I’ve flown with Scandinavian Airlines,better known as SAS,countless times over the past decade. From business trips across Europe to long-haul journeys between continents, I’ve experienced nearly every cabin class, aircraft type, and airport SAS touches. If you’re wondering whether SAS is a good airline, I can give you a clear, fact-based breakdown,backed by years of personal experience and industry research.
Let’s unpack whether Scandinavian Airlines truly stands out,or falls short,across the key areas that matter to travelers: safety, service, comfort, reliability, pricing, and customer experience.
What Type of Airline is Scandinavian Airlines?
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The airline was founded in 1946 and operates as a full-service international carrier, not a budget airline.
SAS is a member of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance, which includes Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Singapore Airlines. This means passengers flying SAS can benefit from coordinated schedules, codeshares, and lounge access if they hold the right fare class or loyalty status.
Its main hubs are located at:
- Copenhagen Kastrup Airport (CPH)
- Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
- Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL)
From these bases, SAS operates routes to over 100 destinations across Europe, North America, and Asia. It also has a regional subsidiary,SAS Link and SAS Connect,for intra-Scandinavian and European flights.
In short: SAS is not a low-cost airline. It operates with a traditional model, offering differentiated cabin classes and full-service features, although some of those features have been slimmed down in recent years.
How Safe is Scandinavian Airlines?
SAS has one of the strongest safety records in the industry. According to AirlineRatings.com, SAS holds a 7/7 safety rating, which includes compliance with ICAO safety audits, absence of fatalities over the past 10 years, and up-to-date fleet maintenance protocols.
While no major airline is without minor incidents, SAS’s last fatal crash occurred in 2001 in Milan due to a runway incursion,not a failure of SAS aircraft. Since then, the airline has maintained rigorous safety standards.
The airline operates a fleet of modern Airbus aircraft, primarily:
- Airbus A320neo (for short- and medium-haul)
- Airbus A330 and A350 (for long-haul)
- Embraer E195 and CRJ900 (for regional routes)
SAS was one of the early adopters of the Airbus A350, one of the most fuel-efficient and safety-optimized aircraft on the market. Maintenance is handled in-house or by certified MROs (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) in line with EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations.
How Comfortable is Flying with Scandinavian Airlines?
Comfort can vary depending on the aircraft and the class of service. I’ve flown across all three: SAS Go (economy), SAS Plus (premium economy), and SAS Business.
Seating & Cabin Experience:
- SAS Go: Offers 30–31 inches of pitch on most aircraft, which is average. The seats are slimline but ergonomically shaped. No free checked bag unless you buy SAS Go Smart.
- SAS Plus: Typically adds 3–4 inches of extra legroom and includes lounge access, free meals, and two checked bags. Ideal for European business travelers or long-haul economy upgraders.
- SAS Business (Long-Haul): Fully lie-flat beds in a 1-2-1 configuration on A350 and A330 aircraft. The seats are comparable to Lufthansa and Swiss in design but can lack the polish of Asian or Middle Eastern carriers.
Inflight Entertainment:
- Available on all long-haul flights via seat-back screens.
- No IFE on most intra-European flights.
- The A350 fleet includes the most advanced IFE systems with high-resolution screens, USB-C ports, and wide content libraries.
From a comfort standpoint, SAS is best described as functional, clean, and efficient,Scandinavian design philosophy is evident, but it’s not luxurious in economy or even premium. It’s understated, rather than indulgent.
What Services Does Scandinavian Airlines Offer Onboard?
Service onboard SAS reflects the airline’s Scandinavian roots: minimalistic, polite, and structured.
Food and Beverages:
- SAS Go (Economy): No free meal on short-haul. Complimentary coffee and tea included. You can pre-order meals for long-haul flights.
- SAS Plus: Includes full meals and alcoholic beverages on most flights.
- SAS Business: Gourmet-style meals, Scandinavian-inspired menu, with wines selected by onboard sommeliers.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi is available on most Airbus A320neo and all long-haul flights.
- Free Wi-Fi in SAS Plus and SAS Business.
- Paid Wi-Fi in SAS Go (6–15 euro depending on the flight).
Mobile App:
The SAS mobile app is one of the most efficient I’ve used. It includes digital boarding passes, real-time notifications, mobile rebooking options, and EuroBonus points tracking.
The inflight experience is consistent but leans more towards practicality than pampering.
How is the Customer Service on Scandinavian Airlines?
SAS customer service tends to be efficient but impersonal, which aligns with typical Scandinavian service culture. That said, my experiences have generally been positive.
Customer Support Channels:
- 24/7 phone support in multiple languages.
- Responsive Twitter/X and Facebook support teams.
- Live chat via the mobile app (available only in some regions).
Delay & Disruption Handling:
In cases of flight delays or cancellations:
- SAS complies with EU Regulation EC 261/2004, which mandates compensation for delays over 3 hours or cancellations.
- Compensation can range from 250 to 600 euro, depending on distance and reason.
- Rebooking is usually automated through the app.
Staff onboard are typically courteous, although not as warm as Middle Eastern or Southeast Asian carriers. I’ve never felt neglected, but don’t expect over-the-top friendliness either.
How Reliable is Scandinavian Airlines for On-Time Performance?
According to OAG’s 2023 airline punctuality report:
- SAS achieved an on-time performance rate of around 82%, ranking above the European average.
Most delays I’ve encountered were due to:
- Congestion at Copenhagen or Stockholm
- Weather disruptions in winter
- Air traffic control strikes in Europe
SAS generally communicates delays well and often offers proactive rebooking or hotel vouchers if necessary.
What is the Baggage Policy of Scandinavian Airlines?
