lesismore From United States of America, joined May 2007, 142 posts, RR: 1 Posted (1 year 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 2564 times:
Can anyone comment on Finnair flights from JFK to HEL on the Airbus A330? I heard some good things about it on another thread, but it seems more appropriate to be here. For example, how is the cabin, seats, IFE, meal and overall service? How is the airport in Helsinki - customs, transportation, signage? And lastly, what is the spa/lounge like? Is it worth it to purchase admission? I'm asking because I'm flying there in a couple of weeks, and just would like to know what to expect and what is recommended, so I can plan accordingly. Thanks!
I'm a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down. - Abe Lincoln
B6JFKH81 From United States of America, joined Mar 2006, 2767 posts, RR: 7 Reply 1, posted (1 year 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 2551 times:
IIRC, they went to A333 flights a while ago. Flightaware is showing the direct flights on one and I haven't seen them come in here with a different aircraft in recent times:
HOONS90 From Canada, joined Aug 2001, 2667 posts, RR: 54 Reply 2, posted (1 year 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 2545 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW CHAT OPERATOR
I've flown on Finnair's Economy class onboard their Airbus A330. Seats were comfortable, and one thing that I really liked about it was that the IFE boxes underneath the seats did not intrude on my legroom. Seat pitch was adequate as well. IFE was a Panasonic AVOD system with a modest selection of movies and games. Food was one area they could have improved on--mediocre and bland. Flight attendants were polite, but reserved.
I found Helsinki Airport to be very nice. I'll say that it's my favorite airport in Europe. Quite compact and cozy but feels modern. The Finnair lounge is quite nice, and also has refreshing showers, and a salad bar with salad, soup and light snacks such as cookies. Beer and wine were available on tap. Can't comment on the spa as I haven't used it, but I'm sure it's nice.
Hope you have an excellent flight! Finnair is a decent airline, and HEL is an excellent airport.
The biggest mistake made by most human beings: Listening to only half, understanding just a quarter and telling double.
toobz From Finland, joined Jan 2010, 673 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (1 year 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 2533 times:
Agree with Hoon. AY service is friendly-but most of the time more reserved-as is the norm in Finland. However, service seems textbook ALL THE TIME compared to the US. Aircraft is very new and comfortable, as mentioned AVOD throughout. HEL airport is a dream airport. very small and modern. Signage is amongst the best and everything is in english as well. You will have no problems at all. immigration is a breeze as well. It's been a couple years since I've been in the lounge however it was very modern and had plenty of cold cuts and great bread on offer. I didn't really pay attention to the hot meals.
I also like the touch of Finland that's added with the iittala glassware on board.
If you have a nasty smoking habit like I do, you will find a smoking room in the baggage claim area.
Hope this helped a little bit! you are gonna have a great flight. If you have any further questions, ask away!
HELyes From Finland, joined Oct 2010, 642 posts, RR: 1 Reply 4, posted (1 year 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 2531 times:
HEL is easy to navigate, smooth customs clearance usually, transportation options to the city: bus and taxi, the train connection is under construction...
I find the non-Schengen lounge attractive, very Nordic, some not happy you have to pay for the better drinks. I haven't tried the Spa yet, heard good things about it. They have four different types of sauna, one with the view to the taxiways, want to try that... There is a selection of personal well-being treatments available for a charge, the entrance fee is included in the price of treatments.
lesismore From United States of America, joined May 2007, 142 posts, RR: 1 Reply 5, posted (1 year 8 months 4 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 2487 times:
Thanks all for the responses, the information is very helpful and encouraging! I'm now even more looking forward to the trip! Since I have some time before I have to move on through Finland when I land, I may also try the spa. Might be nice after a long trip If I do, I'll post an update.
I'm a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down. - Abe Lincoln
Sponsor Message: 
From United States of America, joined May 2007, 142 posts, 
From Canada, joined Aug 2001, 2667 posts, 
From Finland, joined Jan 2010, 673 posts, 
If I do, I'll post an update.
Printer friendly format 
