Finnair Plus - New lounge in Helsinki

Priority Pass has this info:
Airport: helsinki - Vantaa (HEL), Terminal 2
Lounge: ALMOST@HOME
n: Airside - Lounge located in the Non-Schengen area before Gate 32.
Opening Hours: 06:30 - 23:30 daily.
Conditions: Non-Schengen flights only - Maximum 3 hours stay - Children under 2 years are admitted free - Complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks available; premium selections are subject to payment - Separate smoking area available.
Additional Information: This Lounge is scheduled to open and accept Priority Pass cardholders effective 18NOV2011.

Does anyone have more info? What is this lounge all about, cannot find any info on airport web (Finavia) or any where else....? Gate 32 is just after the walk bridge from the old part of the airport to the new area....

Was in that area 3 weeks ago and did not see anything. But then again I wasn't looking for it either. Will pass by again tomorrow evening, and I will surely take a closer look.

Follow this link to SSP Finlad almost@home (http://www.sspfinland.fi/fi/lentoaseman-ravintolapalvelut/terminaali-2/lounget/almost-home-lounge/). The link leads to the Finnish version (use google translate) because the English version is even more limited. Link to google translate (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=fi&sl=fi&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sspfinland.fi%2Ffi%2Flentoasema n-ravintolapalvelut%2Fterminaali-2%2Flounget%2Falmost-home-lounge%2F).

Lounge will open 18.11. Info says in finnish that lounge is open on the top of business passangers for all other passangers. Nothing else.

... any chance of this finally becoming the first Diners Club lounge at HEL also?

It is located next to the Finnair Transfer centre (non schengen area, close to Gate 31) , and the sign outside says it is a lounge for Aeroflot, Air china, Air France, Airport Angles, Airpro, AA, Aurinkomatkat, BA, Bulgaria Air, AY, KLM, Mr Travel, Priority pass, Rossiya Airlines, Servisair, SMT Suomen Matkatoimisto, Ukraine Airlines.
And a pay-in lounge for others.

Open 6.30-23.30


http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/members/arahlen-albums-test-picture3416-almosthome2.jpg



Very close to this one, there also is the newly opened "Quality Hunter lounge" wich I guess is not so much a airline lounge as an marketing spot for AY.

Walked by this new lounge on Sunday but when I saw "Aurinkomatkat" and "Mr. Travel" on the sign by the door I knew immediately that this place is not for me, not even for quick inspection, so I just walked staight into the Spa.

It's in my DNA (since the mid 90s) to stay far as possible from anything that has got something to do with package tours and charter companies.

Most likely I have missed a lot but that's my choice.

Pictures of the new Almost@Home Lounge:

http://qualityhunters2.com/?p=5552

Pictures of the new Almost@Home Lounge:

http://qualityhunters2.com/?p=5552

Looks surprisingly comfortable! But also relatively small.

Should be packed if even economy passengers of qualified airlines can use it. At least it says there that "everybody is welcome". Doesn't specify business or status customers.

edit: Took a while to find but it says there that "Non-member passengers Access for a charge"

Should be packed if even economy passengers of qualified airlines can use it. At least it says there that "everybody is welcome". Doesn't specify business or status customers.Everybody is welcome - against a fee - just like to the Via Lounge or Via Spa.

What's Finnair's policy (or is there one?) between this new lounge and Via lounge..do they still give non-Schenghen J pax w/o status access to Via or do they direct them to the new lounge?

What's Finnair's policy (or is there one?) between this new lounge and Via lounge..do they still give non-Schenghen J pax w/o status access to Via or do they direct them to the new lounge?

Non-Schengen J pax do not have access to Via anymore if not flying AY unless OW Emerald or AY Gold (not sure about Silver if not flying AY?)

Non-Schengen J pax do not have access to Via anymore if not flying AY unless OW Emerald or AY Gold (not sure about Silver if not flying AY?)
So Finnair Lounge (Via) is only for status pax now? Since BA J should use this new lounge as well.

So Finnair Lounge (Via) is only for status pax now? Since BA J should use this new lounge as well.