SAS has different baggage rules depending on fare class.
| Fare Class | Cabin Bag | Checked Bag | Personal Item |
| SAS Go Light | 1 x 8kg | None | Yes |
| SAS Go Smart | 1 x 8kg | 1 x 23kg | Yes |
| SAS Plus | 1 x 8kg | 2 x 23kg | Yes |
| SAS Business | 2 x 8kg | 2 x 32kg | Yes |
Excess baggage fees start at 25 euro for domestic and 70 euro for intercontinental flights, depending on weight and destination.
How Affordable is Flying with Scandinavian Airlines?
SAS ticket prices can vary greatly based on:
- Seasonal demand
- Route competition
- Fare class
I’ve booked SAS Go Light fares as low as 45 euro for intra-Europe and seen Business Class fares to the US for under 1,500 euro roundtrip during promotions.
Important to note:
- SAS Go Light fares often exclude checked baggage and seat selection.
- SAS Plus fares offer great value for frequent flyers who want flexibility, comfort, and points.
- Discounts are available for youth fares (ages 12–25) and EuroBonus members.
While not the cheapest, SAS fares are competitive when compared to Lufthansa, Air France, and British Airways.
Is Scandinavian Airlines Worth It for Long-Haul Flights?
Yes, Scandinavian Airlines is worth it for long-haul flights,especially if you value comfort, calm service, and a clean, modern cabin. I’ve flown both Business Class and SAS Plus, and while it’s not luxurious like Emirates or Qatar, it’s reliable and well-designed.
The A350 and A330 aircraft feel fresh and quiet. In Business, the seats are fully flat and private. In SAS Plus, you get extra legroom, lounge access, and solid meals,great value for the price. Even in Economy, the cabins are clean and the crew is efficient, though meals cost extra.
It’s not a flashy airline, but it gets the essentials right. For me, that’s what matters most on a long flight.
Long-haul SAS flights are primarily operated by Airbus A330-300 and A350-900 aircraft. These aircraft offer:
- Quiet, fuel-efficient cabins
- Modern mood lighting
- Better cabin pressurization (especially on A350s)
SAS Business (Long-Haul):
- Lie-flat seats with aisle access
- High-quality food and beverage service
- Amenity kits, noise-canceling headphones, and bedding
SAS Plus:
- One of the better premium economy products in Europe
- Separate cabin, premium meals, lounge access
For flights to North America and Asia, SAS provides an experience I’d rate as solidly competitive. It’s not flashy, but it’s efficient, restful, and punctual.
What Do Travelers Say About Scandinavian Airlines?
Customer Ratings (2024):
- Skytrax: 3/5 stars
- TripAdvisor: 4.0/5 (based on over 12,000 reviews)
- Google Reviews: 4.1/5
Common Praises:
- Clean cabins
- On-time flights
- Efficient mobile app
Common Complaints:
- No free food in economy on European flights
- High baggage fees in SAS Go Light
- Reserved customer service style
My experience matches most of these observations,SAS is not a luxury airline, but it’s dependable and consistently above average.
Who Should Choose Scandinavian Airlines?
SAS is best suited for:
- Business travelers who value punctuality and Star Alliance connectivity
- Leisure travelers going to Scandinavia or Europe
- Families and students who benefit from group or youth fares
- Frequent flyers using the EuroBonus program, which offers solid value and partner redemption
It may not suit travelers who expect premium economy perks in economy class or who want inflight entertainment on short-haul flights.
Thinking about booking with Scandinavian Airlines but unsure if it’s the right fit?
Join the conversation in our forum: Scandinavian Airlines – Traveler Reviews, Ratings & Tips
While our blog covers the essentials fleet, routes, and service tiers. Our community offers the unfiltered truth about seat comfort, value for money, and how SAS handles everything from customer service to cancellations. See what frequent flyers really think before you book.
Scandinavian Airlines Compared to Competitors
| Airline | SAS | Norwegian | Finnair | Lufthansa |
| Full-Service | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Alliance | Star Alliance | None | Oneworld | Star Alliance |
| Free Meals in Economy | No (short-haul) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Long-Haul Comfort | High | Basic | Moderate | High |
| Wi-Fi | Paid/Free by class | Paid | Free/Paid | Paid |
SAS outperforms Norwegian in service quality, fleet age, and alliance benefits. Compared to Finnair and Lufthansa, SAS is more efficient, though less polished in some areas like lounge design and luxury.
Is Scandinavian Airlines a Good Airline to Fly?
Yes,Scandinavian Airlines is a good airline for most travelers, especially those flying within Europe or between Scandinavia and the U.S.
It’s safe, punctual, and reasonably comfortable. The cabins are well-designed, the fleet is modern, and the service is consistent. While SAS may not offer luxury, it excels at getting you where you need to go,calmly, cleanly, and reliably.
If you value efficiency and don’t mind a no-frills approach to short-haul travel, SAS is absolutely worth considering.
FAQ: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Is SAS a budget airline?
Not officially, but the Go Light fare behaves like a low-cost model,no baggage, no food, no seat selection.
Does SAS have Business Class?
Yes,only on long-haul flights (A330/A350). European flights have no true Business Class,just blocked middle seats in front rows.
Can I earn miles with Star Alliance?
Yes. SAS is part of Star Alliance. You can earn and redeem through programs like Miles & More, Aeroplan, and United MileagePlus.
Is food included in SAS Economy?
No. Not on Go Light fares. You must pay extra unless you’re in Plus or Business.
Are seats comfortable?
Adequate for short-haul. Long-haul seats in Plus and Business are spacious. Basic Go seats can feel tight on flights over 2–3 hours.