Travel Tips You Need for Helsinki Airport!

-Flying from Helsinki Airport to the UK, USA, or another non-Schengen destination? BE WARNED. If you are flying early in the morning, once you go past Gate 37 and passport control, you're entering the land of… closed shutters and silence. Most shops and restaurants don’t open until 11am, leaving you limited on options! So what are your options? ✅ Pay for the Finnair Lounge (worth it if you need a proper breakfast and a seat). ❌ Or… settle for Burger King for breakfast – and we all know how nutritious that is for your gut health and microbiome, right? 🎥 In this video, we show you what it’s really like beyond Gate 37, so you can plan smarter and avoid that hangry airport regret. 🍋 Tip: Bring your own snacks, stay nourished, and protect your gut—especially if you're flying early! Other More Detailed Information: 🌍 Non-Schengen Countries (commonly served from Helsinki Airport): 🛫 Non-Schengen Flights from Helsinki typically go to: United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) United States Canada Japan South Korea China (including Hong Kong) Singapore Thailand United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) Qatar (Doha) India Vietnam Australia (via connecting flights) ✅ Useful Information About the Non-Schengen Area at Helsinki Airport: 1. Location and Layout: The non-Schengen gates are located in Pier 37-55 also known as the West Pier. These gates are accessed after passport control, so once you're through, you can’t return to the main shopping/food area. 2. Passport Control Delays: During peak times, passport control can get backed up, especially before long-haul departures. It's worth allowing extra time after security for passport checks. 3. No Duty-Free Access After Entry: Once you enter the non-Schengen area, duty-free shopping is limited. If you want perfumes, alcohol, or gifts, buy them before passport control. 4. Free Water & Facilities: Water fountains are available post-security but may be harder to find after passport control. Toilets are available, but baby changing and family facilities are better-equipped in the Schengen zone. 5. Wi-Fi and Power: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Charging stations are scattered, but some non-Schengen gates lack USB ports, so bring a power bank. 6. Security Re-check: Some gates (especially U.S.-bound flights) may have secondary security screening at the gate, with restrictions on liquids—even those bought airside. ✈️ Finnair Business Lounge (Non-Schengen Area) Location: Near Gate 52 Opening Hours: Daily from 5:30 a.m. to midnight Access: Complimentary for: Passengers holding Finnair Business Class tickets (Classic, Flex, and Saver) Finnair Plus Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Lumo members (with guest allowances) oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members (with guest allowances) Paid Access: Available for purchase online during booking, via the Finnair app, or at the airport lounge reception. Prices may vary; purchasing in advance through digital channels often offers the best rates. Finnair Plus Silver members receive a discount on lounge access. 💳 Lounge Access Pricing The cost for lounge access varies depending on when and how you purchase it: Advance Purchase: You can buy access online during flight booking, via the Finnair app, through the "Manage Booking" section, or during online check-in. Off-Peak Hours: For access during off-peak hours, the fee is approximately €55 for adults and €15 for children aged 2–11. This access is valid for a three-hour stay. 🛋️ Lounge Amenities The Finnair Business Lounge offers a range of amenities to enhance your pre-flight experience: Seating: Comfortable seating areas with AC and USB power outlets. Dining: A buffet featuring hot breakfast from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and lunch and dinner options including salads, hot meals, side dishes, soup, snacks, and desserts from 10:30 a.m. until midnight. Finnair Beverages: A selection of wines, champagne, spirits, cocktails, beer, Finnish long drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages. For more details or to purchase lounge access, you can visit Finnair's official website: https://www.finnair.com/us-en/smooth-... We hope this is useful and happy travelling! 😊