Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) Review: Seats, Baggage, Wi-Fi & Service
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, serving more than 130 destinations across Scandinavia, Europe, North America, and Asia. The airline offers Economy, Premium, and Business fares, with included services and the onboard experience varying by route, fare, and cabin.
SAS is a member of the SkyTeam alliance and operates the EuroBonus frequent flyer program. Its long-haul Premium and Business cabins provide enhanced seating, dining, entertainment, and connectivity. Economy offers a more basic experience on European routes and a more comprehensive product on flights to Asia and North America.
Scandinavian Airlines at a Glance
Scandinavian Airlines System, commonly known as SAS, is the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Its main hub is Copenhagen Airport (CPH), and the airline operates a fleet of 131 aircraft.
SAS carries approximately 25 million passengers annually and serves more than 130 destinations throughout Scandinavia, the rest of Europe, the U.S., Canada, and Asia. After leaving Star Alliance and joining SkyTeam, the airline’s frequent flyer program, EuroBonus, expanded its partnerships with SkyTeam carriers.
| Feature | SAS |
| Official name | Scandinavian Airlines System |
| Alliance | SkyTeam |
| Main hub | Copenhagen Airport |
| Fleet | 131 aircraft |
| Annual passengers | Approximately 25 million |
| Destinations | 130+ |
| Main regions | Scandinavia, Europe, North America, Asia |
| Loyalty program | EuroBonus |
| Main fare classes | Economy, Premium, Business |
| Skytrax rating | 3 stars |
| APEX rating | 5 stars in 2025 |
The airline uses the tagline “Journeys that matter” and offers different service levels for regional European and long-haul travel.
SAS Route Network
SAS operates a network of more than 130 destinations across Scandinavia, Europe, North America, and Asia. Copenhagen Airport serves as the airline’s main hub, supporting connections across Scandinavia and onward to international markets.
The airline’s route structure is reflected in its cabin products. European flights generally offer Economy, Premium, and Business options with varying levels of included services. Flights to Asia and North America provide a broader long-haul product, including complimentary meals, seatback entertainment, and more spacious Premium and Business seating.
SkyTeam membership also provides additional connectivity through alliance partners. EuroBonus members can earn and redeem points with carriers including Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, and Virgin Atlantic, as well as additional SAS partners.
This combination of SAS-operated routes and SkyTeam partnerships gives travelers multiple options for connecting beyond Scandinavia.
SAS Fare Classes
SAS has three principal fare classes: Economy, Premium, and Business. The specific inclusions within each category depend on the destination.
The European Economy is the most basic product, with standard seating, complimentary coffee, tea, and water, and food and beverages available for purchase.
European Premium provides extra-legroom seating and additional services such as priority boarding, fast-track security where available, lounge access where available, and one checked bag.
European Business adds a blocked middle seat on most flights, 32-inch pitch, meals and drinks, priority services, lounge access, and an additional baggage allowance.
On long-haul flights to Asia and North America, Economy includes meals, nonalcoholic drinks, a pillow and blanket, seatback entertainment, and USB and power outlets. Premium adds more legroom, greater recline, a leg rest or footrest, a premium three-course meal, and additional checked baggage.
Long-haul Business provides lie-flat seating with direct aisle access in most configurations, lounge access, premium dining, complimentary Wi-Fi, an amenity kit, and increased baggage.
Economy Class Within Europe
European SAS Economy provides a straightforward short-haul product.
Standard seats generally offer 29- to 31-inch pitch and 17- to 18-inch width. Coffee, tea, and water are complimentary.
Food and beverages beyond the basic included drinks are available through a buy-on-board service. You can purchase snacks, drinks, and light meals, and Wi-Fi is available for an additional charge.
Seat selection can also require a fee, depending on the fare and itinerary.
The European Economy product therefore focuses on basic transportation, with optional paid services for passengers who want specific seats, food, drinks, or connectivity.
Premium Within Europe
SAS Premium within Europe provides additional space and airport benefits compared with standard Economy.
