After a pleasant but short stay in the Finnair Lounge in Helsinki I proceeded to the boarding area for my flight to New York.
Boarding began 45 minutes before departure. There were four flight attendants in the business class cabin. They immediately took my coat and allowed me to take photos. They then passed pre-departure beverages (PDB) of either sparkling wine, orange juice or water. The crew quickly identified the passengers language and always spoke to each passenger in their preferred language.
Business class is configured with alternating 1-2-1 or 2-2-1 seating. This means all the starboard side window seats are always single seats. The even numbered seats (2L, 4L, 6L) are closest to the window and the shelf provides a nice space between you and the aisle. On the other hand, the 1L and other odd seats might be better if you prefer more shoulder space since you are not directly next to the wall.
On the port side, the B seats are the single seats between rows of two seats. This means your seat has a shelf on either side of you. The foot well is slightly reduced.
Seat 3L which is closer to the aisle
Seat 4L closer to the window
Seat 4D and 4H in the center section
Flight attendants passed out two menus. The lunch menu was listed in English, Finnish and Swedish. A second, substantial, drink menu listed all the wines and other beverages. I chose the Glennfiddich Solera Reserve 15 year Single Malt and it was served in a dimpled cocktail glass that was very retro. Along with the drink I was served organic root vegetable chips. I’ve never had Scotch and chips before, but it was an interesting combination.
The first course was a fresh salad along with an antipasto of ham, salami, pepperoncini filled with cream cheese and velvety (their word) sweet potato soup.
After the first course the following were available as a main course:
- Salmon with pepper crust, potato leek ragout
- Chicken with peanut butter sauce Singapore style, steam rice
- Ravioli filled with goat cheese, tomato sauce and roasted pine nuts
I chose the salmon. While the fish was cooked nicely, the whole dish was over salted. Particularly the leek ragout.
Dinner finished with a choice of cheeses or cranberry cake. I chose the cheeses and a Niepoort Colheita 1998 port.
I then reclined the seat into the full flat position, and slept for four hours. Having the shelf to my left provided a nice barrier so I didn’t notice anyone passing by me during my nap. Legroom in the foot well was good with decent toe room. The light blue material in the photo below is the air bag on my seat belt.
When I woke, there was approximately two hours left to the flight. A quick trip to the loo revealed a nice view.
There were also good views from the two on board external cameras, one forward facing and the other on the belly of the plane looking down. At one point this interesting view appeared on the downward facing camera so I took a shot out the window to compare.
Shortly thereafter a light meal consisting of an open faced roast beef sandwich with potatoes was served. It was cold, so it was hard to get much flavor, but it was enjoyable.
Overall a very enjoyable flight. Finnair has some good award space on their flights for OneWorld travelers. Check them out on your next European trip.
