Finnair is a part of One World and a fantastic service for Australians flying to Europe via Singapore or for Asian travellers going to European destinations via Singapore or Hong Kong.

The new Business Class cabin is designed in light Nordic tones with a touch of green for an uplifting experience. At the same time it is very comfortable featuring fully flat beds, large touch screen TVs, Merimekko design, tasty Nordic food and welcoming service. My experience on board of Finnair was excellent and I do recommend it to all luxury travellers.

Check-In

Check-in for all my flights in Europe with Finnair was quick and seamless. Dedicated Business Class check-in counter was busy but the line moves very quickly.

Check in in Singapore was a pleasant surprise – I had a very long connection and it was a great help that Finnair offers an early check-in 5 hours before the flight. I had plenty of time to enjoy Qantas lounge with showers and great food. Being a part of One World, Finnair customers can choose between Qantas and British Airways lounges in Asia. Qantas has much better food, while British has a bigger selection of alcoholic beverages.

Cabin

Business class cabin on board of Airbus A350-900 has configuration 1-2-1. For those travelling alone, I would suggest a single seat, while couples would prefer to seat together in the middle.

Seat

Seat has a number of settings – upright for take off and landing, recline for watching a movie, flat bed for rest. There is ample storage under the seat and in the side compartment, enough for a handbag, shoes and all smaller items.

Sleep Quality

I am fairly tall for a girl, 178cm and the seat was long enough for me to comfortably stretch out and have room for a pillow. Pillow and doona were nice and cozy, bed flat and sleep plentiful. If I had to find a fault (which would be a difficult task) if you move a lot in your sleep the knees could bump into a TV cabinet above.

Also, do not choose the seats closest to lavatories, seats in row 1, as the light from the bathrooms when people go in and out at night could be bothersome. Any seat from row 2 onwards will be perfect.

Timing of European flights is excellent, Singapore – Helsinki and return, Helsinki-Singapore leave at night which means the flight is very ‘short’ – dinner, sleep, movie and you are at your destination.

Dining

Nordic food is very tasty and wholesome and dining on board of Finnair was a great experience. I like the welcome drink – unique to Finnair – a blueberry juice.

Menu features a lot of salmon – cured, smoked and grilled, nice brown breads, meats and cheeses. Champagne on board is Joseph Perrier brut, accompanied by a selection of wines from around the world.

After the evening meal service there are various snacks, fruit and crackers, available to nibble on. Once you wake up, you can choose a hot or continental breakfast. I tried pancakes, they would appeal to those with a ‘sweet tooth’.

Entertainment

I loved the large touch screen TV, very easy to navigate and with a lot of entertainment options to choose from. Kids have their dedicated channels, while adults can enjoy a movie marathon. All latest Hollywood movies were on offer and I had a chance to catch up on the new releases I haven’t seen yet. TV screen can be adjusted to seating or lying down position.

Amenities

Finnair provides a toiletries pouch with L’Occitane moisturizer and lip balm, toothbrush and ear plugs.

Slippers and noise cancelling headphones are also a part of the welcome amenities. There are no pajamas provided in business.

Working on board

The seat is equipped with a USB point and power socket so you can charge your devices on board with ease. The table is steady – convenient if you’d like to work on your laptop. Laptop can be stored in the side compartment.

Service

Service is very accommodating and friendly. Couldn’t fault Finnair sky team.

Connections to European cities

I was connecting to Milan on one occasion and Berlin on another and both connections were quick and easy. I checked a number of European flights and most destinations our European travellers would be interested in offer quick transfer time.

While you wait in Helsinki airport, Business class passengers have access to the Finnair lounges. Pleasant bright and Nordic in design, serving some snack food and drinks.

Splitting Hairs

Hot breakfast meals could be improved

Don’t choose seats in row 1 as proximity to the lavatories could be bothersome.

All In All

Excellent Business Class service with flat seat, quality sleep, great entertainment, easy connections and friendly service.