Finnair Business Class Full Review

Finnair Business Class Full Review: Is This Nordic Gem Your Next Premium Journey?

Long-haul travel can be exhausting, but imagine gliding across continents in comfort, arriving refreshed and ready. For many discerning travelers, the choice of airline and cabin class makes all the difference. Finnair, the flag carrier of Finland, has been making waves with its revamped Business Class, promising a unique Nordic experience. But does it truly deliver? This comprehensive Finnair Business Class full review dives deep into every aspect of their premium offering, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your next international adventure.

Whether you're a seasoned business traveler or planning a special trip, understanding what Finnair's Business Class entails – from the innovative seat design to the culinary delights – is crucial. Let's explore what makes this Nordic airline stand out.

The Journey Begins: Booking & Pre-Flight Experience

Your premium journey with Finnair Business Class starts long before you step onto the aircraft.

Seamless Booking & Ticket Options

Finnair offers various Business Class ticket types: Business Light, Business Classic, and Business Flex. While all include exclusive meal services, Business Classic and Flex tickets provide additional benefits like checked baggage (up to two bags on long-haul flights) and priority services at the airport. It's worth checking their website for the specifics of each fare type to ensure it aligns with your travel needs.

Lounge Access: A Nordic Oasis

One of the most anticipated perks of Business Class is lounge access. Finnair provides a tranquil escape at its hubs, particularly at Helsinki Airport (HEL).

• Helsinki Lounges: If your flight departs from the non-Schengen area, you can access the Finnair Business Lounge near Gate 52, which is open from 5:30 AM to midnight. This spacious lounge offers various seating areas, a buffet with hot food, a selection of wines, champagne, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages. For Finnair Plus Platinum Lumo and Platinum members, and Oneworld Emerald members, the exclusive Finnair Platinum Wing offers an even more elevated experience, complete with a sauna and à la carte dining. Finnair has also opened a new lounge on the Schengen side near Gate 21, designed to accommodate more guests with distinct areas for dining, working, and relaxing.
• Partner Lounges: As a Oneworld airline, Finnair Business Class passengers also have access to Oneworld partner lounges at airports worldwide.

The lounges are designed with a serene Nordic aesthetic, featuring natural textures, soft forms, and furniture from renowned Nordic brands, aiming to provide a calm environment before your flight.

Efficient Check-in and Boarding

Business Class passengers typically enjoy priority check-in and boarding, ensuring a smoother and quicker process. Finnair's commitment to a streamlined experience extends to their boarding, often utilizing two jetbridges on A350s for faster boarding of premium passengers.

Onboard Excellence: The Finnair Business Class Experience

The true test of any Business Class product lies in the inflight experience. Finnair has invested significantly in revamping its long-haul cabins, offering a consistent premium experience across its Airbus A330 and A350 fleets.

The Revolutionary AirLounge Seat

At the heart of Finnair's renewed Business Class is the Collins Aerospace AirLounge seat, a unique and often-discussed feature. Unlike traditional reclining seats, the AirLounge is a fixed, contoured shell design that does not recline in the conventional sense. Instead, it's designed to resemble a sofa, allowing passengers to sit at different angles, lounge cross-legged, or stretch out completely.

• Comfort and Privacy: The high cocoon-like shell provides excellent privacy, making it difficult to see other passengers from your seat. When converted, it becomes a spacious lie-flat bed with a mattress pad and Marimekko design textiles, offering impressive sleep comfort. Many reviews highlight its comfort for sleeping, even for taller individuals.
• Storage and Connectivity: Each seat offers ample storage, including deep chest compartments for laptops, smaller bins for personal items, and space under the footwell for shoes. You'll find both USB-A and USB-C charging ports, a universal power outlet, and a convenient wireless charging pad on the side table.
• Cabin Aesthetics: The cabin interior reflects a modern Nordic feel, with dark fabric and light "wood" grain surfaces, complemented by textiles featuring iconic Finnish Marimekko designs. The absence of overhead bins in the middle section of the A350 cabin contributes to an airy and spacious ambiance.

In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) & Wi-Fi

Finnair's "Nordic Sky" in-flight entertainment system runs on the Panasonic eX3 system, featuring a large 18-inch touchscreen display. It offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, games, and music. A notable feature on the A350s is the external camera views, providing unique perspectives of your flight.

Wi-Fi is available onboard all long-haul aircraft. Business Classic and Flex ticket holders, along with Finnair Plus Gold members, receive one hour of complimentary internet access. Finnair Plus Platinum and Platinum Lumo members enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi for the entire flight. Additional time can be purchased easily.

The Culinary Journey: Nordic Flavors at 35,000 Feet

Finnair's Business Class dining experience emphasizes fresh, crisp Nordic flavors combined with destination-oriented influences.

