There was a reduction in the in-flight catering service and the elimination of pillows in economy class, measures announced by Finnair just one month ago. And now the Finnish national airline has added another layer. This time, Finnair is attacking cabin baggage and seat reservations.
Finnair is further restricting free in-cabin services. From 1 June, the carrier is changing its economy class pricing with the introduction of the 'Superlight' ticket.
Baggage in the crosshairs
This fare replaces Economy Light for travel within Europe. The Superlight ticket only includes a small bag (40x30x15cm) that fits under the seat.. In which it will even be necessary to slip your airport purchases. With a maximum weight of 8kg.
Beyond that, it becomes compulsory to buy a larger piece of hand luggage (55x40x23cm) as a travel supplement. However, this is not the end of the story, Finnair Plus Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum Lumo members benefit from this additional baggage free of charge.
The Light ticket, which includes an allowance of one small bag and one piece of cabin baggage, remains available for long-haul travel and in business class on European flights. For passengers wishing to check in a piece of hold baggage, the Classic ticket is best suited to their needs.
More surprising is the reduction in the baggage allowance in business class. The Business Light ticket includes one small bag (40x30x15cm) and one hand bag (55x40x23cm). This measure also applies to long-haul flights. Only Business Classic and Flex tickets include hold baggage.
Special baggage (golf bags, heavy bags) will now be subject to a surcharge.. Finnair is also reducing the benefits offered to members of its Finnair Plus programme. Sports equipment is no longer available for Finnair Plus Gold members, and heavy and oversized bags are not included in the benefits of Platinum and Platinum Lumo members. Finnair Plus Silver members will no longer be entitled to an extra bag in the hold.. However, Silver passengers can buy it at a discount of 50 %.
Farewell to free seat selection
Another significant change for passengers. No more free seat selection in economy or business class when buying a ticket Superlight, Light or Classic. A restriction that applies even at the time of online registration 24 hours before departure. The airline's algorithm will allocate the seat. Only passengers on Flex fares can still select their seat free of charge. on reservation.
In a message sent to Finnair customers, Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officerexplains these new rules. "We experience the usual problems of excess baggage on board our flights, which have an impact on punctuality and the comfort of the journey. We regularly receive comments on this subject from our customers and staff. This is why we are modifying our ticket types and baggage allowances. We will also be stepping up hand baggage checks at airports. The aim is to make boarding, on-time departure and travelling on our flights easier and more comfortable for everyone," he wrote in his message.
If we can understand the problems Finnair has been experiencing since the suspension of its flights over Russian territory, then we can understand why it has been forced to suspend its flights, devaluing the product may not be the best strategy for stimulating long-haul demand - particularly business travellers. With flights two to three hours longer and a cascade of supplements to pay, it is not certain that the Finnair alternative on the Europe-Asia route will prove attractive. Except at knock-down prices.