The way I've understood:

Finnair Silver/Gold/Plat with OW flight (Silvers with AY flight only and Plats with any flight, I'd assume) + OW Emerald/Sapphire with OW flight + non-Schengen AY J pax + AA J pax + Priority Pass.

So the only change seems to be non-status BA CE pax, as far as I can tell.

Called to Finnair Customer Service about new lounge rules for Finnair (Via) lounge in non-Schengen area.

Access granted when
- Finnair silver status and AY flight
- Finnair gold and platinum status and any OW flight
- OW plantinum=emerald status and any OW flight

All others will go to Almost@Home lounge.

This means in practice that in Finnair Via lounge there will be significantly less passangers than earlier.

Called to Finnair Customer Service about new lounge rules for Finnair (Via) lounge in non-Schengen area.

Access granted when
- Finnair silver status and AY flight
- Finnair gold and platinum status and any OW flight
- OW plantinum=emerald status and any OW flight

All others will go to Almost@Home lounge.

This means in practice that in Finnair Via lounge there will be significantly less passangers than earlier.

Wait what? OW (non-AY) Sapphire no longer has access to Via Lounge? Are they trying to pretend that Via Lounge is a F lounge?? :rolleyes:

Called to Finnair Customer Service about new lounge rules for Finnair (Via) lounge in non-Schengen area.

Access granted when
- Finnair silver status and AY flight
- Finnair gold and platinum status and any OW flight
- OW plantinum=emerald status and any OW flight

All others will go to Almost@Home lounge.

This means in practice that in Finnair Via lounge there will be significantly less passangers than earlier.

Even AY J pax..? I don't believe this...the charter lounge is way too small to handle all other OW elites and I don't believe that AY J pax and/or Sapphires aren't allowed?

Wait what? OW (non-AY) Sapphire no longer has access to Via Lounge? Are they trying to pretend that Via Lounge is a F lounge?? :rolleyes:

Exactly, this cannot be the case. Finnair doesn't even offer F service so if they try to pull something like this they are, IMO, heavily breaking the OW alliance wide policy. All Sapphires have access to OW operated J class lounges on the day of departure with OW BP.

I still suspect that this must be an error, oneworld.com is still listing Via as a normal OW lounge, which it very much is...

Well, that would be a violation of OneWorld lounge access rules:
Members of oneworld airline frequent flyer programmes with the equivalent of oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status can use any lounge offered by any oneworld airline when departing on any flight marketed or operated by any oneworld member airline, no matter in which cabin class they are flying.
unless they can "brand it" as an F-lounge, but that would be a really ridicolous move, as AY does not offer any first class tickets on any flights.

Sending J-ticketed passengers to the almost home lounge is stupid, but at least it is in line with the lounge quality offered by AY for non-status J-passengers on many destinations (Bangkok, Hong Kong).
But, if I didn't have status, I would not choose AY for business flying knowing about these lounges...

Well, that would be a violation of OneWorld lounge access rules:

unless they can "brand it" as an F-lounge, but that would be a really ridicolous move, as AY does not offer any first class tickets on any flights.
..

Yep..name one OW First Class lounge where you need to (possibly wait in line and) PAY for a glass of champagne?

This simply cannot be true..just some AY marketing manager has come up with as "brilliant cost saving measure"...if they need to save money just kill the access from all AY silvers..never understood that benefit in the first place..

Yep..name one OW First Class lounge where you need to (possibly wait in line and) PAY for a glass of champagne?

So true! And the "food" section?!?

Hehe, maybe they should try this re-branding thing and I will be the first one to send the letter of complaint about their failure to provide first class services.

Even AY J pax..? I don't believe this...the charter lounge is way too small to handle all other OW elites and I don't believe that AY J pax and/or Sapphires aren't allowed?

Let's not get all bent out of shape over nothing. First, Laajo didn't copy his original post (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17708568-post20.html) completely, i.e. the line "- AY code business ticket" was left out from the original post of this thread.

And I also believe the omission of OW Sapphires by the AY+ rep was a mistake, quite simply.

Let's not get all bent out of shape over nothing. First, Laajo didn't copy his original post (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17708568-post20.html) completely, i.e. the line "- AY code business ticket" was left out from the original post of this thread.

