SAS EuroBonus - SAS Increases CPH EWR; New CPH SFO from April 2013

SAS has loaded new flights for Summer 2013, including Copenhagen - Newark increasing from daily to 10 weekly, and 6 weekly Copenhagen - San Francisco service.

Copenhagen – Newark eff 01APR12
SK909 CPH1225 – 1450EWR 333 x2
SK909 CPH1225 – 1450EWR 343 2
SK901 CPH1825 – 2050EWR 343 145

SK910 EWR1740 – 0715+1CPH 333 x2
SK910 EWR1740 – 0715+1CPH 343 2
SK902 EWR2330 – 1315+1CPH 343 145

Copenhagen – San Francisco eff 08APR12
SK935 CPH1225 – 1445SFO 343 x26
SK935 CPH1255 – 1515SFO 343 6

SK936 SFO1735 – 1315+1CPH 343 x2

http://airlineroute.net/2012/07/04/sk-sfoewr-s13/

Hopefully the airline will not remove these like 24-72 hours later (like CPH BEY) and blame the computer error for loading these new flights.

Wow. Good to see that they are coming back to the West Coast; although I was hoping for LAX, it's still great to see SFO getting this new service to CPH.

And LOL at jimyvr's comment. :p

Great news on the west coast

I'm guessing United cancelling service to CPH is part of the reason they are upping the number of flights from EWR.

Wow, but let us see what happens in the next 24 hours.
I tried to book CPH-SFO-CPH on some days in April 2013 on sas.dk and sure the direct flight was there, but the booking class and earnings of points was not shown.

But, if true, from where are they getting the airplanes?.
Is SAS given up to Finnair on Asia?

This is purely speculation, so don't take this too seriously :)

My prediction is that AY, SK (and OV?) will start some form of co-operation where HEL will be the common hub for Asia, CPH will be the common hub for North America, and TLL will become a hub for (really) eastern Europe and nearer Asian destinations. AY will discontinue operations to JFK and have a codeshare via CPH, SK will discontinue Asia and have codeshares via HEL. Both will feed OV flights from TLL to eastern Europe/Asia.

AY can get the planes servicing JFK (and YYZ) to another Asian route (KUL perhaps?) and SK can get the planes from Asian routes to SFO and increased EWR, and perhaps re-instate SEA?

I know a flaw in the thinking is SIN and BKK (perhaps also PEK) as SQ and TG then have a monopoly on the direct routes from CPH/ARN. But with appropriate pricing and good plane-strategy, perhaps it would work anyways?

KF and BE will take care of the traffic between the hubs (perhaps even merged?) with a pure LCC concept, no matter if the connection is in C or Y.

I know this is purely against any alliance thinking etc, but hey, it's just speculation. :D

It is fun to speculate, so here is my speculation. Or maybe we should say wish thinking.

Maybe SAS has made an agreement with Airbus of buying 15(?) new Airbus 350. Until they can be delivered in 2017(?), Airbus will provide a couple of leased Airbus 330/340 so SAS can expand their intercontinental network.

They have a similar agreement with airbus about purchasing new airbus 320neo.

I think this is the fourth time SK has announced the SFO-CPH route since 2000. Let's hope it comes to fruition this time around.

Wow, but let us see what happens in the next 24 hours.
I tried to book CPH-SFO-CPH on some days in April 2013 on sas.dk and sure the direct flight was there, but the booking class and earnings of points was not shown.

But, if true, from where are they getting the airplanes?.
Is SAS given up to Finnair on Asia?

Press Release: http://www.cisionwire.dk/sas/r/sas-abner-ny-rute-til-san-francisco,c9280962

I'm happy about SK flying to SFO but I'm curious why they chose SFO over LAX or SEA. LAX serves a bigger market and SEA was an established, popular route.
Are they choosing SFO because its ca. halfway to LAX and SEA and they want to feed into those markets from SFO?

I'm happy about SK flying to SFO but I'm curious why they chose SFO over LAX or SEA. LAX serves a bigger market and SEA was an established, popular route.
Are they choosing SFO because its ca. halfway to LAX and SEA and they want to feed into those markets from SFO?

I would guess that SFO is easier to get into then LAX?

I'm happy about SK flying to SFO but I'm curious why they chose SFO over LAX or SEA. LAX serves a bigger market and SEA was an established, popular route.
Are they choosing SFO because its ca. halfway to LAX and SEA and they want to feed into those markets from SFO?

The business segment should be bigger in the Bay Area than in LA. And still SF is a popular leisure destination.

I was searching the press release to see, what route would be closed/downgraded, but none is mentioned.

So, as others has asked: from where do they get the plane(s). It is 9 new rotations a week.

