Is This the Future of Business Class? 13hrs on Finnair's No-Recline A350 - Helsinki to Singapore

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Published 2023-09-06
Hello and welcome to Istanbul! My entire itinerary includes three flights: Istanbul - Helsinki - Singapore, and then Hong Kong. The total duration of this exciting journey comes close to 52 hours, and I get to enjoy business class services with three different airlines, all for the affordable price of AU$2200. I consider this an absolute bargain, which is why I booked these tickets.

In this video, I will be focusing on Finnair's exclusive flagship lounge in the non-Schengen zone: the Platinum Wing. I'll also be exploring Finnair's newly-refurbished A350 Business Class, featuring Collin’s AirLounge seats. What makes these seats unique is that they don't recline. Instead, the seat-back seamlessly blends with the sidewall, creating a semi-enclosed cocoon-like structure designed to resemble a piece of classic Nordic furniture rather than a simple airline seat. Curious about my experience? Let's dive in!


This video includes two flights,
On 12 June 2023:
Turkish Airlines TK1761
Istanbul (IST) to Helsinki (HEL)
Scheduled flight time: 3h45m
Distance: 2,136 km (1,327 mi)
TC-LSU, Airbus A321-271NX, 3 years old
Seat: 5A
Class: Business

On 13 June 2023:
Finnair AY131
Helsinki (HEL) to Singapore (SIN)
Scheduled flight time: 13h5m
Distance: approx 11,265 km (7,000 mi) incl. a 1,400 km (870 mi) detour due to the war
On-time performance: 89%
OH-LWE, Airbus A350-941, 7 years old
Seat: 8A
Class: Business

00:00 Istanbul
01:35 Turkish Airlines Business Lounge
02:02 Turkish Airlines A321neo to Helsinki
03:33 Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
04:37 Finnair Platinum Wing Lounge
06:22 Platinum Wing Food
07:43 Platinum Wing Shower and Sauna
09:19 Finnair Business Lounge

10:49 Sunset at 10:46pm??!!!!
12:07 The New A350 Business Class
13:18 Take-off
14:16 Collin's AirLounge seat features
15:57 The Five-course Dinner

18:51 Seat -- Flat bed
19:21 In-flight entertainment
20:55 Sleep
22:04 The snack bar
23:27 Breakfast
24:14 Summary
25:30 Landing Singapore


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All Comments (21)
  • @mce_AU
    Surprise!! Well done. Well Edited, well shot and well narrated. Keep up the good work Rory. Cheers mate.
  • @Kurlzero
    So good we have you representing the Aussie travel reviewer space! Keep up the amazing work 🎉
  • Awesome Rory, great video. You really find some bargains! - Looking forward to the next installment!
  • @rubyw4013
    Brilliant video as always Rory - keep up the amazing work!!
  • @melmazing3993
    Thanks for the video Rory! Always enjoy your channel 😀
  • Very well put together vlog Rory. Informative & Fun. Safe Travels on your adventures.
  • @andyh5666
    Love it Rory. Taking me places I'd love to visit, and well may do. Thank you 😘
  • @aussiejohn5835
    Hi Rory 👋 I really enjoyed this review and I must say that you have come a long way since your very first video and I am very proud to have been here from the beginning. I am looking forward to your next presentation. Well done, Rory 👍 👏 :_wow:
  • @TMOC1977
    Your videos are the best Rory!!! Thanks for making them, I really enjoy watching them.
  • @Chris-xj4kk
    Great video!!! You have an eye for details. Keep up the great work you do.👍👍. Cheers.
  • @BeliaLastes
    Hi Rory, I just subbed to your Channel last night been binge watching your travel vlogs and I have been living vicariously through your videos and they're relaxing and calming for me, so Thank you for all that you do for us viewers 😊❤
  • @bernardtan3639
    Hi! Rory. What an amazing long flight! starting from Istanbul. Am sure you had an enjoyable flight with business class and lounge access. Funny being served breakfast on arrival into Singapore in the evening. Thank You for sharing this informative and interesting well edited vlog. Looking forward to your next upload. Cheers!
  • @rossweaver8638
    Fantastic video, Rory. Finnair looks great, lucky you.
  • @kippen64
    I confess that my favourite part of your reviews is always the food.
  • @zakelwe
    As well as all the relevant information your videos have such great videography, I especially enjoyed the shots of Istanbul at the start and the A350, both with great sunset/sunrise lighting. They are always at the right pace as well. The price you got almost made me fall off my seat, that is fantastic bang per buck. I have to say Turkish Airlines european business class puts BA to shame both on the seats and that great meal. The lounges in Helsinki both good, the premier one did look fantastic. Having a broken spine the only way I could use the non reclining seats would be if they provided enough cushions to support my back in a 45 degree position, but they seemed to do that. Looking forward to Cathay Pacific trip now. All the best.