Finnair review - by R Edgars

30 July 2006

RIX-HEL-JFK-DCA and back. Flight from Helsinki to New York was in Business class, the rest in Economy. A very good experience. MD-11 was old but with new angled lie-flat seats. Service was attentive and warm, food and wine excellent. The only thing - they have to improve their IFE.

Finnair review - by D Griggs

30 July 2006

What has happened to Finnair. For the last 6 years I have been flying from Manchester to Helsinki onwards and have seen standards drop and prices increase dramatically in the last year. What used to be in my opinion, the best airline with smiling cabin staff, good hot food, comfortable planes with plenty of leg room, has now reminds me of Ryanair. The newly introduced small plane from Manchester is horrid, cramped and terrible cold food. Also only one flight a day now - maybe due to the drop in standards and the huge price hike. Furthermore, the flight from Oulu (14.15) is always late, frustrating to wait for an airport bus to the terminal, then leaving a dash through Vantaa Terminal Gate 17 to Gate 31 (I have asthma), to catch the 16.00 to Manchester. Last week I only had 10 minutes to do this! Also it would be nice to get one's luggage at Manchester Airport and not have to wait three days for the luggage to be delivered to my home.

Finnair review - by Nigel Barnsley

30 July 2006

In answer to John Eastwood's question, according to their website, Finnair have bought a 295 seat A340 (presumably 300), second hand, from Virgin Atlantic to operate on their Helsinki - Shanghai route. In my experience of Virgin, assuming that the seat configuration remains the same, this means that things will be just as cramped as on the MD-11s. Apparently the long term plan is to replace all the MD11s with brand new A340s, but over what time scale is not clear.

Finnair review - by John Eastwood

24 July 2006

HKG-HEL-LHR-HEL-SGN on MD11 for long haul and A319 short haul within Europe, found MD 11 to be very tired and cramped with little to offer as far as entertainment concerned, crew were pleasant and food likewise but after transferring from QF from Mel found this to be a step down in quality but for the price I paid it was ok, found Helsinki Vantaa to be a great little airport typically efficient and clean, Airbus flight from HEL-LHR-HEL was interesting with nose camera showing live fed of takeoff and landing. Overall not too bad but MD11 option would make me question this airline for future long haul, I am not aware of any plans to upgrade these aircraft ?

Finnair review - by Leif Olvirsson

24 July 2006

I am an American Airlines Platinum member and experienced in using BA and Cathay Pacific from Europe to Beijing and Hong Kong. So I thought I would try Finnair for a change but still within the OneWorld scheme. London/Helsinki is just fine. Then the woes begin. Finnair's MD11s are old and shabby, the onboard facilities are dismal and the food is appaling. I have not been so cramped on an economy flight in years - though the crew were not too bad everything about the Finnair experience on an MD11 is awful. I complain only because they seem to have the deluded idea that they are genuinely competing, or complementing even, with the premier players such as BA, Cathay (not to mention Star Alliance airlines like SQ and TG) Never again. For me its back to the real airlines.

Finnair review - by Marilyn Harper

24 July 2006

I travel three or four times a year from LHR-HEL-JYV and always experienced great service. Always someone to hand to explain or guide you and staff are very friendly. Planes are clean and the food very acceptable. The flights are not cheap and I have paid between £190 and £342 - I'm prepared to pay extra for good service.

Finnair review - by Etienne Bock

18 July 2006

CDG-HEL-TKU-HEL-TKU in economy. Once again I'm very satisfied with Finnair service. Both international flights were operated by new aircrafts (A-321) that were very clean and quiet. I must say the seat pitch and the legroom (in economy) are the biggest I've experienced. How pleasant! Crew was friendly and efficient and realy did their best to accomodate passenger's needs. Meal were tatsy but lacked of quantity, only a pasta main course and a chocolate. IFE is also very good with take-off and landing video. Domestic flights were operated by a pretty noisy ATR 72. No inflight service on those flights since they're only 25 min long but FA are offering sweets to prevent ear pains.

Finnair review - by B Coleman

10 June 2006

Flew AY for the first time DUB to HEL return. Both flights departed and arrived on time, the aircraft was an A319 which appeared relatively new, with excellent legroom even in the back of the plane, inflight service was very good. The only purchase requirement were either spirits or champagne. The cabin crew were efficient and friendly and carried out 3 services on what is a 3 hour flight approx. Would fly with again, though there ticket prices are not the cheapest, you certainly get what you pay for and are treated like a human being as compared to the treatment on some of the low cost carriers. All in all an exceptional experience in economy class.

