If you’re wondering what Finnair Business Class is really like, here’s my honest review after a 10 hour and 40 minute long-haul flight from Helsinki to Dallas-Fort Worth. From the innovative seat design to the Scandinavian-inspired meals, here’s everything you need to know before booking your own Finnair Business Class experience.
I was genuinely excited to try out Finnair’s Business Class after hearing all the buzz about its innovative, non-reclining seat design (more on that below). To be completely honest I don’t fly international business class all that often. Most of our travel is as a family, and our dollars and miles stretch a lot further in economy. But this trip was a little different as I was heading to Eastern Europe on a girls’ trip with my mom and sister (no kids this time!). I had some extra miles and decided to treat myself!
To really get a sense of Finnair’s elevated seat classes, I flew Premium Economy from Dallas to Helsinki (you can find my review on the Premium Economy experience here) and Business Class on the return. Here’s my honest take on the experience, what stood out, and whether I think it’s worth the splurge.
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What sets Finnair's Business Class apart?
Business Class is Finnair’s top-tier experience, offering lie-flat seats, elevated dining, and a much quieter, more private cabin. Here are approximate comparative costs to it's other offerings:
- A round-trip flight from Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) to Helsinki (HEL) in economy can cost around $800.
- Premium economy typically starts around $1,700.
- Business class often runs around $4,000, but you can occasionally get it for closer to $3,250.
Note on Using Miles:
I actually got this flight for a great deal. I transferred 70,000 Chase points to British Airways Avios on a 25% bonus day, giving me 87,500 Avios points, and transferred them to Finnair. Then I booked the flight on Finnair for 80,000 Avios + $88.
The details of Finnair's Business Class Experience:
- Cabin layout: Business class is arranged in a 1–2–1 configuration, giving every passenger direct aisle access and a private, pod-style space.
- Seat size: The innovative AirLounge seat is about 25 inches wide and converts into a fully flat 78-inch bed. While the seat doesn’t recline in the traditional sense, its curved shell design allows you to shift positions easily and stay comfortable whether you’re lounging, sleeping, or working.
- Entertainment: Each seat features a large 18-inch HD touchscreen, plus noise-cancelling headphones that actually work. There’s a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music.
- Food and drinks: Meals are multi-course with beautifully plated entrées, real tableware, and a thoughtful menu featuring Finnish and Nordic-inspired dishes. Champagne, cocktails, and tea and hot chocolate are available throughout the flight.
- Extras: You’ll find a small but clean lavatory, slippers and a simple amenity kit, and one hour of free Wi-Fi for business class passengers.
The Seat
Finnair’s business class seat is truly one of a kind. I’ll admit, I was very curious to see how comfortable a seat that doesn’t actually recline could possibly be. The verdict? Surprisingly, super comfortable.
At first glance, it feels a bit unconventional, almost like a sleek lounge chair rather than a traditional airplane seat. But once you settle in, it’s incredibly spacious, private, and cozy. You get two cushy pillows and a soft, thick blanket. When you’re ready to sleep, you can add a thin mattress pad that fits over the seat for a true lay-flat experience.
Even when not in the full lie-flat position, it’s great for lounging, watching movies, or getting some work done. I actually found it more supportive than most traditional business class seats. As a bonus, the design helps reduce the overall weight of the plane. This makes it more fuel efficient, a small but meaningful innovation that feels very on-brand for Finnair.
Amenity Kit
I’ll be honest, I’m not one of those people who gets overly excited about an amenity kit. But if you are, you might find Finnair’s business class offering a little underwhelming. It includes the basics: an eye mask, earplugs, a toothbrush and toothpaste, plus a pair of comfy slippers. And that’s about it. Nothing fancy or over-the-top, but honestly, it’s plenty for what you need on a long-haul flight.
The Service
I found the service on Finnair’s business class to be incredibly kind and attentive. From the moment we boarded, the crew made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. They helped passengers get settled right away and offered a hot towel, drink, and a small bowl of warm nuts before takeoff.
The meal service was prompt and well-paced, and the flight attendants were consistently attentive throughout the journey. They made regular rounds through the cabin offering water, snacks, and checking to see if anyone needed anything. Everything felt relaxed but efficient, which I really appreciated on a long-haul flight.
Entertainment & Wifi
The business class screen on Finnair is a generous 18 inches, and it really does feel huge when you’re sitting back in your seat. The picture quality is sharp there is a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music. There was plenty to keep me entertained for the entire flight.I also really liked the noise-cancelling headphones they provide.
Business class passengers get one hour of free Wi-Fi, which is great if you just want to check emails or message people. If you want to stay connected for the whole flight, though, you’ll need to purchase an upgraded package.
The Food
I thought the food on Finnair’s Business Class was truly stand-out. For dinner, I ordered the roasted white fish with grilled lemon, vegetables, and a beurre blanc sauce. It was excellent. It was served with two equally delicious cold appetizers: veal with pickled chanterelles and salsa verde, and a feta cheese and strawberry salad with nettle pesto.
For dessert, I had the princess cake along with a small cheese plate and a cup of tea. Throughout the flight, the crew offered a nice selection of drinks, everything from French champagne and cocktails to hot chocolate.
Before landing, we were served a ravioli dish with fruit, salad, and bread, and it was surprisingly great, especially the ravioli. Everything felt fresh, healthy, and thoughtfully put together. The whole menu had a slight Scandinavian twist, which I loved and felt perfectly in line with Finnair’s brand: simple, clean, and quietly elegant.
The Bathroom
One thing I love about Finnair’s premium economy and business class bathrooms is that they have windows, which makes them feel so much less cramped. The bathroom I used in business class was actually a bit smaller than the spacious one I’d had in Premium Economy on my flight from DFW to Helsinki, but it was perfectly fine: clean, well-stocked, and kept tidy throughout the flight.
Final Thoughts: Is Finnair's Business Class Worth It?
For what I spent on this flight, 70,000 Chase points and $88 in fees, I honestly don’t think you could get a better deal. The entire Finnair experience felt far superior to what you typically get on British Airways or American Airlines, the other major Oneworld business class options.
Now, if you’re paying full price (around $3,500–$4,000), it’s definitely something to think about. I flew Premium Economy from Dallas to Helsinki on the way out, and that experience was fantastic, especially considering it’s less than half the price of business class. (See my Finnair Premium Economy Review here). If you’re watching your budget, Premium Economy is a great middle ground and still feels like a big step up from regular economy.
That being said, when comparing Finnair’s Business Class to other similarly priced options between the U.S. and Europe, I would absolutely recommend it. The food was excellent, second only to Turkish Airlines in my opinion , and the seat and overall comfort were top-notch.
Plus, connecting through Helsinki Airport is a dream: efficient, calm, and never too crowded. I’d absolutely fly Finnair Business Class again.
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