And I also believe the omission of OW Sapphires by the AY+ rep was a mistake, quite simply.

It's good to see that someone remains calm and positive about Finnair on this forum ;)

It's good to see that someone remains calm and positive about Finnair on this forum ;)

After all this I am actually curious to see the new lounge! :p Jan 5 I am flying J to LHR (and onwards to ORD) on BA metal and AA tickets. I'll pretend I am not AY+ Gold.

Remember before the Asian expansion the old long haul lounge by gate 30 was only for l/h J and OW emeralds. Everybody else used the lounge where almost@home is now. Nobody complained this was breaking ow rules as the lounge was not marketed as a business lounge.

At present the Finnair(Via) lounge is still listed as accessible with priority pass.

...on the top of the mentioned access groups, AY business passangers are entitled to access the Finnair (Via) lounge. OW Sapphire cards holders are not entitled to Finnair (Via) lounge anymore.
(I corrected and added the AY business access info but obviously was too slow because this was not updated into my comment...sorry for that)

As summary what I was told today:
Access granted when
- Finnair silver status and AY flight
- Finnair gold and platinum status and any OW flight
- OW plantinum=emerald status and any OW flight
- AY ticket business passangers

Remember before the Asian expansion the old long haul lounge by gate 30 was only for l/h J and OW emeralds. Everybody else used the lounge where almost@home is now. Nobody complained this was breaking ow rules as the lounge was not marketed as a business lounge.

At present the Finnair(Via) lounge is still listed as accessible with priority pass.

Hmm...this is interesting..never thought this side of things...but at least that old "Sapphire / short haul J lounge" had drinks available w/o payment..I understood that "at home" you need to pay for anything else than beer/crappy wine..? Real food was never present at this old lounge, if I recall correctly, so in this sense @home might be a slight improvement...another thing is that the location is extremely poor (on HEL standards, that is) for most BA flights, for example.

OW Sapphire cards holders are not entitled to Finnair (Via) lounge anymore.s

Correct. I was not eligible for entrance a few weeks ago with a BA J ticket and (then) BA Silver (OW Sapphire) status. Only got in after showing my AY Gold (OW sapphire) card...

Correct. I was not eligible for entrance a few weeks ago with a BA J ticket and (then) BA Silver (OW Sapphire) status. Only got in after showing my AY Gold (OW sapphire) card...

OK, then I was wrong up-thread. I guess this will steer some traffic away from Via Lounge. Can't be too many, though... Let's see if this results in any upgrade for the offerings inside Via! (I am not holding my breath.)

No matter what was the policy some years ago at the old lounge I still think that this stinks big time.

Via Lounge = Finnair = Oneworld = Business Class lounge by definition. Not allowing other Sapphires in with OW BP is crap no matter how we put it.

I will make sure to notify Oneworld about this behaviour by AY. They clearly haven't informed the alliance in a proper way as Via is still listed on oneworld.com as a OW lounge, which it apparently is not anymore.

:td::td::td::td::td::td::td::td: Finnair, once again

I was looking OW web-pages. Those does not tell who is entitle to get in the lounges not which of the lounges are OW lounges. Or I did not find the right page...

And not only OW but Finnair should inform their partners. From MMB @BA.com:

"After Check In: Via Lounge or Tower Lounge or Gateway Lounge

Location: Via Lounge is in the non-Schengen area after passport control between gates 36-37. Tower Lounge and Gateway Lounge are located at Schengen area, before passport control.

Catch up on work before you travel, enjoy a snack or simply unwind in a relaxing area away from the busy airport environment. The above lounge eligibility assumes either Executive Club Gold or Silver tier membership."

I was looking OW web-pages. Those does not tell who is entitle to get in the lounges not which of the lounges are OW lounges. Or I did not find the right page...

No, but it's a GENERAL OW rule, Sapphires are allowed in to OW Business Class lounges on the day of travel.

Via = Finnair= OW Business Class lounge by definition, period.

E.g. in BKK there is an separate OW Emerald lounge and an other OW Sapphire/Business class lounge. The way Finnair has taken, sounds a lot like that.

E.g. in BKK there is an separate OW Emerald lounge and an other OW Sapphire/Business class lounge. The way Finnair has taken, sounds a lot like that.

