I’ve flown Finnair Business Class several times between Europe and Asia, and it consistently surprises me how good it is for the price. Their AirLounge seats are different from what you’ll find on most airlines, and the Helsinki hub makes connections smoother than you’d expect.
This guide covers everything from seat layouts and flat bed comfort to what you’ll eat and drink on board. I’ve researched their recent fleet updates, tested their lounges, and compared pricing across different routes to help you book smarter.
You’ll find details on baggage allowances, Wi-Fi access, lounge options at Helsinki Airport, and how Finnair stacks up against Lufthansa, SAS, and other European carriers. I’ll also share the booking strategies that have saved me money and when Finnair business class makes the most sense for routes between Europe, North America, and Asia.
My #1 tip to find cheap Finnair business class tickets
Looking for a steal on Finnair business class tickets? For 5 years, I’ve been using this site called Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), which sends you alerts on airline deals, discounts, and mistake fares. It’s a total game-changer, saving me $10,000+ on flights each year.
Their $49/year premium version is well worth it- just one discounted flight pays for the whole thing. I recommend trying the free trial and using my special discount code JON25 to save 25%!
And if you’re into business/first class, you’ll want to sign up for their Elite version. Last year, this service saved me $2,750 on a first class flight and $1,500 on a business class flight. At just $199 year year, trust me, it’s a small price for massive savings.
Overview of Finnair
If you’re considering flying business class, Finnair might just be the way to go. I’ve been using them for years, flying from their hub in Helsinki to spots all over the globe. With flights to over 80 destinations across 35 countries, including six cities in the U.S., their network is vast and convenient.
Founded back in 1923, Finnair is one of the oldest airlines still in operation today. Not only do they have history, but they’re also ranked as one of the safest airlines worldwide. Trust me, that’s a big deal when you fly as much as I do.
Finnair operates a fleet of 80 aircraft, from the Airbus A350 to the Airbus A321. They just completed a €200 million cabin upgrade across their entire long haul fleet, installing new business class seats and adding Premium Economy for the first time.
If you’re heading to Asia, Europe, or North America, their business class service is excellent. Comfortable seats, attentive service – it’s all there. Stick with me, and I’ll tell you all about what makes Finnair one of the best airlines in Europe.
What’s new for Finnair in 2026?
Finnair is making some exciting changes in 2026. If you’re a business class enthusiast like me, you’ll want to know about them.
Return to Canada after a decade
Finnair is relaunching nonstop service between Helsinki and Toronto starting May 4, 2026. It’s been over 10 years since they flew this route, and I’m genuinely excited about it. Flights will operate three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays using the A330s. This is the only nonstop flight linking Canada and Finland, which makes it a total game changer for North American travelers heading to the Nordics or connecting to Asia.
Southern Europe expansion
Summer 2026 brings four brand new routes to sun soaked destinations, and I’m already planning my trips. Florence and Catania in Italy, Valencia in Spain, and the Greek island of Kos are all joining the network. Florence kicks off April 2, with twice weekly flights every Tuesday and Saturday through October 18. Catania starts even earlier on March 31, with three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. With eight Italian cities now on the map, you can basically hopscotch your way through the country.
New Arctic routes
Looking for something truly unique? Finnair’s new route to Alta, Norway launches March 29, 2026. We’re talking about one of the northernmost settlements in the world here. Plus, they’re dramatically increasing frequencies to Finnish Lapland with up to 72 weekly flights to Rovaniemi during winter 2025 to 2026. Perfect for chasing the Northern Lights or visiting Santa’s hometown.
Completed fleet modernization
In case you missed it, Finnair just wrapped up a massive cabin overhaul of their entire long haul fleet. Every single one of their 8 A330s and 17 A350s now features the innovative Air Lounge business class seats, brand new Premium Economy, and refreshed Economy cabins. I can’t stress enough how important this is. No matter which aircraft you get, you’re guaranteed that same elevated experience.
