1
Are you thinking of flying to Finland this year? Here’s a friendly guide to flying Finnair business class. I’ll help you pick the best seat and share all the amenities they offer up in the sky!
Have you ever flown in business class with Finnair? If not, let me take you through what it’s like. I’ve flown around the globe with various airlines and always find myself comparing them to Finnair. Their service stands out, particularly when you’re looking for flights to Europe.
As someone who travels frequently for both work and pleasure, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of airline travel. Finnair, with its blend of modern Nordic design and genuine hospitality, consistently impresses. This guide is born from numerous flights, countless hours in the air, and a genuine appreciation for what they offer.
I’m here to break down everything from the plush seats to the attentive service. By sharing my experiences, I’ll help you determine whether Finnair’s business class is the right choice for your next trip. Ready to find out? Let’s dive in.
My #1 tip to find cheap Finnair Business Class tickets
Looking for a steal on Finnair business class tickets? Before jumping into the article, I first wanted to give you this insider tip to find cheap airfare on business class flights.
For years, I’ve been using this site called Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), which sends you alerts on airline deals, discounts, and mistake fares. It’s a total game-changer, saving me $10,000+ on flights each year.
Their $49/year premium version is well worth it- just one discounted flight pays for the whole thing. I recommend trying the free trial and using my special discount code JON20 to save 20%!
And if you’re into business/first class, you’ll want to sign up for their Elite version. Last year, this service saved me $2,750 on a first class flight and $1,500 on a business class flight. At just $199 year year, trust me, it’s a small price for massive savings.
Overview of Finnair
If you’re considering flying business class, Finnair might just be the way to go. I’ve been using them for years, flying from their hub in Helsinki to spots all over the globe. With flights to over 80 destinations across 35 countries, including six cities in the U.S., their network is vast and convenient.
Founded back in 1923, Finnair is one of the oldest airlines still in operation today. Not only do they have history, but they’re also ranked as one of the safest airlines worldwide. Trust me, that’s a big deal when you fly as much as I do.
Finnair operates a fleet of 79 aircraft, from the Airbus A350 to the Airbus A321. If you’re heading to Asia, Europe, or North America, their business class service is excellent. Comfortable seats, attentive service—it’s all there. Stick with me, and I’ll tell you all about what makes Finnair one of the best airlines in Europe.
Finnair’s fleet: A detailed comparison
Finnair’s fleet is diverse, and choosing the right business class can really enhance your travel. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from each type of aircraft they fly.
Airbus A350-900
The A350 is Finnair’s star when flying long-haul, operating routes to the US (including Los Angeles & Seattle) and Asia (such as Singapore and Hong Kong). The new business class, known as the Air Lounge, is set in a 1-2-1 layout. Every passenger enjoys aisle access and plenty of privacy.
What’s unique about these seats is that they don’t recline. Instead, they smoothly transition into a flat bed, eliminating the fuss of complex electronic controls. The comfort is unparalleled, with one of the widest seats in the business.
Whilst the Air Lounge is a controversial seat amongst aviation geeks, I adore the product. It feels like lounging on your sofa at home! For me, it’s one of the best airlines to fly to Europe from the US.
Airbus A330-300
The A330s feature the same Air Lounge seats as the A350s. These aircraft typically service routes to the East Coast, including Chicago and New York, and to the Middle East, like Doha. Finnair also uses the A330 for flights connecting Asia to Oceania, such as Sydney to Singapore.
Airbus A319/A320/A321
For shorter trips, especially within Europe, Finnair’s A319, A320, and A321 offer a more standard business class experience. The setup here includes a blocked middle seat, giving you a bit more space and privacy. While it’s not as luxurious as the long-haul Air Lounge, it’s a solid option for shorter flights.
Finnair business class baggage allowance
When packing for a trip on Finnair business class, knowing your baggage allowance can save a lot of headaches.
If you’re flying between Japan and Europe, you can check three pieces, each up to 32kg. For trips to or from Asia and the Middle East, or between North America and Europe, you’re allowed two pieces, also 32 kg each. For all other destinations, it’s one piece at 23kg.
Flying out of Helsinki? You’ve got a convenient option to drop off your checked bags the evening before your flight. That’s a real time-saver.
For your carry-on, you can bring one bag plus a small personal item, with a combined weight limit of 12kg.
