Finnair introduces "light" business class: here's what changes (for the worse)
The list of airlines that have decided to introduce a "discounted" business class fare is getting longer. The news [...]
Finnair
Oneworld
HEL
The list of airlines that have decided to introduce a "discounted" business class fare is getting longer. Today's news is that, from now on, passengers who decide to book a ticket with the Finnish company belonging to theOneWorld alliance will be able to opt to save money on the ticket in the face of some waivers.
In this article:
In recent months similar announcements have been made by Emirates, Qatar And many other companies. I personally find it a very bad strategy to make the passenger spend more, not so much because of the lack of luggage but because of the reduction of certain services, such as lounge access, which are one of the main reasons a passenger may choose a business class ticket.
What changes from today with Finnair
In fact, in both cabins, economy and business, passengers will be able to choose from three different types of tariff classes Light, Classic and Flex.
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Business Light is a totally new type of ticket designed especially for tourists who want to travel light and spend little while enjoying the comfort of Business Class. Business Light includes hand luggage only. Reservation changes, refunds, airport priority services, lounge access and onboard Internet connection are not included in the ticket price.
Reservation flexibility
Light tickets, predictably, are not flexible except for the current changes related to Covid
Baggage
No checked baggage is included in the cost of the ticket and consequently there is no priority baggage reclaim. In contrast, business passengers can check in two pieces of luggage weighing 32kg each.
Choice of place
The best seats are paid for, which was already the case before with the classic fare. In this case the company had already chosen to cash in on almost all of its passengers
Airport service
If you choose this ticket and do not hold status in the Oneworld alliance, then you will be treated as an economy passenger. No dedicated check-in counters, nor fast track through the airport. Paid lounge entry.
On-board service
The good news is that the meal on board will be included in the ticket, regardless of whether it is a short/medium haul or intercontinental route. I am convinced that if it did not cause too much trouble for the cabin crew, they would have reduced this service as well. As for wi-fi, very little is lost.
Finnair Plus mileage accrual
Light tickets allow you to accumulate Avios points In the company's loyalty program, which is a partner of American Express. In this case the accumulation bonus is 150%, the same as with an economy flex ticket.
You have to give credit to the company for being transparent about everything. We will now analyze the cost difference between a classic and a light ticket.
The difference for a ticket between Milan and Helsinki is 80€ one way between the two fares. Of course, for a quick weekend in Finland, you might just need carry-on luggage and not need the lounge, or if you are a holder of Priority Pass you can take advantage of an alternative hall and not the company's official hall.
On an intercontinental route the difference grows but, personally, I don't think the savings are worth the cut in services. The 50%'s accumulation of fewer Avios points should also be evaluated at the time of booking.