Who cares what Finnair is doing at an out station with their crappy 3rd party lounges. At Suvarnabhumi all Emeralds/Sapphires can use for example the BA/QF F/J lounges, if they wish...

The POINT I've been trying to make is that Via = Business Class lounge, period. It would be different story if they directed AY J pax to "home" as well and only allowed Emeralds to Via.

Another issue is that separating AY Golds from other Sapphires in terms of lounge access is NOT in line with OW policy.

Another issue is that separating AY Golds from other Sapphires in terms of lounge access is NOT in line with OW policy.

And that's why I found it so hard to believe that this was the new policy!

Not a bad idea if somebody would call the Finnair Service Center again and double check the new policy.
The lady I talked with today, had to contact an other department to verify the policy and called me back twice before I got the answer.

I was looking OW web-pages. Those does not tell who is entitle to get in the lounges not which of the lounges are OW lounges. Or I did not find the right page...

It is under "Frequent flyer/Lounge access"
http://www.oneworld.com/ffp/lounge-access/

It is exactly as NoWindowSeat is saying - as this is an business class lounge, it is very clear that OW saphires should have access. It doesn't matter that AY is offering another business class lounge for OW saphires as per OW rules you are allowed to enter any business class lounge.

For me personally this policy (true or not) doesn't change anything, but I really dislike OW-members doing these kinds of odd rules. I have fought enough of dragon ladies around the world to gain lounge access and know how frustrating it is to be directed somewhere else, especially when you know they are denying you access on a home-made rule. If you are in an alliande you better take the bad with the good. That is why I react strongly over this.

I would like to belive that is was just an error by the service centre but since posters here said they were denied access on sapphire status, I don't think so. You OW sapphires better make some fuzz about this!

For me personally this policy (true or not) doesn't change anything, but I really dislike OW-members doing these kinds of odd rules. I have fought enough of dragon ladies around the world to gain lounge access and know how frustrating it is to be directed somewhere else, especially when you know they are denying you access on a home-made rule. If you are in an alliande you better take the bad with the good. That is why I react strongly over this.


Well said, could not agree more. I am personally in a same situation, doesn't affect me but AY cannot be "a bit pregnant" when it comes to OW, either they are in or out but this type of treatment is just plain disgusting - I will create some big noise around this early next year through my OW contacts.

I just flew HEL-LHR on BA metal (AA ticket). First had breakfast in the new lounge, which I had for myself for the better portion of my stay. Good porridge! Better than my cooking @Home... Comfy environment, definitely different from Via. Reasonable selection of newspapers, although apparently all the Iltasanomat had been taken. :p

Then I visited Via, which still has the familiar OW Emerald and Sapphire symbols in the sign. The nice lady at the counter told me that OW Sapphires' access has been returned. I wonder what this whole episode was about? Somebody had a bright idea to cut costs and didn't think the whole thing through?

Glad to see they came through. Most likely my small and polite invasion through OW contacts had nothing to do with this but anyway I'm very happy to see them following OW rules, again!

For once ^^^ Finnair!

Does anybody know how crowded Almost@home lounge gets in the late afternoon, that's when the Via Lounge gets totally packed.....

Also what are the drink offerings at Almost?

Does anybody know how crowded Almost@home lounge gets in the late afternoon, that's when the Via Lounge gets totally packed.....

Also what are the drink offerings at Almost?

Like many/most homes, poor wine + beer ;)

Checked out this lounge few weeks ago. Beer+boxwine is free and rest for a charge. I liked the coziness(warmth... or whatever) and also vife thought it was way nicer than Finnair lounge, but we wanted some Champagne and sauna so we didn't stay for long @home.

edit: btw. Going to London with two friends next fri. Anyone willing to guest one of my friends to either lounge? I'm allowed to guest one due to my emerald status and one due to travelling C(I'm on a combined MR and vacation with friends) but I doubt I can invoke both clauses at the same time :)

See OW lounge access policy by class of service below. Last year I flew SNA-ORD-HEL-KBP on AA/AY. I purchased a coach ticket and upgraded to Business with cash/miles. At that time, I was allowed Finnair Lounge access on the basis of a J intercontinental ticket connecting to an intra-European AY flight (AY segment was not J because upgrade applied only to AA metal).