Finnair review - by Bruce Dale

22 April 2006

I flew AY for the first time. The flight was between Singapore and Bangkok. The main problem was that although the Changi Airport website says that AY offers early check-in from 10;15am, this is not the case. I checked AY's website and they don't mention what time check-in opens. Not only did we get to the airport too early (around midday) but we also wasted an hour trying to find out what was going on. Not a good first impression. Still, my partner and I made the most of the situation with a laugh and came back at 6pm. Although I am a oneworld sapphire level frequent flyer, no lounge invite was given to me at check-in (which caused more delays there) and our seat allocation had been moved from double unit to a triple unit, meaning a dreaded middle seat. AY has still not responded to my e-mailed complaint on this matter as it was well below expectations of a quality carrier. Still, once we were airborne, it would be hard to fault the smiling, multi-lingual crew from Thailand and Finland. The food was edible and the right amount for the time of night too. The seating on the old MD-11s is very cramped however. Despite the problems I'd fly them again short haul. Their product looks too outdated for a long haul journey.

Finnair review - by Marc Paquet

7 April 2006

Flew Finnair from Helsinki for a same day trip to Rovaniemi . The morning flight left Helsinki at 08h, and the return flight departed Rovaniemi at 18h. My comment is regarding the "meals" we were served on these 2 flights. The morning meal was probably the worst meal I ever had on a commercial flight: a very thin slice of white cheese stuck between 2 pieces of white bread, a cup of water, hazelnut cereal bar and coffee/tea. I guess this could pass for breakfast, but the really unpleasant surprise was that we got exactly the same menu on the return flight, when I was expecting "dinner"! Finnair charges 215 Euros for 2h30 min. of flying time (round trip): one would think that for that amount of $$, they could do better with the meals. Apart from the meals, everything else was fine.

Finnair review - by Linda Gallagher

7 April 2006

I have travelled four times in Finnair business class, LHR - Beijng and BKK - LHR in 2004 and LHR - BKK - LHR in December 2005. The largest factor in my choice of carrier was price. The 2004 flight cost £1,400 and last year the flight cost £1,500. Flight prices obviously fluctuate but British Airways or Thai Airlines could easily be £1,000 more if not double. At Heathrow, check in is managed smoothly by British Airways and Finnair passengers use BA lounge facilities. All four of my flights have been via Helsinki, all left on time and the connections were very conveniently timed (about an hour wait). Transfering in Helsinki literally could not be easier, each time i stepped off one plane to find my next flight was departing from a gate 20 metres away. The inflight experience is mixed. The cabins are comfortable, in good condition and provide a very generous seat pitch. Unfortunately the seats are not flat beds and indeed do not recline quite as far as i would have liked, which was frustrating as there was plenty of room for further reclining. I believe that flat beds are set to be introduced however. The food served was a bit hit and miss and i have to say one or two of the dishes i was served were quite unidentifiable. One was a violent burgundy mousse type substance for instance. The wine is to die for though and in fact i think on my last flight i was served one of the finest wines i have ever tasted. Entertainment also should be improved, there is limited choice on each flight, i think only two English language options which i generally found a bit too alternate. I did see some films i would have liked to have watched in the inflight magazine but sadly i was not flying to the right destination. On my last trip i did not use the entertainment facilities at all, although i was not unduly troubled as it was an overnight flight. Flight attendants are charming and provide excellent service.

Finnair review - by John Duffus

25 March 2006

I regularly take Finnair's C class between BKK and HKG and have always found it excellent value for money. The cabin decoration may be a bit dated, but the service is never less than very good, the meals - and especially the wines - better than on most other airlines, and the new lie-flat seats extremely comfortable (although few will use them on short sectors). I can never understand why C class is rarely full.

Finnair review - by Alexander Lindley

20 February 2006

I have been flying with Finnair for over 14 years (twice yearly); always the same route Vienna - Helsinki - Joensuu (central/eastern Finnland) - Helsinki - Vienna, and have always enjoyed it. I have rarely experienced delays with this airline - even in blizzard conditions at Helsinki Airport, Finnair will generally always deliver its passengers to their destination on time. Plenty of legroom, satisfactory in-flight entertainment, and very attentive flight-attendants!. I was amazed.

