DEPARTURE SERVICE

Slow checkin at HEL airport, even when there was only one customer ahead of me. Only 4 desks open ; 1 for business, 1 for premium card holders and 1,5 for economy, since two were open, but the staff was in and out all the time. People had lots of baggage and AY applies weight concept (20 kg Y and 30C) which complicated the lives of many passengers. Departure from the recently opened non Schegen extension of the airport.


CABIN APPEARANCE

A340 looked fresh. Hostesses storing away coats and offering pre-take off drinks. Plenty of reading material.


SEATING COMFORT

When cruising altitude was reached shoes collected and placed neatly in a fabric bag and stored in the overhead lockers. The seat is quite similar to Lufthansa, but Finnair has reserved a couple of cms more space in between seats. When flat (not 180) the slope is less than LH. Centre row is recommended as you always have an aisle. Seat configuration is 2-2-2


ONBOARD CATERING

Menus handed out, followed by pre dinner drinks. Finnair is proud of their Skycellar and the champagne was excellent, so were whites and Port wine. Individual service and choices remembered. Food tasty and fresh, but no "luxury" or expensive ingredients were used in preparation. The three choices for the main course were salmon, ravioli or beef. The expresso was excellent. There were two bars open during the flight with salt and sweet snacks, fruits, drinks. Many touches of "Finnishness" like licorice, chocolates, confectionery etc.


INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Very good noise cancellation headsets. Large screen, it took some time and patience to learn how to navigate the system. Not everything offered was available and AVOD programme was the same on the return flight.


CABIN STAFF SERVICE

Cheerful air hostesses, well timed service and paying attention to passengers, but not intrusive. Mixed Finnish and Chinese crew. Good cabin presence and drinks were offered regularly.


FLIGHT ARRIVAL

Hong Kong airport is a dream and my bag was on the carrousel waiting for me.


CUSTOMER TRIP VERDICT

All in all a comparable product to major carriers, with some positive differences. The difference in the fare (almost half), shorter flying and convenient departure times, makes it a very attractive option.