Anyone flown via Helsinki?

[oilslick]

Found a cracking deal on a biz class flight to Oz over Xmas with Finnair, but the stopover in Helsinki is 55 mins on the way there, and 1h30 on the way back.

I'm slightly worried about missing my connecting flight - has anyone passed through there? Any ideas how long it would take?

[Puggit]

I haven't transitted there, but having flown there I can tell you it's a small, compact, well run airport. Any problems won't be caused there (unless there is severe weather).

You're far more likely to suffer a problem at LHR causing you to land late.

[Fas1975]

Transited through Helsinki only last week. VERY easy, especially if you have the new biometric passports. Once you're off the plane, check the board for the gate, then head towards it. Depending on where your gate is, you will go through passport control. I was travelling to a Schengen area country (Estonia), and had to go through passport control, biometric passport scanner took about 5 seconds to process, away I went to the next gate. Return, exactly the same.

I have a feeling your transit may be even easier, as you'll be in the International transit area and it'll just be a short walk to another gate. As mentioned, it's a small, efficient airport that just "works"

[GCH]

Transiting in countries other than the UK is quick and painless as no re-clearing of security.
HEL is no exception- as you are transiting non-schengen --> schengen a quick passport check is all you will have, and then you are in the main departure area. Find your gate and thats it.

I routinely book connections at places like MUC, and DUS of just 35mins and still get to the gate before boarding starts.

[oilslick]

Thanks for the replies chaps, that's put my mind at ease. Off to book

[BrabusMog]

GCH said:

Transiting in countries other than the UK is quick and painless as no re-clearing of security.
HEL is no exception- as you are transiting non-schengen --> schengen a quick passport check is all you will have, and then you are in the main departure area. Find your gate and thats it.

I routinely book connections at places like MUC, and DUS of just 35mins and still get to the gate before boarding starts.

I discovered last week that Dusseldorf can be done in 13 mins if you are really pressed for time!