Nov 4, 2015, 9:05 am
Last edit by: OH-LGG
Finnair (AY) company website dedicated for A350 fleet can be found HERE
!!
bold= new cabin
!!
A350 Deliveries
OH-LWA (msn 18) delivered 7th Oct 2015 is the first Finnair A350 and started long-haul operations as AY57 to PVG on 21st Nov 2015.
OH-LWB (msn 19) was delivered 14th Dec 2015, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 19th Dec 2015.
OH-LWC (msn 20) was delivered 31st Dec 2015, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 3rd Jan 2016.
OH-LWD (msn 22) was delivered 25th Mar 2016, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 28th Mar 2016.
OH-LWE (msn 23) was delivered 29th Apr 2016, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 1st May 2016
OH-LWF (msn 28) was delivered 25th Jun 2016, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 27th Jun 2016
OH-LWG (msn 51) was delivered 29th Sep 2016, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 30th Sep 2016
OH-LWH (msn 97) was delivered 04th Apr 2017, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 5th Apr 2017
OH-LWI (msn 104) was delivered 02nd Jun 2017, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 5th Jun 2017
OH-LWK (msn 113) was delivered 30th Jun 2017, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 3rd Jul 2017
OH-LWL (msn 134) was delivered on 22th Sep 2017, started as AY 831 to LHR on 27th Sep 2017 and started longhauls on 29th Sep 2017 as AY89 to BKK.
OH-LWM (msn 264) was delivered on 13th Dec 2018, started long-haul operations as AY73 to NRT on 19th Dec 2018
OH-LWN (msn 273) was delivered on 13th Feb 2019, started long-haul operations as AY73 to NRT on 16th Feb 2019
OH-LWO (msn 300) was delivered on 26th Apr 2019, started long haul operations as AY141 to BKK on 29th Apr 2019
OH-LWP (msn 392) was delivered on 10th Feb 2020, started long haul operations as AY141 to BKK on 13th Feb 2020
OH-LWR (msn 410) was delivered on 1st Sep 2020, started long haul operations as AY141 to BKK on 8th Sep 2020
OH-LWS (msn 516) was delivered on 29th Dec 2021, started long haul operations as AY87 to PVG (cargo only) on 24th Jan 2022, first pax service on 28th Feb 2022 as AY9
Seating
2 different configurations exists.
J/46 Y/251: Features 2 J cabins. First 8 birds and 12th(LWA-LWH, LWM) has this config
J/32 Y/304: The minicabin is removed and replaced with Y seating. Babycots in 1L and 41L. Birds 9-11, 13, 15 (LWI-LWL, LWN, LWP) has this config, a.k.a. marsuhäkki config.
Complete seatmap and layout of config 1 can be found HERE and config 2 is here.
Business Class features Zodiac Cirrus III full-flat bed seats in a 1-2-1 abreast config, all seats with direct access to the aisle. Config1 has two business class cabins, row1-8 and 9-12, while config2 only has one (row 1-8). Early reviews has preferred front cabin over minicabin, and for best window seat, row 2 or 1 may be preferable, row 1 for aisle seats.
As operations of A350 has matured, it has become practice to set the snack-bar on top of the cupboard in front of row 1, making row 1 experience a lot of foot traffic and noise.
Config2 also suffers from low toilet/pax quota (2 toilets / 32 pax) as the aft toilets has been assigned to the high density Y cabin, further contributing to high foot traffic in the front of the cabin. For these reasons, a seat further to the back may be preferable. However, all service start in the front and it will usually take a long time to get your meal in row 8.
For couples travelling together there is no clear choice. DH-seats are tilted towards each-other, but you still will not see the other person without leaning forwards. Seat across aisles (AD and HL respectively) has no barriers between them, but are tilted the wrong way and rows are also slightly misaligned.
Economy Comfort on A350 has the exact same seats as in economy, but with ≈4" inches more legroom. They also come with noise cancelling headphones, 1h internet, priority boarding and a small amenity kit.
