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lostantipod flew Finnair Business (Short haul), on a A321 (23/03/2010 18:19)

Before leaving home I checked the progress of the incoming flight from HEL and found it was 50 minutes late, which of course had the potential to delay my 0945 departure, and I was aware of the tight connections on this trip. En route to LHR I received two SMS messages from Finnair, advising me that the departure would be 50 minutes, and then 30 minutes late. I thought that was a nice proactive touch.

I arrived >2 hours before departure, and there was no queue at the Business Class check-in desk in T3, where I was energetically reassured by the clerk that I would make my 1 hour connection in Helsinki. I was told the delay was due to fog in London preventing the flight from taking off from HEL.

Through “Fast Track” security in about 10 minutes, I found my way down some corridors and up a lift to the Cathay Pacific lounge, which Finnair shares. While it is a windowless space, it is reasonably large and modern, and provides free wireless access, some internet terminals, a wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and some light food including two Chinese-style options. The lounge was quite empty at this time in the morning.

I went to the boarding gate half an hour prior to the rescheduled departure time of 10.15; while in the queue to have my BP checked, the Finnair Heathrow Service Director made an announcement apologizing for the late operation of the flight due to fog in London causing inbound delays, and he specifically assured passengers with connections that we would not miss them. The Airbus A320 departed 85 minutes late at 11.10am, with me in seat 1A, nervously wondering about my connection in HEL.

Not long after takeoff drinks were served, and my Gin & Tonic was served in a nice sturdy glass, the gin freepoured generously by the cabin crew, accompanied by cheesy nibbles. Soon followed a lunch that I felt was quite tasty and adequate in portion, with a choice of 2 or 3 mains , and a red or white wine. There was a prosciutto starter, and for main I had a salmon steak with noodles and peppers, accompanied by an Alsace Pinot Blanc, a chocolate cake trifle, warmed bread rolls, and coffee. Cognac was offered as well.

As we approached HEL, we were advised that the HKG connection was 30 minutes late , and we were given the gate numbers for all connecting aircraft. Frustratingly, we pulled up to a remote stand, but a bus quickly took us to the terminal. It was well below zero - I do wonder if the metal stairs get regularly de-iced !

Finnair are promoting their new lounge in HEL (reviews elsewhere on this forum) but as my connecting flight was already showing as “last call” I rushed to the gate. The lounge looked quite full as I hurried by.

Summary; a perfectly good intra-European business class offering , I would not hesitate to return . However, my baggage did not make my connecting AY flight , despite having nearly an hour to do so (and despite the bragging in the HEL airport magazine about their "award winning" baggage handling systems).

frustratedflyer flew Finnair Business (Short haul), on a A321 (13/01/2010 13:16)

Seat 3C from London to Helsinki. Modern plane, reasonable legroom with four rows of business class. The middle seat was kept free so spacious. There was a drinks service with nuts followed by a three course lunch (salad/hotdish (curry) and orange desert). All reasonable quality and better than most equivalent airlines short haul business food today.