Flying Finnair Economy From Helsinki to Toronto: The Good, the Bad and a Few Surprises

After spending a whirlwind 16 hours in Helsinki, Finland, it was time for our family to continue our journey to Toronto, Canada. We’d flown Finnair from Naples to Helsinki the night before, spent the night at the Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel and squeezed in some sightseeing before heading back to the airport. Now we were getting ready for the longest flight of our trip, an approximately nine-hour journey across the Atlantic aboard a Finnair Airbus A330-300.

I booked our flights from Naples to Toronto using American Airlines AAdvantage miles, redeeming 30,000 miles per person for the one-way journey. One of the reasons I chose this itinerary was the opportunity to introduce our kids to Finland during our long layover, but I was also curious to see what Finnair’s long-haul economy class experience would be like. Our flight had some definite highlights, including a spacious bulkhead row, but there were also a few frustrating moments at the airport and onboard.

Checking In at Helsinki Airport

After a fun morning exploring Helsinki’s Market Square, visiting Helsinki Cathedral and stocking up on Karl Fazer chocolate at Stockmann, we headed back to Helsinki Airport. Our flight, Finnair AY31, was scheduled to depart at 4:50 p.m. on July 1, 2026 and arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport at 6:35 p.m. local time.

We headed to the priority check-in area, where there was already a long line. Unfortunately, the signage wasn’t particularly clear, so I asked an agent which line we should use. She was helpful and directed us to the appropriate counter. This was another reminder that when traveling internationally, especially with airline status, it pays to ask questions rather than assume you’re standing in the correct line.

One of our checked bags was approximately two kilograms (4.4 pounds) overweight. Fortunately, the agent didn’t make a fuss about it, which I appreciated. I have oneworld Emerald status through American Airlines, which comes with valuable benefits when flying eligible oneworld partner airlines like Finnair. However, I wouldn’t count on every agent overlooking an overweight bag, so it’s always best to check your airline’s baggage allowance before heading to the airport.

Priority Security at Helsinki Airport

One thing Helsinki Airport does exceptionally well is security screening. Thanks to our priority access, we were able to get through the initial security line very quickly. Even better, we didn’t have to remove our electronics or liquids from our carry-on bags, which made the process much easier.

However, both Natalie and Jack’s bags were flagged for additional screening, and that took a while. It’s a good reminder that even when you’re using a priority lane and the latest security technology, your experience can still be slowed down by secondary inspections. I also noticed the airport’s liquid restrictions, including the familiar 100-milliliter limit, so travelers should always check the current rules rather than assume newer scanners mean all restrictions have disappeared.

Passport Control and the New European Entry/Exit System

After security, we headed to passport control since we were leaving the Schengen Area for Canada. This is where we encountered another delay.

Passengers with eligible European passports were able to use automated e-gates and move through quickly, while we had to wait in the regular line. The wait wasn’t terrible at first, but airport employees kept pulling passengers out of the queue because they had short connections. I understand why airports prioritize travelers who are at risk of missing their flights, but it was frustrating watching people who arrived after us repeatedly get moved ahead.

By the time we reached the front, we’d been waiting long enough that our own departure was getting closer than I would have liked. It almost seemed like the trick was to show up late and get pulled to the front, although I certainly wouldn’t recommend trying that strategy.

The border officer was friendly, but the process involved additional biometric checks associated with Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES). He took fingerprints from the four fingers on my right hand, excluding my thumb, and then attempted to take my photograph. The kids didn’t have any issues with their photos, but Natalie and I both encountered some difficulty with the photo process.

I’m curious whether having our biometric information registered will make future trips through European passport control faster. In theory, the system is designed to streamline subsequent border crossings, but based on this experience, I’ll reserve judgment until we use it again.

Travel tip: When departing the Schengen Area on an international flight, don’t forget to allow time for passport control after security. Even if you’ve checked in online and have priority security access, you could still encounter a significant line at immigration.

