Your guide to Finnair's Helsinki Airport business class lounges

By Chris C., October 17 2016
Your guide to Finnair's Helsinki Airport business class lounges

Finnair runs three distinct lounges in its home hub of Helsinki Airport that business class passengers and eligible frequent flyers can access, but knowing which lounge to use can sometimes be tricky.

Prior to all Finland domestic flights and also before all flights to other ‘Schengen’ countries – a list that includes France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland, among others – you’ll use the airline’s all-purpose Finnair Schengen Lounge.

AusBT review: Finnair Schengen business class lounge, Helsinki

Inside, you’ll find two showers to freshen up after arriving on those longer flights from Asia, along with machine-made espresso coffee to kick-start your day, free WiFi and a selection of buffet items.

This lounge welcomes Finnair business class passengers in addition to Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald frequent flyers, including Qantas Gold and above.

You’re also welcome to stop by if you’ve arrived on a 5+ hour business class flight (such as from Singapore or Hong Kong) and are connecting onwards in economy, or on paying €48 (A$70.50) at the door.

Jetting to countries outside the Schengen Area, such as to the United Kingdom, Russia, the United States or anywhere in Asia? Then you’ll instead head for the airport’s non-Schengen zone which houses Finnair’s other two lounges.

The standard Finnair Non-Schengen Lounge features many of the same amenities and dining options as its Schengen cousin, but gains a sauna amidst six private shower suites.

Also mirrored is the access list, with this lounge the default for business class flyers and passengers who choose to purchase one-off access.

AusBT review: Finnair non-Schengen business class Lounge, Helsinki

While Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald frequent flyers are too welcome here, we’d instead recommend visiting the Finnair Premium Lounge next door (also in the non-Schengen area), which carries a funkier vibe, a more upmarket feel, and of course, Champagne.

Sit in the middle of this lounge and you can experience simulations of the Northern Lights, of a morning sunrise (below) or even the night sky, or wander up the steps to the relaxation zone and kick back as you watch the world fly by.

AusBT review: Finnair Premium Lounge, Helsinki Airport

But don’t expect your business class boarding pass to get you entry – this lounge is exclusively for Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald frequent flyers, which means there’s no one Finnair flight you can book to gain access.

You also can’t pay at the door for Premium Lounge access, so if you’re stuck in the nearby ‘Finnair Non-Schengen Lounge’, at least know that the sauna here is the great leveller: shared between passengers of both lounges.

Also read: Finnair Airbus A350 business class, Hong Kong-Helsinki

Chris Chamberlin travelled to Helsinki as a guest of Finnair.

Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.

08 Apr 2011

Total posts 24

Whenever I've been to the Finnair lounges they've been insanely busy. Before the main overnight flights leave to Asia, I've had to sit on the floor for a while before a seat became free. It is actually more comfortable out in the main terminal.

24 Apr 2012

Total posts 2447

Hi Lorks, that's odd - I visited all of these lounges before my midnight flight home to Hong Kong, and while the Schengen lounge was indeed quite busy between around 3-5pm, it got really quiet after that, and all of 10 people were in the Premium Lounge before the flight.

QF

04 Feb 2016

Total posts 4

The standard Non-Schengen Lounge is a bit dire for catering

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

21 Mar 2013

Total posts 132

A shame Qantas Club members don't enjoy access. Though the Nordic Kitchen near the gate was nice and quiet before the late-night departures. Great blueberry smoothies too. 

30 Oct 2014

Total posts 12

The Non-Schengen lounge is great and highly recommended - we had the lounge all to ourselves for a morning departure to St Petersburg and enjoyed the amenities and refreshments.  

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Dec 2015

Total posts 11

Chris I write this note sitting in the Finnair Business Lounge at Helsinki Airport. The Premium Lounge is closed from 1 October 2018 - May 2019, thus all non-Schengen passengers are in the standard Business Lounge. With the renovations going on, they are using cardboard plates, disposable cutlery and plastic cups. There was not hot food available for lunch.


Although a tad crowded, it is still comfortable, light and very Nordic!

I just thought an update might be helpful to others.

Regards

MuzzH

Rav
Rav

18 Aug 2017

Total posts 39

I was there on the 4th of October,

Worst lounge I have been in, includes domestic here.
No edible food other than bits of stuff with reindeer mixed up with curd. Flies all over the dried bread and no snacks or mixed meats to make a roll. Good points, great cider and not many people, with no one else eating either. So dissapointed.


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