May 12, 2018, 2:05 am
Last edit by: intuition
Official policy as it was published in 2017. My bolding to direct readers to the most commonly asked part. Do note wording 'allow'.
THROUGH CHECK-IN POLICY
Finnair takes care of passenger’s through check-in in all cases where the passenger has an agreement of carriage with Finnair and the through check-in is technically possible and is according to local instructions. This agreement of carriage requires that the passenger holds a Passenger Ticket and Baggage Check, or an electronic ticket, as defined in the Conditions of Carriage and issued by Finnair or on its behalf.
Passenger’s flight reservation (PNR) and flight ticket (single agreement with specific airline) are not always the same thing. Each ticket with different ticket number is an independent agreement of carriage with the ticketed air carrier. It is not possible to through check either passenger or baggage between separate flight tickets even if they are in the same PNR. Check-in is possible only to the final destination on each individual agreement of carriage (= flight ticket).
It’s important to remember that MCT (Minimum Connection Time) at each airport is based on the assumption that flights are booked on the same ticket and this way passenger and baggage may be through checked to the final destination. In case flights are on separate tickets, passenger has to collect baggage and recheck on the connecting flight at the transfer station thus MCT is no longer valid. Passenger shall be informed already at the time of reservation that check-in can be done only as far as Finnair has a contract of carriage with the passenger.
FINNAIR THROUGH CHECK-IN POLICY
Passenger and baggage shall be through checked to the final destination as indicated by the flight ticket, provided it constitutes one single agreement of carriage with Finnair. Finnair will provide through check-in for a journey ticketed in a single PNR; this includes segments ticketed separately but booked in the same PNR (and/or referenced in a single PNR during the time of booking).
In addition to the basic rule Finnair will allow through check-in of customer and baggage with separate tickets on separate PNRs on AY–AY (including AY franchising flights operated by Norra) connections when the transfer is within the Minimum Connection Time (MCT). For AY–AY connection flights on the separate PNRs have to be both marketed and operated by Finnair or Norra and flights ticketed on the 105-stock. The agent shall always inform the customer of the destination where the customer and his or her baggage are checked-in to.
THROUGH CHECK-IN POLICY
Finnair takes care of passenger’s through check-in in all cases where the passenger has an agreement of carriage with Finnair and the through check-in is technically possible and is according to local instructions. This agreement of carriage requires that the passenger holds a Passenger Ticket and Baggage Check, or an electronic ticket, as defined in the Conditions of Carriage and issued by Finnair or on its behalf.
Passenger’s flight reservation (PNR) and flight ticket (single agreement with specific airline) are not always the same thing. Each ticket with different ticket number is an independent agreement of carriage with the ticketed air carrier. It is not possible to through check either passenger or baggage between separate flight tickets even if they are in the same PNR. Check-in is possible only to the final destination on each individual agreement of carriage (= flight ticket).
It’s important to remember that MCT (Minimum Connection Time) at each airport is based on the assumption that flights are booked on the same ticket and this way passenger and baggage may be through checked to the final destination. In case flights are on separate tickets, passenger has to collect baggage and recheck on the connecting flight at the transfer station thus MCT is no longer valid. Passenger shall be informed already at the time of reservation that check-in can be done only as far as Finnair has a contract of carriage with the passenger.
FINNAIR THROUGH CHECK-IN POLICY
Passenger and baggage shall be through checked to the final destination as indicated by the flight ticket, provided it constitutes one single agreement of carriage with Finnair. Finnair will provide through check-in for a journey ticketed in a single PNR; this includes segments ticketed separately but booked in the same PNR (and/or referenced in a single PNR during the time of booking).
In addition to the basic rule Finnair will allow through check-in of customer and baggage with separate tickets on separate PNRs on AY–AY (including AY franchising flights operated by Norra) connections when the transfer is within the Minimum Connection Time (MCT). For AY–AY connection flights on the separate PNRs have to be both marketed and operated by Finnair or Norra and flights ticketed on the 105-stock. The agent shall always inform the customer of the destination where the customer and his or her baggage are checked-in to.
Finnair baggage on separate tickets after June 1, 2016 OW decision!?
Aug 22, 2016, 3:50 am
#46
Join Date: Jun 2015
Programs: AY+, SK EB
Posts: 2,958
I doubt that a baggage tag can have a destination twice. But someone can also prove me wrong.
I'd ask to short check it to HEL, take it there and deposit it landside in a locker. Then there is no prob with HEL - ARN - HEL.
I'd ask to short check it to HEL, take it there and deposit it landside in a locker. Then there is no prob with HEL - ARN - HEL.
Aug 22, 2016, 3:58 am
#47
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: HEL
Programs: lots of shiny metal cards
Posts: 14,105
Also beware - ARN is such a high frequency for AY, that (AFAIK) it's not necesserily turnaround, ie it's not the same bird flying the return leg. If that's correct, than you can easily miss the return flight in case of irrop.
Why don't you just take a long stopover in HEL, so you can do the HEL-ARN-HEL with just a Helsingin Sanomat in hand and check you luggage in at HEL on the day of your longhaul flight
?