I was searching the press release to see, what route would be closed/downgraded, but none is mentioned.

So, as others has asked: from where do they get the plane(s). It is 9 new rotations a week.

Could it be BKK? Apparently they have struggled to make money on this route for quite some time (long lay-over/crew expenses/competition from EK+QR). Another good guess could be NRT where performance has been poor during the last year. Possible reductions on NRT/BKK are also supported by the fact that all 9 rotations are scheduled for A343.

WOW SK 901-902 is back - I love it ^^^
I have been argueing for this for more than a decade now - by far the best way to get to NYC.
And SFO - not bad if this finally happens - anyone know how they will get the metal to do this? Cutbacks elsewhere? I know TG might increase BKK-CPH to twice daily using new 777's - would this mean the end of SK on that route?
Or are we talking effects of the SQ/SK JV that has been rumoured?

I'm happy about SK flying to SFO but I'm curious why they chose SFO over LAX or SEA. LAX serves a bigger market and SEA was an established, popular route.
Are they choosing SFO because its ca. halfway to LAX and SEA and they want to feed into those markets from SFO?

It's a major UA hub !

Again, just guessing, but I think Braniff has a point here. UA probably has nice connections along the coast and it's also good for flying to Hawaii. Could it also be that they try to get people to connect to South America with the new *A partners? Not perhaps the smoothest route, but still.

Again, just guessing, but I think Braniff has a point here. UA probably has nice connections along the coast and it's also good for flying to Hawaii. Could it also be that they try to get people to connect to South America with the new *A partners? Not perhaps the smoothest route, but still.

I doubt it has anything much to do with South America on *A partners, new or old. Such Latin American carriers have such small presence at SFO as to barely register.

For me, the CPH-SFO route will be great for getting to/from US ski and other seasonal vacation destinations -- if it flies during the relevant times of the year -- and hopefully another way to get to New Zealand or Australia on *.

SFO is great for a business and tourist destination; and with traffic to/from a UA hub, SK has found something to leverage with SFO.

That which is listed as SK 901 will be huge for me as it means a way to not waste a working and/or vacation day.

I am glad that SK 901 came back. Because of this, I might choose NYC for my vacation destinations more often.

SFO is nice too, but I am more curious about the routes SAS will downgrade to increase the US-frequency.....

SFO is great for a business and tourist destination; and with traffic to/from a UA hub, SK has found something to leverage with SFO.

Exactly. I am very happy when this route starts. Much better than connecting in LHR or FRA/MUC...

I have done that FRA-SFO thing too many times when starting in CPH, and with this service I too look forward to avoiding some connections there.

I am glad that SK 901 came back. Because of this, I might choose NYC for my vacation destinations more often.

SFO is nice too, but I am more curious about the routes SAS will downgrade to increase the US-frequency.....

... look East/Southeast from CPH. I am not at all sure about what will happen with that nor with what will go on with ARN-ORD or perhaps even CPH-IAD.

SK really will struggle in competition with the crossroads of Asia carriers (CACs), so why not just go into a shell and deal in markets where the governments are enabling competition-undermining practices that further entrench oligopolistic players? That would be the TATL market: where the US and EU have more or less allowed for TATL "competition" to become far less "competitive", as anti-trust immunity allowances were granted -- by government -- to a group of airlines to operate revenue-sharing joint-ventures.

I think SK has been smart this time with jumping into SFO.

This is an outrage! The press release says Newark is in New York! :mad::D

This is an outrage! The press release says Newark is in New York! :mad::D

Newark may as well have been known as the armpit of New York. :D

It's a major UA hub !

LAX is also a UA hub.

I welcome a direct flight to SFO. For 5 years, I flew CPH-SFO on a regular basis, I wished I could have taken a direct flight back then.

Hm. I'm still a relative novice with the ANA tool, but I don't see SFO-CPH loaded in there yet.

This must be the end of the BKK route, no aircraft deliveries in the pipeline AFAIR. Alternatively they will cut ARN/OSL to free some capacity for EWR which frees a 343 to do SFO.

Sweet news for the SFO-CPH route!

However, since this route has been announced twice before and cancelled before the maiden voyages, I'll be a little skeptical until I see an SAS plane parked at Terminal G.

Let this also serve as a warning to those investors out there...each of the prior announcements of the SFO-CPH route (2000 and 2008) preceeded recessions and huge downswings in the equity markets. Could they call it 3 times in a row?

Let this also serve as a warning to those investors out there...each of the prior announcements of the SFO-CPH route (2000 and 2008) preceeded recessions and huge downswings in the equity markets. Could they call it 3 times in a row?

I remembered this too. The global economy is shaky at best today...

