Blue1: Helsinki to Brussels

The carrier: Blue1

About
A low-cost wing of SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System), Blue1 flies to an impressive number of destinations in Finland and a smattering of other Nordic cities (Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Oslo and Stockholm) as well as Western and Central European destinations. Blue1 is the second biggest airline in Finland.

Blue1 is definitely #1 for travel to Finland's north. No other budget airline flies to destinations beyond Helsinki and Tampere.

Upside

Network stretches across Finland. Young, helpful and energetic flight crew. Newer aircraft in fleet. Great service.

Downside

Access to most destinations in Finland requires connecting flights and some destinations are seasonal.

Baggage

• Carry-on: One piece of hand luggage not exceeding 8 kg.
• Checked: Within Finland, you are allowed up to three bags and depending on class (Economy, Business), the total weight can be anywhere from 20-30 kg.

* Please visit Blue1’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

The good news? Check in online and you can pick your seat. You must check in no later than 45 minutes before departure.

Check-in and Ticketing

Blue1 offers online check-in and you get to pick your seat once you do so.  Check-in is available from 22 hours before the scheduled departure.  

Departure: Helsinki, Finland - Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is the main airport serving Helsinki, Finland. It was originally built for the Summer Olympics in 1952 and is currently the fourth largest airport among the Nordic countries. Location: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is located 19 km (11.5 miles) north of Helsinki. Transport: - Bus: YTV buses (#415, #451, and #615) as well as the Finnair City Bus run to and from the airport and Helsinki city center (among other destinations). The journey into Helsinki lasts about 40 minutes. For timetables and rate information, visit either YTV or Finnair's City Bus web site. - Taxi: There are taxi ranks in front of both terminals. Service desks for taxis are located in the Arrivals Hall. The journey into Helsinki by car takes about 30 minutes. Service: There are several information desks found in the airport. Other services include: two banks, several currency exchanges, ATMs, Wi-Fi Internet, baby care stations, a meditation room, and many restaurants, cafes, and bars. A 24-hour fast food restaurant is also available. The International Terminal hosts more shops, a grocery store, and a pharmacy.

Arrival: Brussels, Belgium - National (BRU)

Brussels International Airport, not to be confused with Brussels Charleroi Airport, is Belgium's most important airport. Brussels International is mostly served by flag carrier and "conventional" airlines, though easyJet, Clickair, Sterling, SkyEurope, and some charter airlines also fly in and out of the airport. Brussels International Airport was formerly known as "Brussel Nationaal/Bruxelles-National" (Brussels National). Location: The Brussels International Airport is located in Zaventem, near Brussels, Belgium. Transport: - Rail: The airport train station is located below the terminal (basement level-1). Up to 4 trains an hour connect the airport to Brussels North, Brussels Central, and Brussels Midi stations. Moreover there are direct train services to the East, South and West of Belgium. Information on the schedules of all Belgian and international train services can be found on the Belgian Railways website. - Bus: The bus station is located on level 0, one floor down from the arrivals hall, and can be easily reached by using the escalators or elevators. Centrally located on the bus station there are three platforms, each with its specific use. There are several buses available for travelers. The most common, De Lijn, operates express bus services and departs from platform A. For more information consult their official website for specific rates and times. Another bus service available is the MIVB/STIB which leaves from platform C. For more information view the MIVB/STIB official website. Other options include the Antwerp Express and the Brussels Airport express. Specific rates and times can be found on their official website. - Taxi: Taxis with a taximeter are permanently available in front of the arrivals hall. Licensed taxis can be recognized by the blue and yellow emblem. Travellers are advised to avoid unlicensed taxis. Service: Services within the Brussels Airport include baggage lockers, information desks, a pharmacy, money exchanges, telecoms, places of worship, as well as various shops and restaurants.