Finnair review - by Fiona Walker

18 January 2006

Economy from London to Helsinki then Kittila (top of Finland) and return on Finnair in December. Everything okay. Not very long flights and food was fine for that. No TV entertainment though although they do have the screens. Flight from Helsinki to Kittila was free seating and so you need to be there early and standing unless you are older or have young children in which case they let you board earlier than others.

Finnair review - by Julie Uhlen

30 December 2005

BKK-HEL-OSLO. I have to say that the service was terrible and the plane was cramped and extremely uncomfortable. Once we boarded the plane at BKK (having flown from Sydney) we found our seats already taken. The crew weren't interested, in fact they were quite hostile. We didn't want to be separated, as we had our 4 yr old son with us. They eventually found us other seats. The children's meal we had ordered months earlier did not exist, and the inflight entertainment was a joke- no individual screens and no headphones provided unless you hassled some air hostess who didn't show up until you'd given up hope. In fact, the crew disapperared as soon as they'd thrown the food at us. We weren't offered any drinks, and it was very surly service indeed. The food was disgraceful!!! How can they even call it food? It's a long flight, and it's unbelievable that they expect passengers to sustain themselves on very little, dried out scraps of food. My small son was hungry, and they showed complete disdain at our request for a sandwich. Having read the other comments on this site, it's clear the only passengers this airline are worried about are business class and above. I would NEVER recommend this "airline" to anyone- except maybe my worst enemy.

Finnair review - by Audun Tønnesen

30 December 2005

Helsinki - Guangzhou, return economy class. Both flights were fully booked. Nice crew, half of them cantonese / mandarin-speaking. Meals were effectively served and cleared, and water was offered at punctual intervals. Each seat equipped with blanket, ear-plugs and ear-phones. Acceptable leg-room, even when sleeping and reclining (I'm 182 cm. tall). The service-level is basic and no-nonsense. So, what more can one ask for on economy class? Very good value for the money. Wishes for the future: better screen displays.

Finnair review - by Sandro Bouchat

30 November 2005

Finnair has new and well equipped aircrafts operating on the european routes. But this is a another story on the Europe-Asia routes. Not only a travel in distance, this is also a travel in time. Back 10 years ago. They operate tired MD-11 machines, with central-shared screens and scheduled movies. The comfort also meets the expectations of the beginning of the 90's. The crew is quite reserved, having difficulties to smile and being attentive.

Finnair review - by Mikael Fjaellborg

21 November 2005

BKK-HKG return. Excellent lounge in BKK (Qantas Club), HKG offered Dragonair lounge wich was less competitive. Attentive crew of 4 in Business class and inflight catering superb on a short (2+ hours) flight. Had a nice steak out of HKG and plenty of drinks offered. Old seats though, but will be replaced in December according to their inflight information. Flew SWISS F-class between BKK-SIN a month earlier and have to admit that Finnair's service is above SWISS - despite flying C-class with them.

Finnair review - by Tien-Lun Yao

12 November 2005

FRA-HEL-PVG return in C/J-Class on old configured MD-11. Crew was very nice and experienced. You never had a feeling to use the call-button as you always know someone will come in the next minutes to see around. Seats are outdated but will be replaced soon. IFE is also outdated but PTV (one set per MD-11 for 42 J-pex) is available on request - but should be also changed with the new seats. If you get the PTV it's a great library. DBML-meal ordered but from Helsinki you get always one option of the regular menu which was declared as DBML. From Shanghai it was very special and good. Only boarding for C-/J-pex is not well organised as there is no pre-boarding available. Lounge in HEL jam- packed due to scheduled departures around special peak-hours. Very professional handling of customer's comment - not like LH.

Finnair review - by Tapani Utunen

23 October 2005

Helsinki-Warsaw-Helsinki (MD83/MD82) mid-October. These older planes were surprisingly clean & quiet both ways and I was happy to get a snack plus two rounds of drinks both ways: wine, beer, soft drinks etc. What I really like about Finnair´s hostesses is that they are not the youngest or the most over-energetic among airlines, but these adult ladies know what good service is: smooth, efficient and polite in a Nordic way.

