Blue1: Helsinki to Edinburgh

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.

Bonus

We have a total crush on Blue1's website which is chock full of helpful information, a cinch to navigate and is easy on the eyes.

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: Edinburgh, United Kingdom - Edinburgh International (Turnhouse) (EDI)

Edinburgh Airport, sometimes referred to as "Turnhouse", was the busiest airport in Scotland in 2007 and is a hub for easyJet, flyglobespan and Ryanair. Location: Edinburgh Airport is located 12 km (eight miles) west of Edinburgh. Transport: - Rail: Most train services operate from Edinburgh Haymarket station which is found on the main bus route between the airport and city center. - Bus: Public bus services stop outside the Arrivals Halls. More information on both Lothian Bus services can be found at the flybybus company's Website. Also, the express service operates daily. - Taxi: At Edinburgh Airport there are three taxi ranks available. One of them operates solely based on pre-booked reservations while the other two are for companies that serve the airport. Usually, a journey to and from the city center and airport takes roughly 25 minutes. The 'black cab' rank is available by the coach stations while others are available outside the Arrivals Hall. Service: In the airport there are numerous shops and restaurants. Several internet stations are available. In addition, there are play areas for children, entertainment facilities, and baby changing rooms.