Introduction
This is my review of FinnAir’s Business Class seat, offered on their Airbus A350 and A330 aircraft.
This seat is quite unique, as it non-reclining – which is a let’s say ‘different’ concept to many other business class seats.
The Layout
The layout of FinnAir’s A350’s are in 1-2-1 format, however their A330’s are a little more random in an offset 2-2-1 then 1-2-1 format.
Privacy
I would say that this seat actually has very good privacy – it’s not a ‘suite’ with doors, but it is angled and offset enough to not feel overlooked – or be staring at your neighbor!.
The Seat
Perhaps the most notable thing about this seat is that it doesn’t recline. So, if you want sleep/use the seat as a bed, it’s going to need ‘shuffling’ into a laying position.
FinnAir see this as some kind of revolution – but I have to admit I didn’t really think it was a great idea at all!
I found sitting in the seat to put my feet up meant that I was in effect twisting my back at an angle to line my legs up with foot rest. In essence, the ‘natural’ resting position of my feet sitting without twisting in the seat, meant that my legs would be hitting a bulkhead.
Because the seat doesn’t recline, the only seat adjustment is the foot rest, and some basic lighting, controlled via the side console.
Table
The table took me a few seconds to work out, as the release button is next to the electronic controls.
The table folds out and also goes to a good angle, for moving around the cabin.
Storage
There are three storage areas around this seat. The first is the side console, which you could place a laptop on, the second is a storage area next to the food rest, and the third is a cupboard to the left of the seat.
Charging/Power
There is a multi-socket placed awkwardly on the floor, offering charging for laptops – and inside the cupboard next to the seat you’ll find a couple of USB connectors for charging a phone, etc.
Air Circulation
Unfortunately, there were no nozzles for seat temperature control! On my flight I found the temperature well controlled.
Conclusion
In general terms this seat has nothing that you wouldn’t expect from another airline – such as American Airlines’ Flagship or United Airlines Polaris in terms of space, storage, etc.
However the non-reclining seat was something lost on me. Whilst it may save the airline money, it uses the same amount of space – and whilst this flight was from Heathrow to Helsinki was fine – a nighttime flight from Los Angeles or Singapore back to Helsinki, I could imagine being rather uncomfortable!
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