Finnair review - by Antti Leinonen

20 October 2005

As a vegetarian passenger, one thing is certain of Finnair; No matter how many times you verify your special diet when ordering your tickets, the plane never carries your food. The cabin crew usually isn't that much interested in trying to compensate for this either, some have offered bread instead, which is of course a nice thought but hardly makes up for a missing meal on a longer flight. Also, finnair tends to pack passengers (or the seats) rather tight for us poor people not flying in the business class, so a person say over 180cm tall won't fit to sit comfortably.

Finnair review - by Ivar Foss

7 October 2005

We flew Oslo-Helsinki-Beijing 13 Sep and returned Shanghai-Helsinki-Oslo 23 Sep, both flights in economy class. We were part of a group, but with individual check-in. My wife is very afraid of flying, but it was not possible to book a seat in advance. Booking was not open early in the morning as the Finnair office had told us. Getting a good seat for her was only possible after long (and in Shanghai unpleasant) discussions. Onboard, cabin attendants were not interested in passengers, and the food was dismal. The toilets, especially from Shanghai, were disgusting - filthy and no toilet paper. No more Finnair for my wife!

Finnair review - by Ian Assumption

2 October 2005

New-York-Helsinki-Singapore as part of a round the world QF/AY Business class fare. Was very impressed with the food, wine and service (the wines, in particular, which come with their own large menu, were excellent), although the seats were uncomfortable after the Qantas Skybed. The MD-11's are shoing their age (inside and outside). The new flat-beds on AY will be interesting. The outbound flight from Helsinki was delayed by 2 hours after an aborted take off (fuel light went on) but this problem was addressed very professionally and dinner was served on the ground while the problem was investigvated.

Finnair review - by Timothy Hung

13 September 2005

It made me unforgettable after taking the flight of AY. On 30 Aug morning, I together with my wife took the flight from HEL to MUC at 0755. When we arrived HEL airport, the queue for check-in was so long that you would afraid you'd miss the flight. One of the ground agent informed us to use the self check-in service and then queue for languages check-in. However, she only had 2 counters for the self- service passengers. We needed to wait for more than 30 minutes to check-in our languages. After our vacation in Europe, we took the flight back to HKG via BKK. The flight was delayed. During the flight, when I needed service by pressing the servant button, nobody would respond or just came to your seat to turned off the "call light" only. How can a national carrier have such poor service. The management of Oneworld needed to reviewed their members' service otherwise, their competitor, Star Alliance would beat them in the future.

Finnair review - by Jon Matthews

13 September 2005

Hong Kong - Hel - Hong Kong Business Class. Wonderful service and choice of food. On the outbound flight MD11 didn't have in seat screen so after the meal we were offered our own dvd player with own book of movies to watch, excellent. Seats not upgraded and didn't recline fully but made more comfortable by the duvet and pillow offered. Helsinki business lounge also excellent. Return flight on different MD11 with very large in seat screen and better recline on the seat, food again very good and all staff great! Stopped in BKK quickly, the easiest crew changeover I have seen for a long time, no bother to the pax, very impressive.

Finnair review - by Fiona England

13 September 2005

HEL-LHR-HEL Business. No seperate queue for Business on boarding, and no pre-flight drinks offered. A320, 2 larger seats with space in the middle ABC and three seats DEF as in economy but no one sits in the middle. Food was not great and no choice offered. Only overhead screens to watch and no headphones so you had to read the subtitles. Business check in was seperate at LHR Terminal 1 and you had your own departure gate and duty free shop, BA lounge was superb as was the HEL lounge. Economy I noticed have to pay for drinks.

Finnair review - by Chris Belton

23 August 2005

Had the most dismal C class flight with Finnair flying from Hel to Sin 02/08/05. Flight delayed 3 hours with out any explanation. Once onboard, staff were determined to follow their training offering food at 4am. Seemed nonplussed and unable to cope with the fact that maybe we didnt want to eat. It's a shame that Finnair obviously train automatons. Needless to say we changed return bookings to BA.

Finnair review - by Daniel Senn

22 August 2005

LHR-HEL business class. Since it was an evening flight we have been served cocktails and then followed by dinner. Finnair has always not run of the mill food. Had some deer meat balls with mash. Very good and sufficient. Hostess was very hospitable and friendly and kept on topping up wine, water and bread rolls. Comfortable seats and short films for entertainment. Flew AY many times in the past and never a bad flight. One word of caution - at LHR two AY flights leave at the same time. AY at 18.05 and BA with AY codeshare are 18.00. Both are code share and both leave at the same time. Was waiting at the wrong gate until the agent checked my BP and directed me to other gate which was quite a distance to run with in minutes.

