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Taken October 2005 from Glasgow, Scotland (Abbotsichn) - GLA to Brussels (Bruxelles) (National/Zaventem) - BRU

Arrived at Glasgow Airport 0500 for 0620 departure. Finally reached check in desk at 0605.

Received boarding card at 0625!!!

It seemed all the check in staff could do was keep repeating " the computer isn't working".

I suggested they check in the remaining 8 passengers manually the reponse being a vacant stare!!! I had to removc my baggage and take it to a second desk as another airline had booked the desk from 0615. When I finally got my boarding card at 0625 I had to take my baggage to a third desk for it to be taken to aircraft!!!

AsI was continuing to Istanbul with a one hour connection I had to remind the check in agent to attach a " short connection at Brussels " tag to my suitcase as the Gla Bru flight was obviously delayed!!!

Finally boarded aircraft at 0645 - then the captain apologised for delay claiming the reason to be "congestion at Security" a downright lie!!! As the reason for the delay was computer error and inability of check in staff to cope!!!

Finally departed at 0705 - 45 minutes late

Leather seating on aircraft comfortable and cabin crew pleasant with adequate snack box provided

Also nice touch of nougat offered after meal boxes cleared

Due earlier fog in Brussels we didn't land until 1030 and the purser advised most transit passengers to go to transit desk not departure gates for their onward flights. I then realised I had missed my connection... I would have missed it anyway without he additional 45 minute weather delay!!!

Arrive at transfer desk to find one staff member on duty and a queue of 10/12 passengers. Finally dealt with and advised I had been transferred to THY flight which was delayed. The lady was pleasant and appeared very proficient advising me that they were already aware of my missd connection and had protected space on THY flight before I landed. I remarked that I hoped the baggage handlers were also aware as I had been caught out before with no baggage in Istanbul due missed connection in Brussels. I was assured that this was the case and that SN had everything under control due to the "weather delay". I pointed out that the origional 45 minute delay was due to check in problems at Glasgow and the lady seemed unaware of this.

I proceeded to THY departure gate happy as I always enjoy flying on THY

On arrival at Istanbul at 1635 yes you've guessed no baggage!!!

No great problems as I expected baggage to be forwarded on next THY flight due in Istanbul at 2200

However no sign of baggage till 1900 next day!!!

I would rate SN Brussels as a big improvement on Sabena as far as cabin staff/service is concerned, but still sadly similar on the ground!!!