Sometimes, stepping away from the norm can make all the difference. While Finnair might not be the first airline that comes to mind for U.S. travelers heading abroad, the Helsinki-based carrier deserves serious consideration. Its strategic geographic location makes it an excellent option for connections between the U.S. East Coast and destinations in Eastern Europe and Asia. Moreover, the smooth transfer experience at Helsinki Airport is another bonus.
A Premium Product with a Unique Twist
Beyond its convenient location, Finnair offers a stellar premium product, which I experienced firsthand on a recent flight from Los Angeles to Helsinki. The airline’s latest business class seat, known as the AirLounge, stands out not just for its comfort but also for its unconventional design. Instead of reclining in the traditional sense, this innovative seat has caught the attention of many travelers for its unique non-reclining feature.
Finland’s Cultural Touches Onboard
Finnair infuses its business class with distinct Finnish touches. From the colorful Merimekko-branded amenity kits and pillows to the stunning Iittala glassware, there’s a strong sense of Finnish culture throughout the cabin. But what truly sets Finnair apart is its AirLounge seat, which is either a love-it-or-hate-it experience for passengers due to its fixed position.
The Non-Reclining Seat: A Bold Move
That’s right, Finnair’s business class seat on long-haul international flights, like the 12-hour journey I took, does not recline in the usual way. Instead, the seat remains fixed, and passengers use the inner shell to find their most comfortable position for both sitting and lying down.
A Stop at the Platinum Wing Lounge
Before boarding, I had the chance to visit Finnair’s exclusive Platinum Wing Lounge, where weary travelers can enjoy one of the world’s only in-airport saunas. Located in the Helsinki Airport, this hidden gem is tucked away within the lounge and is easy to miss if you’re not aware of it. To access the sauna, guests enter through separate male and female changing rooms.
Experiencing a Finnish Sauna at the Airport
As a top-tier Oneworld Emerald member, I gained access to this exclusive lounge (standard business class passengers are directed to a different lounge). I made my way to the male changing room, where lockers, showers, and amenities awaited. After wrapping myself in a towel, I stepped into the small yet cozy sauna, which can comfortably accommodate three or four people. It was a refreshing way to relax before my flight, and I highly recommend grabbing a cold drink from the bar to enjoy inside.
The Lounge’s Elegant Design
The rest of the Platinum Wing Lounge is as elegant as you’d expect, with a light color palette and plenty of birch wood accents. The deep blue touches throughout the lounge match the design elements found in Finnair’s new business class cabin, adding to the cohesive experience.
What It’s Like in the AirLounge Seat
Finnair recently completed a full refurbishment of its long-haul business class cabins, and now all of its widebody aircraft are equipped with the AirLounge. The Airbus A350-900 I flew on featured 43 business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. From the moment I boarded, the welcoming atmosphere stood out, with a galley bathed in navy blue and a stunning backlit mirror.
A Different Approach to Business Class Seating
The AirLounge seat is unlike most business class seats, which typically have multiple moving parts. Instead, Finnair opted for a fixed-shell seat that allows passengers to adjust their position much like they would at home on a couch or bed. This design choice was partly made to save on maintenance costs and reduce weight, which in turn helps cut down on fuel consumption.
Comfort and Privacy in the AirLounge
Despite the seat’s lack of recline, I found it incredibly comfortable for both sitting and lying down. The seat’s winged shell provides ample privacy, even without a sliding door, and there’s plenty of storage space for personal items. To turn the seat into a flatbed, a flap fills the gap in the footwell, creating a cozy surface for sleeping.
A Relaxing Journey with Excellent Service
During the flight, I enjoyed a simple yet delicious dinner accompanied by a few glasses of Finnair’s signature blueberry juice. Afterward, I settled into the AirLounge for a comfortable nap, waking up refreshed as we approached Helsinki.
Conclusion
Finnair may not follow the traditional business class model, but its unique approach is what makes it stand out. From the non-reclining AirLounge seat to the exclusive in-airport sauna, the airline offers a distinctive experience that combines comfort, practicality, and a touch of Finnish culture. For travelers looking for something different, Finnair is well worth considering on your next international journey.