Finnair platinums and OWE members can select these seats for free. (OWE must call to do so). Other passengers can select comfort seats for a fee, and seats are also sold after boarding.
On config1 comfort is row 21-25, while on config 2 comfort is row 21-24 + 25ABC and 25JKL. Row 21 is bulkhead and has slightly more space, as no seat reclines into the space. None of the configs has that super-space found on some retrofitted A330 though.
On config1 21AC and 21JL are the only paired seats making them preferable, but if you want to have IFE screen in the seat in front of you, pick row 22. On config2 all seats are in groups of 3, and it is also recommended to stay away from row 21 entirely, as it is entangled with the toilets.
In terms of space there are no seats in comfort cabin on either config that beats exit row 41A/C/J/L or 42A/L.
Economy Class features 3-3-3 abreast slimline seating with 32" pitch. The best seats are row 41 with most legroom on A/C/J/L (but they lack window), and row 42 A/L.
These are either labled "extra legroom" or "exit row" and are selectable with status or for a fee.
Economy cabin offers USB for charge - no AC outlets.
In-Flight Entertainment
IFE system is upgraded. Bigger screens, wider selection of movies and music, route mapper and control options. You can watch a movie from start to landing. You will have Bose noise-cancelling earphones in business class and in Economy comfort, and earplugs in economy class.
Wifi: you will see a code (in business class) in the screen when you open the IFE and select language. In economy class, you need to ask cabin crew for a voucher code if you are OWS/OWE, otherwise it costs you 7,95€ per hour, 11,95€ per three hours or 19,95€ for the whole flight. It may take some time until up in the air to get it started. Log in is required, once you have created an account and password, the system will recognize you next time.
Quality issues and early refurbishment
The seats in business class have had many quality issues from day one. Apart from some inherent problems with the seat design, there are also malfunctions and abnormal wear.
As every row has slightly different pitch, fittings and trimmings have had to de adopted manually. Apart from causing delays in delivery, this also has led to many things in the cabin tend to come loose, to squeak and to break.
In june 2017 it was announced that Airbus has accepted responsibility for the quality issues and will replace every seat on every plane delivered until that point in time (9 birds).
The refurbish will take place during the first round of major maintenance round, scheduled to start later this year.
There is no information if there will be any changes made at the same time (addressing complaints about cramped seats and missing stowage space for example), but most likely this is treated as a warranty action and so cabin will be equipped with the exact same seats and layout, albeit with a newer batch of seats.
More details and discussion:
FAM (Familiarization) flights were ongoing within European destinations until the first A350 aircraft was put on regular long-haul service on 21st November 2015. Here is a list of FAM flights quoted by a FT'er.
The "famous" introduction list with initial experiences can be found in THIS thread
Discussion about the first long-haul services and experiences can be found in another THREAD
Links to many trip reports can be found in https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/finn...ion-links.html.
!!
bold= new cabin
!!
A350 Deliveries
OH-LWA (msn 18) delivered 7th Oct 2015 is the first Finnair A350 and started long-haul operations as AY57 to PVG on 21st Nov 2015.
OH-LWB (msn 19) was delivered 14th Dec 2015, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 19th Dec 2015.
OH-LWC (msn 20) was delivered 31st Dec 2015, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 3rd Jan 2016.
OH-LWD (msn 22) was delivered 25th Mar 2016, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 28th Mar 2016.
OH-LWE (msn 23) was delivered 29th Apr 2016, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 1st May 2016
OH-LWF (msn 28) was delivered 25th Jun 2016, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 27th Jun 2016
OH-LWG (msn 51) was delivered 29th Sep 2016, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 30th Sep 2016
OH-LWH (msn 97) was delivered 04th Apr 2017, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 5th Apr 2017
OH-LWI (msn 104) was delivered 02nd Jun 2017, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 5th Jun 2017
OH-LWK (msn 113) was delivered 30th Jun 2017, started long-haul operations as AY89 to BKK on 3rd Jul 2017
OH-LWL (msn 134) was delivered on 22th Sep 2017, started as AY 831 to LHR on 27th Sep 2017 and started longhauls on 29th Sep 2017 as AY89 to BKK.
