Hi –
I fly intercontinental business class regularly on various airlines and like AY.
BA vs. AY head-to-head comparison below.
AY
- everything feels generally well-maintained and organized
- Finnair does not have First, and as business class is their best offering, they try hard to please you
- food is Finnair longhaul's weak spot (it's just cheap)
- I personally don't like their seat either (Zodiac Vantage) as it is tiny -- does not provide enough space for legs (to turn when sleeping etc.)
- generally the crew treats you well. However, there is a huge variation in the individual crew members ability to deliver good service (e.g. you have some of the best FAs in the industry whereas there are also bozos who don't care or are lost in what comes to interacting with a customer)
BA
- seat has plenty of space to sleep (I'm 6'1)
- crew hard to approach, but most often they get what you want
- the cabin interior is somewhat clinical and cold vs. the light colors of Finnair
- they spend more on the meals so the food is better on North Atlantic
- the IFE is probably better, but who cares? If you want to watch movie, bring your own iPad...