brussels after landing—not ideal after a tiring flight.
If you land late or early, the shuttle schedule can be a bit sparse, and missing it means waiting in a cold terminal longer than you’d like.
In contrast, flights landing at Brussels Zaventem connect directly to the city via train in just 20 minutes for about €9.
Step 3: Airport Experience and Boarding Drama
Boarding with a low-cost airline is a unique adventure. I didn’t pay for priority boarding, so I had to wait in line longer. People started forming queues 30 minutes before boarding even started. I didn’t quite understand why—until I saw that overhead bin space was extremely limited. Those who boarded last sometimes had to check their carry-ons at the gate, and some even got charged again because their bags were deemed too big.
I had measured my suitcase to the centimeter and still got questioned by staff. I was told it was “bulging” beyond the allowed dimensions and had to compress it just to get through. A stressful moment, and one I wouldn’t experience with a full-service airline.
The legroom? Pretty tight. Seats were hard plastic with thin padding. No water, no snacks, not even a seat pocket. But I expected that. What I didn’t expect was how rigid the staff were about any “extras.” Even asking for a cup of water without buying something felt like a minor transgression.
Step 4: Arrival and the Real Cost Breakdown
After arriving in Brussels and factoring in all the actual expenses, I started doing the math. Here’s the real breakdown of what I spent on a flight that initially promised to cost only €22:
| Expense | Cost (EUR) |
| Base fare | 22.00 |
| 10kg carry-on luggage | 25.00 |
| Seat selection | 6.00 |
| Credit card payment fee | 2.00 |
| Airport shuttle (CRL to Brussels) | 17.00 |
| Total | 72.00 |
That’s more than three times the original advertised price. A traditional airline flying into Zaventem would’ve cost about €95 at the time, with 23kg checked baggage, better legroom, snacks, and faster access to the city.
When Budget Airlines Do Make Sense
Despite the frustrations and hidden fees, I don’t think budget airlines are a complete waste. In fact, they can make a lot of sense in the following situations:
You’re traveling with only a small backpack. If you can avoid luggage fees, the savings are real.
You’re flexible about time and location. Landing at Charleroi isn’t terrible if you plan accordingly or stay nearby.
You book very early or last minute. Budget airlines often offer better last-minute prices than full-service carriers.
You’re hopping between European cities. For short trips, it’s worth tolerating the discomfort for a cheap, quick ride.
Tips for Flying Budget to Brussels (Without Regrets)
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned that can help you fly smarter:
Measure your bag—and then measure it again. Budget airlines are strict and sometimes arbitrary.
Pack light. If you can avoid checking bags or even overhead cabin space, you win.
Bring snacks and water. Once onboard, everything costs extra—even a simple bottle of water.
Choose flights during the day. Getting to or from Charleroi at night is not fun and sometimes impossible.
Compare total cost, not base fare. A €25 budget flight with fees might end up more expensive than a €70 full-service ticket.
Use a prepaid card or avoid card fees. Some airlines add fees depending on your payment method.
Pre-book your airport shuttle. Last-minute tickets at the terminal can cost more or sell out.
Is It Worth It?
So, is flying a low-cost airline to Brussels really worth it? After going through the entire experience—from booking to boarding, from hidden fees to transportation logistics—my honest answer is: it depends on your travel style, priorities, and tolerance for inconvenience.
If you’re the kind of traveler who’s laser-focused on budget and can adapt easily, budget airlines absolutely have their place. For those who pack light, skip seat selection, and don’t mind a tight squeeze in the cabin, it can be a fantastic way to save money—especially if you’re planning a short weekend getaway or hopping between European cities. That €25 fare can truly feel like a win when everything lines up and you land at your destination without any hiccups.
However, the key word here is “when everything lines up.” In reality, budget airlines come with a long list of trade-offs. The most significant one is convenience. Flying into secondary airports like Brussels Charleroi means you’ll be adding an extra hour or more of travel time, not to mention the additional cost of airport shuttles or transfers that aren’t included in the ticket price. If you’re landing late or early, public transport options may be limited, which can mean longer waits or even expensive taxi fares.
Comfort is another factor. Low-cost carriers strip away most amenities to keep prices low. Forget about complimentary snacks, drinks, or even a simple water bottle. Seat space is often minimal, and boarding can feel chaotic. There’s also the mental stress of knowing that any mistake—like a bag that’s a few centimeters too large or arriving at the gate a few minutes late—can cost you dearly in extra fees or even result in a missed flight.
For me, the overall experience was a mixed bag. I appreciated the affordability—no doubt about that—but I also found the constant upselling, strict luggage policies, and distant airport location a bit draining. It wasn’t a disaster by any means, but it didn’t feel relaxing either. I was constantly on edge, making sure I didn’t break any rules or end up with surprise charges. That’s not exactly the mindset you want to be in when kicking off a vacation.
So, would I do it again? Yes—but only under the right circumstances. If the price difference between a budget airline and a full-service carrier is more than €40 or €50, I’d seriously consider the budget option again. But if the price gap is smaller—say €20 to €30—I’d much rather pay a little extra for a more comfortable and streamlined experience. Flying into Brussels Zaventem directly, enjoying more flexible luggage policies, and not having to worry about nickel-and-diming makes a big difference.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about saving money—it’s about how you want to start your journey. The flight is part of the adventure, and sometimes peace of mind is worth a few extra euros.
