After a lazy drive of just over three hours, we arrived at long term parking at JFK at around 3:30pm for a 7:05pm departure. Had we run into heavy traffic my backup plan was to use short term parking (about $21 more a day). On to the AirTrain we went. Two gripes are that there is no (apparent) restroom at the train station (legitimate gripe) and that our terminal, Terminal 8, was the last stop (first world problems). Once exited from the train we made out way to FInnair check in, where there was only one couple in front of us at priority check in.
Check in was smooth. Two things I liked were that they printed your lounge access info on the actual front of your boarding pass and a map of the HEL airport on the back.
The line for non-Pre security was about 20 minutes. Just enough time for me to internally debate/ridicule/torture myself over why I haven't gotten Pre√ from my wife. After stowing my laptop back away, slipping my shoes back on , and sliding my belt back around my waist it was off to the AA Flagship Lounge.
I've been to most of the FL in the states, at this point. I use the lounges as a respite from the chaotic terminal. My wife, on the other hand, is all about the food. She souped up and settled in quickly as I went back to the concourse to make sure my new debit card functioned properly (Schwab card with no foreign /ATM fees).
Plane spotting
We headed to the gate at around 6:15pm in anticipation of boarding. The positioning of our gate and jetway made it impossible for me to get a shot of our A330-300. Anyway, boarding began promptly at 6:25pm and was completed by 6:50pm (wow).
Choosing our seats took a bit of research. The AY 333 has a rather uncommon 1/2-2-1 configuration. There are three "throne seats" , 2A/4A/6A, on the left side that alternate with rows containing two seats. My wife loves window seats, as do I. Being that there were no thrones left I went with two seats on the right.
AY A333 Business Class layout
I knew the A333 wasn't going to be the lap of luxury so my expectations were low. My wife, however, thought it was the most amazing plane that ever existed (her last trip was on Frontier Airlines). So we settled in for our journey to HEL.
Enjoying her first PDB
Leg room...not the best for long legs in a lie flat.
Menu, no reindeer ex-JFK
Normal seat charging items
Rather pedestrian amenity kits
IFE
PDB (Blueberry juice), slippers, menus
Weathered/dirty seat controls
Controls/Console
Loo with a view
With boarding completed, we headed out about 5 minutes early (7:00pm) to wait our turn for takeoff. No good deed goes unpunished as we waited about an hour for a departure slot, finally wheels up at a little after 8pm. On the way I spotted a gaggle of BA 747s. Not sure if it's normal but that's as many as I've seen in one spot outside of LHR.
3 Queens
As stated, I didn't have high hopes for the hard product on this leg of the flight. At 9 hours flight time, it was pushing it but the price (and earnings) was right. Not the most comfortable lie flat but I was able to get about 6 hours sleep. The pillow and blanket provided could've been better. Blanket was about 5' long with the pillow being only slightly better than a typical Y class pillow. Not supplying pajamas for a 9 hour overnight flight is also a misstep, in my opinion. We brought our own (from AA) and changed into them after departing. As is my custom, I did not participate in either of the in flight meals. My wife reports that both of her meals did the trick. She had the poached salmon for dinner and the french toast prior to arrival.
What I will say is that the flight crew was absolutely delightful. Every interaction I had was amazing. Being One World Emerald, I was welcomed by the purser personally at my seat prior to takeoff. I was also asked about my dining needs before the rest of the cabin. You don't get that treatment as a domestic Executive Platinum and I understand why. Still, it's refreshing to be the recipient of an unpublished perk and got the trip off to a great start.
Next up: HEL