Finnair has announced rather disappointing news to members with numerous changes to the Finnair Plus program as well as introductions of a new ticket type.
Finnair Plus Award Devaluation
First of all, the airline announced devaluation with its mileage redemption rates with a 20% to 33% increase. For context, here is how the award redemption rates were before the changes.
And here is the new award chart after the devaluation.
As you compare the chart above, with the exception of the long-haul Economy Class award, there is an increase of 2,500 miles up to 15,000 miles on Business Class.
The devaluation will be taking place for bookings made on or after June 15, 2023. So you are still able to book Finnair awards at regular redemption rates.
Finnair Introduces Fuel Surcharges On Award Tickets
Starting June 15, 2023, Finnair will impose fuel surcharges on award redemptions. For all award tickets redeemed on or after June 15, 2023, a surcharge will be collected. The surcharge must be paid with money and it is not possible to use points for it.
What’s worse about the fuel surcharge is that it charges per segment. This means if you fly from London to Bangkok via Helsinki in Business Class, you would need to pay €135 per way for surcharges.
Changes In Finnair Baggage Allowances
Another change Finnair announced is the baggage allowance for all Finnair Plus members as well as non-members.
Complimentary carry-on bag
Starting June 1, 2023, Finnair Plus Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum Lumo members can take one complimentary carry-on bag (55cm x 44cm x 23cm) on short-haul flights when traveling with an Economy Superlight ticket that otherwise would only include a small bag. I will be explaining more about Economy Superlight below.
50% discount on extra bags for Silver members
Moreover, as of 1 June 2023, Finnair Plus Silver members no longer have an extra checked bag of 23kg as a tiered benefit but can purchase it with a 50% discount. Which is a huge disadvantage for Silver members.
No complimentary sports equipment for Gold members
Finnair Plus Gold members no longer have complimentary sports equipment, such as skis or a golf bag, included in their tier benefit. Instead, members will need to purchase special baggage as extra.
Heavy bag charge for Platinum and Platinum Lumo members
Finnair Plus Platinum and Platinum Lumo members also couldn’t avoid the changes. Starting June 1, 2023, they can no longer take heavy or oversized bags with them free of charge. If the bag weighs 23kg ~ 32kg or exceeds the standard size of 90cm x 75cm x 45cm, an extra charge for a heavy or oversized bag will be imposed.
Business Class Baggage Allowance Changes
The baggage allowance for Business Class passengers for both European and long-haul journeys will also decrease. The Business Light ticket will allow one small bag and one carry-on bag, while Business Classic and Flex tickets also include one checked bag.
Finnair Introduces Economy Superlight Ticket
In addition to the above changes, Finnair also announced that a new Superlight ticket will replace Economy Light fare on journeys within Europe. The reason behind this change is to reduce the number of carry-on baggage onboard.
The Superlight ticket only includes one small bag (40cm x 30cm x 15cm) which has to be placed under the seat and nothing extra. Travelers can purchase a bigger carry-on bag (55cm x 40cm x 23cm) as a travel extra.
Finnair Plus and Oneworld elite members still can take advantage of their tier benefits:
| Silver | Small Bag | Carry-on Bag | X | X |
| Gold | Small Bag | Carry-on Bag | Checked Bag (23Kg) | X |
| Platinum | Small Bag | Carry-on Bag | Checked Bag (23Kg) | Sport Equipment |
| Platinum Lumo | Small Bag | Carry-on Bag | Checked Bag (23Kg) | Sport Equipment |
| Oneworld Ruby | Carry-on Bag | X |
| Oneworld Sapphire | Carry-on Bag | Checked Bag (23Kg) |
| Oneworld Emerald | Carry-on Bag | Checked Bag (23Kg) |
Tickets purchased before June 1, 2023, will still be eligible with the current baggage allowances.
Finnair Plus Upgrade Pricing Changes
Lastly, for those who are Finnair Plus members, there are changes to the upgrade pricing as well. Below shows the cost of the upgrade until June 14, 2023.
And after June 15, 2023, this will be the new upgrade pricing. the program has removed the upgrade benefit and devaluated the upgrade pricing as well up to 20%.
Summary
Finnair has announced major changes to its Finnair Plus program with award devaluations as well as baggage allowance restrictions. Moreover, the airline introduced a new type of ticket called Economy Superlight, replacing the Economy Light fares.
Finnair recently has undergone cost cutting, axing inflight amenities and foods. The changes are inevitable for the airline to generate profits. Finnair Plus points are not partner-friendly and it was best to redeem on its own flights however, that is now going to be less attractive due to devaluations.
