Finnair Business class offers a unique experience that is truly Scandinavian in a one of a kind business class seat that doesn’t recline yet offers tons of space and what most people claim as comfort. Some love it, others hate it. Yet, as expected, everything from the airport sauna to the airplane seat is uniquely Finnair. Creating an experience that transcends mere transportation. After an amazing expedition on Swan Hellenic, it was time to fly home.
Finnair Business Class offers an unparalleled flying experience that promises to elevate your travel to new heights. The Oneworld airlines curates a unique experience from the airport until you reach your destination. Finnair’s commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of their Business Class service
Business Class Pre-Flight Benefits
The experience of the premium cabin begins even before stepping onto the plane. As a Finnair Business Class passenger, you enjoy exclusive pre-flight privileges. Skip the queues with dedicated check-in counters and expedited security clearance. When checking in at OSL the economy class line had nearly 50 people in it. The OneWorld Elite and business class lines had less than 10. With only two agents working the flight, this alone saved me 20 minutes.
Business class passengers also gain access to Finnair’s premium lounges, offering a tranquil haven where you can relax, unwind, and indulge in an array of culinary delights. The lounges provide a serene ambiance, accompanied by attentive service, shower facilities, and business amenities, ensuring you start your journey in the lap of luxury. All business class passengers on long haul flights and short haul flights within Europe have access to the lounge. As an Oneworld Emerald Elite I was able to access the platinum lounge. The lounge was opulent and the sauna was relaxing. My new favorite activities preflight!
Once onboard we also had a choice between pre-flight champagne or the airline’s favorite, blueberry juice. I opted for both.
Finnair Business Class Cabin and Seat
Onwards and upwards, it was time to fly. Step into the Finnair Business Class cabin which boats mood lighting and a unique cabin design. Here you will be greeted by 32 business class seats and an oasis of comfort and elegance. The newly designed cabins are uniquely different. Modern and beautiful and nothing like my Finnair A350 Business class flight.
The spacious cabin had seats in a 1x2x1 seating arrangement. The cabin features lie-flat beds, without the moving parts. That’s right, the back of the seat is stationary and does not recline. Yet, Finnair ensures your journey is one of tranquility and relaxation with the extra long seat.
The AirLounge seat is unique in that it does not recline but still turns into a bed. The only one in the market. The back shell and seat is a fixed back and only the leg rest moves. The seat converts into a bed when you raise the leg rest on the seat and connect it to the footrest. Together connecting turning into an extra long bed. Also a side sleepers dream!
The seat overall is huge. With more personal space including everything for several storage pockets and a side table. Way more personal space and storage space than I am used to in business class. There is also lots of storage and upgraded features like wireless charging and USB-C power ports.
Each seat boasts direct aisle access, providing freedom of movement and privacy. With ample storage space for personal belongings and thoughtfully designed cabin interiors, Finnair creates a sanctuary in the sky. But only if you like the angle of recline.
Unpopular AirLounge Opinion
Speaking of recline, let’s talk about this unpopular opinion. Everyone raves about how comfortable these seats are, yet I really do not get it. The Sky couch as many call it is supposed to be comfortable. allowing you to spread out and lay and lounge in multiple positions. Yet, I think this is all marketing. I found that sleeping in the seat was VERY comfortable. Yet, for a long flight, there is only one way to recline or more or less slouch, I did not enjoy this seat for watching movies and relaxing. Eastbound to Europe where the only thing I want to do is sleep. Yes, I recommend spending extra for a business class ticket. Otherwise I do not know if I would choose a Finnair flight with the new seat on the east bound segments again. The seat is just odd. There’s not other way to describe it.
Cleanliness & Seat Functionality
Since the pandemic, every airline lines to talk about how much they are doing to keep customers safe. Nearly every airline has a multistep business plan on ways they are keeping cabins cleaner and safer since Covid-19. Claiming to have detailed protocols, guided by industry research, for cleaning and disinfecting aircraft. They even have hospital-grade disinfectants and air filters that are effective against COVID-19. Yet, despite all of these programs it seems to me that Finnair cannot keep their aircrafts clean.
