We had received our boarding cards in Birmingham, so we had a more leisurely journey to Brussels Airport. We decided to have something to eat, so we made the mistake of going to Wingtips, the panoramic restaurant in the BRU terminal. Although the hot "food" in Wingtips is inedible, we thought they surely can't foul up a simple salad
They could 
The mozzarella and olive and tomato salad was totally tasteless and an expensive rip off. Message to the Wingtips staff - before you can call that inedible muck you serve up at extortionate prices "food", I suggest that you first learn how to cook properly I managed to take a couple of photos of a Swiss A319 (HB-IPT) from the Wingtips window (where I could also have a view of the Atomium!)
After we left Wingtips we had a look at the 1958 exhibition, which had a section about the building of the Atomium (wonderful landmark, can't wait to see it again!)
Our flight left from B-pier - gate B11. We saw a SQ Boeing 747-400. My bag of beer was really heavy, and I couldn't wait to board the aircraft to have a rest from carrying it. Normally I love a delay on flights out of Brussels!
Our flight was SN2047, to be operated by Avro RJ100 OO-DWH.
OO-DWH.
The flight was scheduled to leave at 18:40, but at 18:30 we were still waiting at the gate to be allowed to board the aircraft. I had been given seat 13A, again on the two abreast side.
Eventually we were allowed to board. This time there was a female purser and two stewardesses on the flight. They greeted us pleasantly and then we went to our seats. This time we were held up because a passenger failed to board, and they had to remove his/her luggage. Then the pilot announced that the other cause of the delay was the noise dispersion plan and current runway use. We were eventually pushed back at 18:59.
The view from the window of 13A. This time the aircraft was in full SNBA livery, as you can see from the lilac coloured engines.
We had a long take off run, and climbed smoothly, but we soon encountered the heavy cloud and turbulence which was to mark out this flight more than the one earlier in the morning.
Shortly after take off we were served with the indescribable Brussels Bistro. This time it was two malted bread sandwiches of smoked ham, cheese and pickle, with a carton of water and a tiny piece of Twix chocolate.
The meal.
The in flight magazine was handed out in the same way as before. This flight was almost full, and so I did all my photography from the seat I had been allocated (though I was not invited to move to the seat with the best view, unlike on the morning flight!)
As we approached into Birmingham, we passed some hideous-looking weather.
The vile weather near Birmingham.
The flight had been announced as 55 minute duration, slightly shorter than the morning run. On this occasion there were no chocolates at all handed out. Although Carlos had given me extra chocolate on the outward flight, I would have appreciated some on the return as well! Although all the SN crews we have ever come across have been very pleasant and polite, stewards seemed to have a different approach to dealing with passengers. Extra chocolates and the best seat was what I call very good, it would be very nice if Carlos was on SN2174 on 6th September!
We touched down slightly late in Birmingham, and that was the end of another trip to Beautiful Brussels.
Now roll on 6th September and SN2174. MAN-BRU - life doesn't get any better than that!
(and if I have my way we'll have a beer-buying trip to Brussels every year from now on!
)Thanks again to all our SNBA crews - you were the best!
)
And all the pax even got a drink (Water or Orange juce) BEFORE the taxi. I wonder why they don't do that anymore. 