What interests me most about this route is what they are going to cancel to make room for it. The SAS long haul fleet is heavily utilized as it is already.

VERY VERY VERY Happy with Scandinavia - SFO.

VERY VERY VERY Unpleased it's again on CPH. Where are the ARN-* long-hauls?

Not sure about the value of more CPH-EWR. Aside from SAS flying from ARN,CPH,OSL already, there are also EWR-ARN/CPH/OSL Continental flights everyday. That is 6 flights to a single US airport from Scandinavia everyday, while there are no more then 2 flights daily to any other airport.

It would have had more value if the additional flights where to La Guardia instead, which is a far more useful airport for people who actually have NYC as a destination.

I remembered this too. The global economy is shaky at best today...

What interests me most about this route is what they are going to cancel to make room for it. The SAS long haul fleet is heavily utilized as it is already.

According to their Scanorama magazine they acquired a new A340. The aircraft count of that one has gone up from 6-7 compared to the previous edition of the magazine.

Per Møller Jensen, VP at marketing and Eurobonus at SAS confirms at Business Traveller Denmark today that the new SFO route will mean a cutback at other IC routes to free up capacity:
"Vi får ikke nye fly ind til at betjene den nye rute til San Francisco, hvorfor der vil blive reduceret i det eksisterende sommer- og vintertrafikprogram." Sorry it is in danish only.

The best guess is that the BKK route will close and SAS will join a joint-venture with THAI on CPH-BKK as a direct result of Norwegians new route. It is pure speculations so fare though.

http://www.businesstravellerdenmark.com/newselement.cfm?nID=64452

I'm happy about SK flying to SFO but I'm curious why they chose SFO over LAX or SEA. LAX serves a bigger market and SEA was an established, popular route.
Are they choosing SFO because its ca. halfway to LAX and SEA and they want to feed into those markets from SFO?

It's simple really, Scandinavia has a strong IT market which requires constant travel to silicon valley. We've had cases where the company i work for bought 20% of the seats on SK945 to have people transfer onwards to UA flight. On various occasions I've flown ARN-ORD-SFO where a significant headcount moved on to SFO flights.

Sure LAX would have been a great alternative because well it's LA. But the SEA route disappeared for a reason and the majority of the big players in the SEA market don't move sufficient people back and forth to Scandinavia to warrant a direct flight from SAS. In general SEA isn't a well served location, partly because of it's very close proximity to YVR.

According to their Scanorama magazine they acquired a new A340. The aircraft count of that one has gone up from 6-7 compared to the previous edition of the magazine.
It was leased out for the last two years and is now used with the reopening of Shanghai. SAS need at least 8 A343s to fly it's current schedule plus San Fransisco...

According to their Scanorama magazine they acquired a new A340. The aircraft count of that one has gone up from 6-7 compared to the previous edition of the magazine.

SAS got its own A340 back before the start of CPH-PVG. That plane is included in the A330/340 fleet of 11. So no extra A/C.

Per Møller Jensen, VP at marketing and Eurobonus at SAS confirms at Business Traveller Denmark today that the new SFO route will mean a cutback at other IC routes to free up capacity:
"Vi får ikke nye fly ind til at betjene den nye rute til San Francisco, hvorfor der vil blive reduceret i det eksisterende sommer- og vintertrafikprogram." Sorry it is in danish only.

The best guess is that the BKK route will close and SAS will join a joint-venture with THAI on CPH-BKK as a direct result of Norwegians new route. It is pure speculations so fare though.

http://www.businesstravellerdenmark.com/newselement.cfm?nID=64452

He also talks about "seasonal management". Which could be translated into lower frequencies/no service on some routes at some times of year.

But why don't SAS dare to tell the truth?

He also talks about "seasonal management". Which could be translated into lower frequencies/no service on some routes at some times of year.

But why don't SAS dare to tell the truth?

Perhaps because they arent really sure about what will happen yet :td:

I had hoped to see some wet-lease aircrafts into the fleet, but guess thats not going to happen...

Why do all their flights need to leave to the US within a 10 minute interval and create HUGE queues at the passport checks??

It would have had more value if the additional flights where to La Guardia instead, which is a far more useful airport for people who actually have NYC as a destination.

I nice thought indeed but LGA is not allowed to have any routes to Europe (except Saturdays but I don´t see this working for business travellers).

Taken from Wikipedia:

"LaGuardia is the busiest airport in the United States without any non-stop service to and from Europe.[4] A perimeter rule prohibits nonstop flights to or from points beyond 1,500 statute miles (2,400 km). Exceptions to the perimeter rule are flights on Saturdays and flights to Denver. Transcontinental and international flights use JFK or Newark.[5]"

Svantevit

I had hoped to see some wet-lease aircrafts into the fleet, but guess thats not going to happen...

