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SNAPSHOT: Finnair 1337 Helsinki to London Heathrow (A330/Business Class)

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It is time for another snapshot, this time focusing on the passenger experience between Helsinki and London Heathrow aboard Finnair AY1337.

In case you have forgotten how we do travel write-ups on Economy Class and Beyond, I have two major travel writing styles:

  • 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).

Today, we’re on the Snapshot. The full in-depth review is a work in progress (it’s almost there – time is a mixed blessing at the moment).

Check-in

Check-in was conducted at Helsinki airport. I utilised the automated machines for this purpose (not realising there was a dedicated business class check-in area).

a white airplane painted on a walla screen with text on it

Security

The security process was very at Helsinki Airport, as the airport uses CT scanners – meaning bags do not have to be unpacked and can go through as-is.

people standing in a terminala man standing in front of a gatepeople standing in a room with a few people standing around

From here. I proceeded along the Schengen zone to passport control and into the Non-Schengen Zone.

a sign on a wallpeople in an airport

Lounge

The Finnair Business Class Non-Schengen lounge was utilised for my lounge visit. This lounge has been expanded since I was here in 2019, with a whole new section of the lounge has been built and opened.

a white wall with white text on ita bar with a round bar with a round bar and a round bar with a round bar with a round bar and a round bar with a round bar with a round bar and a round bar witha kitchen with bowls of fooda buffet line of fooda group of pots with food in ita table with plates of food and utensilsa man taking a picture of a table with chairsa room with tables and chairs

Boarding

Boarding was from gate 48 on the new pier at Helsinki Airport. Separate zones for priority and normal passengers were available during the boarding process.

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The Aircraft

The aircraft used was an Airbus A330-300.

people walking on a walkway

The Seat

This Airbus A330-300 was fitted with the older Thomson Vantage Seat. The seats were in a five-across layout in this cabin, with the cabin having seen better days.

seat in an airplane with a seat belt and pillowa bottle in a charging stationa screen on a planea person's legs in grey pants and black shoes

IFE

The IFE was not functional on this and a few other seats in the cabin. Thankfully the conditions outside were mostly clear for nature to provide its IFE.

a screen on a plane

Connectivity

Again, this aircraft had Nordic Sky installed, using the Panasonic connectivity system. Reasonably high bandwidth was available.

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Food and Drink

Post-take-off drinks were offered, along with hot towel service.

a hand holding a white towel a bottle of champagne and two glasses on a table

Lunch was provided on this service- with  pasta in olive oil, with a spicy prawn curry compliant. This was served with a goat’s cheese starter. the bread was offered, along with a pre-packaged dessert item.

a tray of food on a table a plate of food on a tray

Multiple drink runs were carried out.

Landing and immigration

Although the aircraft landed early at Heathrow airport, the aircraft was directed to a waiting area, where a 40-minute ground stop was imposed due to the lack of gates available at Terminal 3. During this time, the captain turned off the seatbelt sign to allow passengers to move in the cabin and utilise the facilities.

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The aircraft was eventually directed to a gate, with it finally docking around 50 minutes after landing. There was a delay for disembarkation due to a lack of ground staff.

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The UK Border was less than organised.

In total, without luggage, it took 1 hour and 21 minutes from landing to exiting the airside area.

a group of people in a terminal a group of people in a large room

 Other pictures

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an aerial view of a city

The full review of Finnair 1337 is starting this week. Remember to sign up for the newsletter if you want to be notified of it first!

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