- Introduction: My Journey To The Stolen Jewel
- Review: British Airways Lounge Toronto Airport
- Review: British Airways A350 Club Suites Business Class
- Review: British Airways Arrivals Lounge Heathrow Airport
- Review: Aerotel Heathrow Terminal 3
- Review: Finnair A321 Business Class
- Review: Finnair Platinum Wing Helsinki Airport
- Review: Finnair A350 Business Class
- Review: Changi Lounge At The Jewel Singapore
- Review: Yotel Singapore Changi At The Jewel
- Review: The Jewel Changi Airport
- Review: Cathay Pacific Lounge Singapore Changi
- Review: Qantas First Lounge Singapore Changi
- Review: Cathay Pacific A330 Business Class
- Review: Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong
- Review: Cathay Pacific Deck Lounge Hong Kong
- Review: Cathay Pacific A350 Business Class
I had a roughly five hour layover in Helsinki, as I arrived shortly before 7PM from London, and would be departing shortly before midnight to Singapore.
I was quite looking forward to this layover, because earlier this year Finnair opened their new Platinum Wing at the airport, which is their most exclusive lounge yet.
In this post:
Finnair Platinum Wing Helsinki Review
In this review I’ll look at the access requirements, hours, location, and amenities of the lounge, including the seating, food, showers, sauna, and more. This is an excellent new lounge, and a real treat as a oneworld Emerald member.
Finnair Platinum Wing Access Requirements
Finnair’s highest class of service is business class (they don’t have first class), though they’ve created an exclusive lounge for elite members.
The Finnair Platinum Wing is available to:
- Finnair Plus Platinum Lumo members (plus four guests)
- Finnair Plus Platinum members (plus one guest)
- Oneworld Emerald members (plus one guest)
- Finnair Plus Gold members (plus one guest), though only temporarily, until the renovation of the Finnair Business Lounge is completed in early 2020
This lounge is in the non-Schengen area, so you can only use it when traveling on a non-Schengen flight (which would include long haul flights, London, etc.).
Business class tickets don’t get you into this lounge.
Finnair Platinum Wing Hours
The Finnair Platinum Wing is open daily from 5:30AM until 12AM, so it covers virtually all departures.
Finnair Platinum Wing Location
As mentioned above, the Platinum Wing is located in the non-Schengen part of the terminal, near gate 50.
Helsinki Airport is a breeze to travel through, so this is only a short walk from any non-Schengen gates. Here’s a map of the terminal, for context:
Near gate 50 you’ll see the entrance to the Finnair Lounge, which includes both the Business and Platinum Wing sections.
Finnair Lounge Helsinki exterior
Finnair Lounge Helsinki signage
Inside the entrance to the lounge there’s a reception desk, and then you’ll be pointed into the appropriate lounge — the Platinum Wing is to the left, while the Business Lounge is to the right.
Finnair Lounge Helsinki entrance
Finnair Platinum Wing Layout & Seating
The Finnair Platinum Wing is beautiful, and is significantly bigger than I was expecting, given the exclusive access requirements. It has seating for 155 people, but feels bigger than that to me.
Finnair Platinum Wing entryway
Immediately inside the entrance and to the right were some magazines and newspapers, as well as a departures board.
Finnair Platinum Wing magazines & newspapers
Inside and to the left was a cozy little area with just over a dozen seats.
Finnair Platinum Wing seating
Finnair Platinum Wing seating
Past that was the bar area, along with some high-top seating.
Finnair Platinum Wing seating
Finnair Platinum Wing seating
Then there was the main part of the lounge, which was in a triangular shape (sort of).
Finnair Platinum Wing Lounge
There were a few rows of seats with partitions.
Finnair Platinum Wing seating
Finnair Platinum Wing seating
Along the walls were my favorite seats, which were private and had side tables with outlets.
Finnair Platinum Wing Lounge
Finnair Platinum Wing Lounge
Then there was the dining area, with tables seating two to four people each.