OH-LWM (msn 264) was delivered on 13th Dec 2018, started long-haul operations as AY73 to NRT on 19th Dec 2018
OH-LWN (msn 273) was delivered on 13th Feb 2019, started long-haul operations as AY73 to NRT on 16th Feb 2019
OH-LWO (msn 300) was delivered on 26th Apr 2019, started long haul operations as AY141 to BKK on 29th Apr 2019
OH-LWP (msn 392) was delivered on 10th Feb 2020, started long haul operations as AY141 to BKK on 13th Feb 2020
OH-LWR (msn 410) was delivered on 1st Sep 2020, started long haul operations as AY141 to BKK on 8th Sep 2020
OH-LWS (msn 516) was delivered on 29th Dec 2021, started long haul operations as AY87 to PVG (cargo only) on 24th Jan 2022, first pax service on 28th Feb 2022 as AY9
Seating
2 different configurations exists.
J/46 Y/251: Features 2 J cabins. First 8 birds and 12th(LWA-LWH, LWM) has this config
J/32 Y/304: The minicabin is removed and replaced with Y seating. Babycots in 1L and 41L. Birds 9-11, 13, 15 (LWI-LWL, LWN, LWP) has this config, a.k.a. marsuhäkki config.
Complete seatmap and layout of config 1 can be found HERE and config 2 is here.
Business Class features Zodiac Cirrus III full-flat bed seats in a 1-2-1 abreast config, all seats with direct access to the aisle. Config1 has two business class cabins, row1-8 and 9-12, while config2 only has one (row 1-8). Early reviews has preferred front cabin over minicabin, and for best window seat, row 2 or 1 may be preferable, row 1 for aisle seats.
As operations of A350 has matured, it has become practice to set the snack-bar on top of the cupboard in front of row 1, making row 1 experience a lot of foot traffic and noise.
Config2 also suffers from low toilet/pax quota (2 toilets / 32 pax) as the aft toilets has been assigned to the high density Y cabin, further contributing to high foot traffic in the front of the cabin. For these reasons, a seat further to the back may be preferable. However, all service start in the front and it will usually take a long time to get your meal in row 8.
For couples travelling together there is no clear choice. DH-seats are tilted towards each-other, but you still will not see the other person without leaning forwards. Seat across aisles (AD and HL respectively) has no barriers between them, but are tilted the wrong way and rows are also slightly misaligned.
Economy Comfort on A350 has the exact same seats as in economy, but with ≈4" inches more legroom. They also come with noise cancelling headphones, 1h internet, priority boarding and a small amenity kit.
Finnair platinums and OWE members can select these seats for free. (OWE must call to do so). Other passengers can select comfort seats for a fee, and seats are also sold after boarding.
On config1 comfort is row 21-25, while on config 2 comfort is row 21-24 + 25ABC and 25JKL. Row 21 is bulkhead and has slightly more space, as no seat reclines into the space. None of the configs has that super-space found on some retrofitted A330 though.
On config1 21AC and 21JL are the only paired seats making them preferable, but if you want to have IFE screen in the seat in front of you, pick row 22. On config2 all seats are in groups of 3, and it is also recommended to stay away from row 21 entirely, as it is entangled with the toilets.
In terms of space there are no seats in comfort cabin on either config that beats exit row 41A/C/J/L or 42A/L.
Economy Class features 3-3-3 abreast slimline seating with 32" pitch. The best seats are row 41 with most legroom on A/C/J/L (but they lack window), and row 42 A/L.
These are either labled "extra legroom" or "exit row" and are selectable with status or for a fee.
Economy cabin offers USB for charge - no AC outlets.
In-Flight Entertainment
IFE system is upgraded. Bigger screens, wider selection of movies and music, route mapper and control options. You can watch a movie from start to landing. You will have Bose noise-cancelling earphones in business class and in Economy comfort, and earplugs in economy class.