Whether you’re connecting to Asia, exploring Southern Europe, or chasing the Northern Lights, 2026 is shaping up to be Finnair’s best year yet. I’m definitely keeping them at the top of my list for business class travel.
Finnair’s fleet: A detailed comparison
Finnair operates approximately 80 aircraft, and knowing which plane you’re on makes a real difference to your business class experience. Here’s what to expect from each aircraft type.
Airbus A350-900
Finnair has 18 A350-900s in its fleet, with two different cabin configurations: a premium-heavy version with 43 business class seats across 278 total seats, and a leisure-focused version with 30 business class seats across 321 total seats. The A350 operates routes to the US including Los Angeles, Seattle, Miami, Dallas, and New York, plus Asian destinations like Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.
The AirLounge business class seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, giving every passenger direct aisle access. What makes these seats unusual is they don’t recline at all. Instead, the fixed shell design lets you sit in different positions and convert the space into a 78-inch flat bed by flipping up panels in the footwell.
Whilst the Air Lounge is a controversial seat amongst aviation geeks, I adore the product. It feels like lounging on your sofa at home! The A350 is also exceptionally quiet and maintains better cabin humidity than older aircraft, which really matters on 12-hour flights. For me, it’s one of the best airlines to fly to Europe from the US.
Airbus A330-300
Finnair operates 8 A330-300s, all delivered between 2009 and 2010, with 28 AirLounge business class seats in the same configuration as the A350. These serve routes to Chicago, Seattle, New York, and some Middle Eastern destinations like Doha.
The business class experience is nearly identical to the A350, though the A330 shows its age slightly with smaller windows and older cabin finishes. The seat itself performs exactly the same.
Airbus A319/A320/A321
For flights within Europe and the Middle East, Finnair’s narrow-body fleet offers standard European business class with blocked middle seats for added space and privacy. The seats are Recaro slimline models with 31 inches of legroom, the same ones you’ll find on Lufthansa, Austrian, and SAS.
It’s not luxurious, but the service is typically excellent and you’ll get a proper hot meal even on shorter flights. Some London routes operate with A350s or A330s, which is worth seeking out if you have the option.
Finnair business class baggage allowance
When packing for a trip on Finnair business class, knowing your baggage allowance can save a lot of headaches.
For flights between Japan and Europe, you can check three bags at up to 32kg each. Routes to or from Asia and the Middle East, or between North America and Europe, allow two checked bags at 32kg each. All other destinations get one bag at 23kg, though business class passengers can always check bags up to 32kg on long haul flights.
Flying out of Helsinki? You’ve got a convenient option to drop off your checked bags the evening before your flight. For carry-on, business class passengers get two bags plus one personal item, with a combined weight limit of 10kg.
Airport experience when flying Finnair business class
Your Finnair experience starts well before you board. Here’s what to expect at the airport, particularly if you’re connecting through Helsinki.
Check-in
At Helsinki’s Terminal 2, Finnair offers streamlined check-in for business class passengers. Advanced security scanners let you keep laptops and liquids in your bags, which speeds things up considerably. Priority check-in is standard at all airports Finnair flies from.
Lounge access
Finnair operates three business class lounges at Helsinki Airport, and they’re all excellent. The Schengen lounge near gate 20 opened in 2024 and accommodates up to 440 guests. It features a separate Platinum Corner for top-tier members, though the food options are fairly limited.
The real stars are the two non-Schengen lounges near gate 52. The Business Lounge offers an open kitchen with rotating menus that blend Nordic and international dishes, plus a full bar with specialty cocktails. The adjacent Platinum Wing is reserved for Platinum members and Oneworld Emerald cardholders, and includes a proper Finnish sauna with cool-down room, separate showers, and locker facilities. The sauna experience alone is worth arriving early for.
If you’re flying from other airports, you’ll have access to Oneworld partner lounges.
Boarding
One of the best parts of flying business class with Finnair is the priority boarding. Available at all airports, this service allows you to skip the usual queues and get settled in your seat without the stress. At Helsinki, some gates have separate business class boarding areas.
