I flew on Finnair's Airbus A350 between New York and Helsinki in economy. It's now one of my go-to airlines for crossing the Atlantic.

Taylor RainsMar 1, 2024, 16:58 IST

I flew on Finnair's A350 from New York to Helsinki and loved the experience.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I recently flew between New York and Helsinki on Finnair's Airbus A350-900 in economy.
I found the recently upgraded seats extremely comfortable and the meals filling and tasty.

I recently traveled all the way from New York City to Finland's northernmost municipality of Utsjoki for a chance to see the aurora lights.

When researching flights, I quickly realized Finland's flag carrier, Finnair, is really the only good option leaving NYC that doesn't require an overnight layover or more than two plane rides to get to Lapland.

The nearly $1,000 roundtrip economy fare was several hundred dollars more expensive than the cheaper Scandinavian Airlines (which required two stops), but I'm happy I spent the extra money.

Granted, Finnair proved to have a stricter-than-expected bag weight policy, but I'd easily book the airline again for long-haul flying.

My Northern Lights tour was in Utsjoki, Finland, and Finnair was the easiest option for getting there.

I finally checked the northern lights off my bucket list.Aurora Holidays

I had never flown on Finnair before last month and was eager to try a new airline, which offered a one-stop from NYC to Lapland via Helsinki.

Finnair is part of the Oneworld alliance.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

My trip started at New York-JFK's Terminal 8, where the international Oneworld alliance has congregated.

Oneworld partner Qatar Airways' check-in counter at New York-JFK's Terminal 8, taken during Christmas last year.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

While I only had a carry-on, I first went to Finnair's little check-in corner because I needed to add TSA PreCheck to my reservation.

The economy check-in counter for Finnair at T8.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I didn't realize this meant the agent would take the opportunity to weigh my carry-on. I knew there was a limit, and I quickly learned how strict.

My combined bags (my suitcase and a backpack) weighed 9.6 kilograms.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Both of my bags fit within the size dimensions, but they were about three and a half pounds overweight.

The carry-on could be a maximum of 22in x 16in x 9in, while the personal item could be up to 16in x 12in x 6in, according to Finnair.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The agent said I couldn't bring my carry-on but could check it for free. Not ideal, but I was just happy I didn't have to pay anything.

Security took five minutes, thanks to TSA PreCheck. Looking back, though, I should have just left it alone.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I could skip check-in counters on two of the three other Finnair flights, which seemed to help avoid it getting weighed again.

Getting off the Finnair plane in Ivalo, Finland, which was a two-hour drive from my final destination of Utsjoki. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

My flight to Helsinki was scheduled to leave at 10:55 p.m., and we started boarding about 45 minutes before departure.

The same boarding schedule was experienced on the return flight.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

On both legs to and from Helsinki, I flew on Finnair's nine-year-old Airbus A350-900 aircraft, registered OH-LWA.

The Finnair Airbus A350 at the gate in Helsinki.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The plane has 251 economy seats. I prefer the aisle when flying long-haul and paid an extra $38 to reserve seat 33J in the last row of the section.

The view from seat 33J.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

One look, and I knew the seat would be comfortable. It looked well-padded with a headrest, seatback pocket, and big television.

The seatback pocket wasn't huge.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

According to Finnair, it has recently upgraded its A330 and A350 economy seats with memory foam cushions, and I could feel the difference.

The seats were configured in a 3x3x3 layout.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The new seats also feature 18 inches of width and 31 inches of pitch, which I think is easily enough legroom for my five-foot, three-inch tall self.

Can you tell I have dogs?Taylor Rains/Business Insider

There is also a 12-inch seatback screen with a USB port, though I noticed it did not adjust up or down when the seat in front was reclined.

There was a lot to be explored as far as entertainment, but the lack of tilt could impact viewing.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Given this was a red-eye, I didn't spend too much time awake and took advantage of the seat's deep recline.

The flight attendants asked people to sit upright during meal times.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

In fact, I slept for about six hours on the outbound. The recline, cushion, blanket, and headrest helped.

Finnair did not provide a pillow.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

For the longer return journey, I did pay an extra $15 to reserve an "economy comfort" seat so I could experience both options.

The economy plus seat on the return flight.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I often look to SeatGuru for advice on new carriers, and I saw the extra legroom seat of 22C was uniquely positioned without a seat in front.

The unlimited legroom of seat 22C on Finnair's A350.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I didn't need the endless legroom, but I think this is a great seat option for people needing extra space.

The aisle-side armrest could make someone feel cramped, however.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Passengers will give up a proper seatback screen and pocket, however. This was OK on my flight because the middle seat was open.

There was a USB in my screen, but you can't use it during takeoff and landing, so I just used the middle seat's.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Moreover, the tray table is in the armrest and the seatback screen must be stowed for takeoff and landing.

Finnair provides wired headphones for the TV.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

While Finnair's improved economy seats were particularly pleasing, I was more surprised by the quality of the food.

The side dish on the outbound journey.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

On the outbound, I had a beef dish with rice and veggies. Everything was very tasty.

The main course on the outbound.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The return dinner of meatballs, mashed potatoes, and carrots was just as delicious.

The meal on the return.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

While the food was great, I did notice a lack of choice.

I ordered this unique blueberry juice with my meals. It was also served on the domestic flights.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Overall, I had no issues sleeping or getting comfortable in Finnair's A350 economy cabin thanks to the filling food and padded seats.

The Finnair A350 economy cabin.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Even the Airbus A321 flights between Helsinki and Ivalo were nice and comfortable.

The views over Finland when flying from Helsinki to Ivalo.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

In fact, I am planning a few trips to Europe this year that will require a one-stop, and I plan to book Finnair — even if its more expensive.

The cabin of the Finnair A350.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I booked private rooms on overnight trains in Europe and the US. The more expensive ride was a better deal.

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