Finnair has revealed a number of changes to its Finnair Plus loyalty programme, with new benefits for members.
Among these changes is the introduction of Avios as its new loyalty currency from early 2024, allowing members the opportunity to collect and use the currency across partner airlines such as British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and Qatar Airways.
The Finnair Plus programme will also move to a new spend-based platform (i.e. the money spent on flights and travel extras) rather than driven by the number of flights flown by its members. Last year, Iberia Plus and British Airways Executive Club also announced they would be moving towards a new spend-based system of earning miles.
Finnair Plus award points will be converted to Avios with a 3:2 ratio, and the airline says that “the purchasing power of the current points remains unchanged”.
Tier limits are set to be “revised to reflect the switch to Avios” and the new spend-based earn of tier points.
Finnair will also increase the number of award seats available, guaranteeing at least four award seats on flights within Europe, and eight on long-haul flights.
While there is no concrete date for the changes, Finnair said it would communicate this to members later this year.
Additionally, all Finnair Plus members (regardless of their tier status) will receive complimentary internet access for messaging on short-haul European flights operated with the carrier’s Airbus fleet.
The airline is also creating a new and “more spacious” lounge on the Schengen side of Helsinki airport, which will be ready for use in 2024 and include a dedicated area for top-tier members. The current Schengen lounge remains open until that time.
Ole Orvér, Finnair’s chief commercial officer, said:
“2024 marks the start of a new era with our loyalty program, with new benefits and improved options for our members to use their earned Avios – both within Finnair and IAG Loyalty’s partner network.
“The move to a spend-based program rewards customers directly for their spend, just like many retail loyalty programs do. These moves allow us to leverage the full potential of our loyalty program and make it attractive to a wider audience.”
CEO of IAG Loyalty Adam Daniels, added:
“Finnair’s adoption of Avios is a recognition of the global significance of the currency, and the incredible value it has for members worldwide. They join a leading global network of airline partners, including British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, and Qatar Airways.
“We are excited to play a central role in Finnair’s new era for their loyalty program and for their members.”
The Finnair Plus loyalty programme was first launched in 1992 and now counts over four million members worldwide.
