Is Finnair Premium Economy Comfortable

Is Finnair Premium Economy Comfortable? A Deep Dive for Discerning Travelers

Long-haul flights can be a test of endurance, leaving many travelers pondering the elusive balance between comfort and cost. If you've found yourself staring at flight options, wondering, "Is Finnair Premium Economy comfortable enough to justify the upgrade?", you're not alone. This guide will take a comprehensive look at Finnair's Premium Economy cabin, dissecting everything from seat design to dining, to help you decide if it's the right choice for your next journey.

What Exactly is Finnair Premium Economy?

Finnair's Premium Economy class is designed to bridge the gap between standard Economy and Business Class, offering an elevated experience on long-haul flights without the full Business Class price tag. Introduced in 2022 as part of a fleet-wide refurbishment, it's now available on all of Finnair's long-haul Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft.

This dedicated cabin aims to provide more space, comfort, and enhanced service, making those extended hours in the air far more enjoyable. But does it deliver on that promise? Let's explore.

The All-Important Seat: Your Comfort Command Center

When assessing the comfort of any flight, the seat is paramount. So, how does Finnair's Premium Economy seating stack up?

Space and Configuration

Finnair's Premium Economy cabins are notably intimate, typically featuring a 2-4-2 configuration with just 21 to 26 seats, depending on the aircraft type. This smaller cabin size contributes to a more peaceful and less crowded atmosphere compared to the larger Economy cabins.

You'll find significantly more personal space than in standard Economy. Finnair states that Premium Economy offers approximately 50% more legroom. The seat pitch, the distance from one seat to the same point on the seat in front or behind, is a comfortable 38 inches (96.5 cm). While some reviewers note this is on the lower end for Premium Economy cabins across the industry, it's a substantial improvement over standard Economy.

For those seeking maximum legroom, the bulkhead seats (the first row of the cabin) are highly recommended, as they offer generous extra space and no reclining seat in front of you.

Seat Features and Design

Finnair's Premium Economy seats are equipped with several features designed for enhanced comfort:

• Recline: You get a generous 8 inches (20 cm) of recline, which is more than standard Economy and allows for better relaxation and even sleep on longer flights.
• Leg and Foot Support: A "waterfall" legrest supports the entire leg, and a footrest is also present, aiding in comfort and circulation.
• Cushioning: The seats are padded with memory foam cushions, which many travelers find supportive and comfortable, even on extended journeys.
• Thoughtful Touches: You'll find proper armrests, a cocktail table, a large and firm meal table, universal PC power outlets, and USB-A ports for charging your devices. Each seat also has an individual reading light. Smart storage compartments are integrated into the seat for personal items like phones, glasses, and laptops, meaning you don't always need to reach for the overhead bin.

While the seats are wider than Economy, some reviews suggest the width increase is minimal (less than an inch) compared to standard Economy, and middle seats in the 2-4-2 configuration might still feel a bit cramped.

In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity

Staying entertained and connected is crucial on long flights. How does Finnair Premium Economy fare?

• Entertainment System: Each seat boasts at least a 13-inch touchscreen, offering a wide selection of over 200 movies, TV series, music channels, and games. The system is responsive and, in many cases, features the same content as Business Class. You'll also receive cozy, noise-cancelling headphones, often the same quality as those in Business Class.
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available, though typically for a fee. Prices might start around €7.95 for an hour, with full-flight access costing more. Finnair Plus top-tier members may receive one hour of complimentary Wi-Fi.

Dining Experience: A Taste of Nordic Hospitality

Food and beverage service is a significant part of the Premium Economy experience. Finnair aims to provide an elevated dining experience:

• Meal Services: On long-haul flights, you'll typically receive two meal services: a high-quality three-course main meal and a lighter second meal or snack before landing.
• Main Meal: The first meal offers two main course options and is served on chinaware designed by the Finnish icon Iittala. You can often pre-select your main course via "Manage Booking" to ensure your preference is available and help reduce food waste.
• Beverages: Complimentary hot and cold beverages, including alcoholic drinks (excluding sparkling wine), are available throughout the flight. Sparkling wine and additional snacks can be purchased. Some reviewers have noted that while the food quality is generally good, portion sizes could be more substantial, and the second meal might feel a bit light for very long flights. The use of plastic and paper cups for drinks, rather than glassware, has also been mentioned as a minor detractor for a "premium" experience.