Airport experience when flying Finnair business class
Finnair makes sure your trip starts smoothly long before you board the plane. Here’s a rundown on what to expect from the airport process, from checking in to boarding the plane.
Check-in
At Helsinki’s Terminal 2, Finnair offers a streamlined check-in process for Business Class passengers. Advanced scanners speed up security checks, allowing you to keep laptops and liquids in your bags. If you’re flying from airports other than Helsinki, priority check-in is still a standard perk.
Lounge access
Finnair operates three business class lounges at Helsinki Airport. The lounge in the Schengen area, located at gate 23, features shower suites and workstations for your convenience. The non-Schengen lounges boast an open kitchen where chefs prepare fresh, internationally inspired dishes. Both areas provide a rotating menu with diverse options, plus a full bar with cocktails and specialty coffees. Flying from other locations? You’ll have access to Oneworld partner airlines’ lounges.
Boarding
One of the best parts of flying business class with Finnair is the priority boarding. Available at all airports, this service allows you to skip the usual queues and get settled in your seat without the stress.
In-flight comfort & amenities on Finnair business class
As one of the best airlines in Finland, the on-board experience when flying Finnair business class is exceptional. Here’s what you can expect when you fly with them.
Seats
The Air Lounge seats on the A350 and A330 are seriously roomy. Each converts into a 78-inch flat bed and is over a meter wide. You get your own lamp to tweak the light to your liking, helping ease jet lag with smart mood lighting. For work or dining, a flexible table setup is paired with multiple connectivity options, including USB ports and wireless charging.
In-flight entertainment
Finnair’s entertainment system is custom-made with Panasonic to be easy on the eyes and simple to use. The 18-inch screen and the intuitive setup mean you can quickly find something good to watch or play. They also provide noise-canceling headphones, which are perfect for diving into a wide selection of movies, TV shows, or games.
Wi-Fi
In Finnair business class, Wi-Fi is free. The length you receive depends on your status, but all passengers receive at least 30 minutes of internet access. It’s great for keeping up with your emails or browsing without interruption as you fly.
Amenity kits
The amenity kits are pretty cool, too. They come in stylish Marimekko pouches with L:a Bruket skincare products, including lip balm and face cream. There’s also a sleep mask, earplugs, and a toothbrush. Finnair thinks about the bigger picture, donating unused items to women’s shelters.
On-board dining in Finnair business class
One of the reasons why I think Finnair offers one of the world’s best business class is its food and drink offerings.
Food
The menu, influenced by a Nordic philosophy with a Japanese twist, offers something special. You start with two appetizers for variety, followed by a choice of three main courses. You pick your sides, giving you freedom to mix things up. Expect a finale of cheese, dessert, and maybe a Finnish special like reindeer pâté if you’re departing Helsinki.
Beverages
The drink options are just as thoughtfully curated. Finnair takes pride in its signature cocktail, the Northern Blush, a refreshing mix of gin, lingonberry, and orange. Another unique offering is their blueberry juice, a popular Finnish drink that’s always available onboard. For those who enjoy a tipple, there’s a good selection of champagne, wines, and spirits to accompany your meal.
Tips for booking Finnair business class flights
Looking for cheap business class tickets to Finland? Here are some pointers to get you sitting pretty without breaking the bank.
- Sign up for Going Elite: This is your gateway to catching the best deals Finnair has to offer. Keep an eye on their specials, and you might just land a luxury flight for less.
- Leverage Oneworld alliance benefits: Since Finnair is part of the Oneworld alliance, you can often find additional perks or use other loyalty programs within the alliance to book flights.
- Subscribe to Cheap Flight Alerts: Again, if you want to find the best possible deals on business class airfare, I highly recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for finding discounted economy flights, the Elite version is what you’ll need to find cheap business and first class deals.
- Consider Finnair Plus cautiously: Unless you’re already deep into Finnair Plus points, it might not be the best program for accumulating rewards compared to other programs. Use it wisely if it fits your travel patterns.
- Book early: For the best rates and availability in business class, try to book as early as possible. Early bookings often come with better prices.
- Watch for sales: Finnair, like many airlines, has sales periods. Staying updated through their newsletters or site can give you a competitive edge in grabbing those discounted seats.
- Check alternate airports: Sometimes flying out of or into a nearby airport can reduce the cost significantly. I’d recommend checking alternative routes if you have flexibility in your travel plans.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can increase your chances of finding cheap Finnair business class tickets. Happy booking!