Finnair Platinum Wing dining area
Finnair Platinum Wing dining area
In the back of the lounge was the self serve buffet, and then there were curtains to the side of that. I didn’t initially realize that the lounge continued there, but it sure does. There’s a pretty big, super cozy room back there with couches, chairs with ottomans, and more.
Finnair Platinum Wing relaxation area
Finnair Platinum Wing relaxation area
Finnair Platinum Wing relaxation area
I thought the lounge was beautifully decorated. Northern Europe design is often pretty minimalist, but to me this lounge felt cozy and warm.
I’d note that the lounge was pretty empty at all times. When I got there shortly before 7PM it was probably the busiest, but then by 7:30PM it got empty once again. It never really filled up much again, despite the bank of midnight departures to Asia (there were flights to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok). I’d say there were no more than a dozen people in the lounge at any point after 7:30PM.
So aside from the lounge being all around great, what really sets it apart is just how quiet it was.
Wifi in the lounge was fast and easy to connect to, and there were tons of outlets by all the seating.
Finnair Platinum Wing Bar & Dining Area
The Finnair Platinum Wing offers a la carte dining, though only between 12PM and 5PM. I guess they have quite a few flights to Asia around that time, though logically you’d think it would be open again late in the evenings, so that people can have a proper meal before getting on the midnight flights to Asia.
Finnair Platinum Wing a la carte dining hours
Fortunately the self serve buffet was solid as well. I wouldn’t say it was exceptional, but it was good.
Finnair Platinum Wing buffet
There was fruit, cheese, and sweets.
Finnair Platinum Wing buffet
Then there were a variety of appetizers and fresh salads.
Finnair Platinum Wing buffet
Finnair Platinum Wing buffet
There were also several hot options, which looked quite appetizing, even if the descriptions left a bit to be desired.
Finnair Platinum Wing buffet
Finnair Platinum Wing buffet
Hot options included:
- Roasted root vegetables
- Creamed potatoes
- Meat soup
- Vegetable lasagna with goat cheese
- Pork ribs
- Salmon with lobster sauce
There was a self serve coffee and tea station near the buffet.
Finnair Platinum Wing coffee & tea
All other drinks were available at the bar.
Finnair Platinum Wing Lounge bar
I was delighted to see that they had barista made drinks, and their cappuccinos were excellent, among the best I’ve had in a lounge.
Finnair Platinum Wing espresso machine
Finnair Platinum Wing Lounge cappuccino
There was a variety of self serve wine options, including Joseph Perrier champagne.
Finnair Platinum Wing wine
There was also an extensive drink list, which read as follows:
Finnair Platinum Wing Shower & Sauna
The Finnair Platinum Wing has both private shower suites and a sauna, with the latter being an amenity you don’t see in many airport lounges.
For the sauna there are separate changing rooms for men and women, and then they lead into the same sauna area.
Finnair Platinum Wing sauna
I didn’t end up using it, but it does seem like a cool amenity!
Finnair Platinum Wing sauna
The lounge also has three shower rooms, and I love the system they have for reserving these.
Finnair Platinum Wing shower exterior
Rather than having to go up to the agent at reception to request one, you just go up to the door. If it’s red then it’s in use, while if it’s green then it’s available. If it’s available you can just book it instantly for a 30 minute block through the screen, and the door unlocks.
Finnair Platinum Wing shower
The shower room itself was nice, with excellent water pressure.
Finnair Platinum Wing shower room
Finnair Platinum Wing shower room
Finnair Platinum Wing shower room
Finnair Platinum Wing shower room toiletries
Finnair Boarding For Flight To Singapore
My flight to Singapore was scheduled to depart at 11:55PM from gate 55, just a short walk from the lounge.
Boarding was scheduled to start at 11:15PM, so I headed to the gate quite a bit early. Sure enough, they started the boarding process at 11:15PM, though what I didn’t realize is that they were first letting passengers into a holding pen of sorts.
Finnair departure gate Helsinki
Finnair departure gate Helsinki
Boarding for the flight ended up starting at around 11:25PM, with business class being invited to board first.
