Finnair Ups the Lounge Game with Sleek, Spacious Hub at Helsinki Airport

A new, more spacious Finnair lounge at Helsinki Airport (HEL) will give select travelers a respite before their flights within the European Union.

Officially opened in July, the lounge replaces a previous lounge in the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport’s Schengen area for flights within the border-free area of the European Union. It’s located near gate 21, on the airport’s third floor, accessed by elevator or escalator from the single terminal’s central square.

Enhanced Capacity and Design

The new lounge will accommodate 440 people, 50 percent more than the lounge it replaces.

Photo: Courtesy of Finnair

The space was designed with customer feedback, a Nordic color scheme and an ambiance that matches the look rolled out to Finnair’s non-Schengen lounges in 2019. The airline said those lounges have been a hit with travelers on international flights, including those flying to the United States.

This design “captures the essence of the Nordics with wooden textures, soft forms, and warm colors,” Finnair said. The design, by Studio Joanna Laajisto, aligns with Finnair’s “Modern Nordic” branding, emphasizing functionality, timelessness, and comfort.

Photo: Courtesy of Finnair

Furniture from renowned local designers, including Artek, Nikari, and Gubi, has been sourced.

Tailored Spaces

“Different spaces within the lounge are tailored to various needs: dining, working, resting, and spending time with your travel companions,” said Meri Järvinen, Head of Airport Customer Experience at Finnair.

Photo: Courtesy of Finnair

Travelers can dig into Nordic-inspired dishes created with locally sourced ingredients in the dining area.

Finnair says the working space is a “commuters’ haven.” There, workers on the go can perch at a bar with power stations and sweeping views of the airport’s runway or retreat to solo workstations. Select guests can even access soundproof stations to call or attend virtual meetings.

Photo: Courtesy of Finnair

For those who want to relax, the lounge is scattered with egg-shaped chairs for individuals and larger couches for groups.

Access, Entry Details

Another corner is reserved for Platinum and Platinum Lumo elites within the carrier’s frequent flyer program, Finnair Plus, and oneworld Emerald status holders.

Photo: Courtesy of Finnair

The lounge has touchless entry gates, granting access to passengers in business class on Finnair flights; Finnair Plus Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Lumo elites; and oneworld Alliance Emerald and Sapphire elites on Finnair-marketed flights.

Finnair Plus Silver members can also purchase entry for 4,600 Avios or a combination of points and cash. Other Finnair passengers can purchase entry through the Finnair app or website.

Photo: Courtesy of Finnair

International travelers can access Finnair’s Schengen lounge when connecting at Helsinki Airport to Finnair flights to Lapland and the wider Baltic and Nordic region. Helsinki Airport’s single terminal enables quick transit through the airport, maximizing your time in the lounge.