Helsinki Vantaa Airport

I flew with LH to Helsinki. Terminal 1 arrivals is small overcrowded chaos getting luggage. Arrivals hall is too small and toilets still dirty. Departure is ok especially new SAS lounge. Just happy that I did not fly with Finnair. Entire Terminal 2 was halted due luggage handling strike for a week.

Airport businesslike. But do not believe the signs which tell you which classes of item are prohibited in carry-on bags. There is evidently a huge non-advertised further list the contents of which are beyond reason or prediction. The first you discover of this is when you are held to have offended against it. Pointing out that you have complied scrupulously with the notices displayed in the airport gets you nowhere as you will be told 'it's like that sometimes'. Being polite but unyielding is all very well but it is a shabby way to treat those who trust in the reliability of what they are told.

I arrived with LH to Helsinki Terminal 1 in November. Baggage hall was full just with one LH flight of Airbus 321. Baggage belt was mostly blocked by baggage wagons and by "fences". About 10 people were able to fit to grab their luggage at time causing lot of pushing. This year I have traveled to Dubai Seattle Miami Frankfurt and Munich. Have to say that every of them beats Helsinki baggage hall any time. Even US immigration is more pleasant experience. And also toilets were dirty. Terminal 2 is different story except for security queues and toilet cleanliness.

Very clean efficient and easy to use airport. The security check queues are very short. The ground staff is very helpful and efficient. The main shopping area is little far from terminal 1.

Clean efficient. Passport control devoid of emotions which gives a bad impression. Prices of drinks a bit "airporty". The only negative aspect is the security after check in - such a long line creating a bit of chaos. I am certain there must be a logistical way to keep the lines from being so long. A nice airport for sure and a great change from the stressful and less user friendly mega hubs.

Used HEL as a transit point on the way to DEL. Due to a long layover went out to the city for a few hours. Immigration was staffed by only 2 officers (1 each for EU and non-EU passport holders) wait was about 20 minutes in non-EU line. Information desk personnel not very friendly but gave me the information I needed. The airport is very convenient with adequate transportation to the city right outside the doors. Departing had no queue at security and airport had adequate shopping etc. The VAT refund desk was very hard to find as signs were not visible. non-Schengen dept area has a duty free smoking zone and food mart which met the needs. Overall an easy airport to navigate.

This airport has to be one of the most accessible with coaches from all over Finland coming right to the doorstep. Bus from Helsinki itself is very reasonably priced and when inside getting an automatic boarding pass quick and easy. Agree with previous comment about nice wood finishes. Shops unremarkable unfortunately but nice atmosphere including around the airport with woods and greenery. Just needs the piped nature sounds one gets at stockholm airport and would be most soothing! However some staff too brusque in key positions which does not spoil the fact that overall it is a fine airport. Surprising not to see it in the top ten. No problems at all with security compared to other airports such as Munich and Budapest.

Finnair checked in me and my baggage at 8 pm (although my flight was at 8 the following morning). I settled in for an attempt to get some sleep on the plentiful bench seating. No disturbance whatsoever although the air conditioning was a bit too brisk for total comfort. Tip: bring something to cover yourself with and you'll sleep like a baby. I was impressed that there was a comfortable smoking lounge past security very near the departure gates unlike the cage at Schiphol. Wish other airports had this!

I found this airport quite confusing the first time on arrival and on a connection flight to Turku (domestic). The second time was much better to/from HEL. Staff were generally very friendly and helpful. On my first visit due to a late arrival of the Easyjet flight from London I missed the connection flight to Turku and it was easy to arrange for a taxi/transfer service.

This is a nice airport. Have done both transit and stopovers through this airport. It is calm quiet and nicely designed with good quality timber finishes. Shops are good. Finnair long haul lounge needs enlargement and updating. The extensions are taking a long time to finish. It will be good when you dont need to walk on the tarmac to get to the London flights - hurry up Finavia!