“Remote working above the clouds – dream come true or nightmare? In our new series of reports, we show how airlines are increasingly expanding their Wi-Fi offers and what bleisure travellers can expect above the clouds, at airports, and in lounges. First up: Finnair.” Kai Böcking
Anyone who flies to the US for business is spoiled for choice when it comes to airlines. This time, I decide to take the northern route via Helsinki to Chicago with Finnair. Starting from Munich, this is a classic day flight to America. Departure is at 11:30 a.m., arrival – with a hub in Helsinki – is at 5:25 p.m. on the same day.
I am not a member of the Finnair Plus frequent flyer program, but I am flying Business Class. This gives me one hour of free Wi-Fi access on the long-haul flight from Helsinki. On my feeder flight to Helsinki, I get 30 minutes. If you want to be online all the time however, you have to pay. There are plenty of exceptions, e.g. for Platinum members of the frequent flyer program.
The journey begins in Munich aboard an A330 in the airline’s Standard Business Class to Helsinki. This is absolute luxury for a 2.5-hour flight, as the same type of aircraft will also take me across the pond to Chicago. If you think of Business Class as an office for remote workers and bleisure travellers, it comes across as cool, practical, and well thought out, with charging options for all plug types, lighting, and storage compartments for every kind of electronic working device. The special feature of Finnair seats, is that they have a fixed backrest that cannot be moved. Instead, the rest of the seats in the 1-2-1 configuration rotate diligently into
a sleeping position with sufficient legroom.
But sleep is out of the question. Emails are waiting for me on the way to Helsinki. To send them out into the world, Finnair offers a QR code on the screen that works with my seat number to log in. Logging in to @nordicsky works without any problems, and the speed test shows 5 Mbps/download. The Panasonic Aviation Wi-Fi on board proves to be fast enough for emails and videos in medium resolution. That’s enough for the short flight.
Helsinki Airport …
… square, practical, great! The lounge is bright, large, and offers an impressive selection of fresh foods and drinks. Shower cubicles can be booked independently. The lounges are equipped with internet that really leaves nothing to wish for. With 100 Mbps download speed, it feels significantly more powerful than, for example, Munich Airport. There are also work areas for video calls so as not to disturb other passengers. On the way to the gate, I switch to the airport Wi-Fi. One click and I’m in. Great!
The AY0009 then takes me to Chicago. Business class as usual, tidy crew and workspace set up. The screen shows me the time slot in which I can order dinner. This allows me to work while my business partners are still available and then enjoy the flight afterwards. This is exactly what I want in terms of flexibility on a long-haul flight these days.
The Wi-Fi connection on the nine-hour flight to Chicago fluctuates, but (apart from a few brief blind spots) is stable at up to 8 to 9 Mbps download speed. I can view and edit a documentary from my server at home without any problems. Calls and online meetings are blocked. As previously mentioned, as a business class passenger, one hour of Wi-Fi is free. Afterwards as a non-status passenger I pay around 25 euros for the entire flight to Chicago.
After work, I enjoy a choice of two starters, three main courses plus dessert and ten wines of all colors. The Nordic fish with fennel and Brussels sprouts is superb, and the Galician Albariño is a perfect accompaniment – time to sleep. To do so, I recline the seat back to a horizontal position, except for the fixed backrest. With a soft cushion on top, the 1.90-meter-tall office worker lies comfortably.
Conclusion
Finnair is a thoroughly honest airline. No unnecessary constant -announcements, fine food, usable Wi-Fi. Helsinki Airport and the Finnair lounges have a strong Wi-Fi connection. The flexible service on board allows me to work undisturbed for as long as I want. The price system is clear and offers premium status customers free Wi-Fi.
Kai Böcking …
… has previously written about many of his flights as an author for the German Business Traveller magazine. The focus of his own -magazine on the suitability of airplanes for remote working has given him a different perspective on flying. Due to his parallel work as a TV producer, his Wi-Fi requirements are high.
work@sky finnair
Finnair does not currently offer free internet in all classes. Exceptions are made for business class passengers and status members.
Prices: 1 hour: 7.95 euros (6.95 euros or 700 Avios for Finnair Plus members), 3 hours: 14.95 euros (12.95 euros or 1,500 Avios for Finnair Plus members), Entire flight: 24.95 euros (19.95 euros or 2,400 Avios for Finnair Plus members)
Equipment supplier: Panasonic
Photos:© Kai Böcking, Finnair
