Think Euro Business and you’ll likely picture Economy seats with the middle blocked. After all, the vast majority of airlines within the region do just that, citing flexibility in adjusting the Business cabin size as the main factor.
But there are always exceptions, such as with Finnair, which rosters its flagship Airbus A350 on select flights between London-Heathrow and Helsinki. Along with the iconic AirLounge seat, reward seat availability is usually quite good in Business Class. This is a route that’s easy to use your points on.
As part of my round-the-world trip with Qantas Points, I hopped on Finnair for the short journey over to Helsinki.
Check-in, lounge and boarding
Finnair flies from Terminal 3 at London Heathrow. Check-in is located in the ‘C’ Block, alongside Qantas and Cathay Pacific. The majority of passengers are expected to use self-service kiosks. However, Business Class passengers can opt for Priority check-in counters if desired.
Business Class passengers have access to the time-saving Fast Track lanes, which can significantly expedite security screening during busier periods.
Lounge-worthy passengers are directed to the Qantas London Lounge by default. With a morning departure, I figure that an Aussie-style flat white wouldn’t go astray, so I head there first.
It’s relatively quiet during my visit, with only the upper floor being used. I help myself to a typical English breakfast spread – and yes, the coffee is excellent.
But a perk of oneworld membership is that you can visit the lounges of other partner airlines. Heathrow Terminal 3 has many others – Cathay Pacific, American Airlines and British Airways. All three are accessible with the same boarding pass. Knowing that Cathay’s excellent lounge and Noodle Bar are just next door, I head there after Qantas.
The last time I was here in the evening, every seat was taken. But in the morning, the lounge is like a calm oasis with plenty of open seating and natural lighting. Isle Crawford’s inspired ‘at home’ design ethos shines through.
The nutty Dandan noodles and the steamed dim sum basket are both done well. Over at the bar, I also can’t pass up on another taste of the delicious kiwi-based Cathay Delight mocktail – one of my favourite drinks across all airlines.
Over at Gate 5, boarding passes are scanned as you first enter the waiting area. There is a priority lane for Business Class passengers that might not be apparent if the Economy queue is very long. Don’t feel bad about cutting across and finding that lane if you’d rather not stand around for longer.
Business Class boards in Group 1, so I’m soon down the aerobridge, ready to turn left and experience my first Finnair short-haul flight in Business.
Finnair Airbus A350 AirLounge seat
This version of Finnair’s Airbus A350 features 30 AirLounge seats arranged in a 1-2-1 layout. Designed by Collins Aerospace, each seat is essentially an oversized sofa that doesn’t recline. As I sink into 7D, the word ‘cocooned’ comes into mind. With high walls and privacy dividers, I feel like I’m in my bubble.
The absence of centre overhead lockers enhances the sensation of spaciousness throughout the cabin.
The storage areas are well thought out, including one at chest height within the seat, and another under the side console where you can stash most of your gear. As for the ‘no recline’ part, don’t fear. The motorised legrest can swing up, along with a manually-operated panel, to create a fully flat surface.
Each seat has two pillows to help you achieve a comfortable ‘lounging’ position. On this two-hour sector, comfort is not an issue. Blankets are provided upon request, but a mattress pad is not included on the short-haul legs.
AC power is available at each seat. Pleasingly, the outlet is situated on a flat wall with nothing obstructing it, so almost all adapters should be able to fit. There are also USB-A and USB-C outlets inside one of the storage areas.
Finnair Euro Business Class service
While the seat is long-haul, everything else about the flight is typical Euro Business standards. There’s no pre-departure beverage, but once we’re in the air, service starts with a round of drinks and pretzel snacks. Champagne isn’t offered; instead, a palatable Bernard-Massard sparkling wine is served in Finnair’s iconic Ultima Thule glasses.
For lunch, there’s just one option: a hot chicken risotto, served with a side salad and bread. Luckily, it’s a warming and tasty dish, but more menu options would be welcome in Business Class. I overhear a passenger asking about vegetarian options, and the friendly crew informs them that they would need to pre-order one next time.
Lunch is followed by a pillowy, warm vanilla bun that pairs exceptionally well with a steaming cup of organic rooibos and bilberry tea. Finally, the crew come around to offer a Fazer chocolate before landing.
Finnair Airbus A350 Euro Business amenities
Business Class passengers booked in Classic and Flex get one hour of complimentary ‘browsing’ Wi-Fi. I’m on a reward seat fare, which is neither of those, but when I enter my details, I’m still offered free Wi-Fi. My usual speed tests don’t work, but overall, the experience is fine for my light use.
I also test out the wireless charging pad, and it works well. You just need to keep an eye on your phone in case it moves, but there is a non-slip surface.
A perk that I’m sure all passengers will appreciate across all cabins is the presence of proper in-flight entertainment screens for this short-haul journey.
Finnair operates a sleek, modern system with customisable maps, live cameras, connecting flight information, and more. There’s also a decent selection of movies and TV shows, including Snow White and ten episodes of Gossip Girl. Spotted: a travel writer who can’t seem to stop snapping photos of everything…
How to book this flight with points
Finnair usually rosters the Airbus A350 on at least two of its many daily flights to and from London. Just check the aircraft information – if it says Airbus A320/A321, then that’s a standard Euro Business seat. There’s usually wide-open availability in Business Class on the Airbus A350 flights.
As a standalone redemption, Avios offers the best rate. You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to British Airways Avios and redeem them through that program.
- 30,000 Qantas Points + £65
- 18,000 Avios + AU$135
- 22,500 AAdvantage miles + US$69
- 33,000 Asia Miles + HKD 685
Our verdict
Unsurprisingly, the flight is simply too short to enjoy all the comforts of the AirLounge seat. But that’s a good problem to have. Whether you’re using cash or redeeming with points, you can’t go wrong with booking Finnair’s Airbus A350 on the short-haul journey to Helsinki.
Finnair could improve by offering more meal options (perhaps via pre-order) on their European routes. Otherwise, this was an excellent flight experience, and I’d happily book it again.
Photography by Brandon Loo, who travelled at Point Hacks’ expense.
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