The cabin includes extra-legroom seating, coffee, tea, water, and a meal or snack.
Passengers also receive priority boarding and, where available, fast-track security. Lounge access is included where offered, and one checked bag is included.
Prebooked seat selection is another benefit of the Premium fare.
This fare category therefore offers a middle ground between European Economy and Business, particularly for passengers who value extra legroom and airport priority without needing the full Business Class product.
Business Class Within Europe
European Business Class provides a more comprehensive experience than Economy and Premium.
Seats offer approximately a 32-inch pitch, and the middle seat is generally kept empty, except on domestic flights. This provides more personal space during the journey.
Meals and drinks are included, while priority baggage, lounge access, and fast-track security are available where offered.
Business passengers also receive the highest level of airport priority among the European fare categories.
The cabin is therefore designed around additional personal space, including dining, and airport benefits rather than the lie-flat seating associated with SAS long-haul Business Class.
Related: Why Autumn Is a Great Time to Travel Across Europe
Long-Haul Economy
SAS Economy on flights to Asia and North America provides a more inclusive service than the European Economy.
Standard seats offer approximately 31- to 32-inch pitch and 17- to 18-inch width. Complimentary meals and nonalcoholic drinks are provided.
Passengers receive a pillow and blanket, and a 9-inch seatback entertainment screen provides access to the inflight entertainment system.
USB and power outlets are available for passenger devices. Wi-Fi is available for purchase.
The long-haul Economy product also includes the standard services expected on longer international journeys, including entertainment, meals, bedding, and onboard power.
Long-Haul Premium
SAS Premium on flights to Asia and North America provides additional space and enhanced onboard service.
Seats have approximately a 37- to 38-inch pitch and include greater recline, an adjustable headrest, and either a leg rest or footrest.
Passengers receive a premium three-course meal, plus snacks and drinks. Non-alcoholic beverages are included.
A pillow and blanket are provided, while entertainment is delivered through a 12-inch seatback screen. USB and power outlets are available.
Premium passengers also receive an additional checked baggage allowance.
This cabin offers significantly more seating space and better dining than long-haul Economy, without moving to the full Business Class product.
Long-Haul Business Class
SAS Business Class is the airline’s most comprehensive standard long-haul cabin.
Business Class passengers receive priority check-in and boarding and have access to airport lounges. Seats convert into lie-flat beds, with direct aisle access in most configurations.
Entertainment is delivered through a 15.4-inch seatback screen, with USB and power outlets for charging.
Dining includes a multi-course à la carte menu. Long-haul Business Class passengers receive complimentary Wi-Fi.
Passengers also receive an amenity kit, plus additional checked baggage and weight allowances.
The combination of lie-flat seating, direct aisle access, lounge access, premium dining, Wi-Fi, and enhanced baggage makes Business Class the most complete SAS long-haul product.
SAS Baggage Allowance
SAS baggage allowances depend on fare type, destination, and EuroBonus status. The applicable allowance appears during booking and in the passenger’s trip information after the ticket is confirmed.
All passengers can bring a small personal item measuring up to 40 x 30 x 15 centimeters.
Most fares also include a carry-on bag weighing up to 8 kilograms and measuring up to 55 x 40 x 23 centimeters. Oversized or overweight items must be checked and may incur a fee.
Most fares include checked baggage, although European Economy fares may have more limited allowances.
Premium and Business passengers can bring two checked bags. Economy and Premium checked bags can weigh up to 23 kilograms each, while Business Class bags can weigh up to 32 kilograms each.
Extra checked baggage fees range from approximately €20 to €105, depending on the route and timing. Purchasing baggage more than 14 days before departure generally provides the lowest price.
Special baggage exceeding 158 centimeters in combined linear dimensions includes items such as skis, snowboards, golf clubs, bicycles, and large musical instruments. You can include these items within the normal baggage allowance if they meet the applicable weight and allowance requirements. Additional fees apply when they exceed the included allowance.
| Cabin/Fare | General Checked Baggage |
| European Economy | Fare-dependent |
| European Premium | 1 bag |
| Premium long-haul | Additional checked baggage |
| Business | 2 bags up to 32 kg each |
The exact allowance should always be checked against the specific booking.