A Very Brief Visit to the Finnair Lounge

One benefit of having oneworld Emerald status is access to eligible oneworld lounges when traveling on qualifying flights. I was looking forward to checking out Finnair’s lounge at Helsinki Airport, especially since Helsinki is the airline’s main hub.

Unfortunately, the passport control delays left us with almost no time to enjoy it. The lounges didn’t seem to packed, and my status only allowed me to bring one guest, which is something families need to keep in mind. Traveling with Natalie and our two kids makes lounge access a little more complicated when the guest allowance doesn’t cover everyone.

I did manage to step inside the exclusive Platinum Wing, which is reserved for eligible top-tier customers. It looked impressive, with a more upscale atmosphere, a sit-down dining option with a menu, a buffet and showers. This is definitely a lounge I’d love to return to when I have more time.

Unfortunately, we were only inside for about two minutes before we had to leave. I also learned that drinks weren’t available to take away, so there was no grabbing something for the flight on our way out.

Travel tip: If you’re flying Finnair from Helsinki and have oneworld Emerald status, check whether you’re eligible for the Platinum Wing. Just remember that lounge guest limits apply, and a family of four won’t necessarily be able to enter together based on one person’s status.

Boarding Finnair Flight AY31

Our flight was departing from Gate 52, and when we arrived, the boarding area was already crowded. Finnair had separate holding areas for priority passengers and economy passengers, almost like pens, which wasn’t the most pleasant setup.

The bigger issue was the delay. Our flight was running approximately 30 to 50 minutes behind schedule, but there wasn’t much communication about what was happening. Everyone seemed to think boarding would begin any minute, so passengers remained standing around instead of relaxing in the seating area.

I don’t mind delays nearly as much when airlines communicate what’s going on. What frustrates me is when passengers are left guessing, especially when traveling with children. A simple announcement explaining the delay and providing an updated boarding time would have made a big difference.

According to FlightAware, our Airbus A330-300 finally pushed back at 5:21 p.m., 31 minutes after our scheduled departure time. We took off at 5:41 p.m., approximately 41 minutes later than planned.

Our Finnair Economy Class Seats

We were seated in Row 31, with seats 31D, 31E, 31G and 31H. These were bulkhead seats, and the extra legroom was one of the best features of the flight.

When you’re flying across the Atlantic with two kids, having additional space makes a huge difference. It gives everyone a little more room to stretch out, and you don’t have another passenger reclining directly into your space. I’ve always been a fan of bulkhead seats when traveling as a family, although they can come with a few trade-offs depending on the aircraft configuration.

Our aircraft was an Airbus A330-300, one of Finnair’s widebody jets used for long-haul international flights. Unlike our shorter flight from Naples to Helsinki, which had no seatback entertainment screens, this aircraft had an inflight entertainment system.

Inflight Entertainment and Charging Options

One thing I found disappointing was the lack of traditional power outlets at our seats. The aircraft did have USB and USB-C charging connections associated with the inflight entertainment system, but there weren’t regular electrical outlets available to plug in a laptop charger.

For someone like me who often uses long flights to catch up on emails and writing, that’s a drawback. I love being able to work during a flight because it means I have more time to spend with my family once we land. Without a standard power outlet, you’re limited by your laptop’s battery life unless your device can charge through the available USB-C connection.

I also noticed that there weren’t tissues available in the lavatory, which is a small detail but something passengers might appreciate knowing. It’s another reason I always recommend packing a few tissues and basic essentials in your carry-on bag.

Travel tip: Don’t assume every long-haul aircraft has traditional power outlets, even if it has seatback entertainment and USB charging. If you plan to work on your laptop, check the aircraft’s amenities before departure and make sure your devices are fully charged.

Finnair’s Economy Class Food and Drinks

Finnair includes meal service on long-haul international flights, unlike its shorter European routes where most food must be purchased separately. Our booking indicated that economy passengers would receive a main meal with a glass of wine or beer, followed by a snack or light meal later in the flight. Nonalcoholic beverages were also included throughout the journey, while additional alcoholic drinks were available for purchase.

