Finnair Plus - Enough connection time at HEL? Need to go through customs?

I'll be flying LGA-LHR-HEL-RVN on Finnair (all on one ticket)

I just realized my connection time in HEL is only 55 minutes -- might that be a problem?

I'll have my luggage checked from LGA all the way to RVN. However, will I have to pick-up my luggage to go through customs in HEL (since it's my first connection in my final destination country)?

I understand how customs/luggage works in the US, but I'm always confused about this part in Europe (especially with the whole Schengen/non-Schengen thing). If someone might be able to clarify (or point me to a link), it would be much appreciated.

thanks

I'll be flying LGA-LHR-HEL-RVN on Finnair (all on one ticket)

You'll probably be flying LHR-HEL-RVN on Finnair. I don't think you're going to fly LGA-LHR directly on any airline.

I just realized my connection time in HEL is only 55 minutes -- might that be a problem?

MCT for non-Schengen -> domestic is 40 mins - so no it's not a problem.

I'll have my luggage checked from LGA all the way to RVN. However, will I have to pick-up my luggage to go through customs in HEL (since it's my first connection in my final destination country)?

No you won't have to pick up your luggage until Rovaniemi. In case you need to contact customs you can do it there.

I understand how customs/luggage works in the US, but I'm always confused about this part in Europe (especially with the whole Schengen/non-Schengen thing).

Schengen is about border control/immigration - not customs. You always go through customs in your final destination (except for the US and some small airports that lack customs facilities). In Europe, you go through immigration at your first point of entry (in your case HEL) as there is no border control for intra-Schengen travel.

You won't even go through security because you arrive from London. Rescreening is only necessary when you don't arrive from the EU, non-EU Schengen countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland) and the USA and probably Canada (I'm not sure).

Thanks for the replies! I think I get it now: So basically only in the USA do you have to pick-up your bag and re-drop it off at your first entry point if the country is your final destination..

However, at LHR I'll go through passport control with everyone else, since our first point of entry in Europe.

However, at LHR I'll go through passport control with everyone else, since our first point of entry in Europe.

I believe you'll go through passport control in HEL also though (in addition to LHR), since LHR is not in Schengen.

However, at LHR I'll go through passport control with everyone else, since our first point of entry in Europe.

No. The UK is not part of Schengen - sorry for the ambiguity in my previous reply. I meant to say in Schengen you go through immigration at your first point of entry (in your case HEL) as there is no border control for intra-Schengen travel.

I believe you'll go through passport control in HEL also though (in addition to LHR), since LHR is not in Schengen.

He won't go through immigration in London as a transit passenger.

Additionally "passport control" is a bit ambiguous as basically your passport gets "controlled" by the airline at check-in and when boarding the plane. The point with the grumpy officials is usually called Immigration or Border Control.

A very odd itinerary indeed, since it is difficult to find flights from LGA to LHR, unless at least 1-stop. :confused:

After getting out of US and having landed in LHR, depending on the carrier, there may be a terminal transfer. That can be done airside or landside.

If going to landside (regardless of terminal transfer or not), there will be a passport control at the UK immigration. Then before catching the LHR-HEL flight (which depart from T3), there is a regular security check and screening of hand luggage, before entering the airside.

If doing the transfer using airside, a security check with screening of hand luggage takes place before entering the main terminal T3.

At HEL you will meet the much feared Finnish border guards (unless you have a Schengen e-passport and use the automatic booths) and passport check takes place. No screening for the hand luggage. 30 to 40 minutes should be ample time for change of plane, if the incoming flight is not delayed.

Customs is very active at HEL and most likely the ex-Schengen to Finland tagged luggage will be screened there. Finally at RVN you either contact the Customs or they may contact you, if necessary.

No you won't have to pick up your luggage until Rovaniemi. In case you need to contact customs you can do it there.


The first part is definitely true, there is no need to pick up the luggage if it is has been checked through to RVN.

However, the customs clearance is in theory more complicated. At least when entering Finland, it takes place at the first point of entry, in this case Helsinki. This does not usually cause any complications, since you do not have to do anything if there are no goods to declare. But in case you do need to declare something, you must do it by using the telephones provided at deboarding.

Information from Finnair site
( http://www.finnair.com/finnaircom/wps/portal/Customs/en_INT )

Connecting flights within Finland

[...]

The transfer of baggage directly to the connecting flight requires, however, that passengers verbally declare any goods requiring customs clearance at Helsinki airport:

[...]

(2) through the customs telephone in the passenger bridge or at the bus gate upon arrival from a another EU country or from a non-EU country via another EU country, if the passenger has not declared any goods requiring customs clearance at the customs of the said EU country.

The customs authorities make their decision based on this verbal declaration:

(1) immediately at Helsinki Airport if there is enough time before the departure of the connecting flight

(2) at the passenger's destination airport in Finland if agreed separately

(3) at a later date, in which case the passenger needs to pick up the decision at an agreed customs office or it is send to the passenger by post.

This is not at all as complicated as it sounds.

At LHR, you will go through security. No passport control.

At HEL, you will go through immigration. No security control. 55 min should be just fine.

At RVN, you will pick up your bags and be on your way. No controls.

Please check your departure airport in NYC since La Guardia is a domestic-only airport.