The Journey Begins: A Long Way to Singapore

This trip was all about making memories. Flying with Finnair was paramount as I intended to test their AirLounge Seats, manufactured by Collins Aerospace. The burning questions were: Does a non-reclining business class seat actually work for sleeping? And, what is the overall passenger experience like?

Before diving into my Finnair experience, let's quickly recap the journey leading up to this long-haul flight:

1. Departed London Heathrow on BA776, heading to Stockholm Arlanda.

2. Took a brief detour to explore the "ABBA The Museum" in Stockholm.

3. Flew from Stockholm Bromma to Helsinki with NoRRA in economy class.

4. Enjoyed a calm transit through the Finnair Lounge in Helsinki.

5. Finally boarded AY099.

Flying Business Class on Finnair: What to Expect

As I boarded the sleek Airbus A350-900, I was greeted warmly by the cabin crew. My seat, 12A, in the mini business cabin, offered an intimate ambiance, albeit with a bit of foot traffic due to its proximity to the front.

The highlight of this flight was undoubtedly the innovative AirLounge seat. While it may not recline in a traditional sense, the privacy provided by its high walls creates a comfortable bubble, perfect for enjoying a long flight without distractions.

Upon settling in, I was pleased to discover the seat was equipped with an amenity kit, slippers, a mattress, and even a blanket—all essentials for a comfortable journey. The in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, with a wide selection of movies including cinematic classics, ensured that I would never be bored.

Dining In the Sky: Business Class Meals

Shortly after take-off, the meal service began with a tray featuring beef bourguignon, rice, and vegetables. This was complemented by a fresh salad, a fruit plate, and a rich chocolate mousse topped with berry compote. Although the portion sizes weren't enormous, they were just right for a pre-sleep snack, particularly after indulging at the Finnair lounge beforehand.

After a delightful meal, it was time to test the bed mode of the AirLounge seat. The dual controls allowed me to adjust the seat to a flat sleeping surface. I was amazed to find that I slept for about 6 hours—a solid achievement compared to my usual restless nights.

When I woke up, the flight attendants checked on me, offering refreshing drinks and light snacks. Let’s just say, for those familiar with Finnair, you know what I mean when I mention that it’s not just about the food—it’s about the gin service too!

Breakfast and Arrival: A Farewell to the Skies

Eventually, breakfast was served, presented in a singular tray—yoghurt, Finnish air-dried ham, feta cheese, fresh melon, salmon, scrambled eggs, and potatoes made up the morning offering. While the all-in-one tray approach felt somewhat casual for a business class flight, the quality of the food kept my spirits high.

As the A350 approached Hong Kong International Airport, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. It was my first visit since the pandemic and subsequent protests. Finally, we landed smoothly at the "Fragrant Harbour" and I was ready for my next adventure.

Final Thoughts: A Solid Airline Experience, But with Room for Improvement

In summary, Finnair's AirLounge seat takes center stage on this flight, impressively comfortable despite its non-reclining nature. I got a decent amount of sleep, but there were little quirks, like the placement of the power outlets and the simplicity of meal services, that left me questioning some design choices.

While the friendly cabin crew and overall service were commendable, it was clear that cost-cutting measures have crept in even in business class. The overall experience was satisfactory, and I was left feeling more than just content as we reached our destination.

Stay tuned for my first-hand account of the Hong Kong transit and whether I successfully navigated the airport or ended up in a pinch!