My seat was clearly not cleaned or wiped down between flight. I don’t care too much, but I do find it hysterical the messages these companies are pumping into the world, but are not actually honoring. Maybe it’s because Covid is no longer a showstopper, therefore it doesn’t matter as much now. Despite this, my seat was pretty gross. Clearly a soda or something blew up in my seat during a previous flight. I utilized the hot washcloth to get rid of the stickiness around my seat instead of cleaning my hands.
Cleanup in row 2 please!
Another issue was I do not know if these seats are actually quality. With few moving parts one would think it there would be less to break. Yet, both myself and my partner had seat issues told to us while boarding. First, I was told that my IFE was not functional. I asked the agent if I could move seats, but business class was sold out. Ok, well what about free wi-fi. She told I would have to ask for reimbursement after the flight. I stopped in the gangway while still on the airports Wi-Fi and quickly downloaded about 10 movies and TV shows from Netflix and Amazon Prime. I had a book, but wanted something else to do while on the plane. It was only after I boarded the plane, I found out that there was nothing wrong with my seat. It was just dirty.
After my non-existent issue, my partner was also told his seat had issues. The power ports did not work. Ok, this isn’t as big of a deal, as we are sitting not to each other, we could trade off power. Once onboard, his seat was fine too. The poor people in row 1, that is a different issue. Both of their seats had issues, despite it being reported as row 2.
At the end of the day, neither of the issues are that big of a deal. Yet, for a brand new seat that is only a few months old, it’s sad to see it failing already. These seats have very little electronics compared to most airline seats. One would think the basic things like seat power and IFE would work.
Finnair Business Class Dining
Prepare for a culinary adventure that is uniquely Scandinavian during meal service. Finnair Business Class offers a gastronomic journey that celebrates the best of Nordic cuisine. Finnair chefs curate a menu that showcases locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Delight in a symphony of flavors, from appetizers to decadent desserts, paired with an exceptional wine selection. Depending on the flight, you may even get to try Reindeer. Sadly my flight wasn’t as created. Drinks were good and the food was not what I was expecting based on other reviews. Finnair menus below:
Service took about 2 hours and started about 30 minutes after takeoff. We started with warm towels and then nuts and a drink. Then the entire main course with appetizer and all was provided. Finnair did not break this into multiple courses, taking away from the premium feel. After dinner a cheese course was available with more drinks and port. Then a final round of dessert with more drinks or coffee.
Between dinner and breakfast there were no additional services. Flight attendants mostly kept to the galleys and would do an occasion check of the cabin. One could ring for refills but otherwise service was bleak until 2 hours before landing. Then about 6.5 hours into flight a pre arrival meal was served. This to me is the most annoying part of flying. Finnair provided a breakfast quiche despite landing in Seattle at 5pm. Really? I would rather have a sandwich or something more appropriate for the time of the day.
Bottom Line
Flying Finnair Business Class is a great way to get to and from Scandinavia or Eastern Europe. From the moment you step on board until you reach your destination, Finnair’s staff and service is fantastic. The crew is really dedicated to providing a remarkable flying experience and it shines through. The combination of exclusive pre-flight privileges such as the lounge with an airport sauna plus spacious and semi comfortable cabins, delicious dining make Finnair Business Class a class of its own. Their seats are odd, but many people find them comfortable. It was just myself and Diego who disliked the recline and lack of adjustment. Yet, despite all of them, I will likely embark on a future business class journey on Finnair in the near future. Especially if they continue to serve gateways in the United States such as Seattle.
Overall Finnair was a comfortable option and it’s nice to be able to fly further East without stopping in London or Paris. Overall, I’d recommend Finnair’s Business class, even if the seat is odd.
