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Editor’s Note: Vane Mag originally reviewed the Finnair Platinum Wing in February 2020, shortly after its grand opening. This post has been updated for 2026 to reflect current opening hours and access rules.
Finnair recently opened the Platinum Wing lounge at Helsinki Airport, and it remains one of the most unique spaces in aviation. Why? Because it offers communal sweating in an authentic, unisex Finnish Sauna.
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Located in the non-Schengen side of Helsinki Airport (HEL), the lounge has maintained its high standards despite industry changes. Here are the five wellness offerings that make this lounge a bucket-list destination for travellers.
Five wellness offerings at Finnair’s Platinum Wing
1. Serene Nordic design
The lounge entrance is separate from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal. The white and oak, with clean, minimal lines, creates an immediate sense of calm and sets the tone for the lounge experience that awaits.
You can check into the lounge either by an automated gate or by seeing a lounge host.
2. Relax and unwind zone
The lounge has been divided into distinct “zones” to accommodate travellers’ needs and moods.
“We spent a lot of time trying to understand how our customers use the lounge, what they typically do there, and built the floorplan and spaces around these needs. Whether you are looking to work or to relax and unwind. There is sure to be something for everybody,” says David Kondo, Head of Customer Experience Product Design at Finnair.
3. Calming light and sound
There is a dedicated quiet area at the back of the lounge. Here, acoustic panels line the walls to dampen terminal noise, and the lighting is kept soft and natural.
Design Geek Note: Look at the floor lights. These are the famous “Angel Wing” lights designed by Alvar Aalto in 1954. They were manufactured in an exclusive color just for Finnair—a subtle touch of Finnish design history.
4. The Authentic Finnair Sauna
This is the main event. The sauna is unisex and lined in darkened natural aspen wood to replicate the authentic Finnish smoke sauna experience.
How it works: Men and women have separate dressing rooms on each side of the sauna, but the steam room itself is shared (towels required).
The Vibe: Lighting changes the mood of the sauna throughout the day. There is a large cooling room with cold drinks available immediately upon stepping out.
Pro Tip: For an optimal experience, cool down in the dressing area for 10 minutes before heading back into the terminal.
5. Private shower suites
There are several private shower suites available for travelers to book via automated touchscreens near the entrance.
The best part? The suites are stocked with amenities from the Swedish organic skincare brand L: A Bruket. These are the same premium products found in Finnair’s Business Class amenity kits.
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There is also a small window shop of curated Finnair Travel Retail products available for last-minute gift shopping.
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Getting into the Lounge (Access Rules)
Important Location Note: The Sauna is located in the Non-Schengen Platinum Wing (near Gate 52).
- Flying to the US/Asia/UK? You are in the right place.
- Flying within Europe (Schengen)? You will only have access to the new ‘Platinum Corner,’ which does NOT have a sauna.
Opening Hours (2026): As of 2026, the lounge typically opens from 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM. Note: If you arrive early (e.g., 7:00 AM), you will need to wait in the Business Class Lounge next door until the Platinum Wing opens.
Who Gets In?
As the name hints, not every traveler can waltz into the Platinum Wing. Access is exclusive to:
- Finnair Plus Platinum & Platinum Lumo members.
- Oneworld Emerald cardholders (e.g., AA Executive Platinum, BA Gold).
- Note: Business Class tickets alone do NOT grant access to this specific wing.
Updated January 25, 2026