There are some wetlease capacities out there... but will SK pay money to refit cabins to the SK standard? I think not.

There are some wetlease capacities out there... but will SK pay money to refit cabins to the SK standard? I think not.

Especially as they decided against a retrofit of the cabins earlier this year.

There are some wetlease capacities out there... but will SK pay money to refit cabins to the SK standard? I think not.

I remember when they last did the retrofit of the cabins and hired wet-lease aircrafts to cover operations, those they didnt refit as fare as I remember. I dont see why wet-lease requires a cabin refit, at least not in the short run. Just see how TK, TG and others have manage to lease aircrafts over longer periods and NOT refit cabins to general fleet standards...

But I dont think they will wet-lease either...

The TK & TG wetleases were to cover a period till new aircraft were delivered. AC and AI just ended a long long round of negotiations where AI was willing to lease them 3-4 surplus 77Ls but AC wanted them in AC livery and interiors, which would have cost a substantial amount to do.

If SK wants to lease aircraft for a longer time they have to do a repaint and refit, just imagine the reaction of scandic businessmen when they see a AI 'palace in the sky' maharaja style aircraft just before boarding.

VERY VERY VERY Happy with Scandinavia - SFO.

VERY VERY VERY Unpleased it's again on CPH. Where are the ARN-* long-hauls?

Not sure about the value of more CPH-EWR. Aside from SAS flying from ARN,CPH,OSL already, there are also EWR-ARN/CPH/OSL Continental flights everyday. That is 6 flights to a single US airport from Scandinavia everyday, while there are no more then 2 flights daily to any other airport.

It would have had more value if the additional flights where to La Guardia instead, which is a far more useful airport for people who actually have NYC as a destination.

1. Continental Airlines no longer exists, it's now called United Airlines ;)
2. After early-September, United no longer flies EWR-CPH.
3. As mentioned by someone else here, international flights don't go to LGA.
4. Going from EWR to manhattan by public transportation (train/bus) is faster than from LGA by public transportation (subway/bus). By car, LGA is about 20 mins faster.
5. Taxi fare from EWR to Manhattan is only approximately $25 more than from LGA, if you know not to use the cabs waiting outside the terminal at EWR but instead order a car service.

It's simple really, Scandinavia has a strong IT market which requires constant travel to silicon valley. We've had cases where the company i work for bought 20% of the seats on SK945 to have people transfer onwards to UA flight. On various occasions I've flown ARN-ORD-SFO where a significant headcount moved on to SFO flights.
My thinking exactly. Lots of IT/high-tech companies in both regions. The leisure travel just helps fill the economy section.

It'll be great to see the SAS plane when I drive by SFO.

My thinking exactly. Lots of IT/high-tech companies in both regions. The leisure travel just helps fill the economy section.

It'll be great to see the SAS plane when I drive by SFO.

The leisure travel is really what fills the economy section on most SK intercontinental flights. Perhaps the route to SFO will be different in that regard, but I am not counting upon that.

LAX is also a UA hub.

I welcome a direct flight to SFO. For 5 years, I flew CPH-SFO on a regular basis, I wished I could have taken a direct flight back then.

nowhere near a hub as SFO...SFO is the main hub on the west coast.

It would have had more value if the additional flights where to La Guardia instead, which is a far more useful airport for people who actually have NYC as a destination.

LGA is a domestic airport only (Canada notwithstanding since they do pre-clearance at their airports) and EWR is not that much further from midtown as opposed to JFK.

with UA dropping CPH it makes sense for SK to pick up the slack.

I welcome a direct flight to SFO. For 5 years, I flew CPH-SFO on a regular basis, I wished I could have taken a direct flight back then.
By direct, we assume you mean nonstop. That's what we use when we refer to a flight without any stops along the way. A direct flight (keeping the same flight number) can stop along the way and even have a change of planes. And the worse thing is that you earn FF miles on the nonstop routing, often shortchanging miles actually flown.

Hopefully SAS can make a go of it at SFO.

This is awesome news, I just hope they manage to install new C-seats before starting up the SFO route.

I love SK, but their long haul C product is at best poor compared to LX/LH and even UA, they need to shape up quickly if they want to play with the big guys.

Glad the extra flights are back for Newark!!

Do you think award inventory will open up on the new EWR-CPH and CPH-EWR routes?? Have been checking with United and US Airways and NOTHING yet.... Hoping to travel in May 2013!!

This is awesome news, I just hope they manage to install new C-seats before starting up the SFO route.

I love SK, but their long haul C product is at best poor compared to LX/LH and even UA, they need to shape up quickly if they want to play with the big guys.

It's been reported on these pages that SK has postponed the refitting of the C cabin with new seats.

