SAS EuroBonus - OSL-BER?

Dear Flyertalk,

although I am a rather faithful SAS/*A flyer, I am often tempted to be unfaithful to my favorite alliance between Oslo and Berlin. I happen to travel between these cities a lot and I really do miss a good SAS or at least a *A alternative. Now, I either have to make a stop-over in CPH (with SAS) or maybe even go to FRA with LH which would make no sense at all. Of course it is possible to swallow one's pride and go with e.g. Norwegian on this route, but then all the trouble with excess pay for luggage, no miles, etc. arise. Since I sometimes come from other locations (long-haul) to BER before going to OSL I actually often bring quite a lot of luggage as well, making the need for a SAS or *A flight all the more pressing.

I have attempted to bring up the idea at MySASIdea of a direct SAS flight between OSL and BER. BER is still a hot destination, it has some business traffic as well and it would be easy to find a plane for this flight, as it is short-haul. After the new airport opens (it hopefully will, at some point), it is planned to be the third hub for LH as well, which could mean some transit traffic from Oslo in addition to the direct traffic.

My argument on MySASIdea is that such a route would make sense, especially after 100% earnings are back. If any of you agree, I would appreciate your support on MySASIdea.

http://mysasidea.flysas.net/node/651

The Major of BER coined the phrase that his city is poor but sexy. AB and DY already cover this route so SK will wisely stay away from battling these two LCCs for low yield pax.

The Major of BER coined the phrase that his city is poor but sexy.
I remember Klaus Wowereit saying this, yes - a great phrase and of course true for the city's (i.e. municipality's) economy. But house prices have been steadily rising for the last few years and there are substantial number of Norwegians who have bought flats in Berlin. These people obviously often belong to the more well-off of Norwegian middle-class, and some of these travel quite a lot. I would think that there would be a market for quite a few of these for SAS, even though I of course agree with the point that the competition is quite stiff. But considering that SAS is not all that more expensive than Norwegian, you get to bring the luggage and the 100% earnings it might be possible.

SK will wisely stay away from battling these two LCCs for low yield pax

I see, but they will lose quite a bit of travel from people like me who have frequent stop-overs in Berlin and I do not think I am the only one. Anybody knows how the routes CPH-BER or ARN-BER are doing? SAS after all flies these....

I have attempted to bring up the idea at MySASIdea of a direct SAS flight between OSL and BER. BER is still a hot destination, it has some business traffic as well and it would be easy to find a plane for this flight, as it is short-haul. After the new airport opens (it hopefully will, at some point), it is planned to be the third hub for LH as well, which could mean some transit traffic from Oslo in addition to the direct traffic.
http://mysasidea.flysas.net/node/651

I doubt any airline will add flights to TXL and wait until BER opens. We will see if it really becomes a hub, right now I try to avoid it as much as possible, it's simply more of a feeder airport such as HAM, STR etc.

Dear Flyertalk,

although I am a rather faithful SAS/*A flyer, I am often tempted to be unfaithful to my favorite alliance between Oslo and Berlin. I happen to travel between these cities a lot and I really do miss a good SAS or at least a *A alternative. Now, I either have to make a stop-over in CPH (with SAS) or maybe even go to FRA with LH which would make no sense at all. Of course it is possible to swallow one's pride and go with e.g. Norwegian on this route, but then all the trouble with excess pay for luggage, no miles, etc. arise. Since I sometimes come from other locations (long-haul) to BER before going to OSL I actually often bring quite a lot of luggage as well, making the need for a SAS or *A flight all the more pressing.

I have attempted to bring up the idea at MySASIdea of a direct SAS flight between OSL and BER. BER is still a hot destination, it has some business traffic as well and it would be easy to find a plane for this flight, as it is short-haul. After the new airport opens (it hopefully will, at some point), it is planned to be the third hub for LH as well, which could mean some transit traffic from Oslo in addition to the direct traffic.

My argument on MySASIdea is that such a route would make sense, especially after 100% earnings are back. If any of you agree, I would appreciate your support on MySASIdea.

http://mysasidea.flysas.net/node/651

I agree with you. Irritates me to always have to go via CPH. SK just opened a new route to PRG from OSL. Then they could give BER a change as well IMO.

Hey Nord,

thanks for the support - please feel free to make some pressure on MySAS Idea as well, who knows what will happen? :)

And in general on this topic: I do understand the argument that there is heavy competition from LCC on this route, but I would guess that is the same case with ARN-BER and CPH-BER as well? Any thoughts?

well, OSL-BER would also compete with CPH-BER. It could be that they see that there is enough potential traffic if they top up with passengers from OSL?

well, OSL-BER would also compete with CPH-BER. It could be that they see that there is enough potential traffic if they top up with passengers from OSL?

Great point.

I fly a bit from TRD to TXL via CPH, and given the choice of CPH vs OSL I'd take CPH any day (especially on return what with the outrageous customs procedures in Norway as well as extra points).

Of course, for those based in OSL it would be simpler, but for now just enjoy CPH for what it's worth ;)

(On a sidenote, can't wait for new Brandenburg to finish. TXL really is a sh**hole.)

Great point.

I fly a bit from TRD to TXL via CPH, and given the choice of CPH vs OSL I'd take CPH any day (especially on return what with the outrageous customs procedures in Norway as well as extra points).

Of course, for those based in OSL it would be simpler, but for now just enjoy CPH for what it's worth ;)

(On a sidenote, can't wait for new Brandenburg to finish. TXL really is a sh**hole.)

Unfortunately the opening of BER is now pushed to October 2013. (One could start wondering if it will ever happen)

Great point.

I fly a bit from TRD to TXL via CPH, and given the choice of CPH vs OSL I'd take CPH any day (especially on return what with the outrageous customs procedures in Norway as well as extra points).

Of course, for those based in OSL it would be simpler, but for now just enjoy CPH for what it's worth ;)


Or for the significant number of people using airports with direct service to OSL, but not to CPH (i.e. all north of TRD; MOL, KSU, HAU and most WF destinations)