Guide to Finnair Business Class: Fly to Helsinki in Style

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Traveling in Finnair business class has its highs and lows. Here’s a straightforward look at what works and what could be better.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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