How do I Complete the Finnair Seat Selection Process?
- Rafael Jordan
- Jan 9, 2024
- 6 min read
How do I Select a Seat on Finnair?
Selecting your seat on a Finnair flight is an important part of the trip planning process. With advanced Finnair seat selection, you can ensure you get the type of seat you want for your flight. Finnair offers two ways to select seats - online via their website or mobile app, or over the phone by calling their customer service center. Here is an overview of both options:
Online
The easiest way to choose your Finnair seat is by using their online check-in system. You can access this via the Finnair website or mobile app.
Log into your reservation using your booking reference and last name.
Click on the "Select Seats" link. This will bring up a seat map of the aircraft.
Review the available seats and click on your preferred seats to select them. You will see a pop-up box confirming your selection.
Save your selections.
With online check-in, you can select seats free of charge up until 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Within 24 hours, you may still change seats but a fee applies.
The online system is very user-friendly with interactive seat maps. You can easily view the different cabins, seat features, and pricing for preferred seats.
Offline Via Phone
You can also select seats on Finnair by calling the Finnair customer service number at 011 358 9 8180800 or 1-(860)-374-7569.
Have your booking reference ready when you call.
Specify the flight details and number of passengers.
Specify the exact seats you want to select for each passenger.
Provide payment information if selecting preferred seats that have a fee.
Get a confirmation number for your seat selections.
Phone-based seat selection has similar timing restrictions as the online process. Calling at least 24 hours before departure will avoid change fees.
The agents can walk you through seat options, and pricing and confirm your selections during the call. This is a good option if you need extra assistance.
How to Select in Advance on Finnair?
Finnair allows customers to select seats from the time of booking up until check-in opens (typically 24 hours before departure). Here are some tips for advance seat selection:
Select your seats as early as possible after booking your flights. This gives you the widest range of seat choices.
Log into "Manage My Booking" on Finnair's website or mobile app to access the seat maps.
Consider your preferences - window vs. aisle, legroom, reclining vs. non-reclining, etc.
Look at the various cabins - economy, premium economy, business class - and compare pricing if you want to upgrade.
For extra legroom, consider exit rows, bulkhead seats or economy comfort seats which have a fee.
Frequent flyer members and premium cabin customers get early access to seat selection.
You can change your seats for free up until 24 hours before departure. Within 24 hours, fees apply.
Save your selections carefully during online check-in to avoid losing your preferred seats.
Use the online system for convenience or call Finnair's customer service line for extra assistance.
By selecting your seats in advance as soon as possible after booking, you can ensure you get the exact seats you want for your upcoming Finnair flight.
What is the Finnair Seat Selection Policy?
Finnair wants to provide customers with flexibility in choosing their preferred seats for each flight. Here are some key points on Finnair's seat selection policy:
All customers can select seats free of charge after booking up until online check-in opens 24 hours before departure.
Within 24 hours of departure, changes can still be made but fees apply. This ensures operational integrity for the airline.
Customers who purchase certain fare types such as business class get early access to seat selection before online check-in opens.
Members of Finnair's frequent flyer program, Finnair Plus, also get early access to seats based on their status level.
Preferred seats with extra legroom, exit rows, etc. are available for an additional fee in economy class.
Children under 12 are required to sit with an accompanying adult in adjacent seats when possible.
The airline aims to allow families and groups to sit together when seats are selected in advance.
Seat selection is only confirmed when passengers check in successfully for their flight either online or at the airport.
Finnair reserves the right to change passenger seat assignments for operational, safety, or security reasons at any time, even after boarding.
The airline's airport and cabin crew help assist passengers with any seat changes or requests at the gate when possible.
By selecting seats proactively, passengers can ensure they get their desired seat location and type for a more enjoyable journey.
Finnair Seat Selection Fee
Finnair offers free seat selection on all flights when done in advance online or over the phone. However, certain preferred seats do incur a fee:
Economy Class
Preferred Seats: Exit rows, bulkheads, and extra legroom seats cost extra. Fees range from €15-€60 per flight segment depending on seat features.
Front Row Seats: Also cost extra with fees of €25-€50 depending on flight duration.
Premium Economy
Preferred Seats: Bulkhead and exit row seats incur a fee of around €50 per flight segment.
Business Class
Preferred Seats: Forward-facing window seats cost extra with fees of €15-€50 based on route.