It seems the investment for full flat seats compared to the potential revenue (with less seats due to full flat) was not worth it for SK yet. I trully hope they will get some ideas from the "My SAS Idea (http://mysasidea.flysas.net/)" website on how to improve the soft product without spending too much, because I agree with you, the hard product as it is today is slightly outdated.

So in conlusion, it seems the product that will be used to SFO will be exactly the same than the one we know now.

Glad the extra flights are back for Newark!!

Do you think award inventory will open up on the new EWR-CPH and CPH-EWR routes?? Have been checking with United and US Airways and NOTHING yet.... Hoping to travel in May 2013!!

I'm in a similar situation.. hoping for more award availability on EWR-CPH.

Also, when is ward availability likely to be bookable on CPH-SFO?

Have I been missing something and is SAS reaally starting direct flights from CPH to SFO in April 2013?

Link:http://www.blue1.com/en/fi/Offers/USAoffer

Have I been missing something and is SAS reaally starting direct flights from CPH to SFO in April 2013?

Link:http://www.blue1.com/en/fi/Offers/USAoffer

Yes. Fare sale even went out via email.

Yes. Fare sale even went out via email.Thanks! Should have been following things up more closely during the summer (or was there a summer this year?) :o

Thanks! Should have been following things up more closely during the summer (or was there a summer this year?) :o

Rain, rain and more rain. No rain on the CPH-SFO parade, but plenty within 710 miles of CPH. Better than sweating on the west side of the Atlantic. :)

Better than sweating on the west side of the Atlantic. :)My opinion as well! ^

(Was there in DK, but now stuck in BOM)

Now it will be 4 (instead of previous planned 3) late night connections aweek CPH-EWR), though only from 03 JUN 2013 to 17 OCT 2013. The extra rotation is on Fridays.

Now it will be 4 (instead of previous planned 3) late night connections aweek CPH-EWR), though only from 03 JUN 2013 to 17 OCT 2013. The extra rotation is on Fridays.
It has been reported that SAS are adding an additional A340-300 to the fleet from 1 June :) The aircraft is ex LAN Airlines..

Yes, but no additional routes/frequencies have been announced as result...:confused:

Wasn't the idea that the extra machine was meant to loosen up the schedule a bit? as the present one is too tight and results in too many rippple effects in case of irregularities? I can't recall where I read this ... probably on this forum :D

Yep, it was here. Still, its a very expensive method.

Yep, it was here. Still, its a very expensive method.

But still cheaper than leasing a Boeing 777 on a short term basis, as SK had to do last summer.

That might be why they decide to stretch the program even more by adding another frequency on EWR. As I understand the ex-LAN plane comes without crew so I guess the plane will just be sitting idle on the tarmac in CPH until needed to fill a gap.

How is the Business Class seat from EWR-CPH on the late night flight, SK 902?
How is the service etc?

Any hot meal before bed?

Oh, Also, Why can I not find the flight SK 910 on Expert Flyer???
It's only showing me SK 902 in late May 2013 however SAS flies SK 910 7 days a week?

I understand there may be no Award availability but instead of showing "NO" it's not even coming up??

Anybody know why I can't find SK 910 EWR-CPH on May 30th?

Thanks.

Oh, Also, Why can I not find the flight SK 910 on Expert Flyer???
It's only showing me SK 902 in late May 2013 however SAS flies SK 910 7 days a week?

I understand there may be no Award availability but instead of showing "NO" it's not even coming up??

Anybody know why I can't find SK 910 EWR-CPH on May 30th?

Thanks.

Sometimes flights that do not have award availability in any cabin will not be returned. You can still create a Flight Alert for an award from the Flight Availability results (which does show the flight) or from the Create New Flight Alert page.

Yes, but no additional routes/frequencies have been announced as result...:confused: Perhaps they are in the making of that... The 8th A340 will be leased until 2017 and this summer it will mostly be used as backup as some A330s have heavy maintenance checks coming up..

Is anyone here going to be on the first CPH-SFO flight on Monday? We need an eye witness account!

My mother-in-law is on the Wednesday flight, so I'll get some details from her when she lands.

Not that I expect anything unusual, but I've been waiting for this flight for years, so it's exciting the day is almost upon us!

I love SK, but their long haul C product is at best poor compared to LX/LH and even UA, they need to shape up quickly if they want to play with the big guys.

It's been reported on these pages that SK has postponed the refitting of the C cabin with new seats.

It seems the investment for full flat seats compared to the potential revenue (with less seats due to full flat) was not worth it for SK yet. I trully hope they will get some ideas from the "My SAS Idea (http://mysasidea.flysas.net/)" website on how to improve the soft product without spending too much, because I agree with you, the hard product as it is today is slightly outdated.

