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Taken December 2004 from Brussels (Bruxelles) (National/Zaventem) - BRU to Stuttgart (Echterdingen) - STR

Strictly speaking I didn't need to make this trip; it was actually for mileage accrual purposes resulting in a free companion ticket if I reached the required mileage by year-end.

Departure from BRU on an A320 looked as if it might be delayed by a large group continuing for Jeddah, but the cabin crew quickly assigned them any available seat (flight was less than half full) and we were soon on our way. I had to laugh when the purser began to get a bit impatient and gently reminded passengers to take their seats " or else we are never going to leave "... I wasn't awake for the inflight food, though I'm sure it was of the cold meat and cheese variety. By the way, I still think charging for food and drink in economy is a bad idea. The connecting flight for Stuttgart was operated by a tiny ERJ145 with just one flight attendant and six other passengers. Drinks only were served on this sector. Flight time was about 25 minutes, which is less than the time it takes me to get to work by bus in the morning!

I've awarded full marks for this trip as it was spectacularly cheap as far as European business class goes - 320 euros including tax. True, it is a bit nonsensical to go as far as Zurich to transit for Stuttgart, but I'm also pleased it allowed me to get enough mileage for the free companion ticket.