Finnair Platinum Wing Bottom Line
Helsinki Airport is a joy to transit through thanks to how easy connections are, as I’d much rather fly through here than Heathrow or other airports. As a oneworld Emerald, the Platinum Wing is the icing on the cake.
This lounge is absolutely lovely, from the decor, to the variety of seating options, to the drinks, to the shower rooms and sauna. The only thing that didn’t impress me that much was the food selection, which was good but not amazing. Perhaps it’s better when they offer a la carte dining during the day.
Finnair did an incredible job with this facility and as a oneworld Emerald I’m grateful to be able to use it.
If you’ve visited the Platinum Wing, what was your experience like?
Do you consider big difference of service between this lounge and the business class one?
Finnair Gold members can pay a fee to enter this lounge?
Thanks in advance
I had the pleasure to visit Platinum Wing at the same time, when it was open for AY Gold and I was flying to Dublin. It was really great. I didn't try the sauna, as I have my own sauna and wanted to spend all my time in the lounge. The ala carte was open then. There was only a couple of options but service was great and food was good. Portions a bit small,...
I had the pleasure to visit Platinum Wing at the same time, when it was open for AY Gold and I was flying to Dublin. It was really great. I didn't try the sauna, as I have my own sauna and wanted to spend all my time in the lounge. The ala carte was open then. There was only a couple of options but service was great and food was good. Portions a bit small, but then its not meant to be a huge meal. Not gourmet per se, but pure Finnish food.
There wasn't a lot of people at that time, so not crowded at all. If people are talking about crowdedness you have to remember that was when it was open for gold travelers. Now with plat/emerald limit, I really doubt it will get too crowded.
Some people seem to criticize why does Finnair have a lounge that you can't access with just business class ticket, when they don't have 1st class. You really shouldn't think of this as an separate lounge, but like the name says "platinum wing". A high end wing of the business lounge. They want to recognize their Platinum members and OW Emeralds by having a part of the lounge separated for them. If they didn't have this, they would still need to use the space for a bigger business lounge, where the plats/emeralds would go. I think it is amazing they offer a "1st class lounge" when they don't have 1st class on planes.
On my next trip, unfortunately the new business lounge was already finished, so gold access was lost. It wasn't a huge deal. The normal business lounge was really good too. They even had champagne. The most notable difference was lack of ala carte, sauna and slightly lower selection of drinks, but it was still a very good experience. 10x better than the pathetic lounge in Dublin on way back.
Now I achieved platinum status and I can't wait to go to Platinum Wing again once this Covid-stuff is over. I haven't visited many business lounges, but of all of those I have, platinum wing is the best and the regular business lounge comes second. That might change when I have the chance to visit some other 1st class lounges, like HKG or Australia.
Thanks Lucky, nice review. Couple of thoughts:
1) Disappointed you didn't try the sauna - as our Finnish friends point out it's a national institution and arguably the USP of AY lounges!
2) From the perspective of a UK traveller going Asia bound, i.e. non Schengen all the way, HEL *is* a joy to transit. Gate to lounge to gate is literally just round a couple of corners, you can't really make it...
Thanks Lucky, nice review. Couple of thoughts:
1) Disappointed you didn't try the sauna - as our Finnish friends point out it's a national institution and arguably the USP of AY lounges!
2) From the perspective of a UK traveller going Asia bound, i.e. non Schengen all the way, HEL *is* a joy to transit. Gate to lounge to gate is literally just round a couple of corners, you can't really make it any easier. But I agree the AY lounges are zoos during those afternoon hours.
Nice to see they finally added blueberry juice on the ground. The previous premium lounge (nor the inferior business lounge) did not.
A fun review of an exotic locate replete with a sauna as an interesting addition to this Finland-themed lounge (with Finnish cocktails!); nice photos - i like the litter of puppies resting under the Christmas tree
Hi Lucky
I noticed the Oneworld Sapphire logo in one of the photos, while you didn't mention the Sapphire as part of the entry requirements/entitlement to the Platinum Lounge.
Just a question!