So in conlusion, it seems the product that will be used to SFO will be exactly the same than the one we know now.

Was VERY excited about this new route (a nice alternative to FRA for Northern Europe *A connections) until I read this thread. So SK's business class seat is worse than the outdated angled LH seat?

Ack. I guess I will pass until SK management retrofits. Pity as I was loking forward to making an inaugural visit to CPH and returning to ARN.

Well, I just did FRA-KWI IN C with LH on an ancient A340 and I was very dissapointed. A lot of seats were malfunction (could not return to upright position) and in poor condition with panels coming off. SK C is also getting old but at least they keep the cabin in better condition and food is better IMHO. I would much prefer SK to SFO over LH. Even if I had to do a transfer in CPH.

I will be on the Saturday flight SFO-CPH! Soooo happy to get rid of the intra-US leg on United. :)

Well, I just did FRA-KWI IN C with LH on an ancient A340 and I was very dissapointed. A lot of seats were malfunction (could not return to upright position) and in poor condition with panels coming off. SK C is also getting old but at least they keep the cabin in better condition and food is better IMHO. I would much prefer SK to SFO over LH. Even if I had to do a transfer in CPH.

The predictability of SK long-haul premium cabin seats vs the gamble of LH premium cabin seats.

I will be on the Saturday flight SFO-CPH! Soooo happy to get rid of the intra-US leg on United. :)

And my Optiontown upgrade to Business just came through. PERFECT! :)

And my Optiontown upgrade to Business just came through. PERFECT! :)
Price? - from which cabin?

Price? - from which cabin?

338 Euro from Economy.

338 Euro from Economy.

Thks - so in line with other US destinations

338 Euro from Economy.
I have a request (made last month) for SFO-CPH in the end of May. Eco-Biz: 337 Euro, Eco-ECo Extra: 146 Euro.

So quite consistent.

I flew SFO-Copenhagen on Saturday! It was overall pretty good. They still seemed a bit inexperienced at the gate and there was some confusion before the boarding got underway, and I believe the computers froze for a while too. SAS Business Class is what it is, in my opinion superior to US airlines and on par with European competitors. The food was similar to other SAS flights, I had a risotto which was adequate but no more, drinks, starters and extras were good but nothing to write home about. The seats are a bit outdated compared to some Asian airlines (e.g. ANA with the private staggered design and fully-flat bed, not to mention Singapore Airlines) but still provide enough comfort for sleeping.

The main draw for this route is speed and convenience if you are going to Scandinavia. The departure is at 17.35 which is perfect for a dinner and then sleeping. Connecting in Copenhagen is a breeze - no security control and there was no line at all at the passport control when I arrived. My flight arrived late so I only had about 45 minutes for the connection but that turned out to be plenty of time! Overall this is by far the best way for me to get to Sweden from San Francisco and I am really happy for this line and will be a frequent user! And finally, when taking off from SFO try to sit on the right side - the view of the city is magnificent!

Thanks for the report rumble! I'm living in Stockholm since 1998 but born and raised in NorCal so I'm back pretty much every year and have flown lots of different combinations depending upon who had the lowest discount fare at the time. (Cheapest ever was USAir via Philadelphia in August 2008 - r/t Airfare $0 but just over $400 in taxes and fees.)

I'm booked on SK936 for one month from now. Should be over the initial jitters by then, and I'm looking forward to flying as directly as possible instead of taking the detour through Frankfurt, Zurich, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Newark or Chicago.

Of course, rumor has it that once Norwegian starts taking deliveries of 787s they hope to fly ARN-SFO direct...

And finally, when taking off from SFO try to sit on the right side - the view of the city is magnificent!

Thanks for the report. The view must be quite depending on active RWY?

From http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/about/news/pressres/mediafacts.html:
"About 83% of the year, SFO, as well as the other Bay Area airports, operate on what is known as the “West Plan.” This plan has aircraft arriving on Runways 28L and 28R and departing on Runways 01L and 01R. About 15% of the time, usually during rainy weather, aircraft at SFO depart on Runways 10L and 10R and arrive on Runways 19L and 19R. This is known as the “Southeast Plan.” The remaining 2% of the year’s operations vary greatly depending on the existing weather conditions."

Thanks for the report. The view must be quite depending on active RWY?

Here's an interview with the SAS CEO on the "Bay Area Traveler" website. He was out in San Francisco this week to formally launch the new route:

http://thebat-sf.com/2013/04/19/qa-with-sas-ceo-rickard-gustafson/

Here's an interview with the SAS CEO on the "Bay Area Traveler" website. He was out in San Francisco this week to formally launch the new route:

http://thebat-sf.com/2013/04/19/qa-with-sas-ceo-rickard-gustafson/Maybe they should have asked him about connecting pax in Europe - who won't have any biz seating/amenities on their flights soon...