One item I specifically noted was the second meal service, which took place approximately two hours before landing. We were served a cheese sandwich with tomato relish. It was a fairly simple offering, but I appreciated having something to eat before arriving in Toronto.

And if you’re flying Finnair, don’t forget to ask for the airline’s signature blueberry juice. I tried it on our Naples-to-Helsinki flight and thought it was delicious. It’s one of those little things that helps make an airline memorable.

Strict Seat Belt Sign Enforcement

One thing that really stood out during our flight was how strictly the Finnair crew enforced the seat belt sign.

When the sign was illuminated, flight attendants did not want passengers getting up to use the lavatory. In fact, they would call passengers out over the public address system if they attempted to do so.

I understand the safety reasoning. Unexpected turbulence can cause serious injuries, and passengers should follow crew instructions whenever the seat belt sign is on. However, the public announcements were more direct than what I’m accustomed to hearing on many American airlines.

Another policy I noticed was that window shades had to be open during takeoff and landing. This is a common safety practice on many international airlines because it allows passengers and crew to see outside during critical phases of flight, but it’s not something every U.S. airline consistently requires.

Travel tip: If you’re flying Finnair, plan your bathroom breaks when the seat belt sign is off. The crew takes the rule seriously, so don’t assume you’ll be able to get up whenever you want.

Arriving in Toronto Nearly 50 Minutes Late

Our flight was scheduled to arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport at 6:35 p.m. local time. According to FlightAware, we landed at 7:15 p.m. and reached Gate B26 at 7:24 p.m., approximately 49 minutes behind schedule.

The actual flight time from takeoff to landing was about eight hours and 34 minutes, while our total gate-to-gate journey took nine hours and three minutes.

Despite the delay, we were happy to finally arrive in Toronto after a memorable journey that began on the Italian island of Ischia, continued through Naples and included a quick overnight adventure in Helsinki.

One thing we weren’t prepared for was the heat. Toronto was roasting, with temperatures around 92°F (33°C), which felt especially hot after our brief visit to Finland.

Was Redeeming American Airlines Miles for Finnair Worth It?

For our family, absolutely. I redeemed 30,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles per person for our one-way flights from Naples to Toronto via Helsinki, and I thought it was a great use of miles.

Not only did we get to fly on two Finnair aircraft, but we also had the opportunity to introduce our kids to another country during our 16-hour layover. We stayed at the Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel, explored Helsinki’s Market Square, visited Helsinki Cathedral and stocked up on delicious Karl Fazer chocolate before continuing to Canada.

That’s one of the things I love most about using airline miles. Sometimes you can create a much more interesting itinerary than you would if you were simply searching for the quickest or cheapest flight.

My oneworld Emerald status also came in handy, particularly with priority check-in, security access and lounge eligibility. However, it’s worth remembering that status benefits aren’t always as straightforward when traveling with a family, especially when lounge access is limited to one guest.

Would I Fly Finnair Long-Haul Economy Again?

Yes, although there are a few things I’d do differently next time. The spacious bulkhead seats were a big plus, and I appreciated having inflight entertainment, USB charging and complimentary meal service. The flight itself was comfortable enough for an overnight-length transatlantic journey, even though we were traveling during the day.

The biggest disappointments were the lack of traditional power outlets, the poorly communicated boarding delay and the limited time we had to enjoy the Finnair Platinum Wing. The passport control process also took longer than expected, which is something I’ll keep in mind the next time we connect through Helsinki.

On the positive side, the Finnair employees we dealt with at check-in were helpful, our slightly overweight bag wasn’t an issue and we arrived safely in Toronto after another memorable family travel experience.

Bottom line: Finnair is worth considering if you’re flying between Europe and North America, especially if you can book your flights using American Airlines AAdvantage miles. Just allow extra time for passport control at Helsinki Airport, don’t count on being able to charge your laptop with a traditional power outlet and make sure you try the blueberry juice.

And if you have the opportunity to turn a connection in Helsinki into a longer layover, I highly recommend it. Sometimes the places you weren’t originally planning to visit end up being some of the most memorable parts of your trip.