Finnair review - by Reece Henry

19 August 2005

HEL - BKK : Was like going back in history on these older style MD-11. Flight in economy was poor with no food selection and in flight entertainment old style monitors. The plane was neat and tidy but the MD-11 is a noisy jet making sleeping difficult. Attendants disappear straight after serving dinner and only return just before breakfast is to be served. It was nice to be jumping back on a Qantas 747 with the interactive media entertainment for the rest of the trip to SYD.

Finnair review - by Gareth Bronkhorst

19 August 2005

LHR-HEL-CPH return in Business Class. All flights we had were very good. The cabin crew are very friendly and helpful. on the CPH- HEL sector we were the only passengers in Business Class, so we had amazing service, with our Champagne Classes constantly being filled. I would recommend Finnair as I had a very good experience with them.

Finnair review - by Kim Vainionpää

8 August 2005

On MD-11, Finnair places Y-ticket buyers (full economy price) to that better, middle section class and also there is possibility for these passengers to have business class seat if available. But any cheaper tickets Bangkok flights, passenger with Suntours agency, are placed rear section with narrow seat and poorer meals. Finnair have to renovate their longhaul fleet to this century. In economy class only wine, beer and sparkling wine plus refreshments are offered free. Alcohol drinks costs 5 EUR each. If they continue that policy, meals would cost too and thats very down side in service.

Finnair review - by Marcus Weiden

8 August 2005

Return flight Helsinki to Oslo. A comfortable Airbus 319 with good legroom, friendly service, free snack with free wine and coffee on this short (1h15min) flight - and the cheapest ticket available that time. Finnair is one of the few companies who serve free food and wine/beer on their European flights, perhaps next time you could try SAS for example which serves nothing for free.

Finnair review - by Kim Vainionpää

3 August 2005

We took return flights by Finnair to New York JFK in March. Was disappointed to be sitted at rear of economy class of MD-11. Rear economy class has 10 seats in a row as they have 9 seats in middle of the MD-11 economy class. Inflight entertainment very poor. Only BBC News okay. But you do not get personal TV in economy class as most other airlines do have. Finnair is better in economy for European routes - clean Airbus and good service and good legroom. But avoid their long haul flights in economy - MD-11 is misery to be 8 to 12 hours in economy. Never again. Cabin crew varies. Outbound flights we had to request several times drinks - and we didn´t get any. I self pick them from rear galley, as flight attendants seem to be vanished after first service. Inbound flight to Helsinki was more personal and better service in economy. Next time I use business class for long haul flights by Finnair. MD-11 sucks - very noisy plane.

Finnair review - by Philippe Gimenez

3 August 2005

Paris to Helsinki - a code share with Air France. Crew was nice but the food was awful. I will never take Finnair again

Finnair review - by Tapani Utunen

21 July 2005

FRA-HEL in business class (Airbus 319). After Turkish Airlines two days before and their good leg room even in economy, Finnair felt quite cramped. However, the service made up for it: Finnish cuisine at its best, quiet & efficient service and a very smooth flight.

Finnair review - by Miriam Sharman

21 July 2005

My husband and I flew Hong Kong and Oslo via Helsinki (Economy Class) July 2005. It was a full flight, and not designed to accommodate so many people. The toilets are small and inadequate requiring people to wait to use them and then having to endure smelly, unclean and littered facilities throughout the flight. There was no choice in food which was inadequate and overheated and dry, the choice of entertainment limited and not easily viewable, and the staff worked to union rules in which they quickly dished out the trays of food and disappeared until it was time to speedily serve breakfast just before landing, and expected passengers to look after themselves in between times.No chances for seconds on these flights.

Finnair review - by José Encinar

4 June 2005

ZRH-HEL-Turku and back in Y mid of May on an LX-codeshare and am pleased with service. Friendly and efficient crew - A320 with good legroom and an efficient hub in HEL. Service on HEL-Turku is basic but ok taking into account the 25 min flight time. Overall Finnair offers a good product and is certainly my first choice for trips to this area.

Finnair review - by Sean Kyte

25 May 2005

SIN to BKK. Full meal and drink service on short flight. Meal not very tasty as appeared to be of an Asian style, fish and rice. Would have preferred normal beef or chicken option in addition. Alcoholic drinks free. No PTV only main screen entertainment. Can't complain about service on this sector but don't know how enjoyable MD11 would be on longer sectors.