Amenities and Thoughtful Touches

Beyond the seat and meals, Finnair provides a few extras to enhance your comfort:

• Amenity Kit: You'll receive a Marimekko-designed amenity kit. These kits are often made from reusable, washable kraft paper and contain essentials like an eye mask, earplugs, and a bamboo dental kit.
• Bedding: A cozy Marimekko blanket and a neckroll/neck pillow are provided. While the neck pillow is a unique offering, opinions vary on its utility, with some finding it a thoughtful touch and others preferring a traditional pillow.

Ground Experience: What to Expect Before Boarding

It's important to manage expectations regarding ground services for Finnair Premium Economy:

• Check-in: Unlike some airlines, Finnair Premium Economy tickets do not typically include priority check-in. You'll use the regular Economy queue unless you have elite status with Finnair Plus or a Oneworld alliance partner.
• Lounge Access: Lounge access is not a standard inclusion with Finnair Premium Economy tickets.
• Boarding: Premium Economy passengers are usually in Group 3 for boarding, placing them in the middle of the boarding process after Business Class and status passengers.

Is Finnair Premium Economy Comfortable? The Verdict.

So, is Finnair Premium Economy comfortable? The general consensus points towards a resoundingly positive experience for most travelers, especially when compared to standard Economy. The significantly increased legroom, generous recline, and ergonomic design of the memory foam seats contribute to a much more relaxed journey. The small, intimate cabin also fosters a quieter and more pleasant environment.

However, it's worth noting that while the "hard product" (seat, IFE) is often praised, the "soft product" (food, service consistency, ground benefits) sometimes receives mixed reviews, with some finding the meal portions on the smaller side or the service less distinct from Economy than desired. The lack of priority check-in or lounge access is also a point of distinction from some competitors.

Ultimately, if your priority is a comfortable, spacious seat on a long-haul flight without the expense of Business Class, Finnair Premium Economy is a strong contender and likely a worthwhile upgrade. It offers a noticeable step up in comfort and amenities, making those extended hours in the sky far more bearable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Finnair Premium Economy worth the extra cost?

A1: Many travelers find Finnair Premium Economy worth the extra cost, especially for long-haul flights. It offers significantly more legroom (38-inch pitch), a greater recline, and enhanced seat features like legrests and memory foam cushions, providing a much more comfortable experience than standard Economy. The price is typically about double that of Economy but a third of Business Class, making it a good value proposition for increased comfort.

Q2: What amenities do you get in Finnair Premium Economy?

A2: In Finnair Premium Economy, you receive a Marimekko-designed amenity kit (with eye mask, earplugs, and dental kit), a cozy Marimekko blanket, and a neck pillow. You also get a personal 13-inch entertainment screen with noise-cancelling headphones, and access to power outlets and USB ports at your seat.

Q3: Do Finnair Premium Economy passengers get lounge access or priority check-in?

A3: No, Finnair Premium Economy tickets generally do not include lounge access or priority check-in. You will typically use the standard Economy check-in lines, and boarding is usually in Group 3. Lounge access is typically reserved for Business Class passengers or those with elite frequent flyer status.

Q4: What are the best seats to choose in Finnair Premium Economy?

A4: For maximum legroom, the bulkhead seats (the first row of the Premium Economy cabin, typically row 21 or 20 on A350s) are often considered the best choice as they have no seat in front to recline into your space. For couples, the window pairs in the 2-4-2 configuration offer a more private experience. If you are tall, the bulkhead seats are particularly beneficial for legroom.

Considering an upgrade for your next long-haul journey? Share your thoughts or experiences with Finnair Premium Economy in the comments below!