SAS Fees and Add-Ons
Additional charges vary by route, fare, cabin, and when you purchase. Buying services before you arrive at the airport is generally more cost-effective.
Flex fares permit changes without a change fee, although passengers may need to pay any applicable fare difference.
For other fares, rebooking fees range from approximately €70 to €80 for European travel and around $300 to $450 for flights to or from Asia, Canada, and the U.S.
Award-ticket rebooking fees are approximately €25 within Europe and €75 outside Europe. Changes made by phone or chat also incur a €30 service fee per person, while online changes avoid this service charge.
Seat selection fees vary significantly. Standard domestic seat selection costs about €6 to €23, while Business preferred seats cost about €120 to €143.
EuroBonus Diamond and Gold members receive complimentary seat selection at booking.
SAS Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Wi-Fi availability depends on the aircraft and route.
Business Class passengers receive complimentary Wi-Fi on long-haul flights, while EuroBonus Diamond and Gold members also receive complimentary access.
Many aircraft offer messaging-only services free of charge.
For passengers purchasing full Wi-Fi access, the source lists a price of approximately €3.90 or 800 EuroBonus points.
SAS is also rolling out complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi for EuroBonus loyalty-program members. The availability of this service can vary as the rollout progresses.
Food and Beverage Service
SAS offers different dining levels by cabin and route.
Coffee, tea, and water are complimentary. On European flights, you can purchase additional beverages and snacks, generally priced from €3 to €12.
Preordered meals on European flights range from approximately €5 to €29.
All cabins receive included meals on long-haul flights.
European Premium includes a meal or snack, while European Business includes meals and drinks.
Long-haul Economy receives complimentary meals and nonalcoholic beverages. Premium offers a three-course meal with snacks and drinks, while Business Class provides a multi-course à la carte menu.
This creates a clear distinction between the more basic European Economy service and the more comprehensive long-haul dining experience.
SAS Lounges
SAS operates lounges throughout Scandinavia and at selected international airports. The network includes locations at Copenhagen Airport, Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Oslo Airport, and Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
The airline also provides access to more than 750 SkyTeam and partner lounges worldwide.
Lounge access depends on the passenger’s fare, route, and EuroBonus or SkyTeam elite status. A same-day boarding pass for an SAS- or SkyTeam-operated flight is required.
Typical SAS Lounge facilities include buffet food, drinks, free Wi-Fi, and dedicated work areas. Some locations also provide children’s areas, showers, and rest cabins.
Who Can Access SAS Lounges?
Complimentary SAS Lounge access is available to Business Class passengers and Premium passengers on domestic routes. EuroBonus Diamond and Gold members and SkyTeam Elite Plus members can also receive complimentary access.
EuroBonus Diamond and Gold members can bring one guest or up to four family members traveling on the same SAS or SkyTeam flight, subject to the applicable conditions.
Arrival lounge access is available to Business Class passengers and EuroBonus Gold members arriving from Asia or North America. EuroBonus Diamond members can access the lounge following all SAS arrivals under the stated conditions.
Other passengers can purchase lounge access for approximately €35 to €39 or 4,300 EuroBonus points. Purchasing access close to departure or directly at the lounge is generally more expensive.
EuroBonus Frequent Flyer Program
EuroBonus is SAS’s frequent flyer program. The program underwent a major update in 2025 after SAS moved from Star Alliance to SkyTeam.
EuroBonus members can earn and redeem points with SkyTeam airlines, including Delta Airlines, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, and Virgin Atlantic. SAS also maintains additional partners outside the alliance.
The program uses two types of points. Members can redeem bonus points for flights, upgrades, and partner awards, while level awards contribute toward elite status.
SAS-operated flights have fixed award charts, while partner flights use separate fixed charts. Award availability can be limited, particularly for long-haul Business Class.
