Finnair is the latest carrier to reinstate some additional services for travelers. The carrier will reopen a lounge in Helsinki and expand catering on board most flights, though still with an eye towards the current operating environment.
Travelling can feel different than before, with changes in services and new types of procedures in place, such as the mandatory use of a mask on our flights. However, we are delighted to be able to bring back familiar elements of our valued customer service while still taking good care of the hygiene and safety of our customers and staff.
– Karim Al-Soufi, Vice President of Customer Experience at Finnair
Finnair lounge reopens on 1 July
The Finnair Lounge in the Schengen zone of Helsinki Airport will reopen on 1 July 2020. But the reopening comes with several limits.
Hours of operation are tied to Finnair’s limited flight banks, with the facility only welcoming passengers between 6-10a and 2-8p daily. Food and beverage options are also limited in the lounge and seating capacity is reduced to promote social distancing.
The non-Schengen lounge remains closed at this time, but passengers eligible for access to that lounge are invited to use the Schengen facility.
A new “Clean Kit” amenity pack on board
All passengers will receive a “Clean Kit” at boarding starting in July. The kit contains hand sanitizer, wipes and an information card. The company points out that the paper products are all sourced from sustainable Finnish forestry fibers and the sanitizer comes from Kyrö distillery, best know for gin but now producing more critical alcohol-based products.
And, because Finnair remains heavily focused on visuals even in these trying times, the packs feature artwork by Finnish artist Reeta Ek.
Smaller bags, more food
Finnair will slightly reduce the size of permitted carry-on bags to 55x40x23cm from 56x45x25cm. The goal is to have more passengers able to fit bags under the seat rather than in overhead bins so as to reduce movement in the cabin during flight. The 8kg limit for economy class passengers also remains (10kg for business class).
Catering options will increase, with options on long-haul flights “closer to normal in both economy and business classes” starting in July. The shortest routes will continue to serve coffee, tea, juice and water. Longer routes within Europe upgrade to a hot meal in business class and a cookie or cheese sandwich in economy class. Special dietary meals are generally not being offered in economy while a limited selection is available for business class passengers.
Intercontinental flights are back to offering two meals on board in both cabins, along with a broader range of beverages. Premium cabin passengers will have a single tray “simplified three-course meal” rather than the more elaborate dining experience previously offered.
Full details on the July/August catering operations can be found here.
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