How to Book Finnair Business Class with Credit Card Points

Flying Finnair Business Class doesn’t have to break the bank. As a member of the oneworld alliance, Finnair allows passengers to book award flights using Avios—points you can earn and transfer from major credit card programs like American Express, Chase, and Capital One. With the right strategy, you could enjoy a one-way business class ticket from the U.S. to Europe for as little as 49,000 points when transfer bonuses are in play.

This guide will show you how to use your credit card points effectively to book Finnair Business Class, secure award availability, and maximize the value of your rewards.

Understanding Finnair's Award Booking System

Finnair uses Avios, a shared loyalty currency across oneworld airlines such as British Airways and Iberia. This makes it easier to transfer and redeem points for flights. Credit card points can be converted to Avios, offering great flexibility and value.

One standout feature of Finnair’s program is its award seat guarantee. For each flight, Finnair makes at least two business class award seats available, helping travelers secure premium bookings even during peak seasons.

Earning Finnair Avios with Credit Card Points

Transferring credit card points to Finnair Avios is simple. Here’s how:

• American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards: Transfer points to British Airways Executive Club, then move Avios to Finnair Plus at a 1:1 ratio with no fees.

• Capital One Miles: Transfer points directly to Finnair Plus for added convenience.

Step-by-Step: Combining Avios Between Accounts

1. Log in to Finnair and then select the Finnair Plus from the Menu tab.

2. Make sure you have your British Airways Executive Club and Finnair Plus accounts ready (assuming you have accounts - if not, then join both).

3. Then click on the “Transfer Avios between Finnair Plus and British Airways Executive Club.” From this page you’ll be asked to link your Finnair Plus and British Airways Executive Club accounts.

4. From here, you will be redirected to British Airways Executive Club website to combine your account with Finnair Plus. Follow the instructions to link accounts.

5. Use the "Transfer Avios" feature on the Finnair Plus page to transfer points between accounts.

6. Confirm the amount, and your Avios will appear instantly in your Finnair Plus account.

Searching for Award Availability

Finding availability for Finnair’s non-stop routes to Helsinki—such as from Los Angeles, New York, and Miami—requires patience, but it’s manageable with the right tools.

Award Costs and Availability

• Business Class: 62,500 Avios + $157.10 taxes and fees

• Premium Economy: 43,500 Avios + $99.90 taxes and fees

• Economy Class: 30,000 Avios + $79.10 taxes and fees

Finnair guarantees:

• 2 Business Class seats per flight

• 2 Premium Economy seats per flight

• 4 Economy Class seats per flight

Tips for Searching

• On Finnair’s Website: Use flexible dates and start with one-way searches to uncover more options. If glitches arise, switch the website’s region settings (e.g., U.S. to Europe). Business class flights are in high demand. So start your search several months in advance - almost a year in advance. The example I provided was for next December!

• With Third-Party Tools: Platforms like Seats.Aero can help identify availability more efficiently but may only display one seat at a time in business class. When using Seats.Aero, explore using American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or Qantas to search for Finnair flights. Or use the Search function and search fr direct flights only to Helsinki.

Maximizing Your Credit Card Points

To get the best value from your points, watch for transfer bonuses (and look at our website for the latest transfer bonuses) from credit card programs. For example, a 30% transfer bonus you would only need 49,000 credit card points to transfer to British Airways. The 30% bonus will net you 63,700, enough for a 62,500 Finnair business class ticket. And now that you’ve combined accounts, your British Airways Avios can be moved to Finnair Plus to complete your booking - HOWEVER, check for availability before transferring.

Our website and newsletter emails will show the latest transfer bonuses so that you can save even more or even book that business class ticket to fly to Europe. Because once you fly flat, you wont go back.

What to Expect from Finnair Business Class

Flying Finnair Business Class is a treat in itself. Here’s what makes it special:

• Innovative Seating: Lie-flat seats with a no-recline design offer extra privacy and comfort, paired with a spacious ottoman. That’s right. The seat does not recline. The ottoman folds and creates a bed.

• Modern Aircraft: Finnair uses the Airbus A350 and A330 for long-haul routes, providing a consistent premium experience.

• Onboard Amenities: Enjoy gourmet dining, curated wines, and a state-of-the-art entertainment system. Business class passengers also get exclusive lounge access in Helsinki, complete with a Finnish sauna.

Conclusion

With a bit of strategy, booking Finnair Business Class using credit card points is easier than you might think. Transfer points to Avios, secure award availability early (up to 361 days in advance), and take advantage of transfer bonuses to stretch your rewards further.

Whether you’re crossing the Atlantic or connecting onward to Europe, Finnair’s business class offers the comfort and luxury to make your journey unforgettable—all without breaking the bank.

We love hearing from you! Share your travel stories, tips, or ask us burning travel questions. Ask me a question or advice on points and miles or other travel questions. Who knows, your story might be featured in our next newsletter!

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✨ Safe Travels & Happy Landings! Thank you for flying with us on this newsletter journey. Until next time, keep your passports ready and your adventures grand!