THE FLIGHT

Singapore to Helsinki

THE PLANE

Airbus A350 XWB

THE SEAT

Seat 6A (business class). My daughter is 1, so she flies free because she’s still small enough to sit on my lap. Thankfully, with a business-class seat, there is plenty of space for us both. When extended to the lie-flat position, the seats are 190cm long, so it’s easy for me to stretch out my feet and we can both nap snuggled up together. To be honest, we don’t get that much napping in (because she’s a toddler and toddlers don’t like to sleep on planes), but it’s bliss when we do both reach our slumber. Having the window on one side means I’ve got views and some privacy, while aisle access makes it easy to get up and move around.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

The Singapore to Helsinki flight is a red-eye service, so I forgo dinner and go straight to bed while my daughter is more inclined to sleep. We’re both up bright and early and very ready for breakfast come morning. On our flight they have run out of granola, so instead they offer me two hot breakfast options – I opt for pancakes smothered in blueberry compote and quiche. My husband pops up from economy and helps us devour our meals, which is very thoughtful of him (wink!). By that stage I’m on to my third cup of blueberry juice too – a Finnair specialty that is just too delicious to pass up.

ENTERTAINMENT

There’s a wide range of movies, TV shows, music and games available on the in-flight system, but with a toddler the reality is you won’t watch any of them. When she sleeps, I sleep – it’s the only logical way to travel. She is my entertainment, with no pause or stop button.

POINT OF DIFFERENCE

The Airbus A350 XWB is one of the better planes to be a passenger on. Special HEPA filters circulate outside air through the cabin every two to three minutes, so you won’t feel too dry or dehydrated. It’s quite a spacious plane, too.