Finnair Opens Expanded Lounge At Helsinki Airport

The flag carrier of Finland has officially opened its new lounge in Helsinki Airport’s Schengen departures area. The refreshed Finnair lounge replaces the oneworld carrier’s existing lounge and offers a new exclusive area for top-tier frequent flyers.

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The new lounge is separated into work, relaxation, and dining spaces. The spacious sitting area offers views of the runway and gates and a selection of different seating options. The business part of the lounge contains a co-working space and rows of individual soundproof pods, perfect for working or taking meetings while waiting for a flight. Notably, the space also features a new exclusive Platinum Corner for those with elite status.

The area was designed to echo Finnair’s Nordic design language and calming color scheme and offers unparalleled views of Helsinki Airport (HEL). The space seats up to 440 customers, an increase of 150 people over the current lounge. Speaking exclusively to Simple Flying for this piece, Pasi Kuusisto, Finnair’s General Manager of North America, highlighted how the lounge would benefit travelers connecting to destinations across Finnair’s significant European network:

“After many months of planning, we are extremely excited to have officially opened the doors to our new Schengen Lounge today, for customers travelling on our flights to Finland and the majority of European destinations.

“Inspired by Finnair’s Nordic design language and comforting colour scheme, the new lounge will offer our customers an exclusive space to unwind and relax before their flight, take that important business call, or dine in style with runway views.

“Designed on customer feedback, the new space will complement our existing non-Schengen lounges which are already a hit with customers travelling from Helsinki to the US.”

Finnair’s hub in Helsinki capitalizes on the airport’s single terminal and transfer times of just 35 minutes. The Schengen lounge is located on the third floor near Gate 21 and can be reached by elevator or escalator from the central square.

What is inside?

The new space was designed to capture the essence of the Nordics with wooden textures, soft forms, and warm colors. It follows the same palette and design as the airline’s non-Schengen lounges, which first opened at Helsinki Airport in 2019. The furniture in the space includes signature favorites from the previous lounge and pieces locally sourced from renowned Nordic designers, such as Artek, Nikari, and Gubi.

Photo: Finnair

The entrance to the lounge features a bright and welcoming atmosphere with touchless entry gates and a staffed reception desk. Lounge access is offered on a complimentary basis to the following travelers: those flying in business class; Finnair Plus Platinum Lumo, Platinum, or Gold members; and oneworld Alliance Emerald or Sapphire status holders traveling on a Finnair-marketed flight. Finnair Plus Silver tier members can purchase lounge access for 4,600 Avios or a mixture of miles and cash. All other passengers can purchase lounge access via Manage Booking or through the Finnair app.

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Photo: Finnair

The relaxation space has been carefully designed to provide a calming area with spacious seating arrangements in multiple configurations. Against one wall, a row of egg-shaped individual chairs sits next to side tables, while across the pathway, a row of couches can accommodate larger groups. A long bar with stools and power stations lines the far wall, offering views across the runway and apron.

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Meanwhile, a dining area offers busy travelers a place to grab a bite before or in between flights. The menus are inspired by the carrier’s Nordic heritage and feature locally sourced ingredients.

The oneworld Alliance carrier has also been strategic about creating space for busy professionals. In addition to the seated bar offering runway views, the airline has incorporated solo workstations. The most frequent fliers even have access to soundproof telephone-booth-style desks that allow customers to make phone calls or take meetings while waiting for a flight.

Photo: Finnair

The secret corner

The main area is accessible to business class ticket holders, Finnair Plus Gold members, and those who purchased lounge access. Notably, there is a “Platinum Corner” that is reserved for Finnair Plus Platinum and Platinum Lumo members, along with oneworld Emerald members. The corner features a quiet space with a range of different options for those looking to work or relax. According to Ole Orvér, Finnair’s Chief Commercial Officer, the decision to incorporate the separate space was based on customer feedback:

“We are delighted to announce the opening of our new Schengen lounge, providing even more space and comfort before take-off.

“Responding to the feedback from Finnair Plus tier members, the lounge also features an exclusive Finnair Platinum Corner for Finnair Plus Platinum and Platinum Lumo members to enjoy.

The space is based in the Schengen area of Helsinki Airport, so customers traveling with Finnair on the majority of flights across Europe can use the lounge. This includes those connecting in Helsinki from the US and traveling onwards to Finnish Lapland and the wider Nordic and Baltic regions. Meanwhile, those flying directly to and from North America can continue to enjoy access to Finnair’s Platinum Wing and Business Lounge in the non-Schengen area of Helsinki Airport.