Finnair Premium Economy Experience

First Class and Business Class tickets can be heavy on the pocket, specially when you are planning a budget trip. But the economy class standard and small seats can also be upsetting during long-haul flights. So, what to do? Is there a way to access premium services and spacious cabins on a moderate budget? Yes, there is! With Finnair Premium Economy class seats, you can now enjoy luxury without breaking your bank. But what is this premium economy class, and how is it better than the standard economy cabin class? This article answers all these questions. So read on and discover how you can get a comfortable flying experience without being in the business class of the Finnair flight. 

Finnair Premium Economy Review

Finnair established Premium Economy as a travel class between Economy and Business. It provided customers with greater options, room, and comfort on long-distance flights. When compared to the basic economy class, this class offered more and better amenities, wider seats, a better dining experience, and a larger entertainment screen. 

What can you expect in the premium economy Finnair? Here’s what you will get:

Airport Check-in & Ground Experience

Finnair’s premium economy customers enjoy the benefits right from the start of their journey. They get a straightforward check-in process, with no designated desks; however, they can utilize the priority lane if they hold business class or oneworld status. This isn’t an issue in quieter terminals, such as Osaka, or larger hubs like Helsinki, where both lanes tend to be empty. Finnair boarding is divided into five groups, including premium economy in Group 3, which allows customers to get aboard after business class and status members. Finnair has two jetbridges at airports such as Osaka, guaranteeing passengers in Finnair premium economy priority boarding and a comfortable cabin near the second set of doors.

Spacious Cabins

Finnair’s Premium Economy cabin features three rows of 2-4-2 seating, with an additional pair of seats located at the front right of the cabin. Each seat features 50% extra legroom, a waterfall legrest, an 8-inch recline, a suitable armrest for holding a tray table, charging stations, and a personal reading light on a stalk positioned behind your head. 

For extra room, choose a bulkhead seat, as the recline might still feel cramped if someone in front of you reclines. Finnair also provides a comfortable Marimekko blanket with a neckroll as opposed to a regular cushion. 

Extra amenities include a 6-way adjustable headrest. The 13-inch in-flight entertainment screen is positioned in front of you, accompanied by a small storage compartment beneath for amenities such as the amenity pack, glasses, or a boarding pass. A literature pocket may be pulled out for additional storage, including computers. Two universal power outlets are located between you and your neighbor’s leg rest. The tray table is a single element that extends from the center armrest but cannot be folded in half. There is also a separate lavatory for premium economy customers on board, with hand wash and hand cream identical to those in business class. 

In-flight Entertainment

Finnair’s Premium Economy class has a 13-inch in-flight entertainment system with a broad schedule of over 200 movies, TV shows, music channels, and games. The cabins offer comfy noise-cancelling headphones comparable to those provided in business class, which can be a plus and make it a cost-effective carrier choice. However, there is no ‘save to favorites’ option for movies and TV, which is odd considering the service’s current architecture.

WiFi is available in Premium Economy; however, it costs an additional fee. Finnair’s elite status members have access to one hour of free time, while others are charged a fee based on their Finnair Plus membership status. Members pay €19.95 for the whole flight, €12.95 for three hours, and €6.95 for one hour. 

Furthermore, coverage over the North Pole is limited and can only be reestablished via Longyearbyen in Svalbard. When connected, the WiFi functions well, allowing passengers to access the internet and upload photographs, but not videos. 

Food and Beverages 

Upon boarding, passengers are handed a small water bottle and greeted by the staff, who provide useful information about the flight. Following takeoff, you can enjoy a hot towel and a selection of refreshments, such as house wines, beers, and nibbles. On long-haul flights, meal service usually begins within an hour after takeoff. You will enjoy two meal choices: a delicious three-course meal and a lighter secondary meal or snack. It contains dishes like stewed pork with rice and steamed basa fish. The Northern Route Diploma is a special advantage for summer travel. The first meal consists of eggs and potatoes served on chinaware, with travelers invited to try the famed blueberry juice. The second supper service has specialties like ratatouille and steamed broccoli, and the cuisine is universally praised. The airline also offers drinks in the pantry, and you can purchase extra items in-flight, including champagne. 