Wifi: you will see a code (in business class) in the screen when you open the IFE and select language. In economy class, you need to ask cabin crew for a voucher code if you are OWS/OWE, otherwise it costs you 7,95€ per hour, 11,95€ per three hours or 19,95€ for the whole flight. It may take some time until up in the air to get it started. Log in is required, once you have created an account and password, the system will recognize you next time.
Quality issues and early refurbishment
The seats in business class have had many quality issues from day one. Apart from some inherent problems with the seat design, there are also malfunctions and abnormal wear.
As every row has slightly different pitch, fittings and trimmings have had to de adopted manually. Apart from causing delays in delivery, this also has led to many things in the cabin tend to come loose, to squeak and to break.
In june 2017 it was announced that Airbus has accepted responsibility for the quality issues and will replace every seat on every plane delivered until that point in time (9 birds).
The refurbish will take place during the first round of major maintenance round, scheduled to start later this year.
There is no information if there will be any changes made at the same time (addressing complaints about cramped seats and missing stowage space for example), but most likely this is treated as a warranty action and so cabin will be equipped with the exact same seats and layout, albeit with a newer batch of seats.
More details and discussion:
FAM (Familiarization) flights were ongoing within European destinations until the first A350 aircraft was put on regular long-haul service on 21st November 2015. Here is a list of FAM flights quoted by a FT'er.
The "famous" introduction list with initial experiences can be found in THIS thread
Discussion about the first long-haul services and experiences can be found in another THREAD
Links to many trip reports can be found in https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/finn...ion-links.html.
Finnair A350 XWB master thread
Jul 12, 2016, 5:15 pm
#511
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Platinum, TK Elite, BT VIP, AA, BA, SK, DL, NT, WB + hotels
Posts: 8,750
Jul 12, 2016, 5:26 pm
#512
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Platinum, TK Elite, BT VIP, AA, BA, SK, DL, NT, WB + hotels
Posts: 8,750
I wasnt looking that angle at all, more like point to point HEL-SFO demand, good connections via LHR/JFK/ORD. I can't really see AY making SFO to work with transit business to/from (Eastern) Europe esp. with current Russian state of things...not even thought of West Coast to Asia via HEL..
For the SFO route to be viable, I believe there would need to be good connections on one side of the pond, or preferably both sides. It seems like SFO could be operated within the current wave system, so connections via HEL would be okay but of course competition is fierce. All major Euro-carriers offer SFO and I believe that even SK currently offers some SFO flights as well, however their lonhgaul strategy is so erratic that those flights will probably be history sooner than later so the Nordics might be considered home market along with Eastern Central Europe.
Of course, there are so many more factors that I can't even think of. Cargo demand, for instance.
Jul 13, 2016, 1:13 am
#513
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SIN
Programs: AY+ Plat, GA Plat, SQ Gold
Posts: 316
I just received a request for feedback regarding the A350. It wasn't the same old Ipsos Mori thing, but something a lot more detailed. You got to compare A330 and A350 and mention a whole lot of things. I'm copying the email here (without the link).
I really took my time answering the survey – I hope the survey really matters.
Has anyone else received this?
I really took my time answering the survey – I hope the survey really matters.
Has anyone else received this?
---
Olemme suunnittelemassa yhteisöömme uutta sisältöä ja suunnittelun pohjaksi haluaisimme tietää, kuinka moni yhteisöläisistä on lentänyt Finnairin uudella A350-lentokoneella. Oletko lentänyt kyseisellä koneella?
---
Ensiviikolla yhteisössämme on aiheena kokemukset Finnairin A350 –lentokoneen businessluokasta.
Jokainen haastatteluun osallistunut saa palkkioksi 5 000 Finnairin plus –pistettä. Pääset ilmoittautumaan mukaan alla olevasta linkistä. Lähetämme osallistujille tarkemmat ohjeet osallistumiseen maanantaina. Mukaan voimme ottaa 7 ensimmäisenä ilmoittautunutta.
