A mother has publicly criticised Finnair after cabin crew refused to sell food to her young son because the buy-on-board service had closed, despite there being around 40 minutes until landing after an eight-hour journey.
The On-Board Incident
Instagram user Maria Beydoun detailed the experience in a social media post. She explained she was travelling on a Finnair flight from Dubai via Helsinki. A meal was served shortly after departure, but when her son woke from a long nap approximately 40 minutes before landing, he was hungry.
Ms Beydoun attempted to purchase something for him but was informed by the crew that the service for selling food had already concluded. She stated they offered 'nothing... not even a piece of bread or a muffin', and noted the seatbelt sign was not illuminated at the time.
'We’d been travelling all day, and I just wanted to buy him something,' she wrote. She added that while she normally carries snacks, this was a return trip and she hadn't had time to restock.
Airline Procedure and Public Reaction
In her post, which tagged the airline, Ms Beydoun referenced Finnair's marketing as 'Santa’s airline', suggesting they 'can do better' on long-haul international journeys.
Finnair later confirmed its crew followed standard procedure, explaining that catering sales typically end about 45 minutes before arrival to allow cabin crew to complete necessary landing checks. The airline also clarified that no complimentary snacks are provided on this route beyond the initial meal service.
The online reaction to the story was divided. Some social media users criticised the mother's preparedness. One commenter stated, 'Your lack of planning doesn’t constitute an emergency for others.' Another advised, 'Next time ask before you get on the plane or pack your own snacks.'
Expert Advice for Stress-Free Family Flights
The incident highlights the challenges of travelling with children. Andrea Owen, a cabin crew member with TUI since 2003 and over 3,000 flights of experience, shared her top tips for families.
She emphasises that the secret to smoother travel is preparation. 'I always tell parents to expect the unexpected, pack more snacks than you think you'll need, and don't be afraid to ask the crew for help,' Andrea said.
She added that many crew members are parents themselves and genuinely want to assist families in having a positive start to their holiday.