The overall review, based on people’s experiences, is positive, particularly given the personal touches and high-quality gourmet meals in premium economy classic Finnair. 

Extra Amenities

Finnair’s premium economy service is complemented by a well-designed amenity pack and bedding created in partnership with Finnish design brand Marimekko. The package is made of eco-friendly Kraft paper and includes a leather card stock with a trendy Marimekko pattern. Inside, travelers are provided with an eye mask, earplugs, and a bamboo toothbrush, which are bare yet useful essentials. The included blanket is comfortable and features a silvery brushstroke theme. The neck cushion is distinctive and may also serve as a backrest if the seat next to you is unoccupied. The overall bedding is comfortable, and the kit is washable, allowing it to be reused on future travels. This minimalist approach aligns with Finnair’s emphasis on quality over quantity, offering valuable products that enhance the flying experience. 

Why Choose Premium Economy in Finnair? 

Here are the top 5 reasons why Finnair premium economy seats are better than the average economy seats. 

An Experience Beyond Economy

Premium Economy offers an improved travel experience above Economy Class, with a focus on convenience, elegance, and careful service. The cabin features a contemporary layout, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Seat comfort has evolved significantly since the Economy era, with larger and more spacious seating for enhanced relaxation. Meal services and luxury comfort goods have also improved. Premium Economy strikes the ideal combination between affordability and quality, offering a better travel experience without the high expense of Business Class.

More Space for Maximum Comfort

Premium Economy offers 50% more space than the standard class, allowing for more relaxation and stretching. The larger seat pitch and broader seats give you more room to maneuver. Each seat features an adjustable headrest and a leg rest that supports your entire leg, providing maximum comfort and support. Premium Economy also offers a range of stowage solutions for convenient access to personal items. The seating arrangement creates a pleasant and calmly environment during your travel, allowing you to pick the best posture for relaxation.

Unique Seats and Textiles

Finnair’s Premium Economy seats are a custom design by Haeco that highlight the natural beauty and calm of the Nordic region. The chairs, made of 100% recycled polyester, capture the region’s calm and subtle elegance. The Marimekko fabrics used within the cabin are outstanding and artistically appealing, delivering both comfort and sustainability. The seats are designed to maintain their excellent condition and color even after multiple wash cycles, ensuring that passengers enjoy the highest degree of luxury and comfort. This is one of the first to provide these specially designed chairs.

Quality In-Flight Experience

Premium Economy flights offer a pleasant experience for travelers by catering to a diverse range of demands. Custom-designed laptop rooms enable more comfortable and productive work. The Red Dot in-flight entertainment system features a wide screen and an intuitive interface, offering a vast collection of content as well as real-time flight statistics. Meals on the trip are also served on Harri Koskinen-designed Iittala Kuulas tableware, which is similar to the tableware used in Business Class. The gastronomic experience is excellent, offering a diverse range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a more enjoyable flying experience.

A Calm and Intimate Atmosphere

Premium Economy is a cabin with 21 to 26 seats that offers a more serene and private environment compared to larger cabins. Its seat combinations include 2-3-2 and 2-4-2 groupings, making it ideal for both solo passengers and groups of friends. Partners can enjoy private double seats, while families can opt for the middle seats for more space. The front row has a baby bassinet, thus providing an excellent option for parents with infants. Premium Economy is ideal for both peaceful leisure and friendship. 

Conclusion 

In all, Premium Economy is a good choice for you if you want more privacy, whether you are travelling with your family, friend, or partner. Or even if you want a more relaxed space during long flights! It even offers you more facilities and amenities than your usual economy seats, with wider seats, three-course meals, and an individual essentials kit. So, if you plan to fly with Finnair for your future travels, be sure to check out their premium economy seats before booking. Upgrade your travel class to enhance your experience.

Frequently Asked Questions