Connecting flights
Connecting at Brussels Airport? Whether you're short on time or have a longer layover, it’s useful to know your next gate, if you need to go through security again, and what happens to your luggage. This step-by-step guide covers the essentials.
Step 1: Check your flight details
Once you’ve landed and are able to switch your phone back on, check the details of your next flight. Confirm which gate you need to go to and when boarding begins.
Use the Brussels Airport app to track your flight or chat with BRUce for real-time updates. Flight details can change, so it’s a good idea to check regularly.
Go to your airline’s desk in the departures hall, where a staff member will assist you.
Step 2: Confirm your boarding pass and luggage
In most cases, you’ll receive your boarding pass for your connecting flight when checking in for your first flight. Didn’t get it? Collect it at your airline’s desk.
If your flights are on one booking, your luggage is usually transferred automatically to your final destination.
If you booked separate tickets, you’ll need to collect your luggage at the baggage reclaim and check it in again yourself.
Save time by using the Self Bag Drop. Just make sure you’ve checked in beforehand.
Step 3: Head to your gate
Check your gate number via the Brussels Airport app or on the screens in the terminal. Then follow the yellow signs to your gate.
Frequently asked questions
Your transfer process depends on where you’re arriving from and where you’re travelling to. You are travelling…
Within the Schengen Area
(e.g. Madrid → Berlin)
No additional checks are required. Simply proceed directly to your next gate.
From non-Schengen to non-Schengen
(e.g. Beijing → Kinshasa or Dakar)
After arrival, you’ll go through security screening. Then follow the signs to your next gate.
Your transfer via Gate B.
Your transfer via Gate T.
From non-Schengen to Schengen
(e.g. Beijing → Madrid)
You will go through security and border control. View the map.
Travelling from the US, Canada, the UK or Montenegro? The One Stop Security (OSS) rule applies. This means you won’t need to go through an additional security check, but you will still pass through border control. View the map.
From Schengen to non-Schengen
(e.g. Rome → Kinshasa)
You will go through border control before departure. View the map.
The minimum transfer time is 70 minutes.
Check with your airline to see if your luggage will be checked through. If so, your luggage will be automatically transferred to your next flight. If not, you’ll need to collect your luggage in the baggage claim area and check it in again for your next flight.
It depends. If you're flying to a country outside the Schengen area, you'll often have to go through passport control and additional security checks. If you're within the Schengen area, you can usually go straight to your gate.
Yes, Brussels Airport has a wide range of shops offering everything from duty-free goods to local Belgian products. View all shops.
Long layover?
At the Diamond Lounge, Schengen passengers can fully relax in a comfortable setting. Travelling outside Schengen? At The View, you can enjoy a great view of the tarmac.