Finnair Plus - Business class in Embraer 170 / 190

I'm soon flying from HEL to MAN in J (burning some AY Points). I've never been on board their Embraer fleet and was wondering what should I expect from my flights? I'll be able to sample both the 170 and 190 aircrafts. Flight time for outbound and inbound flights is between 2h40min and 2h55min, so should I expect a full course warm meal?

2-2 seating up front, no seat blocking. The front cabin can get very cold during the flight so do request a blanket if not wearing a jacket or pullover.

The EMB has no storage space so jackets have to be put in the overhead lockers. Can't remember if the seats have coat hooks. The 170 only has a toilet in the aft but if I remember correctly there might be a second one up front on the 190.

Food is the normal Finnair good sh standard. Cold starter, warm main, dessert and the wrapped cheese. Wine assortment similar to Airbuses.

Mosburger summed it up very nicely and I can confirm that there's no toilet up front in E70. Food will be ok and service will most likely be top notch with bubbly/drinks flowing should you wish to take part in that.

If the flight is not fully booked (which is rather unlikely nowadays) there will be plenty of space to spread out in J as they usually reserve free seats for J "cabin" on short hauls.

Thank you gents! Since the seats will be the same as in economy, I'll make sure to concentrate on enjoying the bubbly and attentive service rather than the seat. :D

Avoid 1A if there is any chance that 1C is taken. The table coming out of the handrest is small and wobbly, with no other place for the champagne glass.

with no other place for the champagne glass.

:D

Actually I reserved seat 2D for both the outbound and inbound flights, wanted to avoid bulkhead seats. Looks like only 1A is available on the way there, and two seats are available on the way back.

I can recommend 1C on the E190 if neither it nor 1A is taken. 1A has the half bulkhead in front of it which 1C doesn't (I was booked in 1A but switched to the adjacent seat after take-off).

Personally, I would burn points on a different route unless MAN is your destination for other means: the Embraers aren't that special (no inflight entertainment ... not sure if this is usual for AY SH), Y seats and hardly a premium landside experience at MAN: the 3rd party lounge is perfunctory at best, I found no benefit of J at check-in (one queue going to the two desks) ... oh, you do get express-lane for security.

BD

Thanks for your tip! Looks like 1C is taken, but I'll keep my eyes on it in case it comes available.

I'm flying for other reasons than just burning points. I agree that it's not the most ideal route for an award trip, but I just have to get there!

AY operates from Terminal 1, BA from Terminal 3. Is there any chance that I could use the BA Terraces lounge and just change terminals quickly? Or would I have to go landside for that?

I can recommend 1C on the E190 if neither it nor 1A is taken. 1A has the half bulkhead in front of it which 1C doesn't (I was booked in 1A but switched to the adjacent seat after take-off).

Personally, I would burn points on a different route unless MAN is your destination for other means: the Embraers aren't that special (no inflight entertainment ... not sure if this is usual for AY SH), Y seats and hardly a premium landside experience at MAN: the 3rd party lounge is perfunctory at best, I found no benefit of J at check-in (one queue going to the two desks) ... oh, you do get express-lane for security.

BD

AY operates from Terminal 1, BA from Terminal 3. Is there any chance that I could use the BA Terraces lounge and just change terminals quickly? Or would I have to go landside for that?

There is an airside connection between T1 and T3 in MAN with security and immigration control, took me some 15-20 minutes walk incl security. However I'm not sure if you get to T3 airside without boarding pass for deprature from T3, you better ask at UK & Ireland forum.

There is an airside connection between T1 and T3 in MAN with security and immigration control, took me some 15-20 minutes walk incl security. However I'm not sure if you get to T3 airside without boarding pass for deprature from T3, you better ask at UK & Ireland forum.

Last time I did this connection they bussed us from T1 to T3 (AY to AA) and were very strict about having the proper boarding pass for a T3 departure. I imagine T3 departures will be the same but you could always try talking your way in - you never know. Just keep in mind that the T3 -> T1 connection will take at least 20 minutes so allow plenty of time for that.

How's the lounge AY uses in T1? Dire I assume, but how dire? I'll be there in November.

How's the lounge AY uses in T1? Dire I assume, but how dire? I'll be there in November.

It's OK .... nothing to write home about! Usual drinks, pretzels, chips. Have to exit the lounge to use the bathroom. I was there around breakfast time - definitely not worth breaking your fast over!

Restricted view over the apron is about it's best feature!

BD

The EMB has no storage space so jackets have to be put in the overhead lockers. Can't remember if the seats have coat hooks. .

I think there is a small storage space on E190 for jackets in front of 1D. My jacket was put there last time after I had put on the coat hook in front of 1A.