If you’ve recently booked a Finnair flight and noticed that it’s operated by Jettime, you might be scratching your head. What is Jettime and what does “Jettime for Finnair” even mean?
Jettime is a Danish low-cost carrier, best known for operating leisure flights around Europe. Yet, in a growing trend among European carriers, Finnair has subcontracted some of its regional routes to Jettime, mainly due to fleet constraints and operational cost savings. While that may sound alarming for a premium passenger, the reality is more nuanced. Here’s a full review of what it’s like flying Finnair business class when Jettime is the actual operator.
What Jettime Actually Means for Your Flight
First off, yes, Jettime is a budget airline. Its own branding is minimal when operating for Finnair. On these flights, Jettime crews wear generic uniforms, but the aircraft often still sport Jettime’s older interiors. Don’t expect Finnair’s modern planes with an ample leg room.
That said, the experience has been “Finnairized” to a degree. Flights are marketed and sold as Finnair, and in many respects, unfortunately the experience is close to what you’d get on a standard sh*tty Finnair European business class flight.
Finnair Plus & oneworld Benefits Still Apply
One of the biggest upsides: you still get all your Finnair Plus and oneworld perks.
As long as your ticket is sold under a Finnair flight number (AY), you’ll receive the same treatment you’d get on a Finnair metal flight:
- Access to lounges
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Extra baggage allowance
- Priority security at many airports
- Onboard recognition if you hold status
Even better: you’ll accumulate both award (e.g. Avios) and tier points as though it was a Finnair-operated flight for all oneworld frequent flyer programs. This means no loss of elite status progress, which is a relief for frequent flyers.
Catering: Same Smith, Different Color
If you were hoping Jettime might surprise you with an indulgent inflight meal, manage your expectations. Catering on Jettime for Finnair flights follows Finnair’s standard short-haul business class service, which many frequent flyers already find underwhelming.
That means only one choice of meal and a small selection of drinks. Coffee and tea are available, along with a few alcoholic options. In essence: Jettime doesn’t make the catering worse, but it doesn’t make it better either.
Aircraft Condition & Safety: Not Exactly Modern
Jettime operates some of the oldest Boeings still flying in Europe, many of them over 20 years old. These planes are showing their age, not just cosmetically, but also in terms of cabin technology, noise insulation and comfort. Overhead bins are small, the seats are outdated, and there’s often no Wi-Fi or power outlets onboard. I was surprised we didn’t crash land and die… The plane barely made it up in the air.
Conclusion
Despite Jettime’s Danish roots, many of the crew onboard speak Finnish, and are trained to deliver a Finnair-consistent experience. Announcements are made in Finnish and English, and the onboard service is conducted to match Finnair’s tone and style, at least at a surface level. Flying Finnair business class operated by Jettime is a confusing but ultimately manageable experience. You still get your elite perks, priority treatment, and lounge access. The catering and soft product are consistent with Finnair’s lean European model.