Here's an interview with the SAS CEO on the "Bay Area Traveler" website. He was out in San Francisco this week to formally launch the new route:

http://thebat-sf.com/2013/04/19/qa-with-sas-ceo-rickard-gustafson/

Thanks, for the first time I think I kind of understand what the SAS service concept change is about, correct me if I'm wrong:

SAS I/C Biz -> SAS Biz
SAS I/C Y+ -> SAS Plus but with lounge access!
SAS I/C Y -> SAS Go

SAS European Biz -> nothing :'(
SAS European Y+ -> SAS Plus with lounge access but the cold meal turned into a snack service (sandwich + pringles)
SAS European Y -> SAS Go

With SAS Plus getting business lounge access, should they not give SAS I/C Biz pax access to the Scandinavian Lounges?

Hi All

First post, but thought I better pitch in as i made tried out the new SFO route last week. (out 11/4, in 19/4)

While my destination was actually SEA, i opted for this slight detour for two reasons:
1) The ability to upgrade to Economy Extra through OptionTown or Points
2) Having a longer flight would enable a longer sleep than coming through IAD or ORD (as well as fewer hours on United domestic..)

Both worked out perfectly. The optiontown upgrade was around 169€ I think and i got it confirmed on the outbound trip. As usual (5th time in a row?) I did not get it on the inbound, but upgraded for points at the gate in SFO.

Service was good, and I'm generally happy with SK on longhaul. The staff at gates as well as onboard seemed fully into whatever new rutines there would be around a new route, and i experienced no problems or jitters at all in that area at all.

What was a bit odd was that there were a comfort kit in the seat out, but none on the return flight. I asked the FA, who then kindly got me one from C. Not sure what to expect on my next trip :)

EDIT: One more reason to head directly for the west coast: Immigration in SFO had about 2 minutes wait and was nothing but smiles. On the east coast i've experienced hour long waits as well as lengthy interviews about nothing.

Thanks, for the first time I think I kind of understand what the SAS service concept change is about, correct me if I'm wrong:

With SAS Plus getting business lounge access, should they not give SAS I/C Biz pax access to the Scandinavian Lounges?


Good point. If "SAS I/C Y+ -> SAS Plus but with lounge access!" + "SAS European Y+ -> SAS Plus with lounge access" is true it wood make very good sense to differentiate. And it would cost nothing.

EDIT: One more reason to head directly for the west coast: Immigration in SFO had about 2 minutes wait and was nothing but smiles. On the east coast i've experienced hour long waits as well as lengthy interviews about nothing.

Yeah, I flew SFO with Lufthansa back in february and it was the quickest entry to the US ever ! No lines at all. Early afternoon arrival.

Yeah, I flew SFO with Lufthansa back in february and it was the quickest entry to the US ever ! No lines at all. Early afternoon arrival.A few years ago I flew UA FRA-SFO - immigration was fast, but we had to wait over an hour for luggage there!

I hope that has changed...

A few years ago I flew UA FRA-SFO - immigration was fast, but we had to wait over an hour for luggage there!

I hope that has changed...

The wait was not that bad, i would say about 15 minutes, priority tags respected and all. The snifferdog was exceptionally cute, which made up for the wait.

One big disappointment is the inability to use Star Alliance Mileage Upgrades to go from Economy Extra to Business (or at least that is what I was told on Saturday when I put my friend on the flight to CPH.) Stated they did not honor those.

One big disappointment is the inability to use Star Alliance Mileage Upgrades to go from Economy Extra to Business (or at least that is what I was told on Saturday when I put my friend on the flight to CPH.) Stated they did not honor those.

They should honor those:

http://www.flysas.com/en/uk/EuroBonus/Spend-points/Seat-upgrade/Star-Alliance-upgrade-awards/

Maybe a booking class issue or a timing issue ?

Svantevit

And my Optiontown upgrade to Business just came through. PERFECT! :)

Congrats! Sounds that all in all you had a good trip. That's promising since I'll be on this route in a couple of months.

Did you get upgraded via optiontown on the return leg as well? I'm glad to hear that someone got the optiontown upgrade. Any other thoughts/tips for their business class (e.g. entertainment system, perks, etc?) TIA

Emirates may be planning a Copenhagen - Seattle route

From the danish site www.check-in.dk

Google translated

Dubai-based Emirates will from 1 October fly directly from Europe to the United States. This happens when the company extends the route from Dubai to Milan to New York. Thus, taking Emirates the first step to attack the European airlines on several fronts.

