Finn Air or Qatar

[burmans]

So I have a couple of options to get from SIN to HEL, Finn Air or Qatar. Qatar (obviously ) goes via Doha but the stopover does get me into Helsinki at 8 am rather than 6am which is probably a good thing and a better chance for early Hotel check-in.

Any views on this from our more traveled members?

 

[Daver6]

What class are you considering?

Not flown AY so cannot make comment there.

QR J is the best I've flown. However, recently flights between DOH and SIN which were A350 have been swapped to a A330. I got to experience this. They use some of the old F seats (J service) and the actual J seats are not full flat. In-flight entertainment system is also old. So that's very much against being in favour of QR. Service and food still top notch though.

 

[burmans]

This would be J!

 

[RooFlyer]

Tough one! I love both, but I haven't been in the new(-ish) AY J yet, but the old config was good. If its A350 on AY and A330 on AR, as Daver6 suggests, I'd definitely go AY.

I agree re arrival time, but both get you to the hotel pretty early and probably not much difference in being able to check-in.

 

[burmans]

Its A350 to DOH and I think A320 to HEL.

 

[RooFlyer]

It might be a matter of calling it on the basis of cost and SC/points earn .

 

[Moindardt]

Without a doubt QR. I find AY to be a J lite. It a nice clean without the frills Business class. QR is the opposite. It is as good as many first class. Easily the best Business class I have flown. And then there is Doha. ðŸ

 

[Daver6]

Its A350 to DOH and I think A320 to HEL.

My DOH to SIN flight was meant to be A350 but changed to A330. Few days later, departing SIN I happened to notice the QR aircraft sitting on the ground was another A330. I think they are struggling a little with delayed A350 deliveries.

 

[burmans]

My DOH to SIN flight was meant to be A350 but changed to A330. Few days later, departing SIN I happened to notice the QR aircraft sitting on the ground was another A330. I think they are struggling a little with delayed A350 deliveries.

This flight isn't for a while, and also its a points redemption so SC's wont count. Definitely leaning QR here.

 

[NZflygirl]

QR fan here.

A350 showing on my previous SIN searches but from what I've read delays in delivery or aircraft to QR from Airbus mean aircraft subs occur.

You could maybe look at one of the flight tracker sites to see if it's the A350 predominantly flying?

 

[burmans]

You could maybe look at one of the flight tracker sites to see if it's the A350 predominantly flying?

Last 9 days always A350, looking good.

 

[Deleted member]

Having just flown AY in the A350. In J. I was not a real fan. The food (breakfast) was a poor effort. Didn't eat the evening meal. Too tired. That said sleeping was not ideal. The new J pods are cramped and very difficult to get in and out of once you're in bed mode. IFE was fine, service was ok. I wasn't looking for much as I was tired. For my money I am looking to use another airline on our next trip. QF still shines. I would like yo look at CX next time

 

[tyrolean]

I would go with AY. I would never do a stop in the middle of the night in the desert, when you do not need it.

Better sleep on a 10 hours flight than to wake up after 8 hours and get onto an other plane.

The Hardware on AY is quite good. The food was OK, drinks OK.

You may check the Sauna in the Lounge in HEL.
https://www.finnair.com/au/gb/information-services/at-the-airport/lounges

 

[scwappy]

QR vote fro me. Best business class I have flown

 

[Pushka]

What will Qatar J on 787 be like? Doha to Stockholm day flight.

 

[a330j]

Another vote for Qatar. Having flown Singapore and Etihad F, I would rate Qatar J as equal if not better. Certainly the best business class I have flown.

 

[LittleFokker]

I was fortunate enough to fly both QR J and AY J over Easter - QR F SYD to DOH (awesome) and then QR J on a shiny new 787 to EDI. AY J from HEL-BKK on a new A350.

This time, to my surprise, I found I preferred the AY J flight over the QR one. Yes, QR has a great J product but I found the seat (5E) way too warm and for some reason the cabin seemed crowded. I don't mean full or busy or loud, just ... crowded. Purely subjective of course and I was coming straight out of my nice F cocoon.

The AY flight was good with no real lows or highs. (apart from I was fed, watered, tucked in to bed and delivered safely & on time)

I think on balance, at the end of a trip I'd definitely choose a direct AY J over a longer QR J flight.