Did two flights in M (X-award) with SAS Denmark on A321s yesterday.
First flight: I was op-uped to Y (ARN-CPH).
Second flight: CPH-NCE was full, I was in the first row of M. When service started one of the FAs (not the purser) came too me asking what I wanted. I ordered drinks for me and co-traveller. No charge. Later in the flight I asked the purser for a couple of NFs. No charge. Only a smile.
Any other EBPs that have noticed the change in recognition??
Got a package in the mail today from Eurobonus in Sweden. It contained the new crew guide + a coffee table book on the history of swedish aviation with lotīs of pictures and info (not published by SAS).
Also there was a letter with summer greetings + the news that there is now a dedicated e-mail address for swedish EBP members to get in touch quickly with SAS on all matters. Bookings, complaints etc. Everything to one address. Better late than never.
A friend tells me that there's a news story on the SAS Intranet saying that, starting today, EBP's - and their companions - are offered free BOB when travelling in M (systemwide, charters excluded). The story also states that there will be no need to show one's card, as the EBP status will be clearly visible on the manifest.
In other words, what used to be a not-always-recognized unofficial perk is now an official part of the product.
Programs: SK EBG (*G), IC Plat. RA, HHonors Diamond, SPG Plat.
Posts: 97
Quote:
Originally Posted by jla
A friend tells me that there's a news story on the SAS Intranet saying that, starting today, EBP's - and their companions - are offered free BOB when travelling in M (systemwide, charters excluded). The story also states that there will be no need to show one's card, as the EBP status will be clearly visible on the manifest.
Surprised that SK haven't done this earlier for SK*G Pandion and don't also extend it to all SK*G's and possibly even SK*S's - it would be a great way to increase loyalty as quite frankly SK Economy has gone downhill in a big way - even a 2 hour 35 minute flight from Moscow to Copenhagen doesn't provide a single thing in Economy compared to many other airlines who for roughly the same length of journey provide a snack, drinks, and full meal - i.e. TK (and to some degree - LH). I know SK has Economy Extra but in reality on short flights there is little "extra" about it given the huge price difference.
Free BOB (Buy On Board) is something that BD provide to all of their Diamond Club elite members on short flights that have BOB in Economy - including the lowly Blue Plus (only 3,000 status miles in a year needed), as well as of course Silver, and Gold Diamond Club card members. While UA offer free upgrade to Economy Plus for UA elites. Onboard benefits like these make a big difference - much more so than the benefits before boarding such as Fast Track imo.
Free BOB (Buy On Board) is something that BD provide to all of their Diamond Club elite members on short flights that have BOB in Economy - including the lowly Blue Plus (only 3,000 status miles in a year needed), as well as of course Silver, and Gold Diamond Club card members. While UA offer free upgrade to Economy Plus for UA elites. Onboard benefits like these make a big difference - much more so than the benefits before boarding such as Fast Track imo.
As a BD Gold, I like this perk. But you are not offered free BOB, you can have one drink and one food item, nothing more and nothing for companions
Programs: SK EBG (*G), IC Plat. RA, HHonors Diamond, SPG Plat.
Posts: 97
Quote:
Originally Posted by tommy777
As a BD Gold, I like this perk. But you are not offered free BOB, you can have one drink and one food item, nothing more and nothing for companions
Yup, this is true.
SK could perhaps do something like the following:
- SK*G Pandion person and 1 companion free BOB each
- SK*G person and 1 companion get one drink and one food item each
- SK*S person only get one drink and one food item
or...
- SK*G Pandion person and 1 companion free BOB each
- SK*G person only get one drink and one food item (as BD do for BD Blue+, BD*S, and BD*G)
- SK*S person only get one drink or one food item
This way those in Economy Extra on short flights would still get as many drinks, etc as they want, get to sit up front, etc over SK*G's and SK*S's in regular Economy and thus still keeping the Economy Extra product "special".
I can't see how SK would lose much money (in fact I think they would gain more money) to provide this small extra benefit like BD do as it would not cost much and would encourage all SK*G's and SK*S's to fly more with SK instead of chosing FR for example which is pretty much identical to SK Economy at this stage - only a lot of the times cheaper but as an SK*G or SK*S one would be more likely to pay more to fly SK if one knew one would be treated somewhat well.
