Mini TP Run to HEL
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 125
Mini TP Run to HEL
Hi, I'm planning to do a mini Tierpoint run to HEL. Going out on the BA798, returning BA795 the following day.
So I got about 7 hours+ waiting/sleeping time at HEL. Ideally, I'd like to use one of the GoSleep pods, which are after security. I tried to find out when security closes at HEL. But no luck so far. As BA798 lands 11.30pm, would anyone on here know, if will I be able to transit to airside this late?
Also, as a Silver travelling on BA business, which lounge at HEL would you recommend to grab some breakfast?
Thanks for your help
So I got about 7 hours+ waiting/sleeping time at HEL. Ideally, I'd like to use one of the GoSleep pods, which are after security. I tried to find out when security closes at HEL. But no luck so far. As BA798 lands 11.30pm, would anyone on here know, if will I be able to transit to airside this late?
Also, as a Silver travelling on BA business, which lounge at HEL would you recommend to grab some breakfast?
Thanks for your help
#2
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 41,091
Hi, I'm planning to do a mini Tierpoint run to HEL. Going out on the BA798, returning BA795 the following day.
So I got about 7 hours+ waiting/sleeping time at HEL. Ideally, I'd like to use one of the GoSleep pods, which are after security. I tried to find out when security closes at HEL. But no luck so far. As BA798 lands 11.30pm, would anyone on here know, if will I be able to transit to airside this late?
Also, as a Silver travelling on BA business, which lounge at HEL would you recommend to grab some breakfast?
Thanks for your help
So I got about 7 hours+ waiting/sleeping time at HEL. Ideally, I'd like to use one of the GoSleep pods, which are after security. I tried to find out when security closes at HEL. But no luck so far. As BA798 lands 11.30pm, would anyone on here know, if will I be able to transit to airside this late?
Also, as a Silver travelling on BA business, which lounge at HEL would you recommend to grab some breakfast?
Thanks for your help
in the morning just walk back to passport control to go back in to the non-schengen area for your flight back. I would use the AY lounge just past gate 34 in the non-Schengen area for breakfast. I think it opens about 6am.
no security needed as long as you stay airside.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 125
you will be airside when you land. Arriving and departing passengers mix at HEL and are not segregated. You will need to go through passport control to go across to the schengen area and around to t1 - I think the pods are somewhere in t1?
in the morning just walk back to passport control to go back in to the non-schengen area for your flight back.
no security needed as long as you stay airside.
#4
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 41,091
yes it’s all one long building and you can walk all the way around and remain airside. when you arrive head through passport control and follow the signs to gate 12. Do not head down the escalators after passport control as that will take you to the baggage hall and out landside.
#5
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,553
You can book the pods through booking.com . I would still consider the new Scandic Hotel (opening this spring) or the Hilton. The covered outdoor walking distance is the same even though you have to go through security in the morning. The price of the pod is around 45 € whereas you might find a real hotel room for 100 € or less. Sometimes there are affordable rooms even in the Glo Hotel situated one floor below the arrival hall. Ofcourse, the pod is something new and could be fun as such.
#6
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 834
Lounge tip for Silvers
I was told as a silver I could go into the premium side of the lounge after 5pm which I did. Much nicer food and drink. Not sure if this is official or not but worth a try assuming you are still in the airport after that time.
Ignore me. I see you are there overnight. Sorry. But will leave in case of use to others.
Ignore me. I see you are there overnight. Sorry. But will leave in case of use to others.
Last edited by CaroFos; Feb 12, 18 at 5:14 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: WAW ✈ LHR ✈ GLA
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, HH Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador
Posts: 2,473
teledude was not impressed with pods recently and also found out that if you exit landside you won't be able to get back airside as security is closed at night. if you intend to use pods, make sure you stay airside after going through passport control.
Last edited by megaloman; Feb 13, 18 at 2:40 am Reason: Mentioned teledude
#8
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: HEL
Programs: LH SEN, DL Diamond, BA GGL, AY Platinum, IHG Diamond Amb, HH Diamond
Posts: 516
#9
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire
Posts: 1,183
I would add that you might want to see if the Hilton has any offer. Of course it's more expensive than the pods but it's a great hotel with proper quiet room. I've seen prices as low as EUR150 but if you leave it late it can be EUR300-400 as well, which I don't think it's worth it. If you have status with Hilton (diamond, gold) then you can have a free breakfast which I think is better than the Finnair lounge offering for Silver or Business passengers. Gold would be a different matter...
Also don't forget if you just buy the BA CE ticket return it should have same day change possibility (check it when you book it) so on the way back you can try to change it to the 8:00am Finnair A350 which has flat beds. As you would arrive on the BA798 quite late you can stay up an another 30-40 min then midnight kicks in and if there is availability you most likely can change it. Don't try at the airport as they are clueless. If you can't do it with the App or web site, just call BA and they should do it. In that way you can get an another 2 hours of sleeping and you should arrive earlier than BA795. (by schedule)
Also don't forget if you just buy the BA CE ticket return it should have same day change possibility (check it when you book it) so on the way back you can try to change it to the 8:00am Finnair A350 which has flat beds. As you would arrive on the BA798 quite late you can stay up an another 30-40 min then midnight kicks in and if there is availability you most likely can change it. Don't try at the airport as they are clueless. If you can't do it with the App or web site, just call BA and they should do it. In that way you can get an another 2 hours of sleeping and you should arrive earlier than BA795. (by schedule)
#10
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 41,091
Also don't forget if you just buy the BA CE ticket return it should have same day change possibility (check it when you book it) so on the way back you can try to change it to the 8:00am Finnair A350 which has flat beds. As you would arrive on the BA798 quite late you can stay up an another 30-40 min then midnight kicks in and if there is availability you most likely can change it. Don't try at the airport as they are clueless. If you can't do it with the App or web site, just call BA and they should do it. In that way you can get an another 2 hours of sleeping and you should arrive earlier than BA795. (by schedule)
#11
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire
Posts: 1,183
No, done it now a few times... you get a new Ba e ticket and your Finnair boarding pass would say AY1331 Sold as BA6031. That is why I said earlier that don't try it at the airport as they would say that which is not true...
#12
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Vale of Glamorgan
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 2,779
I would add that you might want to see if the Hilton has any offer. Of course it's more expensive than the pods but it's a great hotel with proper quiet room. I've seen prices as low as EUR150 but if you leave it late it can be EUR300-400 as well, which I don't think it's worth it.
#13
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire
Posts: 1,183
That's a good price! I would pay that anytime than the PODS at EUR45... (even it's room only and status won't help for a free breakfast/lounge/points/etc as it's a travel agent booking)