So standard economy class seats have no charge for advanced selection. But premium seats in all cabins do have a fee. Prices vary based on flight distance and specific seat characteristics like legroom.
Payment for preferred seats is done during the online check-in process. Finnair marks these select seats on the seat maps so customers know which has a fee.
By selecting a standard seat in your ticketed cabin, you can avoid fees and still reserve seating in advance.
Seat Types with Flight Distance
The types of seats available on Finnair depend on whether you are flying short-haul or long-haul. Here is an overview of the different cabins and seats based on flight distance:
Short-haul Flights
Economy Class Seats
Standard Seat: Regular seating with 29-30 inch pitch. No extra amenities.
Preferred seat: Exit rows, bulkheads, and extra legroom seats offering 31-33 inch pitch for an additional fee.
Front Row Seats: Row 1 on some aircraft is available for a fee. Don't recline but offer extra legroom.
Extra Legroom Seats: Rows 12-14 on select aircraft have a 32-inch pitch for a fee.
Business Class Seats
Lie-flat seats in a 2-2 configuration. Middle seats are preferable for couples. Extra amenities like enhanced dining, and lounge access.
Long-Haul Flights
Economy Seats
Standard seats Regular seating with 31-32 inch pitch depending on aircraft.
Preferred seat Exit rows, bulkheads, and extra legroom seats with added pitch for a fee.
Extra Legroom Seats Rows 14-17 on A330s have at least 4-inch extra pitch available for an additional cost.
Comfort seats Rows 16-21 on A350s have padded headrests and adjustable leg rests. Fee applies.
Premium Economy Seats
Standard Seats: Wider recliner seats with 38-inch pitch, leg rest, and dining table.
Preferred Seats Bulkhead and exit row seats with extra legroom are available for a fee.
Business Class Seats
Standard Seats Lie-flat seats, up to 74" pitch, adjustable privacy dividers.
Preferred Seats Select window seats with direct aisle access incur a fee.
So in summary, the type of seat offerings expands as flight distance increases on Finnair. From short-haul economy to long-haul premium economy and business, there are more choices the longer your journey.
How do I Avoid Paying to Choose a Seat?
While some seats on Finnair incur fees, there are ways to select seats in advance without any extra charges:
Only choose standard economy class seats - these have no fees for advance selection.
Consider aisle or middle seats rather than preferred window seats in premium cabins.
If flying with others, pick seats together in a standard seat row.
Check the seat map carefully for free seats marked "reserved" for economy tickets.
Avoid seats in exit rows, bulkheads, and extra legroom sections which have fees.
Select regular recliner seats in the premium economy without added space or pitch.
Don't choose Comfort or Extra Legroom seats that have extra amenities for a cost.
Refrain from picking front row seats which typically come with a seat selection fee.
Check the cost of each seat by clicking on it - this helps identify pricier options.
Complete seat selection as early as possible to maximize open standard seats.
By carefully reviewing the seat maps and avoiding premium seat upgrades, you can select seats for free on Finnair flights in all cabins.
Conclusion
Advance seat selection allows Finnair passengers to reserve the exact seat they want for their upcoming flight. While fees apply for some preferred seats, standard seating in all cabins is available without charge if booked early online. Following the guidelines in this article, you can complete seat selection seamlessly either online or through customer service to avoid surprises and ensure your desired seat on your next Finnair journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How early can I select seats on Finnair?
A: You can select seats beginning at the time of booking up until online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight.
Q: Can I still get a good seat if I don't select in advance?
A: While it is advisable to select early for the best choice, you may still get a satisfactory seat if you check in right at 24 hours pre-departure.
Q: What is the benefit of pre-selecting seats?
A: Advance selection ensures you get the exact seat type and location you prefer rather than a random assignment later.
Q: If I reserved seats but need to change, is that possible?
A: Yes, you can change your seats anytime without penalty up to 24 hours before departure. Within 24 hours, change fees apply.
Q: Do elite status flyers get complimentary seat upgrades?
A: No, elite members only get early access to seats but must still pay fees for premium economy or business class upgrades.
Q: Can I select seats over the phone if I don't want to book online?
A: Yes, you can call Finnair customer service anytime after booking to select seats by phone if preferred.
Q: How do I pay seat selection fees?
A: Any fees for premium seats must be paid online via credit card during the advance check-in process.
Q: What is Finnair's policy on children's seats?
A: Children under 12 must be seated with accompanying adults when possible. Advance selection helps ensure families sit together.
Comments