---
Kiitos ilmoittautumisestasi Finnairin A350 -businessluokkaan liittyviin haastatteluihin. Olemme nyt aktivoineet jokaiselle osallistujalle oman keskustelupalstan ja lisäämme sinne päivittäin muutamia kysymyksiä.
---
I really did my time answering the questions. There were questions on four separate days, mainly comparing A350 to A330 and only about the business class. They did ask which planes I have flown, so it wasn't a "smart" system selecting participants based on actual flights. They clearly adjusted the content of the daily questions based on the previous replies.
Jul 13, 2016, 3:14 am
#514
Ambassador: Finnair
Join Date: May 2003
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Lumo, BA Silver, HHonors Gold
Posts: 4,268
SFO/Bay Area certainly is very popular destination from Europe but again, for this market, AY/HEL is not positioned too well...for Russia it would work but is there enough demand now to support opening a new route?
In the longer run, maybe, and it could be that AY is trying to secure a slot here for future growth opportunity?
Jul 22, 2016, 6:21 am
#515
Ambassador: Finnair
Join Date: May 2003
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Lumo, BA Silver, HHonors Gold
Posts: 4,268
Not entirely A350 related but last night was the first time ever for me that there was not a single Finnish cabin crew member onboard a long haul flight. Not 100% sure if there were some juniors back in coach but I doubt as the purser was Asian.
Maybe totally normal, I didn't mind it at all...nice & attentive service (except the inflight snack bar which was an epic fail..)
Just an observation onboard AY69 last night.
Maybe totally normal, I didn't mind it at all...nice & attentive service (except the inflight snack bar which was an epic fail..)
Just an observation onboard AY69 last night.
Jul 22, 2016, 8:43 am
#516
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: PVG, FRA, SEA, HEL
Programs: UA Premier Gold
Posts: 4,783
I think that the European and US carriers have added too much capacity to the Bay Area.
I recall a new SK service CPH-SFO, a new BA and LH service to SJC. A new UA service SFO-CDG. A second daily rotation on LX to ZRH. Upgauge from 77E to 747 for the second UA FRA-SFO rotation.
I recall a new SK service CPH-SFO, a new BA and LH service to SJC. A new UA service SFO-CDG. A second daily rotation on LX to ZRH. Upgauge from 77E to 747 for the second UA FRA-SFO rotation.
Jul 22, 2016, 9:44 am
#517
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: CBG
Programs: QR Gold, BA silver
Posts: 352
I have a lowly economy class ticket on A350 (HKG route), so I think I should be able to enjoy free wifi with my OWS status.
However, as I am also in the process of switching to British Airways I would rather putting my miles there. Does anyone know if I can check in and board with my BA nobody card but ask the ground staff to add a note so that I can use the wifi service?
Thanks in advance
However, as I am also in the process of switching to British Airways I would rather putting my miles there. Does anyone know if I can check in and board with my BA nobody card but ask the ground staff to add a note so that I can use the wifi service?
Thanks in advance
Jul 26, 2016, 3:58 am
#518
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 55
I've heard that from August this year AY081 and AY082 (the HEL-SIN return route) will be served daily by the A350.
As someone based in LON, an ex-EU from HEL to SIN on an A350 would be pretty appealing (the other options are QR via DOH with the onboard bar, or a BA ex-EU that hopefully gets the A380).
A few questions -
- Is the A350 noticeably better than an A380 in J (in-cabin air quality, wi-fi for J pax and those with status, IFE)?
- How does AY compare to QR/BA in J generally (I've never flown the airline)?
- What would be a good price on the route? Generally to SIN I would accept ~£1400 (~1700EUR) return from LON or ~£1200 (~1450 EUR) as really good prices that you could get on sale in J. Having had a quick look on Google Flights and ITA, I'm seeing it for far more at the moment (whether via BKK or direct). However with the additional A350s on the route there will probably be a price drop due to capacity?
As someone based in LON, an ex-EU from HEL to SIN on an A350 would be pretty appealing (the other options are QR via DOH with the onboard bar, or a BA ex-EU that hopefully gets the A380).
