Finnair Avios is the newest member of the Avios currency (review) and can be used to book several premium cabin awards for travel around the world (see table below).
Avios Transfer Partners & Best Redemptions
| Avios Type | Direct Transfer Partners | Award Space Release | Award Cancellation & Redeposit Fees | Best Redemptions | Notes |
| Iberia | Amex, Chase | 360 days | €25 | Iberia business class 34-42K each way from the US to Madrid. | Book 360 days ahead of time. |
| Qatar | Capital One, Citi | 360 days | $25 | Book Qatar business class from the US to Asia & Africa. | Book 360 days ahead of time. |
| Finnair | Capital One | 361 days | €50 | Book Finnair business class from the US to Helsinki for 62.5K Avios and low taxes. | Book 361 days ahead of time with an award space guarantee. |
| British | Amex, Chase, Capital One | 355 days | £35 or forfeit the taxes for lesser amount. | Book one-way short-haul flights within the US and Europe. | Can be used to book Iberia flights with identical Avios/taxes but only 355 days ahead of time. |
| Aer Lingus | Amex, Chase | 355 days | £35 | Book One-way business class from the US to Dublin for 50K avios and low taxes. | Book 355 days ahead of time. |
How do you transfer Avios between the programs?
For the Avios sign-up process, transfers and booking examples, please refer to my earlier in-depth article (review).
Best use for Finnair Avios
Finnair Plus award seats are released 359-361 days in advance on its own metal and there is an award seat guarantee on flights to and from Helsinki from the US (JFK, MIA, ORD, DFW, SEA and LAX).
See the image below for JFK-HEL October 2025 flights searched on October 26th 2024 for two business class seats.
How much are the taxes and surcharges?
- Finnair passes on a reasonable amount of taxes to travel on their own metal compared to British Airways.
- Finnair’s US to Helsinki business class one-way can be booked for 62,500 Avios with significantly less taxes ($140.50) compared to booking with British Avios ($1,047.30).
- One can book the same flights with AA or Alaska Mileage Plan with much less in taxes, but neither of those programs will let you book 360 days in advance.
- Qantas miles can be used to book Finnair flights 353 days ahead, but it will cost 75K points instead of 62.5K using Finnair Avios (see image below).
Can I add a connection in Europe for the same amount of Avios?
Adding a connection to intra-Finland cities (e.g., Kittila, Rovaniemi, Kuusamo), Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm slightly increases taxes while retaining the same total amount of Avios (for two passengers in the image below).
How much will it cost to add a distant connection in Europe?
Adding a connection to go to Tromso or Iceland will increase the Avios requirement from 62.5K to 80.5K per person along with an increased amount of taxes (see images below).
How good is Finnair’s A350 Business Class?
I’ve heard good things about the 1-2-1 configuration of Finnair’s Collins AirLounge seats (link) and the airline is known for providing excellent service.
Finland National Parks & Scenery
Near Kittilä: Pallas-Yllästunturi & Lemmenjoki National Parks.
Near Rovaniemi: Korouoma Canyon & Nature Reserve, Pyhä-luosto National Park.
Near Kuusamo: Riisitunturi National Park and Oulanka National Park.
Conclusion
Finland is a beautiful Scandinavian country filled with forests and is great to visit any time of the year to experience the Northern Lights and enjoy world-class hiking trails. I am happy to see that Finnair Plus is guaranteeing award seat availability and releasing them 361 days ahead of time.