Finnair Economy Comfort, Airbus A350, Tokyo Narita – Helsinki
Introduction
Following my arrival from Nagoya, it was on to the international area of the terminal. Annoyingly, there isn’t an airside connection area so you’re thrown out into the departure hall and pretty much have to start again.
This meant clearing security on Japanese soil for the second time in as many hours. Luckily there was a fast track, so this wasn’t too much hassle. Especially seeing as the regular line was pretty long.
Once the formalities were complete, I made my way up to the JAL first lounge for a bite to eat. I reviewed this lounge in the previous part of this series, so won’t say anything else here. Other than I had a tasty, if a little small breakfast.
As my flight was due to depart from the satellite terminal, I made my way over there and paid a visit to the Qantas lounge. I last visited here in 2013 and nothing had changed since!
This Trip:
- Introduction: One Night In Nagoya
- British Airways Club Europe, London Heathrow – Copenhagen
- Copenhagen: In Pictures
- Norwegian Boeing 737, Copenhagen – Oslo
- Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen
- NoRRA Embraer E190, Oslo – Helsinki
- Japan Airlines Boeing 787-9, Helsinki – Tokyo Narita
- Tokyo: In Pictures
- JAL, Boeing 787-8, Tokyo Narita – Nagoya
- Four Points by Sheraton Nagoya, Chubu International Airport
- Japan Airlines, Boeing 787-8 Nagoya – Tokyo Narita
- Japan Airlines First Class Lounge, Tokyo Narita
- Finnair Airbus A350, Tokyo Narita – Helsinki
- Finnair Airbus A320, Helsinki – Stockholm Arlanda
- Sheraton Stockholm Hotel
- Stockholm: In Pictures
- Aurora Lounge, Stockholm Arlanda T2
- Finnair Airbus A321, Stockholm Arlanda – Helsinki
- Finnair Airbus A321, Helsinki – London Heathrow
AY74
Tokyo Narita – Helsinki
Airbus A350-900 OH-LWF
Seat 21L
December 2019
Boarding
In typical Japanese fashion, the boarding area was set out in a very logical way. There was one lane for business class, then a separate lane for groups 1 and 2 travelling in economy.
An announcement was made saying that boarding would be delayed for ten minutes. No reason was given though.
Once boarding got underway, I reached a seat that was somewhat familiar, having sat in it just a couple of weeks previously. On that occasion it was a much shorter flight.
Ready and waiting was a pillow, blanket, noise cancelling headphones and an amenity kit that was packaged differently to what I received on my flight back from New York. These are an extra perk for those seated in the Economy Comfort cabin.
There was also a bottle of water provided, which is always very welcome. Again, I’m led to believe this is exclusive to the Economy Comfort cabin.
Departure
Our departure was delayed by 15 minutes due to heavy traffic at the airport. In addition to this, a heavy headwind was expected to delay our arrival somewhat too.
Pushback finally came a good half an hour behind schedule. As promised, a 15 minute journey over to the active runway followed. Not that an awful lot could be seen en route.
Eventually we made it up into the rain.
Onboard Service
Shortly after departure, pre packed wet towels were handed out by the crew.
The service plan was mapped out on the IFE, along with what would be served for the main course. It was a choice of chicken or chicken advertised, although in reality it was chicken or pork.
I opted for the chicken and it was pretty tasty, even if it didn’t look like much.
This was accompanied with a choice of drink.
This was followed with a round of tea or coffee.
Once the service had finished, the purser came and welcomed me on board, asked if there was anything I needed and said that we weren’t due to arrive too late, so my connection to Stockholm should be fine. I was also offered a drink, but as I’d just had one with my meal, I didn’t really fancy one.
IFE
Whilst the Finnair A350 features an updated entertainment system over their A330’s, content wise, it’s identical.
I purchased a full flight WiFi pass for just under €20. The speeds were perfectly usable, although I doubt that streaming anything would be possible. It was fine for messaging and surfing however.
Much like my flight from New York on Finnair, the hours complimentary internet access for economy comfort passengers wasn’t existent. Maybe you actually have to purchase your seat as opposed to getting it free with status?
As per usual, nothing much took my fancy on the IFE, so for the majority of the flight I was reliant on my iPad.
During the flight, the crew made a number of drinks runs.
In addition, there was also water and juice set up in the rear galley.
It was a little odd being on a flight that departed at lunch time, arrived in the afternoon and which got dark – yet the sun never set.
The amenity kit contents were a little basic: Toothbrush, eye mask, socks and ear plugs. The usual bits.
Second Service
The second service began with 1h50 remaining. I was surprised that not only was it more than just a sandwich, but there was also a choice. There was either a chicken curry or shrimp and noodles. I went for the noodles.
It was pretty tasty, although a little dry. Could have done with some sauce. Afterwards, once more, a tea and coffee round was done.
Arrival
Shortly before descent, Fazer chocolates were handed out.
The purser came and gave me another update on my connection, and said I have around 45 minutes. A few moments later, a notification popped up on my phone saying the flight was delayed by 15 minutes anyway, so it was a non issue really.
Touchdown came, and it was a reasonably quick journey over to the stand.
As the forward business cabin was empty from what I could see, it didn’t take too long to disembark and make my way off to the next flight.
Verdict
The last (and only) time I had flown Finnair long haul previously, the flight was ok, but nothing more. I kept an open mind though. This flight was much more enjoyable. The food was far better, which didn’t come as a surprise. As I’m sure I mentioned in the report from that previous flight, I’ve found that no matter what the airline or class, the catering from the USA has always been a little sub par.
I found the Economy Comfort seat far more comfortable than the Japan Airlines premium economy seat that I experienced on the flight to Japan.
Finnair are fast becoming one of my favourite airlines!