Would someone flying in this manner still be allowed into the Finnair Lounge, or would they be directed to the Almost Home lounge. I got the impression that AA pax who have AC memberships (but are in Economy) would use the Almost Home lounge, while high-level elites or those in J (regardless of elite status) could use the Finnair Lounge. Anyone know for sure?

oneworld lounge access for First Class or Business Class travellers

Indulge yourself before departure in a wider range of airport lounges when you fly First Class or Business Class with a oneworld member airline.

Customers flying First or Business Class have access to the equivalent class of lounge regardless of their frequent flyer status. (First Class passengers may be accompanied by one guest travelling on a flight operated and marketed by a oneworld airline).

Customers flying in Economy class on the domestic or intra-European segment to connect to or from a oneworld longhaul First or Business Class flight can also use the lounge applicable to the class in which they are travelling the longhaul segment.

Exception: American Airlines AAdvantage® Program members, regardless of their tier status, may not use lounges when travelling solely on North American itineraries (defined as within or between the USA, Canada, Mexico [except Mexico City], the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean). In these cases, access rules are governed by American Airlines' own rules (i.e. paid lounge-access membership).

Flew HEL-LHR on BA metal and ticket last week. The lady at the Via lounge reception didn't want to let me in with BA gold/emerald status and argued that BA's rules have changed so that you need to use the Almost@home lounge. She said that if I was flying AY metal I could enter. Anyway, after some convincing ("it is only 15 min to the boarding time of my flight which is leaving from a gate next to the lounge, etc.") she said that she will make an exception and let me in this time.

I also inquired about Priority Pass access -- you may access except during the rush hour (3pm-6pm), she said.

How frustrating!!

And just a few weeks ago SPBanker reported (5.1.) that the OW Sapphire access had been returned...

The lounge is operated by SSP Finland and their web page clearly says this lounge is also for OW Tier Level Members.

My BA booking (as a BA Silver) states also Gateway Longe in Schengen area - this was closed a long time ago, instead there is Finnair Lounge and Tower Lounge. BA web doesn't say anything (only that there is a third party operated lounge).

Is there an e-mail for BA to ask a clarification for this? Has anyone asked at check-in what lounge to use, if Business or BA Silver/Gold?

I do understand Priority Pass has "restrictions due to limited space", but I have never heard of specific timings and I have been at the lounge at these hours with priority Pass without any problems...??

My BA booking (as a BA Silver) states also Gateway Longe in Schengen area - this was closed a long time ago, instead there is Finnair Lounge and Tower Lounge.
The Tower lounge used to be called the Gateway Tower Lounge. I think BA is referring to that.

The Tower lounge used to be called the Gateway Tower Lounge. I think BA is referring to that.

You are correct, however BA says this in the booking:
Lounges
Via Lounge or Tower Lounge or Gateway Lounge

Location: Via Lounge is in the non-Schengen area after passport control between gates 36-37. Tower Lounge and Gateway Lounge are located at Schengen area, before passport control.

Catch up on work before you travel, enjoy a snack or simply unwind in a relaxing area away from the busy airport environment. The above lounge eligibility assumes either Executive Club Gold or Silver tier membership.

Flew HEL-LHR on BA metal and ticket last week. The lady at the Via lounge reception didn't want to let me in with BA gold/emerald status and argued that BA's rules have changed so that you need to use the Almost@home lounge. She said that if I was flying AY metal I could enter. Anyway, after some convincing ("it is only 15 min to the boarding time of my flight which is leaving from a gate next to the lounge, etc.") she said that she will make an exception and let me in this time.


Please send a complaint about this to SSP. It is really annoying when the lounge guardians do not know their own rules. I assume in this case the lounge receptionist confused the rules regarding access based on class of travel and access based on oneworld status.

http://media.finnair.com/spa/site/ still says (if you click "opening times and prices" link) that OW E and S have access, but no access to BA business class passengers.

How frustrating!!

And just a few weeks ago SPBanker reported (5.1.) that the OW Sapphire access had been returned...

