1. Sleek furniture for contemporary comfort. 2. Chic lighting adds an elegant ambiance. 3. Refreshing color scheme invokes a calming atmosphere. 4. Spacious layout allows for comfortable relaxation. 5. Interactive entertainment system for personalized enjoyment. 6. Stylish artwork enhances the overall aesthetic. 7. Well-equipped workstations for productivity on the go. 8. Thoughtful amenities cater to travelers’ needs. 1. Limited food options; more variety necessary. 2. Insufficient privacy in seating arrangements. 3. Inconsistent Wi-Fi connectivity can be frustrating. 4. Lack of charging outlets for electronic devices.

In February 2022, Finnair unveiled its new AirLounge business-class seats, which created a buzz in the aviation industry. These unique seats, unlike traditional lie-flat beds or multi-position recliners, are lightweight, padded pods with non-reclining benches that allow passengers to lounge in various positions. The design reflects the simplicity of Nordic design.

I recently had the opportunity to experience Finnair’s innovative AirLounge on a flight from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to Helsinki Airport. Finnair is currently retrofitting all its Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft with the refreshed cabin, so you may have the chance to fly in it soon.

One standout feature of the AirLounge seats is the spaciousness. The absence of separate chair components gives the seats a padded pod-like feel, similar to lounging on a private sofa. The back of the seat measures 21 inches across, which may be tight for those with broad shoulders, but the low position of the side table allows for comfortable armrest placement. While these seats do not recline, they can be converted into a lie-flat bed by adjusting pillows, raising a leg rest, and using a lever to activate a padded section. The seat measures 74 inches long, making it wider and longer than most other airlines’ beds, accommodating restless sleepers and passengers of larger size or above-average height.

The AirLounge seats provide a high level of privacy due to their tall shell design, which extends beyond the back of the seat. This feature creates a cocoon-like feel and limits visibility of neighboring passengers. Although you can’t completely block out noise or movements from the aisle, the staggered layout and tall walls prevent direct sight of other passengers while eating, offering a sense of privacy.

Finnair takes pride in showcasing Finnish cuisine on board, and the AirLounge menu reflects this. I enjoyed a welcome drink of blueberry juice with a dash of gin from Helsinki Distillery. Other unique menu items featured on my flight included porcini mushroom soup flavored with cured elk, lightly smoked rainbow trout with stewed buckwheat, roasted cauliflower, and string beans, vispipuuro (a light semolina wheat dessert with tangy lingonberries), and single-malt whiskey from the Kyrö Distillery Company. The tableware, designed by Finnish textiles, clothing, and homewares company Marimekko, adds to the upscale Finnish ambiance.

For overnight flights from the U.S. to Europe, comfortable bedding is essential. Finnair provides two pillows, a mattress pad, a breathable duvet from Marimekko, and slippers for passengers wanting to wander the cabin. The mattress pad and duvet offer a comfortable sleeping experience without overheating.

Finnair’s inflight entertainment system is user-friendly and modern. The 18-inch touchscreen can be operated directly or with a remote control. It offers over 100 movies and nearly 50 TV series. The provided Bose headphones are comfortable but not noise-canceling. The system also provides a flight visualization feature, displaying meal service times and the current time at both the origin and destination. Passengers receive complimentary internet access for one hour, with browsing and streaming packages available for purchase afterward.

A notable feature of the AirLounge seats is the inclusion of a wireless charging pad integrated into the side table. This allows passengers to conveniently charge their devices without the need for charging cords. However, some phone cases may require removal for optimal charging.

The design of the seats also incorporates smart storage solutions. An electronics compartment next to the passenger’s shoulder houses the entertainment system’s remote control and charging ports, while a deeper side table compartment provides space for larger devices and includes a universal power outlet.

Finnair’s Marimekko-branded amenity kits are visually appealing, but they offer limited contents. The kit includes an eye mask, earplugs, lip balm, and facial lotion from L:a Bruket, a Swedish body-care brand. It would be nice to see additional items such as a cologne sample, hair comb, or small makeup mirror to enhance the luxury feel.

Although the AirLounge business class has many commendable design elements, there were a few areas that missed the mark.

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