Finnair has a great reputation for being one of the safest airlines in the world, and it is a popular choice for travellers from the US and Europe heading to Helsinki. If you are flying with them soon, it is worth checking the Finnair baggage allowance before you set off.

In this simple guide, we will go over the latest rules for cabin bags and checked luggage, including the size and weight you are allowed. We will also point out what kind of sports gear you can bring on board, and a few useful tips to help you keep your hand luggage within the limits. With these basics in mind, packing becomes much easier, and your time at the airport is a lot smoother.

Overview of Finnair

Finnish Airline System (Finnair), the largest airline in Finland and the national flag carrier, is mainly sponsored by the Finnish government. Experts agree that it is one of the safest airlines in the world. In 2022, AirlineRatings.com ranked the Helsinki-based aviation company among the top 20 safest carriers in the world.

From its main hub at Helsinki Airport, Finnair operates flights to more than 80 destinations throughout the globe on its network of flights encompassing North America, Asia, and Europe.

Founded in 1923, it's one of the oldest commercial airlines flying today. Finnair serves about tens of millions of passengers annually. The airline is an excellent gateway for Asian travellers to Europe, with half of the airline’s revenue generated from this group.

Finnair’s Cabin Baggage Policy

Finnair’s hand luggage rules explained.

Passengers are permitted a certain amount of carry-on baggage depending on the fare class and ticket purchased. Please review the baggage regulation information below.

1. Economy/Premium Economy Class 

For Economy and Premium Economy classes, each passenger is entitled to one free handbag and one personal item on board. Make sure both of your carry-on luggage comply with the following requirements:

• Hand bag: max 22 x 16 x 9 in (55 x 40 x 23 cm) in dimension; fit in overhead lockers on the plane

• Personal item: max 16 x 12 x 6 in (40 x 30 x 15 cm) in dimension; fit underneath the chair; these can be a small laptop bag, a small handbag, or a small backpack

• Combined weight: max 17 lbs (8kg).

2. Business Class

Finnair's Business Class fliers are permitted one carry-on bag and one personal item. Passengers are subject to the same size limits as those in Economy or Premium Economy. Regarding the combined weight, the maximum allowance can be up to 26.5 lbs (12 kg).

Note: If you book an Economy Superlight ticket, you can only bring a small bag sized 40 x 30 x 15 cm. If you want a bigger carry-on, you’ll need to add it when booking.

Finnair isn’t as strict as some budget airlines like Ryanair, but they can still check the size and weight of your bags, so it’s best to be ready.

If you like to keep things light and avoid checked luggage fees, a CabinZero 28L backpack is a good choice. It’s built to fit under the seat on most airlines, even the stricter ones. The bag itself is super light at just 600g, so you get more room for your stuff. There’s a padded laptop section, and the material keeps out water and dust, which really helps when the weather turns.

On top of that, every CabinZero backpack comes with an Okoban tracking tag, so if it ever goes missing, there’s a better chance of getting it back. Lots of travellers already use it to skip extra fees. Pick one up, and flying with Finnair feels easier.

3. Baggage Allowance for Infants & Children

The baggage allowance for children is similar to that of adults within the same class of service. If the child doesn't have a reserved seat, they are not entitled to any free baggage allowance. However, parents can bring a foldable pushchair or a safety seat free of charge. It’s also possible to carry baby milk and baby food.

Note: Please consult the airline for more information about regulations on foldable pushchairs and children's and infants’ baggage allowance.

Finnair’s Checked Baggage Allowance

Baggage allowance for check-in luggage varies greatly, depending on the departure/destination country and travel classes. The cumulative weight and dimensions of each piece of luggage must adhere to the requirements below:

• Be maximum of 35 x 30 x 18 in (90 x 75 x 45 cm) in linear dimensions; handles and wheels included

• Economy / Premium Economy Class: 50 pounds (23 kg)

• Business Class: up to 50 pounds (23 kg) on shorter flights and up to 70 pounds (32 kg) if you are flying long haul.

Please refer to the guidelines on the Finnair website for more details about the number of checked baggage allowed on each type of travel route and class. 

Finnair’s Excess Baggage Policy

If your baggage exceeds the size and weight limits described above, you may have to check in your carry-on bags and pay for the applicable charges. The excess baggage charge is €60 per bag per way.

The following information details the fees you may expect to pay at the airport if your suitcase exceeds the airline's baggage size and weight restrictions.

The above costs apply to a single flight only; if you have booked round-trip tickets and your bags are the same size upon return, you will be charged twice the usual amount.

• Flights within Europe: €40 (you can pay this up until check-in closes)

• Flights within Finland and Northern Europe: €35 (payment is possible right up until check-in closes)

Note: Access their website for rates on flights from/to other destinations.

Finnair allows passengers to add up to three more pieces of luggage to their travel reservation up to three hours before departure. Each person is allowed a maximum of ten bags. Regardless of the number of bags you're allowed, your checked items’ total weight cannot exceed 50 lbs (23 kg).

Finnair’s Sports Equipment and CPAP Policy

When checking Finnair baggage allowance, it is also worth knowing the rules for sports gear and CPAP breathing devices. Here’s some important information to keep in mind:

Golf clubs are usually treated as special baggage. Photo by Svyatoslav Lypynskyy on Adobe Stock

1. Travelling with Sports Equipment

You can bring sports equipment as part of your normal baggage, as long as it weighs under 50 pounds (23 kg) and fits within 35 x 30 x 18 inches (90 x 75 x 45 cm).

If it is bigger or heavier, it counts as special baggage and you will need to pay an extra fee. Things like bicycles, skis, golf clubs, surfboards and sporting firearms usually fall into this category.

Good to know: if you fly Business Class on a Finnair long-haul route, you will not pay the extra heavy fee for items up to 32 kg (except for infants).

