“Finnair Implements New Baggage Policy for Cheapest Tickets: Larger Hand Luggage Requires Additional Payment”

“Finnair” airline has announced that you will have to pay for larger hand luggage in the cheapest ticket types, “Delfi.ee” writes.

From now on, passengers traveling on the cheapest ticket will only be able to take one small bag, which can fit under the front seat, free of charge. The weight of the bag can be up to eight kilograms. If the passenger makes purchases at the airport, they must also be included in this quota.

The changes are part of the airline’s ticket reform, which will see the cheapest economy ticket for intra-European flights replaced by a new “Superlight” ticket.

The economy ticket allowed passengers to take a small suitcase with them on the plane, if it did not exceed the dimensions of 55x40x23 cm. However, in the case of a “Superlight” ticket, you will have to pay separately for larger hand luggage. For new bookings, the changes will take effect from June 1.

As Finnair’s communications manager Heidi Lemmetinen explains, the aim of the reform is to reduce the volume of baggage and speed up boarding. “Excessive luggage has made boarding slow. Flights are delayed because we have to move a passenger’s hand luggage to the hold at the last minute,” he emphasizes.

“Changes to our in-flight services are one of the many measures we are implementing to improve Finnair’s profitability,” Finnair spokeswoman Erika Enne explains. “For long-haul flights, a rich meal is a basic service in all travel classes. The second meal is either a light meal or a snack, depending on the route and flight times. On flights to New York and Dubai, the second meal is not offered in economy class, snacks and drinks can be ordered from the menu.”

“On European flights, business class meal service will depend on the route, as before of the flight,” emphasizes Enne.

Economy Class offers one or two meals for long-haul flights, depending on the distance and route. Economy class passengers are offered blankets on flights, but pillows will no longer be offered. The airline explains that many customers travel with their own pillow.

Business class dining on European flights depends on the route and champagne will be replaced by sparkling wine.

“Finnair” turnover increased by 73.8% to 694.7 million euros, however, as the company states, uncertainty in the operating environment continues. Fuel prices are high, Russian airspace remains closed, and it’s unclear how rising interest rates and prices will affect costs and demand.

The airline expects demand for travel to continue, but general uncertainty makes it difficult to estimate what demand will be after the summer season.