This week we're back at Helsinki Airport in Finland.
I do love this airport, it's no secret it's probably my favourite airport in the world, and such a stunning location too.
We're flying over to New York's JFK on AY15 today. Helsinki is just one main terminal with Finnair occupying the entirety of the right-hand side of the space.
There were self-service kiosks available but as we were continuing on to another destination after arrival in JFK, we had to use the manned desks.
This experience was very quick although our arrival into JFK and subsequent next-day departure out of LGA did throw the agent a little.
Border Control was rapid. We were through and out the other side in a matter of minutes. The staff are always very jolly here, asking questions and making small talk. Other countries really could learn from Helsinki. No matter your position of authority, you can still be kind!
On the right side after security, you also get some great views of the runway and airfield.
As we headed to the lounge we made a quick stop off in Pure, for some Finnish treats!
This Finnish Lingonberry jam is great.
Further down near the Plaza Premium Lounge is the Christmas store where it really is December 25th 'all year round'.
For us though, it was time to return to the Plaza Premium Lounge at Helsinki.
It was very busy so we opted for these little pod seats out the way.
Almost every seat was taken.
I opted for a pint of Karhu, a Finnish beer brand owned by the Sinebrychoff brewery, part of the Carlsberg Group.
But both the husband and I felt a little bit deflated by the offerings in the lounge. It used to be a really good place to relax, with plenty of space and good food and drink options but it has definitely succumbed to cost cutting in the 10 months that passed since we were last here.
After that disappointing stop off, it was time to head over to gate 45A for our flight over to JFK. As we approached, Finnair were displaying a banner about upgrades, as well as making announcements, and these were €350 to upgrade from Economy all the way to Business (AirLounge) and from Premium Economy to Business (AirLounge) for just €185. What bargains!
Here's our aircraft over to New York, I do love the A350-900.
We boarded through the forward door so you walk through the AirLounge business class cabin (see last week's review if you've missed it!).
But for us, we decided to stay in Premium Economy. Our seats for today's journey are 22L and 22H. The Premium Economy cabin is in a 2/4/2 configuration.
Legroom is good albeit it did feel a little restrictive with the IFE box.
Lots of goodies on the seat including a Marimekko (Finnish brand) neck cushion, amenity kit and very good quality blanket.
Noise cancelling headphones were also handed out by the cabin crew and these are exactly the same ones that are handed out to business class passengers flying in the AirLounge cabin.
There were also two bottles of complimentary still water in the bottle holders.
The seat also has a raised footrest which was fine for me…
…but quite restrictive for the husband. He's 6ft 3".
There's also two in-seat AC power sockets in the central armrest.
And an individual USB-A charging port for each passenger, too.
The real winner of this seat though is this headrest. Really comfortable and one of the best examples I've seen in the industry.
And it was then time for us to pushback and head out towards runway 22R.
You've just got to love the tail cameras on the A350, but then again, I'm a real geek at heart.
And with that, we were off!
Also a great view of HEL as we banked out to the right. You don't realise how big the airport really is until you see it from the air.
The seats have a great level of recline but it's designed in a way that doesn't impede your space, too. A good start!
Lots of snowy views as we climbed up out over the wider Helsinki area.
The service began shortly into the climb and we were all given a hot towel. It smelt great.
POV: My form of in-flight entertainment!
But all jokes aside, the Premium Economy IFE is really good. Slimline, crystal clear, very responsive with lots of films, TV shows, music and games loaded. I was very impressed.
We then received a notification that the first meal service was about to start.
I opted for the Hartwall Original Long Drink, a mixture of gin and grapefruit, that was originally designed for the Helsinki Olympic Games. It was fabulous.
The husband went for a KYRO vodka, Coca Cola Zero and a cup of blueberry juice.
The drinks were accompanied by a pack of salted pretzels. Not bad, and certainly better than the sour cream varieties, but again, I'm sure Finnair could offer something both "cheap" and "Finnish" to be a bit more on brand.
Here was the menu for our lunch service, although we had pre-ordered in advance.
We got the same starter, a parsnip and cream cheese flan, fresh apple, salad and sour apple gel. I loved the husband whereas the husband despised it!
He opted for the same main course as he did in Business Class last week. The chicken fillet in a tomato and yoghurt sauce with lentils, rice and fresh green beans.
I had the beef stroganoff with pearl onions, pickled cucumber, mashed potatoes and cabbage. It was divine.
This came with a bread roll and butter.
Dessert was a Karlfazer crispy chocolate truffle bar.
All in all, not a bad meal service at all from Finnair.
A quick toilet check. Not a good show from Finnair with a cracked and taped toilet seat. Never good to see and whilst I am forgiving of short term solutions, I think we can all agree this looks a little unsightly.
I then tested the seat out for some sleep. I think I struggled not down to the comfort or design of the seat but because of the time of the flight.
Finnair then opened up the IFE in-seat ordering system.
Select drinks are complimentary in Premium Economy but all snacks are chargeable. This felt a bit stingy.
I opted for a blueberry muffin…
…and a pack of Leffa Mix Original, think Finnish liquorice allsorts crossed with Haribo! This cost a total of €6.50.
We then were served our final service, the "snack" service before arrival into JFK. This was a Pollo Americana ciabatta roll and a drink from the bar.
It was a cheese topped roll and filled, rather lightly, with shredded chicken, blue cheese and… pineapple! I really didn't like it but the husband loved it. Look at us demonstrating our different tastes here!
The crew then handed out both a milk and a dark Karlfazer chocolate to each passenger to round off the service.
As we approached JFK, the sunset was incredible. New York really does get some wonderful views.
What a sight!
And with that, we were down in JFK, pretty much on time.
So my thoughts… Would I pay full price for this? Absolute not. If you can snag it at a sale price or snag a relatively cheap upgrade then it is worthwhile just purely for the extra space and almost private-feeling in the small cabin that Premium is located in. There were some service shortfalls and a few niggles here and there, but on the whole, it could have been much worse. Just bare that in mind when pricing it up!
