Finair's Airbus A350-900 Premium Economy Class flight review from Helsinki to Los Angeles
Flying Premium Economy with Finnair: A Comfortable Long-Haul Experience
Finnair offers a comfortable and enjoyable long-haul flight experience in its premium economy cabin. The airline operates nonstop flights between Helsinki (HEL) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) using the A350-900 aircraft.
Upon boarding, passengers can find a light blanket and a neck pillow at their seat, along with a 13-inch touchscreen entertainment system and Phitek noise-canceling headphones. The A350-900 aircraft used in premium economy features a 2-4-2 seating layout with 24 seats, offering a generous amount of space in front for legroom.
For those who book an award ticket or buy the cheapest fare, seat selection comes with an additional fee. Standard seats cost €54 ($61), while preferred seats at the bulkhead with extra legroom cost €69 ($77) in advance. Alternatively, it is possible to book this flight for 43,500 Finnair Plus Avios plus $111 per person.
Those traveling in pairs should aim for seats A and C or J and L, which are the pairs of seats along the window. Those traveling alone could pick aisle seats (C, D, H, and J) or window seats (A and L) based on their privacy preferences. Seats E and G are middle seats, which most people try to avoid if possible.
The premium economy passengers received a Finnair amenity kit in a black-and-brown case. However, Finnair does not offer complimentary lounge access to its premium economy passengers. Other lounge options exist in the non-Schengen area of Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, including Aspire Lounges and a Plaza Premium Lounge.
During the flight, passengers can enjoy two meal services. A full meal is served at dinner time in Finland, and a second, lighter meal service is offered near the end of the flight as passengers adjust to the new time zone. The light meal includes both a sandwich and a hot dish served in a cardboard box.
The crew does a great job of keeping the plane clean – both in the cabins and in the lavatories. The bathrooms have the standard features: a toilet, changing table, sink, and mirror. The closest lavatory is in the middle of business class, in front of row 9.
Flight attendants are friendly and efficient, providing drinks and meals, and collecting trash while saying hello and smiling. They are careful not to block premium economy passengers from exiting while business class passengers exit first. The crew also makes necessary announcements about baggage claim, safety, and passport control in a concise manner.
The entertainment system offers a range of movies, TV series, music, games, flight maps, and more. The service is inconsistent during flights, with flashes of greatness mixed with a few awkward moments that could be improved.
In summary, Finnair's premium economy product offers a comfortable long-haul flight experience with extra legroom, better seats than economy, and priority boarding. While exact Avios pricing for premium economy on this route is not published in the search results, Finnair Plus typically charges fewer miles for premium economy than for business class. For exact up-to-date pricing and booking options, it is recommended to check directly with Finnair Plus or through their website when planning the ticket.
- Finnair's premium economy cabin offers a comfortable and enjoyable long-haul flight experience, featuring movies, games, and music on a 13-inch touchscreen entertainment system.
- The airline's opinion on customer comfort is evident in their provision of Phitek noise-canceling headphones and a generous amount of legroom in their premium economy cabin.
- For travelers who prefer the window seat, Finnair recommends booking seats A and C or J and L for a pair, while those who enjoy the aisle could select C, D, H, and J or window seats A and L.
- Aspire Lounges and a Plaza Premium Lounge offer options for non-Schengen area lounge access for those who find Finnair does not offer complimentary lounge access to its premium economy passengers.
- In the realm of the lifestyle industry, Finnair's premium economy passengers can expect two meal services during the flight, including a full dinner and a lighter meal near the end of the journey.
- The entertainment system also includes flight maps, providing an added level of enjoyment during the long-haul journey, while the flight attendants' efficiency in offering drinks, meals, and necessary announcements contribute to a smooth travel experience.
- In the financial world, it is noted that Finnair Plus typically charges fewer miles for premium economy than for business class, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers seeking a comfortable long-haul experience, especially in the aviation industry.