Aug 22, 2016, 4:40 am
#49
Moderator, Finnair
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MMX (CPH)
Programs: Eurobonus Diamond, QR Gold, AY+ Platinum, A3*G, Nordic Choice Lifetime Platinum, SJ Prio Black
Posts: 14,172
Results from ExpertFlyer.com
Code:
Minimum Connect Times: Connecting at ARN Incoming airline AY Outgoing airline AY Flight type International to International STANDARD.D/D...D/I...I/D...I/I. ONLINE .20 1.00 1.00 1.00 OFFLINE .20 1.00 1.00 1.00 ** OR * ARE ALL **-** II .30 TRM 2 - 2 **-** II 1.00 TRM 3 - 2 **-** II 1.00 TRM 4 - 2 **-** II 1.00 TRM 5 - 2 **-** II 1.00 TRM TN - 2 **-** II 1.00 TRM TX - 2 **-** II 1.00 TRM 2 - 3 **-** II 1.00 TRM 3 - 3 **-** II 1.00 TRM 4 - 3 **-** II 1.00 TRM 5 - 3 **-** II 1.00 TRM TN - 3 **-** II 1.00 TRM TX - 3 **-** II 1.00 TRM TN - 4 **-** II .35 TRM 5 - 5 **-** II 1.00 TRM 2 - TN **-** II 1.00 TRM 3 - TN **-** II 1.00 TRM 4 - TN **-** II 1.00 TRM 5 - TN
In personal experience AY-to-AY interline on turn-around flights does not work.
I've had AY tag a bag CPH-HEL-PRG-HEL-HKG and the check-in agent had to work pretty hard to make it stick. Bag did not make it, arrived in HKG only hours before I was returning to HEL, 3 or 4 days later.
Last edited by intuition; Aug 22, 2016 at 4:51 am
Aug 22, 2016, 4:47 am
#50
Moderator, Finnair
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MMX (CPH)
Programs: Eurobonus Diamond, QR Gold, AY+ Platinum, A3*G, Nordic Choice Lifetime Platinum, SJ Prio Black
Posts: 14,172
One solution would be to only check-in for HEL-ARN and for ARN-HEL and leave HEL-Asia not checked in. Then go landside in HEL and checkin the bags.
Aug 22, 2016, 6:46 am
#51
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: HEL
Programs: AY+ Gold
Posts: 428
This is maybe the best solution - travelling with my better half so i want to keep it as simple as possible. Of course this is not possible on all dates that we are looking for without additional price.
Aug 22, 2016, 7:06 am
#52
Join Date: Aug 2016
Programs: AY+ Plat
Posts: 2
About a month a go i did HEL-BUD-HEL-BKK - HKG-HEL-BUD-HEL. The positioning HEL-BUD-HEL was on a separate ticket and both BUD's were same plane turnarounds.
At HEL the check-in agent short checked my bag to BKK without any hassle.
Coming back from BKK I asked the CX agent to check my bag only HEL (where I would pick it up and store it in the lockers downstairs at T2). And again there seemed to be no apparent issue in short checking.
So for this on trip my luggage logistics worked perfectly. Obviously maybe I was just lucky. I think i'll just have to try again some crazy-enough itinerary on my next trip.
At HEL the check-in agent short checked my bag to BKK without any hassle.
Coming back from BKK I asked the CX agent to check my bag only HEL (where I would pick it up and store it in the lockers downstairs at T2). And again there seemed to be no apparent issue in short checking.
So for this on trip my luggage logistics worked perfectly. Obviously maybe I was just lucky. I think i'll just have to try again some crazy-enough itinerary on my next trip.
Aug 22, 2016, 7:32 am
#53
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: HEL
Programs: AY+ Gold
Posts: 428
Total price 1800€ including positioning. What is the lowest normal sale price for BUD-HEL-BKK rt in J?
Aug 22, 2016, 10:50 am
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: HEL
Programs: lots of shiny metal cards
Posts: 14,105
BUD is usually a very good starting point along with WAW and PRG. Same plane turnaround is easy at all three. ARN might or might not be, but it's more convenient (more and shorter flights)
If memory serves right, I normally buy BUD-HEL-BKK in J for about 1,6k (+ the positioning if needed - though hardly ever, as the previous longhaul's final leg is often my positioning flight
), so 1,8k€ all in sounds just about right.
Trust me, you want to keep it simple A turnaround to ARN is already stressful for the uninitiated (but acceptable, if you present the financial advantages) Throw in possible issues with your checked luggage - you'll hear about it during you holiday...
If memory serves right, I normally buy BUD-HEL-BKK in J for about 1,6k (+ the positioning if needed - though hardly ever, as the previous longhaul's final leg is often my positioning flight
), so 1,8k€ all in sounds just about right. A turnaround to ARN is already stressful for the uninitiated (but acceptable, if you present the financial advantages) Throw in possible issues with your checked luggage - you'll hear about it during you holiday...
