Lounge Options in Helsinki

[Seat0B]

I'm after recent experiences/input with lounges in Helsinki as we will be transiting there a couple of times on our upcoming trip.

The first time we are flying from Helsinki to Reykjavik on a Y Classic Award ticket on Finnair. It expressly says on the ticket no lounge access included, and 1 checked bag 23kg, but I assume as a QF WP/OWE I will have lounge access based on status and also an extra checked bag. Could anyone confirm that?

I also recall there being a lot of talk some where about Schengen v non-Schengen lounges at HEL but now I cannot find that thread. Again, I assume that we would be using Schengen lounge for this flight.

So what's the lounge like please?

The second time we are flying Oslo - xHelsinki - Vilnius, also on Y Classic Award on Nordic Regional Finnair (with AY Flight numbers). Same wording as above, no lounge access, 1 checked bag 23 kg. As booked, we originally had only a three hour transit, but now we have 7.5 hrs due to a flight cancellation and rescheduling. We may decide to go in to Helsinki, but in case we decide to just stay at the airport (we will already have spent 5 days in Helsinki at this point of our trip), I'm wondering what to expect for lounge options.

And finally, the third departure from HEL is on the connecting leg back to LHR to connect to QF1 on the way home. This is a paid J ticket, so I assume we will be in the non-Schengen and have a full range of One World lounge choices. So again, anyone's recent experience/input w0ould be highly appreciated.

 

[LDN via BNE]

The flight to London will be non-Schengen, so if you’re OWE you’ll have access to the Finnair Platinum Wing as long as your flight leaves after 10:30am (the business lounge open at 4.30am).

The clear differences between the business lounge and Platinum Wing are the a la carte dining, a slightly better buffet, quieter ambience, more proactive staffing and a small sauna.

In my experience the Platinum Wing is a nice place to pass the time, but not as good as the Qantas F lounges.

 

[RooFlyer]

Views and comments of both the Business lounge and the Plat lounge here:

Post in thread 'Christmas markets in Europe and Caribbean cruise (RTW)'

Dec 21, 2024

Checked in at Helsinki where an issue that had been in the background fully emerged.


So off I went to the Business lounge. They say HEL is a very efficient airport, and it is, but it is also quite big these days. Another walk of easily >500m, check in-passport control-security-lounge. At he lounge desk, I asked if they could change the FF number from Finnair (where I'm silver) to Qantas (where I'm Plat and would get access to the F/Platinum lounge. Nope...

• RooFlyer

• 

I think @Mattg did a Plat lounge review not long ago (incl sauna).

 

[Seat0B]

The flight to London will be non-Schengen, so if you’re OWE you’ll have access to the Finnair Platinum Wing as long as your flight leaves after 10:30am (the business lounge open at 4.30am).

The clear differences between the business lounge and Platinum Wing are the a la carte dining, a slightly better buffet, quieter ambience, more proactive staffing and a small sauna.

In my experience the Platinum Wing is a nice place to pass the time, but not as good as the Qantas F lounges.

Thank you for this info @LDN via BNE - that’s really helpful insight.

 

[Seat0B]

Views and comments of both the Business lounge and the Plat lounge here:

Post in thread 'Christmas markets in Europe and Caribbean cruise (RTW)'

Dec 21, 2024

Checked in at Helsinki where an issue that had been in the background fully emerged.


So off I went to the Business lounge. They say HEL is a very efficient airport, and it is, but it is also quite big these days. Another walk of easily >500m, check in-passport control-security-lounge. At he lounge desk, I asked if they could change the FF number from Finnair (where I'm silver) to Qantas (where I'm Plat and would get access to the F/Platinum lounge. Nope...

• RooFlyer

• 

I think @Mattg did a Plat lounge review not long ago (incl sauna).

Ooh thanks @RooFlyer - that lounge does look nice so we will have a comfy start to the long trip home.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Ooh thanks @RooFlyer - that lounge does look nice so we will have a comfy start to the long trip home.

Get the Reindeer burger. It’s fab

EDIT: Pic added

 

[Seat0B]

Get the Reindeer burger. It’s fab

Thanks for the tip. I may have skipped this otherwise.

 

[elanshin]

Get the Reindeer burger. It’s fab View attachment 460873

EDIT: Pic added

Cheers will look to do so later when going through.

 

[Seat0B]

Ooh that pic looks fantastic @Princess Fiona

 

[Mattg]

I'm after recent experiences/input with lounges in Helsinki as we will be transiting there a couple of times on our upcoming trip.

The first time we are flying from Helsinki to Reykjavik on a Y Classic Award ticket on Finnair. It expressly says on the ticket no lounge access included, and 1 checked bag 23kg, but I assume as a QF WP/OWE I will have lounge access based on status and also an extra checked bag. Could anyone confirm that?

Yes, you will get your Oneworld Emerald benefits including an extra bag and lounge access, even on an Economy Superlight ticket, though the Finnair website won't show this.

I also recall there being a lot of talk some where about Schengen v non-Schengen lounges at HEL but now I cannot find that thread. Again, I assume that we would be using Schengen lounge for this flight.

So what's the lounge like please?

Since you're Oneworld Emerald you can use the Platinum Corner before your Schengen departure. I find it really lovely with good views, ambience, food & drink options. My tip would be to try a glass of the Original Long Drink (you can even pour it from the tap into one of the lovely Finnair glasses that they have in J).

The second time we are flying Oslo - xHelsinki - Vilnius, also on Y Classic Award on Nordic Regional Finnair (with AY Flight numbers). Same wording as above, no lounge access, 1 checked bag 23 kg. As booked, we originally had only a three hour transit, but now we have 7.5 hrs due to a flight cancellation and rescheduling. We may decide to go in to Helsinki, but in case we decide to just stay at the airport (we will already have spent 5 days in Helsinki at this point of our trip), I'm wondering what to expect for lounge options.

Again you could use the Platinum Corner, but I'd suggest with 7.5 hours jumping on the train. You can take either the I or P train to Pasila in about 30 minutes and go to the Mall of Tripla (largest mall in the Nordic countries), or one station further to the central station and spend some time in the city. You could even go the Central Library, right near the central station, and play chess for a bit if you're into that! Beats spending 7 hours in the lounge.

Depending on when you're visiting, I might even be around for a coffee if you want to reach out.

And finally, the third departure from HEL is on the connecting leg back to LHR to connect to QF1 on the way home. This is a paid J ticket, so I assume we will be in the non-Schengen and have a full range of One World lounge choices. So again, anyone's recent experience/input w0ould be highly appreciated.

As others have said the non-Schengen lounges are super nice, especially the Platinum Wing which you'll have access to.

 

[Seat0B]

Thanks for your informative reply @Mattg. We will be doing the 7 hr transit on 16 Sep.
if you’re there, a catch up would be very nice.