Finnair Business Class Review
The Nordic carrier is rolling out a major overhaul of business class on its long-haul fleet. Here’s our verdict.
The Nordic carrier is rolling out a major overhaul of business class on its long-haul fleet. Here’s our verdict.
The seat
Finnair is rolling out a major overhaul of business class on its long-haul fleet this year and next, and the new look is calming and chic in Nordic navy and white. Fabric-covered AirLounge seats are in a 1-2-1 configuration, and are generously proportioned and private, with a pitch of 32 or 35 inches, depending on the aircraft. They easily convert to lie-flat beds; no need for one of those embarrassing requests for help from cabin crew. Simply extend the footrest, lift a small extension into place via a lever and cover the base with the creamy cotton mattress topper and blue quilt provided. One pillow offers lumbar support while seated, plus there’s a softer version for sleeping. A storage nook at floor level is ideal for tablet or laptop and other essentials, and there’s a small shelf for shoes. A head-height cupboard houses noise-cancelling headphones and USB A and C charging ports. There’s also a standard wireless charger on the side table and an accessible power point at your feet while seated. A cute Marimekko care kit contains eye mask, L:a Bruket face cream, lip balm, bio-plastic toothbrush, toothpaste and ear plugs.
How other airlines shape up
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Review: Etihad Airways business class
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Finnair Business Class ‘seriously impressive’
The Nordic carrier is rolling out a major overhaul of business class on its long-haul fleet. Here’s our verdict.
Qantas business class review
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Tech talk
Business-class passengers, Business Flex ticket holders and Finnair Plus Gold members get a complimentary one hour’s internet access, while Finnair Plus Platinum and Platinum Lumo members can browse for the entire flight. Passengers can also purchase internet time before flying (one hour for $11.10; three hours for $20.90; the whole flight for $34.90). The system is easy to use: scan the QR code to access the Nordic Sky wi-fi network, input your name and seat number and start surfing.
On the menu
I’m offered a glass of Joseph Perrier Cuvee Champagne before takeoff, served in an icicle-esque Littala stemless flute that’s part of the new aesthetic. Dinner arrives shortly afterwards. A shrimp and chive pie is followed by tender braised beef short ribs with vegetables on a bed of parsnip puree, accompanied by a 2017 Tommasi Poggio al Tufo sangiovese. Dessert comprises a pretty panna cotta topped with raspberry coulis and gold flecks plus a small cheese selection. For breakfast, served about two hours from landing, there’s fresh fruit, yogurt, orange juice, coffee, an entree of Waldorf salad with chicken, and a so-so frittata served on a tomato ragout with a rather soggy hash brown, but the croissant is warm and flaky.
Entertainment
The selection of movies and TV series is not as broad as on some airlines but it’s perfectly adequate, especially when sleep is a high priority on this long-haul stretch. The 18-inch screen can be controlled by touch or remote. New films include the latest in the Batman and Fantastic Beasts franchises, The Northman and the quirky Everything, Everywhere, All at Once. Popular series such as Friends, Gordon Ramsay Uncharted and crime thriller The Sinner are represented, or you can pick up some Scandi decor tips on Grand Designs Sweden. Music runs the full gamut from classical and jazz to country, rock and easy listening. A range of newspapers, such as the New York Times, Straits Times, Die Welt, Helsingen Sanomat and Newsweek magazine, are available on the Nordic Sky network via a QR code, along with travel guides to the likes of Helsinki, Bangkok and Shanghai.
Service
Cabin crew are attentive without being overbearing. They patrol the aisles discreetly and seem to appear at just the right moment. But be warned, the refresher towels handed out are extremely hot.
Lounge access
Finnair business-class passengers can make use of the Maharba Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport. It’s not luxurious but there’s space to recharge, grab a drink and try a limited array of food.
Flight frequency
Finnair flies daily between Singapore and Helsinki, and also to New York. From November 10 it will fly daily to Tokyo, and to Bangkok from November 28. There is no need for a PCR or rapid-antigen test before flying but passengers are requested to wear masks on board. I carried a copy of my international vaccine certificate but it was not required.
The verdict
I am seriously impressed. The design is minimalist but welcoming and has all the essentials for a comfortable flight, and most importantly, the tech is easy to use. finnair.com
Penny Hunter was a guest of Finnair.