Members can earn both level and bonus points when flying SAS or on SAS-marketed flights, with earnings based on fare class and route. Members can also earn points on SkyTeam partner flights, although earning rates may be lower than on SAS flights.
EuroBonus has three elite tiers: Silver, Gold, and Diamond. You earn these during a rolling 12-month period.
Elite benefits include extra baggage, priority check-in and boarding, and complimentary seat selection. Elite members also receive bonus-point earning increases:
- Silver members receive a 25% bonus.
- Gold members receive a 50% bonus.
- Diamond members receive a 75% bonus.
You can earn additional bonus points through hotel and car-rental partners, shopping portals, and promotions.
EuroBonus points generally expire after four to five years of inactivity, although qualifying activity can keep an account active.
SAS has co-branded credit cards in Scandinavia but does not have a U.S. co-branded credit card.
Award redemptions range from about 5,000 points for domestic Economy flights to up to 50,000 points for Business Class travel to or from Asia and North America.
Pet Travel
SAS permits eligible pets to travel in the cabin or cargo hold, but does not accept pets in Business Class.
Cabin pets count toward the carry-on allowance. The combined weight of the pet and carrier can be up to 8 kilograms, and the maximum dimensions are 40 x 25 x 23 centimeters.
Pets traveling in the cargo hold can weigh up to 50 kilograms including the carrier. The container must meet IATA standards.
Certain snub-nosed breeds have restrictions.
Pet transportation fees vary by route.
Unaccompanied Minor Service
SAS offers an unaccompanied-minor service for children traveling alone.
The service is mandatory for children aged 5 to 11 traveling without an accompanying adult. It is optional for children aged 12 to 15.
The service includes assistance during check-in, escorting through the airport, and supervision during the flight.
Fees vary by region but generally range from approximately €60 to €150 each way.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer feedback for SAS is mixed.
The source identifies difficulties with the booking process, concerns about staff performance and attitude, and challenges obtaining customer support as common complaints.
SAS has a 1.4 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot based on more than 1,000 reviews.
The airline has a 3-star Skytrax rating. Its Tripadvisor rating is 3.5 out of 5 based on an average of 11,285 reviews, while Kayak gives SAS 7.4 out of 10 based on 1,590 verified reviews.
These ratings suggest the passenger experience can vary significantly, with the product’s strongest aspects appearing in its Premium and Business cabins and long-haul services.
SAS Safety and Operational Performance
SAS has a strong modern safety record. The source notes that the airline experienced notable incidents in 1948, 1960, and 1964 but has had no major fatal accidents in more than 60 years.
More recent incidents have been limited to nonfatal operational events, including hard landings, bird strikes, and mechanical malfunctions.
SAS operates under Scandinavian and European aviation oversight and is IOSA-registered. The airline follows current EASA maintenance and safety requirements.
The source therefore characterizes SAS as having a strong safety record and modern operational standards.
SAS Awards
SAS received two notable recognitions in 2025.
The airline received a five-star rating in the APEX Global Airline Rankings for the third consecutive year.
It also received the Frequent Traveler People’s Award for Best Airline Loyalty Credit Card EMEA.
These recognitions further demonstrate the airline’s performance across the broader passenger and loyalty experience.
Considerations Before Booking SAS
SAS passengers should compare fare inclusions carefully because the cost of additional services can vary significantly.
European Economy fares often charge separately for seat selection, food, Wi-Fi, and baggage. Travelers who need several extras should compare the total fare cost rather than the base ticket price alone.
Long-haul flights provide a more inclusive experience, with meals, entertainment, and additional amenities included in Economy.
Aircraft type also affects the onboard experience, particularly in Business Class, where seat configurations and direct aisle access can vary.
EuroBonus members should also consider their elite status and SkyTeam benefits when evaluating the total value of an SAS itinerary.
Overall SAS Review
Scandinavian Airlines provides a straightforward international airline experience with a network spanning Scandinavia, Europe, North America, and Asia. Its Copenhagen hub supports regional connections, while SkyTeam membership expands the airline’s reach through international partners.
