Finnair Plus underwent a major overhaul in March 2024, introducing significant changes to its structure. Now adopting Avios as its currency and a revenue-based earning model, the program offers both opportunities and challenges for frequent flyers. This Finnair Plus review explores the key aspects of the program to help you determine its value.
Points Earning Rates On Short, Mid, And Long-Haul Flights
Earning Avios with Finnair Plus is now directly tied to your spending. On Finnair flights, members earn 6 Avios per €1 spent as a Basic member, scaling up to 10 Avios for Platinum Lumo members. This structure ensures higher rewards for those flying in premium cabins or frequently booking ancillary services. For flights with partner airlines, Avios accrual depends on the distance flown, cabin class, and fare category, with rates now measured in miles rather than kilometres.
How Easy Is It To Redeem Points For Flights?
Redeeming Avios with Finnair Plus is straightforward, thanks to a segment-based award pricing model. For flights within Finland and Northern Europe, awards follow a fixed zone pricing, while all other routes use a per-segment calculation. Although guaranteed award availability on all flights is a welcome benefit, the increased costs for some long-haul routes might deter casual travellers. Redemption options extend to partner airlines within the Avios ecosystem, offering added flexibility.
Introduction To The Status Tiers
Finnair Plus includes five elite status levels: Basic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Lumo. Each tier offers progressively enhanced benefits, from priority check-in to increased baggage allowances and lounge access. Additionally, members can unlock milestone rewards, such as lounge passes or upgrade benefits, by earning tier points beyond their status requirements.
Tier Point Accrual Rates On Short, Mid, And Long-Haul Flights
Tier points are earned on Finnair flights based on spending, mirroring Avios accrual. For partner airlines, accrual depends on distance and booking class, rewarding premium cabin bookings on long-haul routes more generously. While this encourages higher spending, it might disadvantage economy travellers who previously benefited under the older distance-based model.
Approximate Cost And Travel Required To Reach Equivalent Oneworld Sapphire Status
Achieving Oneworld Sapphire status through Finnair Plus requires reaching Finnair Plus Gold, which demands 45,000 tier points in a 12-month period. For frequent business travellers, this milestone is achievable through consistent bookings in premium cabins or high-volume travel across mid-haul and long-haul routes. With Basic members earning 6 tier points per €1 spent, spending approximately €7,500 annually would secure this status. Oneworld Sapphire status grants valuable alliance-wide benefits, including lounge access, priority boarding, and increased baggage allowances, making it a worthwhile target for frequent flyers.
Overall Quality of the Lounges and Cabin Products
Finnair excels in delivering an efficient and comfortable experience, both on the ground and in the air. The airline’s flagship lounges, especially at its Helsinki hub, are well-regarded for their stylish Scandinavian design, comfortable seating, and a range of dining options, including local Finnish delicacies. In the air, the modern fleet, highlighted by Finnair’s Airbus A350, offers passengers a clean and contemporary cabin environment. Business class stands out with its spacious lie-flat seats and well-curated dining service, while economy class benefits from ergonomic seating and personal in-flight entertainment screens. Short-haul is like most other European carriers.
BG1 Verdict
This Finnair Plus review highlights a program that balances its innovative earning model with some notable trade-offs. The adoption of Avios and revenue-based accrual aligns well with frequent premium flyers, though casual travellers may find the increased award costs and revised redemption zones less appealing. Overall, Finnair Plus rewards those willing to spend strategically and prioritises frequent use over occasional participation.
Where Can I Sign-Up?
You can join Finnair Plus for free via the Finnair website. Registration is quick and opens access to member-exclusive benefits, including earning Avios immediately. For those already holding Avios with another program, transfers between partners are expected to roll out soon, adding further flexibility to your loyalty strategy. Also take a look at our take on the best Oneworld frequent flyer programmes.
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