These Fodor forums have been great, so here's another question.

We're spending a Sunday evening in May before leaving for the U.S at the Brussels Marriott, near the "Bourse." The plane leaves at 10:50. How much time do we have to allow at the airport for security, etc.? We aren't checking any bags.

I would guess we could easily get a taxi from the hotel, but what time should we leave the hotel?

The train might be easy but we'd have to get to the train station from the hotel with two carry-on bags. The Central station is probably walkable, but how far? There is also a tram near the Hotel to get to the Midi station (and maybe the Nord station?). Should we just take a cab? Neither one of us likes to get up any earlier than we need to and there will be a breakfast buffet at the Hotel.

Thanks.

Sunday morning traffic is quiet. A taxi can take you quicker and more comfortable. 30 min to BRU airport is OK.

Checked in online 24 h before departure ?

I have been through security in 15 min, and in 45 min. It depends.

Which means leaving the hotel around 8.30...

I have seen very long, slow moving checkin lines at BRU for AA, Lufthansa, and Jet.

I've not been able to just walk to the gate the last few times I've been there. Even when I've used online checkin I've needed to wait in line for an agent to check the passport & issue final boarding pass. Last time it took me 45min to get to the front of the check-in queue.

I would be ok leaving the hotel around 8:30, but you may want to consider 30min earlier for more buffer.

Emro2, thanks, but we're leaving on a Monday morning.

J62, we'll definitely try to give ourselves enough time. Thanks. There's nothing more stressful than seeing a long line.

Monday morning traffic will be worse than a Sunday. Traffic out of Brussels isn't as bad as traffic headed into Brussels, but Monday morning I'd seriously consider taking the train. Seriously.

I usually come from the opposite direction (heading towards Brussels and highway traffic is more stop than go for dozens of miles at a stretch.

MarePete,
Sorry, I misread your post.
I totally agree with J62.

Acutally we ended up taking a cab from the Hotel. The concierge and our previous day's cab driver assured us it would be no problem and in fact there was no problem and we got to the airport in plenty of time.