Thanks
@ Etops
Yes I forgot to mention that. My transits included sweaty sprints through the cramped airport loaded with chinese tour groups.
The other airport that some people are so excited about to transit in, VIE, is a similar disaster. Totally unsuitable to connect.
On the flip side, the airport disliked by many, FRA, is extremely efficient to connect through.
Of course I can imagine that americans are OK with HEL as...
@ Etops
Yes I forgot to mention that. My transits included sweaty sprints through the cramped airport loaded with chinese tour groups.
The other airport that some people are so excited about to transit in, VIE, is a similar disaster. Totally unsuitable to connect.
On the flip side, the airport disliked by many, FRA, is extremely efficient to connect through.
Of course I can imagine that americans are OK with HEL as at least it has transit facilities, something US airports not yet have.
Agree with the above comments. Complete myth that HEL is a "joy" to transit.
The non-Schengen to Schengen immigration line in the afternoon is an absolute cluster. No priority, people cutting in, sloooow immigration officers. I've missed flights and at other times had to sprint to length of the terminal to be the last on board.
Definitely one of the worst places to enter Europe.
Is the mixed sauna clothing optional?
@D
Correct. I have transited twice through HEL at mid morning and late afternoon. It was an absolute zoo and transit immigration lines were so long that both times I almost missed the connection. I asked one of the guys trying to organize things there if there was a priority line and there was not.
What a lonely life to be in a lounge with absolutely nobody there and the be on for flights on the go all the time it’s just not much of a life
@D, since HEL is my home airport, I don’t know if there is a priority line at transfer security. What I have seen, though, is a fast connection line which you may choose if your flight is leaving soon. Coming from landside, there definitey is a priority line.
Arriving non-Schengen pax will pour straight into the gate area if the departure airport is considered safe, ie non-Schengen EU countries, the US, Singapore. In those cases,...
@D, since HEL is my home airport, I don’t know if there is a priority line at transfer security. What I have seen, though, is a fast connection line which you may choose if your flight is leaving soon. Coming from landside, there definitey is a priority line.
Arriving non-Schengen pax will pour straight into the gate area if the departure airport is considered safe, ie non-Schengen EU countries, the US, Singapore. In those cases, there is no security screening at HEL. So in this particular case, Lucky did not go through security (or passport control) at HEL.
Let's count how many he said "....as a Oneworld emerald."
Bizarre to me that an airline creates a lounge and excludes it from passengers traveling in the highest class of service it offers.
Nordic or not, the upholstery looks dumpy.
I really like the use of dark tones for the plush lounge chairs and carpeting. A refreshing change from the usual beige everything with blondewood timber.
Didn't use any lounges since my layover was about an hour. The holding pen thing was interesting.
@Daniel
I would flying in from non-EU/Singapore airport at those times is even worse, since you have to clear security, and sadly there is no priority line in the transit part for OWE / J class travelers.
The lounge is great, but during the afternoon bank of flights (roughly 3 pm to 5 pm ), it's an absolute zoo. I've visited it when there was literally not one seat available. When I first looked at these photos, I didn't even recognize the place, lol.
So if you want to experience a terrible HEL, fly in from Europe at 3 pm and continue to Asia at 5 pm. The Schengen side is even worse...
Thanks for the review.
Now that I’m losing emerald status , I’m more interested in the business class lounge. What’s the difference between the business class and platinum lounges?
Wow, I would come to Helsinki just for that lounge. Beautiful space.
Very nice decor and somehow reminds me of CX's lounge style. Both are simple, elegant, and pleasant.
omg bulk toiletries in the shower! Has Gary checked them for semen?
This was very helpful as I will going through Helsinki airport in April, with a few hours to spare before my A350 flight.
One day I will take FinnAir's flight from HEL to FUK :)
Saunas are an institution in Finland, a must the lounge ought to have.
The country has also other kinds of baths for aficionados :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-PT2xZNF_Y
Also check out WTF#7 Swamp wrestling ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7afkRD1Wb_4
Thanks, Lucky! Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!