A Hidden Gem Among Airlines

When considering airlines for international travel from the U.S. East Coast, Finnair may not always be the first choice. However, the Helsinki-based carrier deserves serious consideration. Its favorable geographical location facilitates easy connections to parts of Eastern Europe and Asia. Additionally, Finnair offers an exceptional premium product, which I experienced firsthand on a recent flight from Los Angeles to Helsinki.

The Luxurious Finnair Platinum Wing Lounge

One of the most surprising features of Finnair’s premium offerings is the sauna in its Platinum Wing Lounge. This lounge, accessible to top-tier Finnair elites and Oneworld Emerald frequent flyers, provides weary travelers a chance to enjoy Finnish sauna culture without ever leaving the airport. The sauna, though discreetly placed, is an excellent way to relax between flights. The lounge itself boasts a beautiful, light color palette, heavily featuring birch wood and deep blue accents that align with Finnair’s brand colors.

Unique and Comfortable Business-Class Seats

Finnair’s latest business-class seat, known as the AirLounge, stands out as one of the most unique and comfortable seats available today. The entire fleet’s long-haul business class cabins have been refurbished with these seats, which are fixed-shell and over six feet long. Unlike traditional reclining seats, the AirLounge offers a cocoon-like pod where passengers adjust their position to get comfortable. This design reduces maintenance costs and fuel burn.

My Experience Flying Finnair

On my 12-hour transatlantic flight aboard an Airbus A350-900, the Finnair business-class cabin featured a 1-2-1 layout, ensuring ample privacy and comfort. The entry space was welcoming, with a navy blue palette and a backlit mirror. The dinner service was simple yet delicious, complemented by the airline’s famous blueberry juice. The AirLounge seat was cozy for both sitting and sleeping, offering plenty of storage and room for my legs.