Passengers from Europe to Asia and Australia / New Zealand retrieves Emirates via road junction in Dubai, while passengers across the Atlantic seems to be disposed of through routes from Dubai on European transfer points.

Specifically, Emirates look at a route from Copenhagen to Seattle on the U.S. west coast. It revealed the company's vice-chairman Sir Maurice Flanagan recently in a live radio interview with radio station Dubai Eye 103.8.

"This is the first time that we fly from Europe directly to the U.S.., Traffic rights we have in the U.S. is perfect., We can fly to any destination in the United States with the capacity and frequencies that we want, and through the transfer points as we might wish . Next option could be a route from Copenhagen to Seattle, but we do not look at another at the moment, "said Sir Maurice Flanagan, who was brought to the Emirates in 1985 as the company's first CEO.

The rumors in the aviation industry will otherwise know that Emirates besides route from Copenhagen to Seattle also has a good eye for three other transatlantic routes. There should be concern routes from Dubai via Paris-CDG to Los Angeles, via Madrid to Buenos Aires and via Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro.

A prerequisite to establish a route from Copenhagen to Seattle will initially be that Emirates expands from one to two daily flights between Dubai and Copenhagen.

No comment from CPH
At Copenhagen Airport would not comment on reports of an Emirates route to Seattle.

"Route development is a job best done in direct and confidential dialogue with the airlines and not through the media," said a terse press officer Søren Hedegaard Nielsen.

SAS flew for over 40 years between Copenhagen and Seattle, but had to close the route in 2009 as a result of an extensive cost-cutting measure. In the last full year of the route was operating, there were 137,038 passengers on the route. This corresponds to the current number of SAS routes from Copenhagen to Beijing and Tokyo.

Seattle route from Copenhagen has a documented traffic potential. The U.S. IT giant Microsoft originally established its European development center north of Copenhagen from Seattle route's presence.

EK has an advantage SK didn't have in SEA when SK pulled out: a partnership with AS.

A US preclearance facility at CPH would get more use if this EK flight came into being.

By the way, EK and DXB are backing a US CBP preclearance expansion .... at least at AUH.

They should honor those:

http://www.flysas.com/en/uk/EuroBonus/Spend-points/Seat-upgrade/Star-Alliance-upgrade-awards/

Maybe a booking class issue or a timing issue ?

Svantevit

Sorry should have been clearer. I was on a B fare but "I" space never opened up to process the upgrade via United.com. They cannot process Star Alliance mileage upgrades at the counter.

Emirates thinking about flying CPH-SEA is amazing news. I've hoping for direct OneWorld connections from ARN/CPH for a longtime. Slightly disappointed that they are targeting CPH again, in the same way SK keeps doing. It has to close proximity to AMS/FRA/LHR to really stand out. With a bit of luck it's a success and Emirates adds an ARN-US route, preferably SFO.

Malaysian tried the ARN-NYC route as 5th freedom, EK tried HAM-JFK as 5th freedom and now tries MXP-JFK. I seriously doubt such experiments will work, especially with DY dumping additional capacity starting this summer.

Malaysian tried the ARN-NYC route as 5th freedom, EK tried HAM-JFK as 5th freedom and now tries MXP-JFK. I seriously doubt such experiments will work, especially with DY dumping additional capacity starting this summer.

MH was dealing with very little non-O&D market on that route.

EK has a better position with CPH-SEA than MH had with ARN-NYC, not that it guarantees anything.

I give this route better odds than I gave ARN-NYC on MH.

Emirates thinking about flying CPH-SEA is amazing news. I've hoping for direct OneWorld connections from ARN/CPH for a longtime. Slightly disappointed that they are targeting CPH again, in the same way SK keeps doing. It has to close proximity to AMS/FRA/LHR to really stand out. With a bit of luck it's a success and Emirates adds an ARN-US route, preferably SFO.

Yawn. EK services from SFO is crap, the C seats are inferior (not lie-flat) and food overspiced. Clientele was quite annoying as well. FAs were much lazier than UA IME. I'd take SK any day, though it would be nice if they could renovate the seats to current international standards.

Congrats! Sounds that all in all you had a good trip. That's promising since I'll be on this route in a couple of months.

Did you get upgraded via optiontown on the return leg as well? I'm glad to hear that someone got the optiontown upgrade. Any other thoughts/tips for their business class (e.g. entertainment system, perks, etc?) TIA

Nope, no upgrade on the return today. At check-in they mentioned the flight is not full so little chance for an op-up. I elected to do a point upgrade to Economy Extra, I figure that will be fine considering it is a day trip.

Nope, no upgrade on the return today.
Thanks for the update. I must say that the lottery aspect of it is kinda fun in and of itself.