Finnair review by Paul 2017-07-31

Finnair was once a luxury Nordic carrier. The reason: The decision-makers in this tiny country of 5 million people wanted to reflect their design and style -- reflected in Scandinavian glass and textiles -- and independence. Meaning Finnair was supposed to make a statement against Aeroflot. It once did. But no more. Avianca, a so-called Third World airline, is superior to Finnair. Test my theory: Call Avianca's general phone number. You will get a real person who speaks Spanish. Finnair? Nope. You will never speak to an agent or rep in Helsinki. Not even if you hold a Business Class ticket. Finnair routes your call to a boiler room in Bulgaria, of all places. And here is the real problem: Once you call that boiler room, you will be in an Orwellian world. They read a script, and are not authorized to do anything for you: "No we cannot re-book you. We need approval from the Help Desk in Helsinki at Finnair headquarters." QUESTION: Can I please have the number to that Help Desk? "No we are not allowed to give it out." QUESTION: Can you call them now? My flight is leaving in 40 minutes. "No, they are closed. But I will have them call you after they open." 10 days = no call!