Finnair short haul business class concept has gone through major changes lately. I am fully aware that the market is very difficult, but I would like to know what is the strategy or mindset behind the changes? To increase interest and revenue or to gradually fade out the whole business class. Currently, the cheapest option, business light, does not include priority check in, fast track security, lounge access or seat selection. In my opinion, the most important aspects of short haul business class service. For direct flights, there competitors Lufthansa and Air France have all or most of the above-mentioned benefits included in their cheapest business class ticket type. Still Finnair is far more expensive on those routes. On random dates HEL-CDG Finnair 1171 euros, Air France 591 and HEL-FRA Finnair 566, Lufthansa 351. And when compering to economy ticket, you basically pay 200-300 hundreds more for a mediocre meal service and empty seat next to you. Not quite worth the money in my opinion.

I have flown Finnair business class for two decades. As it is mostly leisure travel, champagne served in an Ultima Thule class has been a good start and set the mood for the journey and it is something essentially Finnish or Finnairish. I know champagne cannot be the deciding factor for flying Finnair business class but now that it has been enhanced away it feels that there is really nothing left to justify myself buying anymore Finnair short haul business class tickets. I will keep on flying to LHR because of A350 and good tier points for BA loyalty program.

I would like to read your opinions. Is Finnair on the right track and are you happy to pay the current prices considering the product on offer?