I had no problems getting access to the Finnair lounge as BA Silver on 13 Jan.

Priority Pass Access Restrictions Introduced.

Have had no problems getting into lounge on a BA reward flight.

Just noticed from the priority pass website:

FINNAIR LOUNGE
January 26, 2012

The Finnair Lounge in Terminal 2 is not accessible to Priority Pass cardholders between:-

06:00 - 09:00 & 14:00 - 18:00

I had no problems getting access to the Finnair lounge as BA Silver on 13 Jan.

Were you flying BA or AY metal?

Were you flying BA or AY metal?

BA metal on an AY ticket.

BA metal on an AY ticket.

Sounds good. I hope I can get access - I am BA silver, flying on AY metal with an AA award ticket.

I used the almost@home lounge last Monday morning flying BA in C.

I was very positively surprised - good selection of breakfast, no crowd at all (1 couple and 2 LHR-bound pax), friendly dragon(ette)s

I was very positively surprised - good selection of breakfast, no crowd at all (1 couple and 2 LHR-bound pax), friendly dragon(ette)s

I totally agree with you. Based on the some discussion I have felt that Almost@Home would be someting non-desirable lounge. I have used this lounge now several time before early morning London flights and found it very pleasant experience; quiet, almost empthy, free table to read the morning newspapers...
I may recommend the place at least early mornings.

How frustrating!!

And just a few weeks ago SPBanker reported (5.1.) that the OW Sapphire access had been returned...

The lounge is operated by SSP Finland and their web page clearly says this lounge is also for OW Tier Level Members.

My BA booking (as a BA Silver) states also Gateway Longe in Schengen area - this was closed a long time ago, instead there is Finnair Lounge and Tower Lounge. BA web doesn't say anything (only that there is a third party operated lounge).

Is there an e-mail for BA to ask a clarification for this? Has anyone asked at check-in what lounge to use, if Business or BA Silver/Gold?

I do understand Priority Pass has "restrictions due to limited space", but I have never heard of specific timings and I have been at the lounge at these hours with priority Pass without any problems...??

I quick comment as there hasn't been any recent updates here after some bad experiences.

Currently in the Via lounge, presented my BA BP + BA card at the desk and was just asked with a smile if I wanted wifi codes. Seems to me that all is good and AY treats this lounge again as a real OW lounge, which it very much is.

Looks like a normal airline lounge now with usual OW access. Didn't notice a PP access sign so maybe this has been moved to the Almost@home lounge.

Am sad the Spa has gone :( I wonder what they will do with the space. Maybe seperate lounges for OWE/Longhaul-J and Shorthaul-J/OWS as they had before? I still think having a changing room w/shower and sauna is a great idea, even if they shrink the space. Makes something different about it.

They have introduced buttons to vote on buffet quality. I still think its average and voted as such.

I quick comment as there hasn't been any recent updates here after some bad experiences.

Currently in the Via lounge, presented my BA BP + BA card at the desk and was just asked with a smile if I wanted wifi codes. Seems to me that all is good and AY treats this lounge again as a real OW lounge, which it very much is.

I am very happy to report that there is no need to use those cumbersome codes for wifi anymore in Via. It's Finavia all the way, I had no issues with speed etc.

Sitting 7:30 AM in a very quiet Aspire-lounge near gate 27. Much recommended over the Silver Wings "hospital" with the morning hustle and bustle. PP gives entrance as well as shiny cards from *A (in conjunction with TK or LO flight, other ticket holders go to SK lounge), SkyTeam (in conjunction with AF, KL, or SU flights). Business tickets of TK, LO, AF, KL and SU will do the same. And surprisingly the "economy plus" tickets of FlyBe. The servings are the same as in rest of the Schengen lounges (apart from SK lounge at T1). Toilets spacier and a shower room also available.

OT: The morning was pleasant also flightwise. AY to AMS was overbooked in whY and my 4C was involuntarily ;) op upped to 1D. And the luck went on in the AMS Hilton with exec room upgrade.

Currently at Aspire lounge. In August they let PP holders bring in one guest free, plus walk-ups are €25 (usually €35). Perhaps because of this the place seems pretty packed. No matter, I am hanging in my bubble, my iPad on a log.