Aug 22, 2016, 12:38 pm
#55
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: HEL
Programs: AY+ Plat (OWE)
Posts: 493
Always same plane turnaround and scheduled turnaround is ~1 hour where ARN is just 35 mins. Throw in a fairly low-priced taxfree if you wish and an extra 6000+ tier points.
On the other hand by booking a weekend layover or even 1 night in BUD (multicity booking) you would make your life easier when travelling with better half.
Last edited by ff_flyer; Aug 22, 2016 at 1:48 pm Reason: typo
Sep 15, 2016, 1:24 am
#56
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Asia
Programs: AY Gold (OWS), SK Gold (*A Gold), airBaltic VIP, Hilton Gold, PP
Posts: 377
Is interlining still possibile for separate tickets when both of them are marketed and operated by AY/Norra?
Last edited by Justinus; Sep 19, 2016 at 12:02 am
Sep 17, 2016, 6:58 pm
#57
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: EBD, BAEC GGL/CCR, Alitalia AlataPlus, Club Carlson Gold, SPG Plat100, HHD
Posts: 654
I have done AY-AY on a few occasions with no issue. Really terrible policy that actively prevents me for some OW bookings that now go to Star Alliance (or occasionally SkyTeam even!).
Sep 19, 2016, 12:04 am
#58
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Asia
Programs: AY Gold (OWS), SK Gold (*A Gold), airBaltic VIP, Hilton Gold, PP
Posts: 377
Sep 19, 2016, 1:00 am
#59
Moderator, Finnair
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MMX (CPH)
Programs: Eurobonus Diamond, QR Gold, AY+ Platinum, A3*G, Nordic Choice Lifetime Platinum, SJ Prio Black
Posts: 14,172
One really wonders what the drive for this was.
Was it bean counting? Someone analysed lost luggage and found out a (disproportionate ?) number of bags was lost under 2 PNRs and decided to dis-allow it?
BUT;
a) IF these bags were accepted with connections below MCT, then this was a check-in problem, not a policy problem. The proper solution would be to make sure bags on 2 PNRs only was accepted after checking MCT.
b) If accepted above MCT, then why on earth would these bags suddenly generate more lost bags than 1 PNR bags?! That is simply nonsensical.
And if it wasn't bean counting, was it plain management ignorance? One manager starting to question why he should have to foot the bill for a lost bag when it was "lost on another airline"? Not understanding why the alliance decided to offer the check-to-final-destination in the first place?
Or was it perhaps a shrewd move by one of the larger airlines, counting on a worsening of the alliance would force people to book with a single airline and that that would benefit the one with largest network?
Was it bean counting? Someone analysed lost luggage and found out a (disproportionate ?) number of bags was lost under 2 PNRs and decided to dis-allow it?
BUT;
a) IF these bags were accepted with connections below MCT, then this was a check-in problem, not a policy problem. The proper solution would be to make sure bags on 2 PNRs only was accepted after checking MCT.
b) If accepted above MCT, then why on earth would these bags suddenly generate more lost bags than 1 PNR bags?! That is simply nonsensical.
And if it wasn't bean counting, was it plain management ignorance? One manager starting to question why he should have to foot the bill for a lost bag when it was "lost on another airline"? Not understanding why the alliance decided to offer the check-to-final-destination in the first place?
Or was it perhaps a shrewd move by one of the larger airlines, counting on a worsening of the alliance would force people to book with a single airline and that that would benefit the one with largest network?
Sep 20, 2016, 11:52 am
#60
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,464
One really wonders what the drive for this was.
Was it bean counting? Someone analysed lost luggage and found out a (disproportionate ?) number of bags was lost under 2 PNRs and decided to dis-allow it?
BUT;
a) IF these bags were accepted with connections below MCT, then this was a check-in problem, not a policy problem. The proper solution would be to make sure bags on 2 PNRs only was accepted after checking MCT.
b) If accepted above MCT, then why on earth would these bags suddenly generate more lost bags than 1 PNR bags?! That is simply nonsensical.
And if it wasn't bean counting, was it plain management ignorance? One manager starting to question why he should have to foot the bill for a lost bag when it was "lost on another airline"? Not understanding why the alliance decided to offer the check-to-final-destination in the first place?
Or was it perhaps a shrewd move by one of the larger airlines, counting on a worsening of the alliance would force people to book with a single airline and that that would benefit the one with largest network?
Was it bean counting? Someone analysed lost luggage and found out a (disproportionate ?) number of bags was lost under 2 PNRs and decided to dis-allow it?
BUT;
a) IF these bags were accepted with connections below MCT, then this was a check-in problem, not a policy problem. The proper solution would be to make sure bags on 2 PNRs only was accepted after checking MCT.
b) If accepted above MCT, then why on earth would these bags suddenly generate more lost bags than 1 PNR bags?! That is simply nonsensical.
And if it wasn't bean counting, was it plain management ignorance? One manager starting to question why he should have to foot the bill for a lost bag when it was "lost on another airline"? Not understanding why the alliance decided to offer the check-to-final-destination in the first place?
Or was it perhaps a shrewd move by one of the larger airlines, counting on a worsening of the alliance would force people to book with a single airline and that that would benefit the one with largest network?