Runway: the Finnair blog

A pleasant flight consists of many different expectations and experiences regarding service. Every one of us hopes to make our way from the terminal door to the shops, lounge facilities and restaurants in the departure lounge as soon as possible.

At the same time we all realize that to do so may just be wishful thinking, and in reality, there may be long queues at the check-in desks, security control, passport control, the ATM, and to the departure gate.

Over the years, departure formalities have begun to resemble an obstacle course consisting of the successful completion of various authority requirements and compulsory procedures. We cannot rid ourselves of these, but here at Finnair we do attempt to improve what we can in order to make the departure experience as smooth as possible.

I would like to share a few tips here about the options that each of us have for getting our trip to a good start.

1. Families with children. Finnair has a “fast lane” for families at check-in counter 217 labelled “Special Passengers”.

2. Online check-in. You can check in on the Internet at www.finnair.com up to 36 hours before departure. Type your 6-character booking reference and last name in the Check-in menu of the service selection. Choose the flight, your preferred seat (the seat can be changed later if you wish), and read the additional instructions. You will receive confirmation of your check-in to your mobile phone or e-mail. At the airport, leave your luggage at the Baggage Drop and proceed directly to the security control.

3. Finnair Plus customers. All Finnair Plus cardholders can add a mobile phone number and seat preference (window or aisle) to their travel profile. When this information is in the system, you will receive an automatic check-in suggestion before every flight. Press A for “accept” and your check-in is successfully completed.

4. Check-in at the self-service check-in kiosk. There are self-service check-in kiosks in the check-in area at the airport, which are quick and easy to use. You need your passport, Finnair Plus membership card, or a credit card. Choose the flight, your preferred seat (changing the seat is also possible), read the additional instructions and confirm. If you have luggage to check in, you can leave it at the Baggage Drop counter and proceed to the security control. If you have already checked in online or at the self-service kiosk, you can still change your seat and print out a boarding pass.

5. Check-in for early morning flights already the night before. There is a check-in counter for early next-day departures in Departure Hall 2 of the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, open 20.00 -21.30. More information on this new service is available at www.finnair.fi/travel/travelinfo.

6. Short connection from Asia to Europe. Our new service starting 15 June offers a fast lane at security control for “Via Helsinki” passengers arriving from Asia and continuing to European destinations with less than one hour to change flights at Helsinki-Vantaa. A red “short connection” tag will be attached to the passenger’s boarding card, which entitles him/her to use the fast lane. Passengers are informed about the new service at check-in, with announcements on board the aircraft, red signs at the airport, and in person at the security control.

7. Jump the queue with a Business Class ticket. This summer’s hottest offer is an upgrade to Business Class with as little as 99 euros one-way in Europe. You are then entitled to all Business Class benefits, such as your own counter at check-in, access to lounges, a quicker boarding at the gate (or the option to wait to be the last, if that is what you prefer), a more spacious seat in the forward section of the cabin, more individualized service, a more substantial meal, and a wider selection of beverages and newspapers. At the destination, you can disembark and receive your luggage among the first passengers. Upgrading your ticket on long-haul flights is reasonably priced too, for example, an additional 299 euro for one way to Delhi. To reserve your upgrade, call the Finnair Customer Care Center or contact Finnair Ticket Sales at the airport. You can book your upgrade 24 hours prior to departure at the latest.

8. Receive information on irregularities to your mobile phone. Nobody wants to rush to the airport only to find out that their flight is delayed. Even though Finnair is one of the most punctual airlines in Europe, air traffic is prone to delays. We know that our customers appreciate being informed about any delays, and therefore, we send text messages to notify them about any changes in schedule. Please provide a mobile phone number when booking your flight.

Have a nice trip!
Markku Remes