I’ve flown with SAS Airlines more times than I can count, short hauls, transatlantic, winter hops to the Arctic Circle, and business runs to continental hubs. Over the years, I’ve seen this airline evolve, hold its Scandinavian identity tight, and occasionally falter under pressure. This review goes beyond a basic summary. I’m sharing facts, figures, and real in-flight experiences to help you decide if SAS is the right carrier for your next trip through Scandinavia or beyond.
What Is SAS Airlines Known For?
SAS, short for Scandinavian Airlines System, is the national carrier for Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. It was established in 1946 and has since become one of Europe’s most recognized legacy carriers. Headquartered in Stockholm, SAS operates from three primary hubs: Copenhagen (CPH), Stockholm Arlanda (ARN), and Oslo Gardermoen (OSL).
- Fleet: Over 130 aircraft, including Airbus A320neo, A330, A350, and Boeing 737
- Network: Serves 90+ destinations in Europe, Asia, and North America
- Alliance: Founding member of Star Alliance, enabling seamless codeshares with Lufthansa, United, and ANA
What distinguishes SAS is its consistent Nordic branding, functional design, minimalism, and environmental initiatives.
How Comfortable Is the SAS In-Flight Experience?
Comfort is one of the most consistent features on SAS flights. The airline offers three cabin classes: SAS Go (Economy), SAS Plus (Premium Economy), and SAS Business (only on long-haul flights).
SAS Go
Seats in SAS Go typically offer 30–31 inches of pitch with decent lumbar support. The seats are slimline, but not cramped. I’ve found that even tall passengers (over 6 feet) can manage on shorter European routes.
SAS Plus
SAS Plus is a true hybrid between economy and business. It offers wider seats, up to 34–38 inches of pitch depending on aircraft, priority boarding, and access to lounges. For transatlantic routes, it’s often the best value upgrade.
SAS Business
On long-haul A350 and A330 aircraft, SAS Business offers fully lie-flat seats with direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration. The cabin feels clean and minimal, reflecting Scandinavian design. Noise-cancelling headphones, a well-curated IFE system, and solid bedding make it competitive with Lufthansa or Swiss.
The consistent color palette (gray, navy, and white), LED ambient lighting, and wide windows (on Airbus models) create a calm, modern cabin environment across all classes.
What Services and Amenities Does SAS Offer Onboard?
SAS offers functional amenities, not luxury frills. Here’s what you can expect:
- Wi-Fi: Available on most aircraft; free for EuroBonus Gold/Diamond and SAS Plus/Business passengers
- In-flight Entertainment (IFE): Long-haul aircraft come with touchscreens loaded with recent films, Nordic cinema, TV, music, and flight maps. No IFE on most intra-European routes.
- Power: USB ports available in all cabins on long-haul flights; standard AC outlets in SAS Plus and Business
- Food:
- SAS Go: Buy-on-board model for European flights; complimentary meals on long-haul
- SAS Plus: Includes meals and alcoholic drinks
- SAS Business: Full multi-course menus with wine pairing and champagne
- Special Meals: Available if pre-ordered 24 hours in advance. Options include vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and child meals
If you fly often, you’ll notice that SAS focuses more on efficiency and consistency than indulgence. It’s utilitarian, but well-thought-out.
How Is the SAS Customer Service Rated?
SAS customer service is generally competent, especially at Scandinavian airports. Here’s a breakdown:
- Check-in & Ground Staff: Kiosks are efficient, and staff are usually polite but reserved. At CPH, OSL, and ARN, staff speak fluent English and operate with high professionalism.
- Cabin Crew: Consistently courteous, discreet, and responsive. They won’t chat endlessly but will respond immediately when called. In Business, service feels more personal.
- Disruption Handling: SAS tends to struggle here. In strike situations or weather disruptions, communication can be sparse. Rebooking and compensation processes are bureaucratic.
Skytrax rates SAS 3 stars. On Trustpilot, reviews average around 3.2/5. Frequent travelers praise punctuality and comfort but cite weaknesses in customer issue resolution.
Is SAS Airlines Punctual and Reliable?
SAS has one of the strongest on-time performance records among European legacy carriers.
| Metric | SAS Performance (2023–2024) |
| OTP (On-Time Performance) | 81.2% average across all routes |
| Long-haul punctuality | 78.60% |
| Average delay | 13 minutes |
| Fleet age | 8.7 years average |
| Safety | IOSA-certified; no fatal accidents in over 30 years |
The newer A350 and A320neo aircraft have improved reliability metrics. Weather in Scandinavia can cause winter delays, but SAS’s crews are experienced in de-icing and cold-weather operations.
How Competitive Are SAS Airlines Ticket Prices?
SAS is not a budget airline, but deals exist, especially on off-peak and round-trip bookings.