Finnair review - by Pierre Pollet

23 May 2005

Paris-Beijing via Helsinki and return. Fares are the cheapest, connection in Helsinki easy, but MD11 and crew have a long time flying! Comfort was just on economy class, meals enough - with a good point for the drinks. However the service on board was limited. But Finnair offers the best prices between western Europe and Beijing.

Finnair review - by A Solum

26 April 2005

Business Class - Bangkok to London via Helsinki. The airline offers excellent levels of service, outstanding wines (esp long-haul) and superlative service on their international services. The ease of transfer via the recently refurbished Vantaa Airport terminal and their stunning new lounge is perfect. I understand new long-haul business class seats will be introduced late in 2005.

Finnair review - by David Gerber

21 April 2005

The Finnair report by B.Davern 21/4/05  - was this Business or Economy? If Y class, then it must have been a different airline to the one I flew in Feb. MIA-HEL-PVG, flights which made even a bad day on Qantas look good! Also, were the helpful AY staff on the ground or in the air? I found the ground staff excellent, but the FA's, well - never mind!

Finnair review - by B Davern

21 April 2005

Helsinki to Bangkok then transferred to Qantas for next leg into Australia. Finnair could not have been more helpful at the airport in Helsinki and the service and food on the flight was excellent. Would travel with them again anytime.

Finnair review - by Nat Khemakavat

21 April 2005

BKK-HKG round trip on Business Class (Apr 14, return Apr 16). Very good services that comparable to SQ, CX, TG. Seats on this MD-11 are still traditional which may not be as modern as new lie-flat, but very much OK on this 2 Hrs+ flight. Excellent wine (especially French Red) and meals. Use Qantas Bangkok Lounge at BKK (excellent) and Dragon Air at HKG (good). I do recommend Finnair. They have nothing to be coy with their bigger ONE World members.

Finnair review - by Nick Pisani

21 March 2005

I flew with them London to Shanghai (Pudong) via Helsinki. You get big seats, not beds, but the fare was one third that of Upper Class on Virgin, which flies direct from London. I paid about £1400 return. Changing planes in Helsinki is easy because the terminal is so small, and it only adds about an hour to the journey. On board, the seat is very comfortable. The service is excellent and the food and drink way above average. The menus are comprehensive and so is the choice of wines and other drinks. You get noise reduction headphones and a great big tv screen all to yourself - it's twice the size of some airlines. The return flight was an hour late leaving Shanghai due to air traffic control problems, but it arrived in Helsinki only half an hour behind schedule, and they managed to transfer me and my suitcase onto the connecting flight to London, which already had "final call" on the board. Amazing. In short, they were terrific. And to cap it all, apparently Finnair will have beds too by the end of the year.

Finnair review - by Jonathan Stiles

9 January 2005

The things people have said here about Finnair review - the good: smooth and efficient - and the not so good: food that leaves something to be desired and lack of leg room - are, in the main, quite true. I use Finnair regularly between Turku and LHR but also sometimes Turku and BKK. Once I was travelling back to Turku on Finnair from London following a bereavement, crying silently, facing the window and looking out at the clouds, oblivious to the usual activities of staff and fellow passengers; at some point I looked round and one of the stewards caught my eye and in a split second said, "Cognac, Sir?" I managed a smile and replied in the affirmative. He rushed off and found the bottle and never left me alone after that: he kept coming back to refill my glass. I was immensely impressed by the swiftness with which this man had read the situation and the speed of his reaction. It is this kind of attention that secures long-term loyalty.

Finnair review - by Etienne Bock

6 January 2005

Paris-Helsinki and back in business class. After a very quick check-in I was able to use AF lounge in Paris which is comfortable. When arriving in the plane (an A-321) a flight attendant took passenger coats and served us a refreshment. During the flight, a very good meal was served with all the drinks that one could imagine. Seats in C-class are 2x3 abreast seating and very wide - especially if you get the left side (seats A&C). Before landing, the arrival gate and a map of Helsinki's airport are shown on the video screens - this airport is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. (It is very pleasant and convenient).

