24 hours in Helsinki
Despite having sworn to stay away from JFK, a deal like this was too good to pass up and a fun way to spend my birthday in the air while also revisiting a city I really enjoyed 11 years ago.
I booked with American Airlines AAdvantage program which cost 115,000 miles and $48.60 taxes/fees round trip for lie flat business class.
Unfortunately my outbound direct flight was cancelled due to pilot strikes at Finnair and I was originally re-booked in American Airlines economy with a layover in London, but after a quick call, customer service was able to get everything sorted.
After spending an hour covering the last 18 miles of the Van Wyck Expressway, I breezed through priority check-in to American Airlines' Greenwich Lounge. I went straight to "The Bridge" which overlooks the terminal.
I tried the chicken and waffle along with some deviled eggs, both of which were delicious.
Fittingly, I paired dinner with the Atlantic Crossing cocktail.
Eventually it was time to board our Boeing 777-300ER:
Business class was configured in a 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access to every seat.
This wasn't American's newest business class "suite" with a door, but the seat was comfortable and spacious enough that I slept like a baby from the time we leveled off to when we made our final approach.
I had a short 2 hour layover at London Heathrow, but was able to visit the Cathay Pacific lounge for a quick bite as I had not eaten anything on my first flight. Food was delicious and I really enjoy the views of the tarmac.
My next leg was a 2.5 hr flight on Finnair's regional Airbus A321. I was served a traditional Finnish gin cocktail and a tasty meal which made the flight feel relatively quick.
After a quick 20 minute Uber ride from the airport, I arrived at the Hotel St. George, a member of Design Hotels which I booked with an annual free night award benefit from my Marriott Bonvoy credit card which has a $95 annual fee.
Thanks to my Platinum status with Marriott, I was automatically upgraded to a corner room with views of the park across the street.
First order of business again was some more food, for which I headed to the restaurant's Michelin recommended Thai restaurant, Boon Nam.
To start, I chose the citrus cured hamachi on an edible cha plu leaf with rhubarb, lime, and garlic dressing along with curried duck config on a rice cracker paired with a lime and pandan leaf infused gimlet.
For my main, I chose the five spice "secreto" cut of Iberico pork which was incredibly tender.
The next morning, after a quick breakfast, I headed to the spa. I bounced between the pool, steam room, and traditional Finnish sauna for about 2 hours before my time in Helsinki was over and I headed headed back to the airport.
If you’d like help maximizing your points and miles, drop me a line at wheelsupwithpoints@gmail.com!
