Finnair, if you choose the Superlight ticket, you won't be able to use the hat rack and carry your trolley on board

As of next June 1. Finnair will make some changes to ticket types, baggage allowance, and exclusive benefits for members of the Finnair Plus loyalty program. And this is just one of the bad news since again from next June there will be a devaluation of Finnair points and an increase in taxes and surcharges for award tickets.

In the communication sent by Ole Orvér, commercial director of the Finnish company, points out that too many bags checked in by passengers are causing problems for flights. To solve these problems, the carrier thought of solving by changing the allowance that each passenger will be able to board, especially economy class travelers.

Fortunately, the rules change only for tickets issued starting next June, so if you purchased your ticket before May 31, 2023, you will travel with your original ticket type and the services included in it.

Goodbye hatbox

The Superlight fare is born, taking the place in short/medium-haul travel of Economy Light. Those who buy this fare will no longer be able to check hand luggage and will be limited to a small bag (40x30x15cm) that can be placed under the seat.

In practice, Finnair is the first premium airline to limit passenger baggage, i.e., the same behavior as low-cost carriers. In some respects Finnair goes even further since even any purchases made at the airport will be counted in the allowance, translated either they fit in the small bag or you cannot board.

Of course, passengers will be able to purchase, as an extra, the ability to bring a larger piece of luggage on board (55x40x23 cm) as if the extra euros the carrier collects will solve the punctuality problems underlying this decision.

Finnair Plus Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Lumo members have this larger carry-on luggage as a tier benefit when traveling on a Superlight ticket. It is not specified in the communication sent to customers whether this benefit will also be extended to those with elite status in the OneWordl alliance of which Finnair is a member.

The Light ticket-with small baggage and carry-on baggage included-continues to be available for long-haul travel in addition to Business Class on European flights.

Rules for business class travelers also change for both European and long-haul flights. And of course it changes for the worse since it will decrease. The Business Light ticket includes one small bag (40x30x15cm) and one carry-on bag (55x40x23cm), while the Business Classic and Flex tickets include one checked bag in addition to the carry-on baggage allowance.

All special luggage, such as golf bags, skis or heavy bags, must be purchased as travel extras. This means that only luggage of standard size and weight will be allowed to be checked in. In connection with the overall changes to baggage allowance, there will be some adjustments to Finnair Plus level baggage benefits.

Sports equipment is no longer available as a tier benefit for Finnair Plus Gold members, and large, heavy bags are not included in tier benefits for Platinum and Platinum Lumo members. Finnair Plus Silver members no longer have extra checked baggage as a level advantage, but will be available for purchase at a 50% discount.

Goodbye free seat at check-in

The bad news does not end there, as Finnair seems geared to become the first Premium Low Cost carrier since it will again from June eliminate free seat assignment at check-in.

Until now, certain Finnair fares did not provide free advance seat assignment. Passengers could either choose a paid seat, or have their preferred seat assigned free of charge at check-in from those still available.

As of June 1, 2023, a new seat assignment policy applies for passengers with Superlight, Light and Classic tickets, in all cabins therefore also in premium economy and business class. In a nutshell, everyone who does not buy a Flex ticket will have to pay if they want to choose a seat, or be assigned a seat (free of charge) at check-in.

As with the hat rack and trolley Finnair is taking a cue from the policies of low-cost airlines and forcing all passengers to pay to choose their seat on board or take whatever happens to be free. If this makes sense for those who buy a Superlight ticket, it is absurd that a business class passenger who perhaps paid €3,000 for his ticket should have to shell out another €300 to choose a seat, these are just the Junk Fees that the Biden administration. decided to ban.

In conclusion

This excuse is almost puerile, also because if the cause of the delays are the passengers' trolleys, I don't see how charging for the trolley will solve the problems. It's a clear attempt to milk the passenger for a few extra euros.