A few questions -
- Is the A350 noticeably better than an A380 in J (in-cabin air quality, wi-fi for J pax and those with status, IFE)?
- How does AY compare to QR/BA in J generally (I've never flown the airline)?
- What would be a good price on the route? Generally to SIN I would accept ~£1400 (~1700EUR) return from LON or ~£1200 (~1450 EUR) as really good prices that you could get on sale in J. Having had a quick look on Google Flights and ITA, I'm seeing it for far more at the moment (whether via BKK or direct). However with the additional A350s on the route there will probably be a price drop due to capacity?
Jul 26, 2016, 12:11 pm
#520
Moderator, Finnair
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MMX (CPH)
Programs: Eurobonus Diamond, QR Gold, AY+ Platinum, A3*G, Nordic Choice Lifetime Platinum, SJ Prio Black
Posts: 14,174
In general flyers have found the cabin and the seat too cramped, some quality issues with the cabin fittings and such.
As for air quality and flight noise, I'd say A350 and A380 are on par, with A350 slightly better (but I've only flown A380 in F).
Wifi is probably not very plane type dependent. AY wifi has been great when it works, but there seems to still be some teething issues with it and on some flights it is disabled entirely.
IFE is "upgraded" per AY marketing talk, which means it is not crap anymore. They are slow to cycle the content but if this is a one time off, you probably won't notice. They have the odd habit of only loading a few episodes of each TV series they feature, so there is no re-watching an entire season if that is your thing.
That is in general, based on QR having on demand dining, attentive staff, high quality food&drinks, better amenities, cleaner toilets (cleaned on route).
However, AY has far better connections (shorter), easier transfer at HEL.
Comparing AY to BA, AY is better because of smaller cabins, less noise, less foot traffic and leaning over. On AY, all seats have direct aisle access and there are single seats.
However, AY service might be even slower than BA and if jolly is your thing, you won't find it on AY.
Last edited by intuition; Jul 26, 2016 at 12:17 pm
Jul 26, 2016, 3:32 pm
#521
Ambassador: Finnair
Join Date: May 2003
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Lumo, BA Silver, HHonors Gold
Posts: 4,268
After the last few months of travels, I think I now have enough experience with AY A350 J to really judge it..Only one thing to say..an utter and epic fail, period.
I would take BA A380 (or 777/747) any day over AY A350 in J. I don't care about coach the least, no experience/no comments. The AY seats are simply horrible and too tight cabin layout..for example not enough toilets vs. pax.
During last few days I had many legs with CX who has same seat but the more expensive version of it..quite a difference and makes AY A350 J feel more like Y+ in comparison.
Sad to say but overall (not only the new A350s) AY LH J is nowhere compared to past years. Great crew can still make it feel pleasant, but that is it. Sad but true.
I would take BA A380 (or 777/747) any day over AY A350 in J. I don't care about coach the least, no experience/no comments. The AY seats are simply horrible and too tight cabin layout..for example not enough toilets vs. pax.
During last few days I had many legs with CX who has same seat but the more expensive version of it..quite a difference and makes AY A350 J feel more like Y+ in comparison.
Sad to say but overall (not only the new A350s) AY LH J is nowhere compared to past years. Great crew can still make it feel pleasant, but that is it. Sad but true.
Jul 27, 2016, 2:57 am
#522
Join Date: Aug 2006
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 372
After the last few months of travels, I think I now have enough experience with AY A350 J to really judge it..Only one thing to say..an utter and epic fail, period.
I would take BA A380 (or 777/747) any day over AY A350 in J. I don't care about coach the least, no experience/no comments. The AY seats are simply horrible and too tight cabin layout..for example not enough toilets vs. pax.
During last few days I had many legs with CX who has same seat but the more expensive version of it..quite a difference and makes AY A350 J feel more like Y+ in comparison.
Sad to say but overall (not only the new A350s) AY LH J is nowhere compared to past years. Great crew can still make it feel pleasant, but that is it. Sad but true.
