Finnair LHR-SIN - transit time seems really short

[shambles]

Recently booked AY for our SIN-LHR return in July and whilst I've been to Helsinki airport a few times, twas never as a transit. I noticed that our A321 service from LHR has ETA of 23.00 and our connecting A340 to SIN ETD is 23.40. Seems awfully tight for a long-haul transfer, especially knowing the potential for delays with LHR slot times etc.

Anyone done this trip/transfer before? I'm used to always planning extra buffer time for my transfers but just assumed this was all "chicken soup" as it was a std routing when booking the SIN-LHR return. (I just find cutting it fine in airports very stressful)

 

[Mal]

I've done a similar trip once (LHR-HKG).

From memory, on that leg, they drop you into the correct terminal (and there's no security screening for the transit).

On the way back though, you have to go through security screening.

HEL is a smallish airport, if my recollection is correct then you should be ok.

 

[docjames]

MCT is 40mins at HEL iirc and there's at least one TR here when someone has made that connection (easily).

 

[ozmille]

Helsinki is know for its super fast transfers. I only once had an issue at HEL and that was when our plane had some technical issues in BKK and we arrived about 2 hours late in HEL. Both your flights are in terminal 2 so that should be more then enough (maybe not for lounging but the lounges there aren't anything special anyway).

 

[shambles]

Thanks for your replies.

Agree re the Finnair lounge - was not that speccy when I wast last there 3 years ago; some plastic cheese and biscuits

 

[V1213]

I've done a 40 minute connection in HEL, but it was from long haul as I was flying NRT-HEL-CDG. While the stakes weren't as high because there are several daily flights to CDG I did need to enter the Schengen zone, which meant passport control, which you won't need to do when transiting from LHR.
My connection went very smoothly and I actually had to go for an explore and stand around for a bit at the CDG departure gate because I had too much time up my sleave.

If a flight is running late I have seen them open an express lane at the arrival security check for passengers transiting to certain flights, so I assume they'd offer that to you if your flight from LHR were delayed a bit.

 

[BensAdventures]

I did this transfer last September, and they dropped us off at a gate that could not have been further from our gate. We had to clear passport control, but still made it with a few minutes to spare, then we sat there waiting for 50 minutes for other pax.

All good, easy transfer.

I used the lounge on the way into Europe and the lounge was pretty good. good selection of breakfast, juices, coffee etc. Furniture was very comfortable, so comfortable we nearly missed our connection!