Brussels airport: Is 55 min. between flights doable?
 

We've been informed of a schedule change such that our American flight from the states lands in Brussels at 8:50, with a connecting flight to Munich leaving at 9:45. Is it likely that we will make this connection? Also, I'm assuming we will go through customs at our final destination of Munich---is that correct. Thanks in advance for your help.

Both Belgium and Germany belong to the Schengen zone, so BRU-MUC is a "domestic" European flight. You will therefore clear immigration and customs at BRU.

No idea whether 55 minutes is enough or not. But I believe you should be on the same AA ticket for the whole journey. If the first flight is delayed, there will be later flights that day to get to MUC.

Or there's a problem even before departing from Chicago, you may want to contact an AA agent or call their reservations. There are many ways AA can get you from ORD to MUC, mostly via London.

I'm not sure about clearing customs in BRU. I'm pretty sure you clear customs in MUNICH, your final European destination. You simply transfer in BRU.

I think the time you have should be enough (if your luggage is booked through). If there are any delays you may be in trouble.

BRU-MUC is a Schengen flight within Europe, operated by SN Brussels on a commuter. I don't see how you can NOT go through immigration at BRU.

I looked into this further. You must be leaving the US on a Friday, as that SN Brussels flight only operates on Saturday, and is the only flight from BRU-MUC that day.

I still believe AA/SN will do all they can to make sure you can connect; and find alternative ways to get you to MUC that day. But if you're very uncomfortable, you may want to contact AA and see if they can reroute you through London, Zurich, or Frankfurt (and connect to a ICE train).

Thanks, folks. I've sent a couple of e-mails to SN Brussels, with no response yet. Will contact AA to learn more about customs, re-booking options.