I have been fortunate enough to fly long haul in business class fifteen times in the past twelve years. Although the short haul experience may have become routine, I still look forward to boarding a wide body aircraft for an extended stint in a true business class seat – which is to say, one that transforms into a bed.
All but two of such trips I’ve made have been in Club World, so the prospect of flying Helsinki – Seoul was even more exciting, as it gave me a chance to sample another carrier’s offering. In the case of Finnair, that isn’t just something different from BA – their ‘AirLounge’ concept is a unique take on business class. They’ve eliminated the reclining mechanism, aiming to create something that’s less dentist’s chair, more cosy sofa. The idea is intriguing, but would it actually be comfortable for a near-12 hour flight?
Extime Lounge CDG 2BD
Before I could find out, I’d first have to make my way from Paris to Helsinki. Finnair don’t operate a lounge of their own at Charles De Gaulle airport, but their passengers can visit the Extime facility. This turned out to be one of the most stylish third-party lounges I’ve ever used – fittingly for my trip east, the décor felt Asian-inspired, although there were local nods too. It was far better than the Air France box I tried last time I travelled through CDG; and had I not been flying in business, I’d have been stuck in the terminal, as Priority Pass surprisingly has no presence at the EU’s busiest airport. I’d gambled on the lounge buffet instead of an expensive hotel breakfast, and this paid off – catering was both extensive, and of good quality.
Paris – Helsinki
A month before this trip, Scarlett and I had spent three uncomfortable hours in the very last row of an Finnair A320 on our return from the Baltic Brutal. In a small world coincidence, the exact same aircraft – frame OH-LXK – would be conveying me to Helsinki from Paris, so I was glad that this time I’d be sat up front.
Admittedly, the differences in hard product from economy are minor: the standard euro-business setup of a blocked middle seat, a smidge more leg room, and a bit more padding. (With Finnair, the best short haul upgrade is to find a route operated by an A350 – economy seats on those beat business on an A320.) In-flight service, however, is greatly improved: for this lunchtime departure there were hot towels, a snacks and drinks run, a hot meal (with multiple choices available for pre-order), a substantial dessert, and a couple of rounds of chocolates too! Between all that and some entertainment from my phone, the flight seemed to race by: sure enough, we landed well ahead of schedule and I set foot in the terminal ten minutes early.
Finnair Business Lounge, Non-Schengen
The sheer scale of Finnair’s flagship lounge, coupled with its Nordic minimalism, made it feel a bit spare after the more luxe environs of the Extime back at CDG. It is a better set up for working or dining, however, and the hot spread on offer mid-afternoon was a step up from BA’s Heathrow galleries. Serving all longhaul flights, it was busy but not to the point of crowding – getting clear photos wasn’t possible, but I was able to flit between restaurant seating, a proper desk, and a sofa area during my three hour visit. As transfer experiences go, entirely stress-free!
Helsinki – Seoul
Finally, then, was the main event: trying the AirLounge. As mentioned, this is a departure from standard business class seats: a wide cocoon meant to recreate the experience of relaxing on a sofa rather than in a reclining armchair. It’s hard to explain, and I wasn’t quick enough at boarding to get good photos, so here’s Finnair’s own video tour:
My first impressions were immediately favourable – although not equipped with a door like many latest generation ‘suites’, the high, contoured wall created complete privacy from both the seat across the aisle, and the other half of the centre pair I was in. This is by far the broadest airline seat I’ve ever used- I could comfortably sit cross-legged or otherwise bring my feet up, just as I would when lounging around at home.
The width of the pod allows for a generous side console – complete with wireless charging pad – and several storage bins. The tray table swings out, and can be set in various positions and at half or full size: a definite improvement over the BA Club Suite table, my main gripe with that seat. Up front there’s an 18″ touchscreen, which I immediately set to the external cameras, one of my favourite features of Finnair’s A350s. I also appreciated that they’ve only installed overhead luggage compartments along the sides of the business class cabin, creating a great sense of space above the centre seats.
There were pre-departure beverages (champagne, water, or their signature blueberry juice) and a snack run shortly after take-off, with dinner being served about an hour in. When I flew Finnair to Tokyo in premium economy I didn’t find the food to be worthy of note, so I’m glad to report the business class catering is better. There was a choice of starters, and three options for mains: I went for “Torched white fish, smoked vendace mousse and cold smoked salmon” for the former, followed by “chicken in pepper and sesame sauce, steamed rice with radish, carrots and spring onion”, wrapping it all up with “blueberry pie with berries and vanilla sauce”. I was unconvinced by the seared fish, but the other starting elements were good, the peppery chicken packed a decent punch, and the dessert was generous as ever.
After dinner was cleared there was a northern lights display before the cabin was dimmed. Taking the hint I configured the seat for sleep: a mattress pad is supplied for extra comfort. Taller passengers might struggle with the narrow footwell when trying to lie flat, but I found a suitable angle and was able to get about five hours rest. I awoke to another light display – simulating sunrise, this time – and a curious breakfast (broccoli being the strangest inclusion). Eleven hours and change since leaving Helsinki – over 20 since departing Paris – I arrived in Seoul feeling ready to tackle a new day: my ultimate benchmark for longhaul travel.
My upgrade for CDG – HEL – ICN had cost £250, and I think that’s completely fair for a journey of this distance – although I couldn’t justify the £750 extra being asked for the return legs. The AirLounge definitely beats the old BA Club World seat, as well as the other business class products I’ve tried on other carriers. But I’m not sure which I favour between it and Club Suite: I think Finnair have the better seat, but BA the better bed. Certainly, though, I’d be happy to find myself here again on any future flights!