The cabin experience varies considerably by route and fare. The European Economy provides standard seating with complimentary coffee, tea, and water, while additional food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and seat selection may require separate payment.
European Premium adds extra legroom, priority services, lounge access where available, a meal or snack, and checked baggage. European Business adds an empty middle seat on most flights, 32-inch pitch, meals, lounge access, and priority handling.
Long-haul Economy provides complimentary meals and nonalcoholic drinks, a pillow and blanket, seatback entertainment, USB and power outlets, and optional Wi-Fi. Premium increases seat pitch to approximately 37 to 38 inches and adds a three-course meal, leg rest or footrest, and additional baggage.
Long-haul Business is the airline’s strongest cabin product, with lie-flat seats, direct aisle access in most configurations, lounge access, premium dining, complimentary Wi-Fi, an amenity kit, and increased baggage allowances.
EuroBonus is another significant component of the SAS offering. The program provides fixed award charts for SAS and partner awards, three elite tiers, and earning and redemption opportunities across SkyTeam and additional partners.
Key considerations include additional fees on some fares, variable seat-selection costs, and mixed customer feedback on booking and customer support. However, the source also highlights competitive pricing, lounge access, premium cabin comfort, and the flexibility of the EuroBonus program.
Overall, SAS can be a strong option for travelers visiting Scandinavia or connecting onward through Europe, particularly for passengers who value SkyTeam connectivity, EuroBonus benefits, and the enhanced comfort available in Premium and Business Class.
Final Verdict
SAS combines Scandinavian connectivity with a growing SkyTeam network and a three-tier EuroBonus loyalty program. Its European Economy product is relatively straightforward, while Premium and Business fares add progressively greater comfort, baggage, meals, and airport benefits.
Long-haul flights offer the strongest overall product. Economy includes meals, entertainment, bedding, and onboard power; Premium provides substantially more legroom and enhanced dining; and Business offers lie-flat seating, direct aisle access in most configurations, lounge access, premium meals, Wi-Fi, and an amenity kit.
Consider the full fare cost because seat selection, baggage, Wi-Fi, changes, and European food and beverage purchases can add to the base ticket price. Also consider aircraft and route differences when comparing cabins.
For travelers heading to Scandinavia or connecting through the region, SAS offers extensive network coverage, SkyTeam connectivity, lounge options, and a flexible loyalty program. Its strongest value likely appeals to passengers who can take advantage of EuroBonus status or the enhanced benefits available in Premium and Business Class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. SAS is a member of the SkyTeam alliance. EuroBonus members can earn and redeem points with SkyTeam carriers including Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, and Virgin Atlantic.
Seat selection fees vary by route, fare, and cabin. Standard domestic seats can cost approximately €6 to €23, while Business preferred seats can cost substantially more. EuroBonus Diamond and Gold members receive free seat selection at booking.
Baggage allowances depend on the fare and destination. Most fares include checked baggage, although European Economy fares can have more limited allowances. Premium and Business passengers can bring two checked bags under the applicable weight limits.
SAS offers a more comprehensive long-haul product than its European Economy service. Economy includes meals, seatback entertainment, and bedding, while Premium offers more space and Business provides lie-flat seats, lounge access, premium dining, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Yes. Wi-Fi is available on selected aircraft. Long-haul Business Class and EuroBonus Diamond and Gold members receive complimentary Wi-Fi under the applicable conditions. Many aircraft offer messaging-only services for free.
EuroBonus is SAS’s frequent flyer program. Members can earn and redeem points with SAS, SkyTeam carriers, and other partners. The program has Silver, Gold, and Diamond elite tiers.
Yes. SAS operates lounges across Scandinavia and at selected international airports, including Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Newark, Oslo, and Stockholm. The airline also provides access to more than 750 SkyTeam and partner lounges.
Yes. Long-haul Business Class features lie-flat seating, with direct aisle access available in most configurations.