SNAPSHOT: Finnair 10 Chicago to Helsinki (Economy Pro)

Time for another snapshot, this time focusing on the passenger experience on Finnair 10 between Chicago and Helsinki.

And this time, it’s proper Finnair, and not Air Italy flying for Finnair. 😉

For those of you who are new to the blog:

• Trip Reports – These are full deep-dive reports taking you into the experience and the small things… as well as the big things!
• Snapshots – These are bite-sized reviews that show you the basic product in some nice gentle headlines (and normally, only images shot on the phone)

Check-in

Check-in was conducted at O’Hare Terminal 5 at the far F check in area.

One bag was accepted for travel, whilst the other one had to go through oversized clearance.

Security

Security was conducted at the new Checkpoint 11… which had no one queuing for it.

This is to to the left-hand side of the terminal, which offers easier access to the SAS lounge, the British Airways lounge, and the ability to skip the duty-free offerings at the airport.

Lounge

Finnair uses the Air France-KLM lounge st Chicago O’Hare (as opposed to using British Airways lounges)

The lounge is also a contract lounge for other airlines.

There was also a sign outside, informing pass users this lounge not available to them.

The lounge offers reasonable views of the apron at O’Hare.

Boarding

Boarding was from Gate M11, with managed group boarding

The aircraft

A Finnair Airbus A330-300 (OH-LTT) would be doing the heavy lift across the pond.

The Seat

Finnair offers 2-4-2 style seats at the back of their aircraft.

In Flight Entertainment

The airline uses Panasonic eX2 IFE system. This has a box on the floor, with small screens in the seat back. Controls are in the seat arm, and are removalable.

In-Flight Connectivity

Finnair uses Panasonic’s Ku connectivity on their Airbus A330 aircraft. No Wi-fi was brought due to this being an overnight flight. Basic access to the Nordic Sky Portal was free of charge to check maps, duty-free and Finnair information.

On-Board service

Water bottles were offered when boarding the aircraft.

A bar and dinner service followed after departure from Chicago – with a choice of pasta or chicken

A hot arrivals breakfast service followed. One choice was offered of an omelette through the cabin.

Fazer blue chocolates were handed out before landing

Landing

Finnair 10 landed 30 minutes early at Helsinki Vantaa airport. Thankfully, the aircraft arrived at the new “40” gates, as opposed to being bused over to the terminal.

The views

The full review of Finnair 10 soon!