In-flight comfort & amenities on Finnair business class
As one of the best airlines in Finland, the on-board experience when flying Finnair business class is exceptional. Here’s what you can expect when you fly with them.
Seats
The Air Lounge seats on the A350 and A330 are seriously roomy. Each converts into a 78-inch flat bed and is over a meter wide. You get your own reading lamp plus mood lighting designed to help reduce jet lag. The table is sturdy and flexible enough for both working and dining, with multiple power options including USB-A, USB-C, and wireless charging.
In-flight entertainment
Finnair’s entertainment system is custom-made with Panasonic to be easy on the eyes and simple to use. The 18-inch screen and the intuitive setup mean you can quickly find something good to watch or play. They also provide noise-canceling headphones, which are perfect for diving into a wide selection of movies, TV shows, or games.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi access depends on your ticket type. Business Classic and Flex tickets include one hour of free internet on long-haul flights, or 30 minutes on European routes. Business Light tickets don’t include free Wi-Fi unless you have Finnair Plus status. The hour can’t be paused once you start it, so time it wisely. Finnair Plus Platinum members get free Wi-Fi for the entire flight.
Amenity kits
The amenity kits come in Marimekko pouches with L:a Bruket skincare products. You’ll find face cream, a sleep mask, earplugs, and a toothbrush inside. Lip balm isn’t included in the kit but you can request it from the crew. Finnair donates unused amenity items to women’s shelters, which is a thoughtful touch.
On-board dining in Finnair business class
One of the reasons why I think Finnair offers one of the world’s best business class is its food and drink offerings.
Food
The menu, influenced by a Nordic philosophy with a Japanese twist, offers something special. You start with two appetizers for variety, followed by a choice of three main courses. You pick your sides, giving you freedom to mix things up. Expect a finale of cheese, dessert, and maybe a Finnish special like reindeer pâté if you’re departing Helsinki.
The menu changes seasonally two to three times per year. You can pre-select your main course up to 24 hours before departure through the Finnair website, which guarantees you get your preferred option.
Beverages
The drink options are just as thoughtfully curated. Finnair takes pride in its signature cocktail, the Northern Blush, a refreshing mix of gin, lingonberry, and orange. Another unique offering is their blueberry juice, a popular Finnish drink that’s always available onboard. For those who enjoy a tipple, there’s a good selection of champagne, wines, and spirits to accompany your meal.
Tips for booking Finnair business class flights
Looking for cheap business class tickets to Finland? Here are some pointers to get you sitting pretty without breaking the bank.
- Sign up for Going Elite: This is your gateway to catching the best deals Finnair has to offer. Keep an eye on their specials, and you might just land a luxury flight for less.
- Leverage Oneworld alliance benefits: Since Finnair is part of the Oneworld alliance, you can often find additional perks or use other loyalty programs within the alliance to book flights.
- Subscribe to Cheap Flight Alerts: Again, if you want to find the best possible deals on business class airfare, I highly recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for finding discounted economy flights, the Elite version is what you’ll need to find cheap business and first class deals.
- Consider Finnair Plus cautiously: Unless you’re already deep into Finnair Plus points, it might not be the best program for accumulating rewards compared to other programs. Use it wisely if it fits your travel patterns.
- Book early: For the best rates and availability in business class, try to book as early as possible. Early bookings often come with better prices.
- Watch for sales: Finnair, like many airlines, has sales periods. Staying updated through their newsletters or site can give you a competitive edge in grabbing those discounted seats.
- Check alternate airports: Sometimes flying out of or into a nearby airport can reduce the cost significantly. I’d recommend checking alternative routes if you have flexibility in your travel plans.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can increase your chances of finding cheap Finnair business class tickets. Happy booking!
Finnair business class vs. rival products
There are plenty of airlines that fly to Europe from the US. I’ll break down the key aspects and share my personal recommendation on which one I’d choose based on my experiences and preferences.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) vs. Finnair
SAS just brought back business class on European routes in October 2025 after years without it. They now have blocked middle seats, curtains, and proper tableware instead of the old SAS Plus product. Their long-haul flights include lie-flat seats and an emphasis on Scandinavian design. Their dining services are notable for emphasizing local and sustainable food options.
