Testing Finnair’s European Business Class – Here’s How Our Flight to Malaga Went in Summer 2025 ✈️
Our summer holiday trip to sunny Spain got off to an especially pleasant start when we had the chance to upgrade our flight to Finnair’s Business Class for a very reasonable €99 per person. Here’s our experience and review of the flight – and whether it was worth the price.
Before the Flight – Smooth and Comfortable 🛫✨
As Business Class passengers, we enjoyed priority security screening with no queues at all – a big plus right from the start. After that, we headed to relax in the Finnair Lounge, which normally costs €55 for three hours but was included in the Business ticket price 💼.
The lounge offered a wide selection of snacks 🍴 and drinks 🥤, and the atmosphere was pleasantly calm. There were comfortable seats for working 💻 or waiting for boarding. Holiday travelers could also enjoy sparkling wine 🥂 and other alcoholic beverages 🍷 – as much as time allowed.
Overall, the departure was effortless and comfortable – exactly the kind of experience you expect from Business Class ✈️👌.
Onboard – Little Moments of Luxury ✨
Upon boarding, we were greeted with a bottle of water and a warm towel, creating a nice and polished first impression. Service was friendly and quick throughout the flight – a clear difference compared to Economy.
Drink service was generous: you could freely order both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, although not every drink on the menu was included (this wasn’t mentioned anywhere). It didn’t matter much, as the selection was sufficient.
The Food – Surprisingly Good 🍽️
The highlight of the flight was definitely the food. The starter was fresh salmon and cucumber 🐟, followed by a tasty beef patty with a delicious mushroom sauce and steamed vegetables. Warm bread – rye or white – completed the meal 🍞.
For dessert, we enjoyed coffee ☕ and a fresh cinnamon bun – a nice Finnish touch that added a homely feel to the experience. Real cutlery was used (not disposable), and all drinks were served in stylish Iittala glasses 🥂 – a small but appreciated detail.
The food was clearly better than what was offered in the Finnair Lounge – warm, flavorful, and beautifully presented. ✨
Comfort and Atmosphere 💺🛬
Although the seats were the same as in Economy, Business Class had the middle seat left empty – which added a lot of space and privacy. We were also given comfortable dark blue blankets 🟦, making short naps possible and adding to the comfort.
However, the aircraft itself is clearly showing its age ✈️⏳. The seats are outdated and in need of refurbishment, which slightly detracts from the overall experience.
The only major downside – and a big one ❌ – was the lack of an entertainment system: no screen, no map, no headphones. This didn’t bother us too much, as the excellent service and tasty food made up for it 🍽️😊.
Still, a daytime flight can feel long and dull if you don’t bring your own entertainment 📖💻🎧. It’s recommended to pack a book, tablet, or laptop to make the time pass more pleasantly. On the outbound flight, the internet worked perfectly 📶✈️, but on the return flight – which was full 🧳👥 – the connection stopped working right after takeoff or was possibly broken 🔧, or maybe switched off due to congestion 🚫. Who knows 🤷♂️.
Is the Business Upgrade Worth It? 💶✈️🍷
The €99 upgrade was an excellent deal – service, food, and comfort were clearly better than in Economy 🙌🍽️💺. However, the regular Business fare, which can exceed €500 one-way 💸, feels too steep for a short European flight where the seats are the same as Economy and the overall quality doesn’t fully justify the price 🤔.
If you get a good upgrade offer, I definitely recommend taking it ✅ – especially if you have time to enjoy the airport lounge services 🥂🍴 and relax before the flight. It makes the journey smoother and more pleasant from the very start ✨.
An upgrade is also a great choice when you want to treat yourself 💆♂️ – whether it’s a business trip or a holiday, Business Class catering and atmosphere add a touch of luxury to your travel 💼🌍.
📌 Trip Summary – Finnair Business Class
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3/5)
✅ Pros:
🍽️ Excellent food and service – tasty, well-presented, and friendly staff
🛫 Lounge & priority security – quick and comfortable start to the trip
💺 Empty middle seat – more space and privacy
✈️ Business perks onboard – blankets, glassware, real cutlery, and more personal service
❌ Cons:
📺 No entertainment system – no screen, no map, no headphones
💸 Regular price doesn’t match quality – €500+ for a short European flight feels excessive
🛩️ Old aircraft type (Airbus A320) – worn, outdated seats, slightly uncomfortable