New Superlight ticket type and changes to baggage allowances as of June 1st
Original publish date 16 May 2023
UPDATE 31MAY: The decrease in baggage allowance for Business Class applies only for checked bags, meaning the weight limit for Business Class cabin baggage allowance remains unchanged.
Also added that in case of reissue after 31 May, ticket type and baggage allowance will follow the new rules.
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We are introducing a new Superlight ticket for journeys within Europe and make changes to our baggage allowances as of 1st of June. The changes are designed to address the issue of excess carry-on baggage on board, which is also a frequent feedback item from customers.
Punctuality is very important for our customers, and the target of the changes we are now making is to ensure smooth boarding and comfortable travel for everyone. Excess carry-on baggage on board is a known issue, causing delays in boarding and impacting both punctuality as well as travel comfort.
The changes support Finnair’s strategy implementation through more effective operations, punctual departures at airports, and by developing the offering of travel extras.
All the below changes as well as a short recap of our ticket types can be found in the 10-minute eLearning available here in Easy.
Superlight as a new ticket type for journeys within Europe
As of 1 June, the Superlight ticket type will replace Economy Light tickets on Finnair journeys within Europe. It includes a small bag, which goes under the seat, but no other carry-baggage. Any purchases made at the airport, such as duty-free shopping, are counted in the allowance, so they must also fit into the underseat bag. Customer can purchase a bigger carry-on bag (55x40x23cm) as a travel extra. Finnair Plus tier members travelling with a Superlight ticket will have one carry-on bag in addition to the underseat bag as a tier benefit.
Light ticket type remains available on long-haul journeys as normal; the Superlight, as said, is the new ticket type for pure intra-European journeys.
The Superlight ticket type is only available in NDC channel and on Finnair.com.
Baggage allowance
As of June 1, we will decrease the baggage allowance for Business Class for checked bags. This change applies for both short-haul and long-haul journeys.
When travelling in Business Class, customer can bring one carry-on bag (55x40x23cm) and a small bag (40x30x15cm) weighing a maximum of 12kg together (between 01Jun-14Aug this was 10kg). Business Class Classic and Flex tickets will also include one checked bag, which in the future can weigh max 23kg (90x75x45cm).
In addition, all special baggage allowances, such as golf bags and ski equipment, will be excluded from the new ticket classifications and will only be available for an additional charge. This means that customers can have only standard sized bags as part of their baggage allowance. Any bag exceeding standard size comes with must be purchased as travel extra. Check the ancillary catalogue for the new bags as travel extras (for example CAOB for the extra carry-on when travelling with Superlight ticket, GOLF for golf bag, or XHBG for heavy bag up to 32kg).
Finnair Plus top tier benefits for an additional checked bag will remain but the maximum weight and size for the bag is the new standard size.
On flights to/from Japan and USA, the checked baggage allowance remain the same as before. However, the above-mentioned changes to cabin baggage allowance apply also to/from Japan and USA.
Seat selection
At the same time as the baggage-related changes, we are making changes to the seat selection practices. With a Superlight, Light, or Classic ticket, customer can choose their preferred seat by purchasing it in advance, and if they do not wish to do that, we will choose a seat for them. This means that complimentary seat selection is no longer available during check-in for these tickets.
Standard seat selection will remain complimentary when flying with a Flex ticket or when it is part of traveler’s frequent flyer tier benefit.
As a recap, this is what changes on 1 June 2023:
The Superlight ticket replaces Economy Light on journeys within Europe. This applies to new tickets purchased as of 1 June. The Superlight ticket includes one small bag (40x30x15cm) that is placed under the seat and nothing extra. Customer can purchase a bigger carry-on bag (55x40x23cm) as a travel extra.
The cabin and checked baggage allowance for Business Class travellers for both European and long-haul journeys decreases. The Business Light ticket includes one small bag and one carry-on bag, while Business Classic and Flex tickets also include one checked bag.
All special baggage, such as golf bags, skis, or heavy bags, are to be purchased as travel extras. This means that customer can have only standard-size and -weight bags as part of their checked baggage allowance.
In connection with the overall baggage allowance changes, there will be some changes to the baggage-related Finnair Plus tier benefits. Details of all the changes in Finnair Plus benefits are available on Finnair Plus pages.
If ticket was issued by 31 May 2023, customer will travel with the issued ticket type and its baggage allowance. In case of reissue after 31 May, ticket type and baggage allowance will follow the the new rules.
Customer choice is always at the core. First, choose the travel travel class and then choose the ticket type with the desired level of ticket flexibility and other services that best fit the customer's journey. After the ticket purchase, all journeys can be tailored with our vast selection of travel extras, such as lounge access and extra baggage.
As mentioned earlier, we have prepared an eLearning video to summarize the relevant changes in a clear format. You can read more about the changes on our online inflight magazine Blue Wings, where you’ll also find questions and answer for additional information.