Finnair, on the other hand, shines with its Nordic design and a unique blend of Finnish and Asian culinary influences. Plus, I’d say that the Air Lounge seats (found on the A350 and A330) offer exemplary comfort. Both cheap airlines to Europe provide excellent connectivity and entertainment options.
Finnair vs. Icelandair
Icelandair operates Saga Premium with recliner seats rather than lie-flat beds. They’ve got new A321LR aircraft with better entertainment systems, but it’s still more like US domestic first class. Their service is personalized, and the experience feels more intimate. As of April 2025, basic Saga Premium tickets only get you lounge access at Keflavik now, not at other airports unless you book Saga Premium Flex. Finnair offers a more consistent business class product with guaranteed flat beds on long-haul routes and access to superior lounges at Helsinki airport.
Lufthansa vs. Finnair
Lufthansa is known for its reliability and extensive global network, with a robust business class offering including superb lounge access. Their in-flight service is typically German: efficient and high-quality. Finnair’s competitive edge comes from their focus on wellness and comfort. On-board, you’ll find features designed to alleviate jet lag. Plus, they offer better flights between Europe and Asia.
Bottom Line
I’d go with Finnair, especially for flights from Europe to Asia. Their seats make a huge difference on long hauls, and the vibe in their cabins with the mood lighting makes flying less taxing. Plus, their food is something I always look forward to.
Pros and cons of Finnair business class
Traveling in Finnair business class has its highs and lows. Here’s a straightforward look at what works and what could be better.
Pros
- Comfortable seats: The Air Lounge seats are spacious, turn into flat beds, and offer plenty of privacy.
- Wellness features: Mood lighting designed to minimize jet lag really makes a difference on those long-haul flights.
- Dining experience: A fusion of Finnish and Asian cuisines, along with high-quality seasonal ingredients, provides a memorable meal in the sky.
- Efficient hub: Helsinki Airport is easy to navigate and makes for smooth connections, especially between Europe and Asia.
- Excellent lounges: Whether you’re starting in Helsinki or using a partner lounge, the quality is consistent and adds value to your travel.
Cons
- Inconsistent experience on shorter routes: The business class experience within Europe doesn’t always match the high standards of long-haul flights.
- Price point: While you get a lot of bang for your buck, Finnair Business Class can be on the pricier side.
- Rewards program limitations: Finnair Plus might not always be the best choice for accumulating rewards unless you’re already committed to a lot of points within their system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Finnair business class
Are you still curious about which airline is the best to fly to Finland? Here are some questions I get asked a lot that will help decide whether Finnair business class is the right option for you.
Does Finnair business class have a flat bed?
Yes, in Finnair Business Class on their long-haul flights, you can expect a flat bed. The seats in their Air Lounge, found on the A350 and A330, convert into a 78-inch flat bed. You can stretch out and get a good rest.
Do you get free drinks on Finnair?
Yes, drinks are on the house in Finnair Business Class. You can enjoy a range of beverages, from their signature cocktails like the Northern Blush to fine wines, champagnes, and non-alcoholic options like the iconic Finnish blueberry juice.
Is Finnair a trustworthy airline?
Finnair is known for its reliability and safety. It’s one of the oldest airlines still operating and is consistently ranked as one of the safest. You’re in good hands with them.
Is Finnair a good airline for long-haul?
Finnair is excellent for long-haul flights, particularly between Europe and Asia. Their strategic location in Helsinki makes for efficient connections, and their aircraft are equipped with amenities that enhance long-haul travel. This includes comfortable flat beds, great dining options, and mood lighting to minimize jet lag. Plus, their service is top-notch.
- Looking to find Finnair business class deals for under $1,000 roundtrip? You’ll want to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for economy deals, the Elite version is what you’ll need to find cheap business and first class deals.