Finnair business class vs. rival products
There are plenty of airlines that fly to Europe from the US. I’ll break down the key aspects and share my personal recommendation on which one I’d choose based on my experiences and preferences.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) vs. Finnair
SAS offers a solid business class experience. Their long-haul flights include lie-flat seats and an emphasis on Scandinavian design. Their dining services are notable for emphasizing local and sustainable food options. Finnair, on the other hand, shines with its Nordic design and a unique blend of Finnish and Asian culinary influences. Plus, I’d say that the Air Lounge seats (found on the A350 and A330) offer exemplary comfort. Both airlines provide excellent connectivity and entertainment options.
Finnair vs. Icelandair
Icelandair operates a smaller business class cabin, called Saga Class. It’s comfortable, but doesn’t provide a lie-flat bed. Their service is personalized, and the experience feels more intimate. Finnair offers a more consistent business class product with guaranteed flat beds on long-haul routes and access to superior lounges at Helsinki airport.
Lufthansa vs. Finnair
Lufthansa is known for its reliability and extensive global network, with a robust business class offering including superb lounge access. Their in-flight service is typically German—efficient and high-quality. Finnair’s competitive edge comes from their focus on wellness and comfort. On-board, you’ll find features designed to alleviate jet lag. Plus, they offer better flights between Europe and Asia.
Bottom Line
I’d go with Finnair, especially for flights from Europe to Asia. Their seats make a huge difference on long hauls, and the vibe in their cabins with the mood lighting makes flying less taxing. Plus, their food is something I always look forward to. For comfort and a touch of Finnish hospitality.
Pros and cons of Finnair business class
Traveling in Finnair business class has its highs and lows. Here’s a straightforward look at what works and what could be better.
Pros
- Comfortable seats: The Air Lounge seats are spacious, turn into flat beds, and offer plenty of privacy.
- Wellness features: Mood lighting designed to minimize jet lag really makes a difference on those long-haul flights.
- Dining experience: A fusion of Finnish and Asian cuisines, along with high-quality seasonal ingredients, provides a memorable meal in the sky.
- Efficient hub: Helsinki Airport is easy to navigate and makes for smooth connections, especially between Europe and Asia.
- Excellent lounges: Whether you’re starting in Helsinki or using a partner lounge, the quality is consistent and adds value to your travel.
Cons
- Inconsistent experience on shorter routes: The business class experience within Europe doesn’t always match the high standards of long-haul flights.
- Price point: While you get a lot of bang for your buck, Finnair Business Class can be on the pricier side.
- Rewards program limitations: Finnair Plus might not always be the best choice for accumulating rewards unless you’re already committed to a lot of points within their system.
Future developments: Finnair’s sustainability goals
Finnair has set an ambitious goal to be carbon neutral by the end of 2045. It’s a big target, but they’re already making solid progress. For instance, all their ground vehicles are now electric-powered. That’s a major win, and they achieved net-zero emissions in their non-flight operations by the end of 2023.
On board, Finnair has also cut down on single-use plastic waste by half as of 2022. They’re replacing items with more sustainable options, like bamboo toothbrushes in their amenity kits. Flights leaving Helsinki Airport now use sustainable aviation fuel, helping to cut down on carbon emissions for each flight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Finnair business class
Are you still curious about which airline is the best to fly to Finland? Here are some questions I get asked a lot that will help decide whether Finnair business class is the right option for you.
Does Finnair business class have a flat bed?
Yes, in Finnair Business Class on their long-haul flights, you can expect a flat bed. The seats in their Air Lounge, found on the A350 and A330, convert into a 78-inch flat bed. You can stretch out and get a good rest.
Do you get free drinks on Finnair?
Yes, drinks are on the house in Finnair Business Class. You can enjoy a range of beverages, from their signature cocktails like the Northern Blush to fine wines, champagnes, and non-alcoholic options like the iconic Finnish blueberry juice.
Is Finnair a trustworthy airline?
Finnair is known for its reliability and safety. It’s one of the oldest airlines still operating and is consistently ranked as one of the safest. You’re in good hands with them.
Is Finnair a good airline for long-haul?
Finnair is excellent for long-haul flights, particularly between Europe and Asia. Their strategic location in Helsinki makes for efficient connections, and their aircraft are equipped with amenities that enhance long-haul travel. This includes comfortable flat beds, great dining options, and mood lighting to minimize jet lag. Plus, their service is top-notch.