- SAS Go: Slightly more expensive than Norwegian or Ryanair but includes a carry-on and high reliability
- SAS Plus: Frequently on sale; often under 400 euro for round-trip Europe–US routes
- SAS Business: Premium fares, but with regular 2-for-1 campaigns for EuroBonus members
Average transatlantic round-trip pricing (from Copenhagen):
| Class | Price Range (EUR) |
| SAS Go | 350– 600 |
| SAS Plus | 700– 1200 |
| SAS Business | 1600– 2800 |
Students and young travelers (under 26) get access to reduced fares through the SAS Youth Ticket program.
What Is the SAS EuroBonus Program and Is It Worth It?
EuroBonus is SAS’s frequent flyer program and is highly functional for Nordic travelers.
- Tier Levels: Member, Silver (20k points), Gold (45k), Diamond (90k)
- Benefits:
- Gold/Diamond = Lounge access, priority check-in, extra baggage
- Upgrade offers with points, even from SAS Go
- Points: Earned based on ticket class and route distance.
- Partners: All Star Alliance carriers, Nordic Choice Hotels, and rental car companies
EuroBonus is especially useful for those based in Scandinavia, with generous award seat availability on SAS and Lufthansa.
How Is the SAS Airport Lounge Experience?
SAS lounges are available in major hubs: Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo.
- Access: SAS Plus, Business, EuroBonus Gold/Diamond, or Star Alliance Gold
- Lounge Types:
- SAS Lounge: Standard access with cold food, drinks, Wi-Fi
- SAS Gold Lounge (CPH & ARN): Exclusive for Gold members; features hot meals, showers, and quiet zones
- Design: Scandinavian-style interiors, natural materials, and calming ambiance
- International Lounges: Star Alliance lounges used in Newark, Chicago, Tokyo, etc.
While not flashy, SAS lounges are calm and efficient, much like the airline itself.
How Environmentally Responsible Is SAS Airlines?
SAS markets itself as a sustainability-focused airline and takes tangible steps in that direction.
- Fleet: A320neo, A330neo, and A350 reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 30% per seat
- Biofuel: Offers passengers the option to purchase biofuel for a portion of their trip
- ESG Reporting: Regular sustainability reports aligned with EU taxonomy
- Carbon Offsets: Automatic offsetting for all Youth Tickets and corporate travel
SAS was the first airline to fly with 100% biofuel on a domestic flight in Sweden in 2023, showing real commitment beyond marketing.
How Do SAS Airlines Reviews Compare to Other Scandinavian Airlines?
SAS vs Norwegian
- SAS offers more consistent service and better long-haul options.
- Norwegian is cheaper but lacks business class and has weaker support during disruptions.
SAS vs Finnair
- Finnair has superior long-haul business class (AirLounge), but weaker European network.
- SAS wins on connectivity across Scandinavia and lounge accessibility.
Ratings Snapshot:
| Airline | Skytrax | Trustpilot |
| SAS | 3 stars | 3.2/5 |
| Norwegian | 3 stars | 2.7/5 |
| Finnair | 4 stars | 3.9/5 |
What Are Frequent Complaints or Issues with SAS?
Despite its strengths, SAS isn’t flawless. Key complaints include:
- Baggage Delays: Reported particularly during peak winter season
- Refund Times: Post-COVID refunds could take 6+ weeks
- Labor Strikes: Periodic pilot or cabin crew strikes disrupt service
- Fees: Seat selection, food, and baggage can stack up in SAS Go
- App & Website: Glitches during booking or rebooking; inconsistent mobile app updates
These issues, while common across legacy airlines, are important if you’re considering travel flexibility and customer support responsiveness.
Is Flying with SAS Airlines Worth It for Scandinavian Travel?
If you’re traveling within or to/from Scandinavia and value reliability, comfort, and straightforward service, SAS is absolutely worth considering. It isn’t the cheapest, but it delivers value, especially in SAS Plus and for EuroBonus members.
Pros:
- Strong route network in the Nordics
- Clean, efficient cabins and punctual service
- Great lounges and loyalty perks
- Eco-conscious operations
Cons:
- Weak disruption support
- Limited IFE on short-haul routes
- Strike risk during labor negotiations
Final Evaluation: Is SAS Airlines a Good Choice?
Yes, SAS Airlines is a reliable and efficient option, particularly for flights within Scandinavia and across the Atlantic. While the inflight service is minimalistic and not luxurious, what SAS offers is predictability, clean design, and increasingly strong sustainability credentials.
If you’re flying for business, visiting the Nordics, or booking transatlantic flights with Star Alliance perks, SAS is a smart, dependable choice. If you’re seeking opulence or superior customer support, it may be worth considering other premium carriers.
FAQ – Common Questions About SAS Airlines
Can I bring a carry-on and personal item on SAS Go?
Yes. SAS Go allows one 8kg carry-on and one personal item.
Are meals included on European SAS flights?
Only water, coffee, and tea are free. Meals must be purchased unless flying SAS Plus.
Does SAS have a good safety record?
Yes. No fatal accidents in over 30 years and full IOSA certification.
How do I upgrade to SAS Plus or Business?
You can bid for upgrades or use EuroBonus points via the SAS website or app.