haapalainen

The temporary refusal to let BA passengers use the AY lounge is because of the large renovations and closure of the premium side. There is just physically not enough space at the moment in the lounge to give access to all OW passengers. For once this is a valid reason to limit access due to capacity constraints as per OW rules.

Additionally, why would anyone want to go to a lounge where there is at peak times absolutely no seating available, limited catering and where they are using disposable plates/cutlery due to no running water in the kitchen. Instead, I would be very happy that BA is giving its passengers the option to use the perfectly nice Almost@Home lounge unlike AY!

riku2

I'm afraid Finns generally and the airport authority in particular are not good at signs.My colleagues from abroad pass through the taxi stands not realising there are now four different stands with different prices from each. And having a sign at the airport's train station ticket machines to remind visitors that Helsinki airport is not in Helsinki and a Helsinki area ticket is not valid for travel to/from the airport was something that did not occur to them.

So I doubt there will be any clear sign at the AY lounge to tell people that only AY passengers are admitted. Instead the staff can inform passengers in person - although I would get tired saying that about 2000 times a day.

TWCLAM

Sorry I meant more in ref' to occasions cited above where capacity wasn't as an issue and eg about 5 people can be seen in the lounge. @riku2 thanks for the general observation on the Finns apart nonchalance regarding signage as someone whose going to be spending a few days in Helsinki and exploring the place i'll definitely bare that in mind.

On the basis it just seems to be a Finn thing i'll leave the lounge staff as they are.

riku2

Personally i'm glad the premium lounge is closed for some rebuilding and enlargement. Even though I qualify I often went to the business class part instead. It would be almost empty in there at 7am meanwhile the premium lounge (supposedly a better class of lounge) quite busy. Or I might quickly have something to eat there and into the business lounge for some peace and quiet.

Ilovethebeachclub

We just got back from our trip & thought I'd report our experience. (DH in business, me in economy)

Lounge in Dublin was OK - we paid for me to go in & they were just finishing breakfast & putting out lunch. Walk up bar (ran out of Guinness by midday). Selection of wraps/ soup/ cheese etc.
DUB - LHR was packed - ran out of food choice (was ploughmans or sandwiches)
Lounge at LHR kindly let me in FOC. Most drinks were self serve (had to ask for sparkling). Really good choice of hot food. Much better than at DUB.
LHR - HEL was pretty much full. DH sat in 1A & said never again after being hit by people luggage constantly during main boarding, He thinks he ate pasta!

Stayed 2 nights at the Scandic Helsinki Airport - very happy with hotel choice - easy to find, comfy beds, free breakfast, pretty foyer.
Absolutely loved Helsinki & walked 10+ miles during the day.

HEL - LHR - left on time. Choice of continental or full English breakfast. No time for lounge.
LHR was busy so no lounge for me. DH said it was 'ok' but I think he was feeling guilty.
LHR - DUB - he swapped seats & let me sit in business. Choice of sandwiches or meat platter with scones & cream & a tart. Lovely! Business was full.

RG1X

I'm a fan of the Scandic. I'm going back there on this trip.

I recommend their "no-waste" cocktails.

fluffymitten

I'll be booking some TP runs probably for March/April so have bookmarked this thread to add my details when I get myself organised. Handy to see who else is travelling so I can plan accordingly

Colnic2011

Will be sat in 1A for tomorrow's trip LHR > HEL BA0794

come and say hi if you are on this flight

Jamier45

@BAGoldBoy I'm on the same flights as you 8/9th December!

BAGoldBoy

bhbloke

35 minutes is more usual, the Finnair bus is about 5 mins faster

BAGoldBoy

Shl

Anyone on tomorrow's last evening flight LHR-HEL and first morning flight HEL-LHR step by seat 1f. Happy to meet fellow travellers! Front part of our flights seem to be packed ...

bhbloke

Only just seen this, I was in 1A and it was a very busy flight!

Much more relaxed coming back yesterday evening just over half full in CE, although I had the same aircraft and crew as the previous night. Spooky.

memorex

I'm popping over to HEL a couple of times later this month with the Mrs. Feel free to say hi if anyone happens to be on the same flight; I'm the guy guiding the blind lady.

21 Nov - LHR-HEL AY1332
21 Nov - HEL-LHR BA799
29 Nov - LHR-HEL AY1332
29 Nov - HEL-LHR BA799

(unable to edit the wiki myself I'm afraid; not enough posts)