Flying Finnair’s AirLounge Business Class — Sydney to Bangkok Return(Wet Lease Operated by Finnair for Qantas)

This year’s journey to Italy took a unique turn. I purchased a business class ticket on Oman Air—which, while recently joining oneworld, doesn’t fly to Australia. As a result, my trip began on a Qantas service to Bangkok. There was a twist: the aircraft wasn’t a Qantas jet at all, but a Finnair A330-300 operating under a wet-lease agreement. This meant the flight came with Finnair’s crew, seats, catering, and service standards, offering the perfect opportunity to experience their much-talked-about Business Class “AirLounge” seats.

The Ground Experience – Sydney

Check-in was through Qantas Business at Sydney Airport, and everything ran smoothly. My luggage was tagged through to Bangkok, where I’d stop for a few days before continuing to Rome with Oman Air with a short stop in Muscat.

The Qantas Business Lounge on a Saturday morning was busy but handled well — food and drink options were replenished regularly, and staff service was friendly.

Boarding & First Impressions

As a wheelchair user, I was the first to board QF295 to Bangkok. The Finnair crew were delightful from the moment I stepped on board, assisting me to my seat and making sure I was settled. The A330-300 features a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout, giving every passenger direct aisle access.

I’d pre-selected seat 1H — close to the lavatory for easier access — and although it was in the front row, there’s no extra legroom advantage over other rows.

The AirLounge Seat – Not Your Typical Business Class

At first glance, the midnight-blue AirLounge seat stands out. This is not another “tweak” of a standard business seat — it’s an entirely different concept.

Instead of a traditional seatback recline, Airlounge is designed more like a padded, cocooned sofa. Two pivotal surfaces flip up to create a full-length, 195cm (6’4”) lie-flat bed. There’s no ridge in the middle, so sleeping is genuinely comfortable, though getting in and out of bed mode takes a little manoeuvring.

The privacy factor is excellent, thanks to the high, wrap-around shell. There’s a small storage cupboard with USB-A, USB-C, headphone ports, and a remote for the in-flight entertainment.

Bedding consists of a mattress pad, quality blanket, and two large pillows, which I used not only for sleeping but for propping myself up in “sofa mode.”

Sitting, Lounging, Sleeping

The biggest difference from a conventional business seat is the lack of intermediate recline positions. You’re either in a fairly upright lounge posture or in bed mode — nothing in between.

Best for sleeping: Outstanding. The flat surface is wide, well-padded and free of ridges.
For lounging: Also very comfortable — I often kept the bed surface deployed and sat cross-legged or with my feet stretched forwards.
For upright work/eating: Comfortable enough, with a good-sized tray table, but not as adjustable as seats with multiple recline settings.

In-flight Service & Entertainment

From the welcome to the final descent, service was a standout highlight. The crew were friendly, proactive and constantly checked in — without being intrusive.

Pre-departure drinks (champagne, juice, or water) were offered, followed by a lunch service soon after take-off. After my meal, I enjoyed a movie from Finnair’s easy-to-navigate entertainment system — the moving map display is particularly well done, showing exact city overflights.

One note: there was no Wi-Fi for purchase on this flight.

Throughout the flight, crew regularly offered water top-ups, tea, chocolates, cookies, and snacks. They were so proactive that I never had to press the call button. Two hours before landing, a substantial snack was served.

The Return Flight – Consistency Shines

My return flight to Sydney was operated by the same A330 type with identical seating. Again, the crew were warm, attentive, and genuinely cheerful. The AirLounge experience was consistent — comfortable sleep, privacy, and a relaxing cabin environment.

Final Thoughts – AirLounge Verdict

The Finnair AirLounge is one of the most distinctive business class products flying today. It’s not about a range of recline angles; instead, it’s designed for two modes: sleeping flat or lounging freely — and it delivers both well.

Who will love it:

• Travellers who prioritise uninterrupted sleep
• Those who like a private, spacious cocoon
• People who value attentive, personable crew service

Things to consider:

• No traditional recline may feel limiting for those who like multiple in-between positions
• No Wi-Fi available on these services (at least at present)

For me, the sleep quality, overall comfort, and exceptional service made this one of the most pleasant regional business class flights I’ve taken recently. If Qantas continues to operate the wet-leased Finnair A330 with AirLounge, I’d definitely choose it again for long-haul travel.