Finnair review - by Linda Gallagher

1 January 2005

Flew business class overnight flights LON - Beijing and BKK - LON. Check in efficient, friendly and quick, access to Virgin lounge in LHR and Qantas lounge in BKK. Flight attendants polite, friendly and helpful throughout. Good selection of food and wine but not so good on entertainment. Plenty of seat pitch but my biggest disappointment was that the seat did not recline very much and i find it very hard to sleep sitting up (practically), a shame because there was plenty of room for it to recline if only it would. I gather from other comments on this board that this is to be addressed next year. Cheaper business class than other carriers so on the whole good value for money.

Finnair review - by Andrew Chung

28 November 2004

Round trip AY flight LHR to HEL. The plane was pretty clean, the plane had a little smell - like sour dough bread. The interior is nice, blue and white. The flight attendants were not talkative, but had a smile on their face. The food was pretty good, not enough - but I am glad that I was able to get a hot meal. The only weird thing is, the almost 3 hour flight has not headphones. They play comedy with English subtitles. For a 3 hour flight, it would be nice to have headphones. Also their VIP lounge in HEL is very nice! Ground staff in HEL are very friendly and speak excellent English.

Finnair review - by Bec Morris

21 November 2004

I flew Finnair recently from Singapore to Bangkok. I was surprised at the age of the crew, about my age mid 50's. Not a problem with their age, only the manner in which they approached the customers. One stewardess shouted " TEA ...COFFEE..." at me. Not many smiles, I felt that they were jaded with their roles. Maybe its time to look for a role on the ground (but not in Customer Service)

Finnair review - by Pierre E. Leblache

21 October 2004

Bangkok-Hong Kong, Business Class. This route is flown by no less than 11 carriers, including some good service heavyweights such as Cathay Pacific and Thai. Very few airlines offer First Class, so Business is the best level of service available in most cases. Finnair succeeds in delivering a top notch product, with an excellent complete meal on a 2.5 hours sector, and a truly amazing wine list - (the last time I saw a Sauternes offered was on the now defunct AF Concorde service to New York, and Finnair's is a Premier Cru). Seating is comfortable, though the pitch is quite average, but new fully reclining beds will arrive in 2005. Flight attendants are ever present, IFE is good, and the service is overall excellent. While 4 airlines depart on this route within a 1 hour period at a non-peak time (2 pm), Finnair's business class cabin fills up with locals (very few passengers appear to be in transit from Helsinki), no doubt a tribute to the airline's level of service.

Finnair review - by Rauno Puolimatka

6 September 2004

Helsinki to Bangkok on business class with Finnair. Because of midnight departure there is a very good dinner buffet available at the Helsinki a/p lounge before departure. Planes are clean and staff is professional. Seats are large but old-style (non-flat); still gives quite good rest. They will renew the seats on 2005 to lie-flat. Food and especially vines are top quality.

Finnair review - by John Middleton

10 August 2004

I've flown Finnair business to China twice and been very impressed with the accommodation, service and entertainment. The quiet efficiency of the friendly staff and the excellent wine list are exceptional. I have also flown Virgin Upper Class to China and enjoyed the experience, but their prices do not match the excellent value-for-money that Finnair business does. Helsinki-Vantaa is also a very pleasant airport, with decent facilities and helpful staff. As a frequent visitor to China, Finnair have positively secured my future custom.

Finnair review - by Stephan Hale

15 July 2004

Business Class, Berlin - Helsinki - Beijing return. First time I'd ever flown Finnair, and was absolutely delighted. Every single leg was exceptional in service (extremely attentive, friendly, and with a sense of humour, which certainly helps on long flights). Plane was a little older (without feeling shabby) coming back, so no in-built screens. However it turned out to be even better: Provided with personal DVD players, with own choice of discs. Excellent selection of very high quality meals and snacks. Would now prefer to fly only with Finnair on future flights to China.

Finnair review - by A Sobeslavsky

30 June 2004

30.06.2004 economy from Helsinki to Berlin. Best flight I ever had, friendly, punctual, good meals, very good.

Finnair review - by Veiko Asu

6 June 2004

HEL-BKK : good service, affordable price. Can't complain about meals. FA's were helpful and nice. BKK check-in: the clerk changed his previous orders about my baggage causing some problems- not so pleasant feeling. Yet, all in all, a good experience with Finnair service.

Finnair review - by Marcus Weiden

31 March 2004

Finnair flight from Amsterdam to Helsinki recently and was very pleased with the service: professional, friendly and punctual. Their new stylish Airbuses with a good legroom put the old Boeing 737s to shame.