It seems that Finnair is not in the greatest of fiscal shapes, with changes t its baggage rules and increased redemption costs.
Finnair Airbus A330-300 at Helsinki Vantaa Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
Let’s talk about baggage
To start with, the airline is introducing a “Superlight” ticket, which will replace Economy Light tickets on Finnair journeys within Europe. It includes a small bag, which goes under the seat, but no other carry-baggage. In addition, any purchases made at the airport are counted in the allowance, so they must also fit into the underseat bag.
Light tickets, which include a regular carry-on bag as well as a small underseat bag, will continue to be available for long-haul journeys and for Business Class on European flights. The Classic ticket type continues to be the right choice for customers who travel with both checked and carry-on baggage.
Elite members (either Finnair Elite or oneworld elite) can also take one complimentary carry-on bag on Finnair flights within Europe when travelling with a Superlight ticket that otherwise includes only a small bag – you will need to be a oneworld Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald member.
As of June 1, Finnair will also decrease the baggage allowance for Business Class. In addition, all special baggage allowances, such as golf bags and ski equipment, will be excluded from the new ticket classifications and will only be available for an additional charge.
oneworld Emerald members can no longer take heavy or oversized bags with them free of charge starting from 1 June 2023.
Whilst Finnair might argue this is to improve punctuality, this is a sheer money grab. The changes are listed at https://www.finnair.com/fi-en/bluewings/travel-experience/finnair-addresses-the-excess-carry-on-baggage-issue-with-the-new-superlight-ticket-type-and-changes-to-baggage-allowances-2973610
Surprisingly, the airline isn’t charging for emotional baggage yet, although given the way airlines work…
Redeeming flights has got more expensive
For those who have been collecting and accumulating masses of Finnair Plus points, you’re going to get the feeling that devaluation has hit you – hard.
If you want to upgrade with points, you’re going to need to dig deeper into your points reserve
Award prices are being jacked up, along with the surcharges (because airlines love those too).
The full details and asterisks are at https://www.finnair.com/fi-en/finnair-plus/finnair-plus-changes.
Disappointing
It is so disappointing when an airline continues to cut and cut, with minimal benefit to its customers. The moves that Finnair is making is more of an Ultra-Low-Cost Airline, rather than the full-service carrier it claims to be.
And I have had issues with that since the catering and onboard service cuts since April.
Whilst ultra-light fares might appeal to those who can fit everything in a carry-on, people will buy these in mistake, thinking it has exactly what they need, only to face upcharges at the airport.
And you can bet that will go down really well.
As to the loyal frequent flyers – well, I’ve always said the value of miles and points goes down, as well as down. Here’s direct evidence of that and it’s a good reminder to accumulate what you need, rather than build a bank of points up – that the airline can cut the value of.
Whilst Finnair is hurting from not being able to access Russian Airspace (and thus, has longer flights in general, negating its shortcut to Asia advantage it has), taking it out on its customer to restore profitability isn’t going to play well with them.
And I hate to remind Finnair – airline customers have options these days.
At the end of the day, it’s just disappointing to see an airline take such action in an attempt to reduce ground time on the face of it – and recover costs when you scratch away at the surface.
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