• Meal Services: On long-haul flights, you typically receive two meal services: a main meal and a lighter second meal or snack. The main meal, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner, often includes two starters, a choice of three main courses, cheese, and dessert. You can even pre-select your main course up to 24 hours before departure via "Manage booking".
• Bistro-like Dining: Meals are served on elegant, Finnair-exclusive chinaware from Iittala, enhancing the bistro-like feel of the service.
• Beverage Selection: Expect a wide selection of beverages, including champagne (Joseph Perrier is often served), award-winning wines, and the signature Finnish blueberry juice. A snack bar is also available for Business Class passengers to help themselves to light snacks and drinks between meal services.
• Service Quality: While some reviews suggest the meal service can sometimes be less impressive than the seat itself, the cabin crew is generally described as professional, warm, friendly, and attentive.

Amenities for a Restful Flight

Finnair's amenity kits are designed in partnership with the iconic Finnish design house Marimekko. The contents typically include an eye mask, earplugs, and a bamboo toothbrush with toothpaste. While some find the contents basic, the Marimekko pouch itself is often praised for its design and reusability. Slippers made from recycled PET plastic bottles are also provided. For longer flights, a mattress pad and duvet are offered to enhance sleep comfort.

Routes and Value: Is Finnair Business Class Worth It?

Finnair primarily focuses on connecting Europe with Asia, North America, and the Middle East, with Helsinki serving as a strategic hub. Their long-haul fleet, consisting of Airbus A330s and A350s, has been fully upgraded with the new Business Class cabin, ensuring a consistent experience across these routes. Popular routes featuring the new cabin include flights to Tokyo, Los Angeles, Seoul, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York JFK, and Seattle.

When considering the value for money, Finnair Business Class offers a compelling product, particularly with its innovative AirLounge seat that prioritizes personal space and comfort. While award space can be challenging to find, paid tickets can offer good value. Compared to some other European carriers, Finnair provides a consistent lie-flat product and access to superior lounges at Helsinki Airport.

Tips for Maximizing Your Finnair Business Class Experience

• Pre-select your meal: To ensure you get your preferred main course, use "Manage booking" to pre-select your meal up to 24 hours before departure.
• Utilize the AirLounge's versatility: Don't be deterred by the "non-reclining" aspect. Experiment with the seat's various positions to find your most comfortable lounging or sleeping setup. Many find it exceptional for lying flat.
• Explore the lounges: If flying from Helsinki, take advantage of the Finnair Business Lounge or, if eligible, the Platinum Wing, for a relaxing pre-flight experience.
• Pack light for the amenity kit: While the Marimekko pouch is lovely, the contents are generally basic. If you have specific skincare needs, bring your own lip balm or lotions.
• Consider your seat choice: For maximum privacy and quiet, aim for seats in the forward Business Class cabin, typically rows 1 to 8 on the A350, avoiding those too close to lavatories.

Conclusion: A Unique Nordic Premium Experience

Finnair Business Class, particularly with its innovative AirLounge seat, offers a distinctive and highly comfortable premium travel experience. The emphasis on Nordic design, combined with thoughtful amenities and generally attentive service, creates an atmosphere of tranquility and efficiency. While the amenity kit contents might be minimal and meal service can vary, the overall comfort, privacy, and connectivity make it a strong contender for long-haul journeys.

If you value a spacious, private lie-flat seat and appreciate a modern, serene cabin environment, Finnair Business Class is definitely worth considering. It's a solid product that stands out in the competitive premium travel market.

Have you flown Finnair Business Class? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What makes Finnair's Business Class seat unique?

A1: Finnair's Business Class features the unique Collins Aerospace AirLounge seat, which is a fixed, contoured shell design that does not recline in the traditional sense. Instead, it transforms into a fully lie-flat bed by extending the footrest and filling the space, offering exceptional privacy and multiple lounging positions.

Q2: Do Finnair Business Class tickets include lounge access?

A2: Yes, Finnair Business Classic and Flex tickets generally include complimentary lounge access at Finnair lounges (especially at Helsinki Airport) and Oneworld partner lounges worldwide. Business Light tickets typically do not include lounge access, but it can often be purchased separately.

Q3: Are pyjamas provided in Finnair Business Class?

A3: No, Finnair Business Class does not typically provide pyjamas. Passengers are advised to bring their own loungewear or sleepwear if they prefer to change on overnight flights. However, a mattress pad, duvet, and pillows are provided for enhanced sleep comfort.

Q4: Which Finnair aircraft have the new Business Class cabin?

A4: Finnair has completed a full cabin upgrade across its entire long-haul fleet, meaning all Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft now feature the new Business Class AirLounge seat and cabin design. This ensures a consistent premium experience on their long-haul routes to Asia, North America, and the Middle East.