I would take BA A380 (or 777/747) any day over AY A350 in J. I don't care about coach the least, no experience/no comments. The AY seats are simply horrible and too tight cabin layout..for example not enough toilets vs. pax.
During last few days I had many legs with CX who has same seat but the more expensive version of it..quite a difference and makes AY A350 J feel more like Y+ in comparison.
Sad to say but overall (not only the new A350s) AY LH J is nowhere compared to past years. Great crew can still make it feel pleasant, but that is it. Sad but true.
Jul 27, 2016, 3:23 am
#523
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 55
I know nothing about BA A380, but if comparing AY A350 to a generic A380 I wouldn't say it is better. Read this and other threads about AY A350 to find peoples pros/cons. It can't really be summarized in a single post.
In general flyers have found the cabin and the seat too cramped, some quality issues with the cabin fittings and such.
As for air quality and flight noise, I'd say A350 and A380 are on par, with A350 slightly better (but I've only flown A380 in F).
Wifi is probably not very plane type dependent. AY wifi has been great when it works, but there seems to still be some teething issues with it and on some flights it is disabled entirely.
IFE is "upgraded" per AY marketing talk, which means it is not crap anymore. They are slow to cycle the content but if this is a one time off, you probably won't notice. They have the odd habit of only loading a few episodes of each TV series they feature, so there is no re-watching an entire season if that is your thing.
IMHO QR > AY > BA
That is in general, based on QR having on demand dining, attentive staff, high quality food&drinks, better amenities, cleaner toilets (cleaned on route).
However, AY has far better connections (shorter), easier transfer at HEL.
Comparing AY to BA, AY is better because of smaller cabins, less noise, less foot traffic and leaning over. On AY, all seats have direct aisle access and there are single seats.
However, AY service might be even slower than BA and if jolly is your thing, you won't find it on AY.
In general flyers have found the cabin and the seat too cramped, some quality issues with the cabin fittings and such.
As for air quality and flight noise, I'd say A350 and A380 are on par, with A350 slightly better (but I've only flown A380 in F).
Wifi is probably not very plane type dependent. AY wifi has been great when it works, but there seems to still be some teething issues with it and on some flights it is disabled entirely.
IFE is "upgraded" per AY marketing talk, which means it is not crap anymore. They are slow to cycle the content but if this is a one time off, you probably won't notice. They have the odd habit of only loading a few episodes of each TV series they feature, so there is no re-watching an entire season if that is your thing.
IMHO QR > AY > BA
That is in general, based on QR having on demand dining, attentive staff, high quality food&drinks, better amenities, cleaner toilets (cleaned on route).
However, AY has far better connections (shorter), easier transfer at HEL.
Comparing AY to BA, AY is better because of smaller cabins, less noise, less foot traffic and leaning over. On AY, all seats have direct aisle access and there are single seats.
However, AY service might be even slower than BA and if jolly is your thing, you won't find it on AY.
EDIT - Did a bit of googling and dug up this review on the A350: http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...s-review-a350/
It seems to validate basically everything you said, and I would concur based on reading the above that it seems miles ahead of BA J, which I only fly on as a redemption or an upgrade using Avios because it's not value for money. AY seems to beat BA especially on the food/drink, the Bose headphones, and the Wi-Fi, although it is probably not on par with QR (which is hard to do, QR J is equivalent to BA F for me).
Last edited by sc82491; Jul 27, 2016 at 3:56 am
Jul 27, 2016, 4:25 am
#524
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Helsinki, Finland
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Posts: 1,655
Jul 27, 2016, 6:56 am
#525
Ambassador: Finnair
Join Date: May 2003
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Lumo, BA Silver, HHonors Gold
Posts: 4,268
For food and drink I go to restaurants so not that big of a deal what they serve, as long as you get something. Seat / cabin much more important to me than someone coming over for a small talk over my cards.
I wasn't trying to do too much comparison, really, just reflecting my deep disappointment with AY..