You can also book space for your special baggage and pay for it easily online in Manage Booking.

2. Bringing CPAP and Other Medical Devices

If you travel with a CPAP machine, portable oxygen concentrator or other medical aid, you can bring it on board and use it during the flight. These items are not counted in your usual carry-on limit, but this only applies to the medical device itself.

If you need to use the device during your journey, let Finnair know at least 48 hours before departure and fill in their form.

For battery-powered devices, make sure you carry enough spare batteries to cover at least 150 per cent of the flight time, including any layovers.

You can also ask Finnair for a medical inverter for your CPAP, free of charge, as long as you request it at least 72 hours before you fly.

How to Book Your Finnair Ticket

There are three main ways to book a Finnair flight: through the website, the app, or by contacting their customer service team.

1. Booking on the Finnair Website

Step 1: Go to the Finnair website

Head to finnair.com and choose your country and language.

Step 2: Search for your flights

Use the booking box on the homepage to pick whether you want a one-way, return or multi-city ticket. Enter where you want to fly from, where you are going, your travel dates, how many passengers, travel class, and a discount code if you have one. Then click “Search”.

Photo captured from the Finnair website

Step 3: Choose your desired flight

Select the flight that works best for you, whether that is the cheapest option, the fastest one, or a direct route. Once you have picked the ticket type you prefer, click “Continue”.

Step 4: Add passenger details

Fill in the passenger’s full name, gender and contact details. Then click “Continue”.

Step 5: Pick your seat

You can either choose your seat here or let Finnair assign one for you when you check in. When you are happy with your choice, click “Continue”.

Step 6: Add extras if you like

At this point, you can add things like extra baggage beyond your Finnair baggage allowance, internet access, meals, or space for special sports equipment. When you are done, click “Continue”.

Step 7: Pay and confirm

Double-check your travel dates, destination and passenger details. Then choose your payment method, either a credit or debit card. Add your details and click on “Proceed to payment” to finalise your booking.

Photo captured from the Finnair website

2. Purchasing through the Finnair App

The Finnair app makes things really simple. You can book your ticket, keep an eye on special deals, get important updates and even arrange a ride from the airport.

Just download it on your phone, whether you use iOS or Android. Open the app, create an account and search for your flight. The booking works just like it does on the website.

3. Contacting Customer Service

Another way to book is by getting in touch with Finnair’s customer service. You can call them on +358 300 871 160. There is a small charge of €1.70 per call plus the local network fee. Or, if you prefer, just use the chat box at the bottom right of the Finnair website.

When you finish your booking, Finnair will send you a payment link by email or text. Keep in mind the link only stays active for five hours, so it’s best not to wait too long before paying.

How to Check In with Finnair

Once you’ve got your ticket sorted, the next step is check-in. Luckily, it’s all pretty straightforward with Finnair.

1. Online Check-In

The easiest way is to do it online, either at finnair.com/en/check-in or through the Finnair app.

• Just enter your booking reference or e-ticket number along with your surname, then click “Start check-in”.

• Online check-in opens 36 hours before your flight, or 24 hours if you’re flying to or from the US.

If you’ve checked in online, have your boarding pass, and are travelling with hand luggage only, you can head straight through security to your gate. If you’re checking a bag, simply go to the Bag Drop. You’ll find self-service kiosks there to print your bag tag; just stick it onto the handle at the side of your suitcase.

One thing to note: if your flight is operated by another airline (other than Finnair or Norra) or you’re departing from Rimini, Dubrovnik, Salzburg or Split, you won’t be able to use Finnair’s online check-in. In those cases, you’ll need to check in with the airline that’s running your flight.

2. Airport Check-In

At the airport, you can use the self-service kiosks to check in. If there isn’t one available, just head to the counter and the staff will help you.

At Helsinki Airport, you can even check in the evening before your flight, between 6 pm and 9.30 pm, which is handy if you want a calmer start the next day.

3. Check-In Times

The deadline for check-in varies depending on where you are flying:

• For most flights within Finland or Europe, you need to check in at least 45 minutes before departure.

• If you are flying from Europe to the US, it’s 75 minutes.

• For flights from Europe to Asia, Central America or the Middle East, give yourself at least one hour.

• Most other flights also close check-in one hour before departure.

If your flight is run by a partner airline, the times may be a little different, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with them.

FAQs

1. How strict is Finnair with carry-on baggage?

It really depends on your ticket. The main thing is whether you just get a small bag under the seat or a bigger one for the overhead locker. With Light, Classic and Flex, you can take a bigger cabin bag plus a small personal item. The weight limit is 8 kg in Economy and Premium Economy, and 12 kg in Business. Superlight only gives you one small bag under the seat.

2. How many bags do you get with Finnair?

Every ticket lets you bring at least one small personal item, like a handbag or laptop bag. Most tickets also include a cabin bag, and many come with a checked bag too.

3. How many kg is a carry-on for Finnair?

In Economy and Premium Economy, it’s 8 kg. In Business, it’s 12 kg. That’s for your cabin bag plus the small personal item together. If you’re on a Superlight ticket, you only get the small personal item unless you pay for more.

4. How early can I check my baggage with Finnair?

The Bag Drop usually opens about two hours before departure and closes 45 to 60 minutes before the flight leaves. At Helsinki Airport, the self-service Bag Drop is open pretty much around the clock.

5. Can I pre-purchase extra baggage on Finnair?

Yes, of course. It’s easy to add extra checked baggage through the Manage Booking page or when you first book your ticket. It usually works out cheaper than paying at the airport. You can also pre-pay for sports equipment. If your bag is very heavy, very large, or if your journey includes flights run by another airline, you might need to contact Finnair’s Customer Service.

Quyen Pham