Finnair/AY Connection Times in HEL - real world experience?

[nerdag]

Hi all,

I have a connection in HEL in a few months that is getting tighter as each flight adjusts its schedule by 5-10mins each way. I'm heading GVA-HEL-HKG, and booked it originally because the connection time 1h5, which I thought would be manageable in the late evening (around 10pm from memory).

With schedule changes, the connection is now 45m. AY say 40m is the minimum needed for a Schengen to Non-Schengen transfer, leaving little room for error. Travelling in J, so that probably saves a few minutes with deplaning and queues etc.

Leaving AY's responsibility to get me onto the plane aside, has anybody been through the Schengen to Non-Schengen transfer at HEL at night, and how long did it take?

Thanks,

n

 

[opusman]

Helsinki isn't a big or particularly busy airport, I don't think you'll have a problem.

 

[AussieTim]

With schedule changes, the connection is now 45m. AY say 40m is the minimum needed for a Schengen to Non-Schengen transfer, leaving little room for error. Travelling in J, so that probably saves a few minutes with deplaning and queues etc.

You'll make it no issue (assuming no major delays), including two bus transfers (albeit Non-Schengen -> Non-Schengen ) I managed 25 minutes plane to plane. I was however thankful to have a change of clothes in my hand luggage.. waiting for my bags to arrive the next day.

 

[nerdag]

Glad to hear.

Don't care so much about luggage as will probably be travelling HLO, but a day or so isn't an issue.

Thanks all.

 

[BacchusMarsh]

has anybody been through the Schengen to Non-Schengen transfer at HEL at night, and how long did it take?

I can't speak to those specific circumstances, but the airport runs like a dream.

That said, one time I did arrive on AY in J only for deplaning to be from the back only. (And was still fine for a tight connection)

I personally wouldn't be too worried.

 

[Wanderlust_tim]

I did it last September at around 11pm. It was a rush but easy. Deplaned, walk across terminal, go through passport control and then to the gate. I had a layover of 55 minutes and even had time to pop into the lounge for a G&T.

 

[fairbasa]

You'll make it. Fast connections are AY's bread and butter.