Air France and KLM Revitalize Brussels Air&Rail Lounge
In a significant move towards enhancing passenger convenience and promoting eco-friendly travel, Air France and KLM have unveiled their newly refurbished Air&Rail Terminal at Brussels-Midi/Zuid train station. This strategic initiative allows travelers departing from Belgium to check in for their flights directly at the train station, streamlining their journey to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) airports.
The decision to revamp the Brussels Air&Rail Terminal underscores the airlines' commitment to encouraging rail travel over shorter distances within Europe. Since its inception in March 2001, the Air&Rail service has offered 4.5 million seats across 93,000 high-speed train journeys, highlighting a sustainable alternative to air travel by significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Open daily from 05:30 to 18:30, the terminal provides a seamless check-in experience for passengers. Additionally, the introduction of a seventh daily high-speed train connection from June 15 to August 22 further facilitates access to Air France's flights from CDG, complete with baggage check-through services to the final destination.
Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM, emphasized the importance of intermodal transport, stating, "Our investment in the Air&Rail product underlines our dedication to a smooth customer journey, making train travel an increasingly attractive option for short-haul European routes."
The terminal offers more than just check-in facilities; passengers can enjoy comfortable seating areas, WiFi, and reading materials. This service enhancement is particularly beneficial for members of the Air France and KLM Flying Blue loyalty program, who can earn points on their train journeys. Frequent flyers also enjoy benefits like SkyPriority check-in, additional baggage allowances, free seat selection, and access to the Eurostar Lounge.
The integration of flight and rail travel is facilitated through assigning flight numbers to train connections, allowing a unified travel experience. This approach guarantees a seat on the next available flight or train at no extra charge in case of delays, ensuring peace of mind for travelers.
Air France-KLM's initiative is part of a broader industry trend where airlines collaborate with railway companies to offer sustainable travel options. This effort aligns with global moves towards reducing the environmental impact of travel, with similar partnerships forming in Germany with Deutsche Bahn and Air Canada expanding air-rail transfers across Europe.
Bridging Modes of Travel
The refurbished Air&Rail Terminal by Air France and KLM at Brussels-Midi/Zuid represents a significant leap in making travel more integrated and environmentally friendly. As the world moves towards greener alternatives, initiatives like these pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient travel ecosystem.