Finnair is the airline I have flown the most in my life, which makes writing a Finnair Premium Economy review a slightly emotional experience. I remember very clearly what Finnair Economy Class used to be like before Covid-19. It was comfortable, reliable and felt distinctly Nordic in its understated quality. After the pandemic, however, the standard economy product was noticeably downgraded. What makes Finnair Premium Economy interesting is that it often feels like the airline has taken its old pre-Covid economy class, added slightly improved seats, and rebranded it as a new cabin. That creates mixed feelings. On one hand, the hard product is genuinely good. On the other hand, it sometimes feels like you are paying extra for what used to be standard.
If you are considering booking Finnair Premium Economy on a long-haul flight, here is a detailed breakdown of what you can expect.
Priority Services: Surprisingly Absent
One of the defining features of Premium Economy on many international airlines is priority treatment. Dedicated check-in counters, priority security lanes, lounge access or at least priority boarding are commonly included in the fare. Unfortunately, Finnair Premium Economy offers none of these benefits.
There is no dedicated check-in area, no lounge access, and no meaningful ground priority compared to regular Economy passengers. This is one of the most disappointing aspects of the product. When paying a significant premium over standard economy fares, many travelers expect at least some recognition on the ground. In this regard, Finnair lags behind competitors. The experience only begins to differentiate itself once you are onboard.
Amenities: Sustainability Meets Practical Comfort
Finnair provides a small amenity kit in Premium Economy, packaged in a Marimekko-branded cardboard pouch. While the design is distinctly Finnish and aesthetically pleasing, the sustainability argument feels questionable. A cardboard pouch that most passengers will throw away after the flight does not necessarily scream long-term environmental responsibility. Inside, you will find the basics: an eye mask and a toothbrush.
Where Finnair excels is in comfort items. The neck pillow is genuinely excellent and far superior to what most airlines provide in Premium Economy. The blanket is also comfortable and substantial. Interestingly, the cabin crew makes a point of collecting all pillows ahead of landing to ensure that nobody takes them home. This behavior is somewhat unusual compared to most airlines and can feel slightly awkward, especially given the price paid for the ticket.
The active noise-cancelling headset is another strong point. It significantly improves the in-flight entertainment experience and helps reduce cabin noise, which is especially valuable on long-haul routes.
The Seat: A Strong Hard Product
The Finnair Premium Economy seat is where the product truly shines. The seat reclines more than a standard economy seat, though it is nowhere near lie-flat. This is not Business Class, and expectations should be set accordingly. However, the extra recline, combined with a more generous seat pitch and width, makes a tangible difference.
The headrest can be adjusted and tilted in a way that genuinely improves sleep comfort. I rarely manage to sleep much in regular Economy Class, but I have slept several times on long-haul flights in Finnair Premium Economy. That alone speaks volumes about the improvement in comfort.
The in-flight entertainment screen is vivid, large, and visually impressive. Finnair’s flight tracker is particularly informative and beautifully presented, adding to the modern feel of the cabin. There are also power sockets and USB ports available, making it easy to keep devices charged throughout the journey.
Finnair’s aircraft fleet is modern and clean, and this modernity is reflected in the Premium Economy cabin. The overall hard product feels contemporary and well-designed.
Food: Excellent First Service, Disappointing Finale
Food is one of the most important aspects of any Premium Economy review, and here Finnair delivers a somewhat uneven experience.
The first meal service is excellent. You are offered a choice of main courses, which is not always guaranteed in standard Economy Class. The quality is comparable to what you might expect in European Business Class. Presentation, taste and portion size are all solid, and the experience feels like a genuine upgrade.
Unfortunately, the pre-landing meal tells a different story. It is essentially the same box served in Economy Class. In fact, it can be described as the same uninspiring, barely edible offering that regular passengers receive. After such a strong initial meal, this downgrade feels particularly disappointing. If the second meal matched the quality of the first, there would be very little to criticize about the catering.
Drinks: Convenient and Generous
Finnair Premium Economy includes complimentary drinks throughout the flight, with the exception of sparkling wine. This is a generous policy and one that enhances the onboard experience.
One of the most convenient features is the ability to order drinks directly through the in-flight entertainment system. There is no need to press the call button or wait for a flight attendant to pass by. This small detail makes a noticeable difference in comfort and convenience, especially on long-haul flights where hydration is key.
Overall Value: Is Finnair Premium Economy Worth It?
When evaluating whether Finnair Premium Economy is worth the price, several factors come into play. The aircraft are modern, the cabin design is sleek, and the seat comfort is genuinely improved compared to standard Economy. In many ways, the hard product is excellent.
At the same time, the lack of priority services on the ground and the disappointing pre-landing meal prevent the product from feeling fully premium. It sometimes reminds me of what Finnair used to be before its post-pandemic transformation, before it started to feel like the world’s most expensive low-cost airline.
Pricing is another crucial consideration. Finnair Premium Economy fares can be very high. In some cases, if you are willing to take a slightly longer route or fly with a different carrier, you may be able to book a Business Class ticket on another airline for a similar price. That is an important comparison to make before committing.
That said, Finnair remains exceptionally efficient for connections. Helsinki Airport is compact, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Even short connections are usually stress-free, making Finnair an attractive option for travelers connecting between Europe and Asia or North America.
