Thinking about booking Finnair Premium Economy but not sure if it’s worth the extra cost? In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you can expect: seats, service, food, entertainment, and more, so you can decide if the upgrade makes sense for your next long-haul flight.
I’ve always considered Finnair one of the better European airlines, especially in their economy offering. Their flights generally run smoothly, the service is kind, and the food is noticeably better than what you’ll get on many competitors. But premium economy comes at a much higher price point, which naturally raises the question: is the upgrade actually worth it?
To find out, I recently flew just under 10 hours from Dallas–Fort Worth to Helsinki in Finnair’s premium economy. In this review, I’ll break down the seats, service, food, and overall experience so you can decide if it’s a smart investment for your next long-haul flight.
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What is Premium Economy?
Premium economy is a seat class that sits between economy and business. You’ll usually find more space, better food, and a few thoughtful upgrades, but it does come at a premium.
For reference:
- A round-trip flight from Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) to Helsinki (HEL) in economy can cost around $800.
- Premium economy typically starts around $1,800 and up.
- Business class often runs $5,000+, which makes premium economy feel like a smart middle ground.
So what makes Finnair’s premium economy stand out? Here are the main differences compared to economy:
- Cabin layout: Premium economy is arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration (versus 3-3-3 in economy), which makes the cabin feel more spacious and less crowded.
- Seat size: Both classes technically share the same seat width (about 18 inches), but premium economy seats come with deeper cushioning, a leg rest, and a far better recline. Pitch (legroom) jumps from 31–32 inches in economy to about 38 inches in premium economy.
- Entertainment: The screen in premium economy is 13 inches versus about 11 inches in economy, plus you get higher-quality noise-cancelling headphones.
- Food and drinks: Meals are served on real dishes with metal cutlery, and the menu options are higher quality. You’ll also find healthier selections, hot entrées that actually taste good, and Finnair’s signature blueberry juice offered regularly.
- Bathrooms: On my flight, premium economy had a dedicated lavatory that was much larger than the ones in economy, and even bigger than some I’ve seen in business class.
Put simply: better seats, better food, better entertainment, and even better bathrooms. Let’s break it down section by section.
The Seat
This was the standout for me. The premium economy seat on Finnair is incredibly comfortable, with a memory foam cushion that felt soft and supportive. I loved the provided neck pillow and cozy blanket, both better than what you’d get in economy. The amenity kit was pretty basic with a toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs and eye mask. But it was nice to have.
The real game-changers were:
- Leg rest + recline: Much more ergonomic and comfortable than economy.
- Extra legroom: Plenty of space to stretch out.
My one critique? The seat width. They’re actually the same width as economy, which is narrower than some other airlines’ premium economy offerings. Still, I found them comfortable enough and managed to sleep quite well.
The Service
Finnair’s cabin crew is generally kind and professional in any class, but premium economy does step it up. Service felt more attentive, food was delivered quickly, and attendants were responsive to questions or requests. It’s not business-class white-glove service, but definitely a noticeable improvement over economy.
Entertainment
The premium economy screen is 13 inches (compared to around 11 inches in economy), and the picture quality was excellent. I was also impressed by the noise-cancelling headphones provided. They were surprisingly good for an airline.
Another nice touch: Finnair shows you a flight agenda on the screen, so you know exactly when meals will be served, when lights will be dimmed, and when to expect certain service rounds. The entertainment library had plenty of movies, TV, and games to pass the time.
The Food
Finnair’s premium economy food exceeded my expectations. While it’s not on the same level as Turkish Airlines, it’s leagues ahead of British Airways or American Airlines.
Meals were served on real dishes with proper cutlery, and everything was hot and flavorful. Dinner was hearty and well-prepared, though the dessert could have been a bit better. It was served with a choice of drinks, including select beer and wine. Breakfast was equally good. I honestly wasn’t expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the omelette and the flavors.
I also really appreciate that Finnair’s meals are lighter and healthier than many other airlines, so you don’t feel weighed down after eating. Water was offered throughout the flight, and don’t skip their famous blueberry juice. It’s a Finnair signature.
The Bathroom
This might sound odd, but the bathrooms were one of the biggest surprises of Finnair’s premium economy. On my flight, there was a dedicated lavatory for premium economy ( I know some routes share with Business Class), and it was... huge. Larger than the bathroom I’d used in Finnair’s business class.
The coolest part was that it had a window (yes, a window in the bathroom!) and it was never crowded. Easily one of the nicest in-flight bathroom experiences I’ve ever had.
Helsinki Airport
Since most Finnair long-haul flights connect through Helsinki, it’s worth noting that this is one of the best European hubs you can transit through. The airport is compact and easy to navigate. Plus it's spotlessly clean with sleek Scandinavian design and some fun nature themed areas where you can relax. It also filled with genuinely good food options. And you’ll also find unique amenities like a coffee shop with outdoor seating inside the secure area, and even the option to use a traditional Finnish sauna between flights. Honestly, it’s worlds better than trying to connect through Heathrow or Paris CDG.
FAQ: Do you get lounge access with Finnair Premium Economy? - You do not. However there are great options throughout the airport to eat and relax. And you can pay for a day pass to one of the lounges if you prefer.
Finnair Premium Economy: Is It Worth It?
In my opinion...absolutely! Finnair Premium Economy offers a considerably more comfortable ride for long-haul flights at a fraction of the cost of business class.
Having flown both, I can honestly say you’re not losing much by choosing premium economy instead of business (though I do love Finnair's Business Class). The seat, service, food, and even bathrooms make it feel like a major step up from economy. And if you’re booking with points, the price difference is often minimal.
Final Verdict: If you value comfort but don’t want to splurge on business, Finnair Premium Economy is well worth it. I highly recommend it for transatlantic flights.
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