I have complained a lot on the on board recognition of EBP at SAS. Especially given the phrases used in the introduction letter/renewal letter from CEO Mr Janssson. ("Welcome to our very special and exclusive club with special benefits...")
But things have really changed. Seems every purser have been to EBP boot camp.
It is not the same airline as 6 months ago. Complimentary BoB is really working now as described in previous posts.
This is a short glimp from todays flight:
SAS Sweden operated ARN-AMS flight.
B736 with the new seats (meaning the adjustable c-ceats are no more).
I was the only pax in Business (row 1 and 2) and my co-traveller was the only pax in Y (row 3). The rest of the plane (row 4 and back) was jam packed.
The curtain was between row 3 and 4. Oh my, I can live with it, I am a humble person after all. I know Y pax can feel a bit downgraded at times so let the curtain rule.
While getting seated the purser happens to notice we are travelling together and asks me if I would like my co-traveller to move up to my seat row? Nice of her!
So we are both seated in Business for take off.
Flight is delayed on the ground due to the co-pilots seat being stuck in a far back position (!), which needs some 50 minutes to fix.
Up front we are offered drinks during the ground delay.
During pre meal drink service I order items from the M BoB-menu (the KRAV potato chips), no problem.
When meal is served obviously there is salmon. Warm salmon for me and cold salmon for my Y-friend.
The purser smiles and tells me she is sorry she couldnīt provide warm salmon for my guest (her phrasing).
She also asks if I am happy with the meal or she could bring me the dinner box sold in M-class? I decline the offer but it was nice still to get the offer.
Later in the flight the purser comes by to chat about the purpose of my trip today and she says "I imagine you travel a lot" etc etc.
The new chocolates they hand out in C are actually superb and they collect all the left overs and hand them in a yellow money bag for us to keep.
When leaving the aircraft the purser says "see you onboard soon Mr. ...".
In all very good recognition. As always these days.
PS. Who did the purser recognition training at SAS? I need that name for some projects coming up...
NOTE: I am still to evaluate the new EBP aware SAS on long haul and SAS Norge.
What is the standard service level for non-status / EBS passengers these days with SAS or has SAS turned Scandinavian Pandion Airlines nowadays?
I have been avoiding SAS like plague lately and I have no idea any longer if they have changed at all; Pandion seems to be taken care quite well these days but if it is in the expense of ordinary passengers then I will stay out and let them be Pandion Airlines.
I doubt non EBP-passengers feel offended by the extra service? Most crew handles it in a professional way. However, there has been situations when the purser shouts from some 6 rows back to the FA with the BoB cart "Uh, 3D doesnīt pay, OK?". But I guess that itīs mainly a problem for the EBP pax.
They should introduce free coffee/tea for everyone IMHO, or at least for *G and EBG.
I doubt non EBP-passengers feel offended by the extra service? Most crew handles it in a professional way. However, there has been situations when the purser shouts from some 6 rows back to the FA with the BoB cart "Uh, 3D doesnīt pay, OK?". But I guess that itīs mainly a problem for the EBP pax.
They should introduce free coffee/tea for everyone IMHO, or at least for *G and EBG.
I didn't mean that exactly, I was actually wondering if there is any service left for the ordinary passengers these days, EBP recognization seems to be okay (good old days + some additional stuff). I was in the process to book some flights to Asia but decided to play safe and fly with some other airline I can trust to have a service attitude than risk everything and try SAS for the first time for one year.
Programs: SAS EBP, BA EC Gold, SPG Platinum, First Gold, Radisson Gold Elite, etc....
Posts: 64
Diamond or Gold
I also got the Diamond card, in the mail - however.... recently I tried to use it, and it appears it is "only" Gold??
Have spoken to HH CS, but they do not seem to be able to correct this, if indeed it is wrong?? anyway, would be nice to know if others have confirmed that the Diamond card, actually is Diamond?
Quote:
Originally Posted by SK_RSJ
As my Hilton membership recently dropped to Silver VIP, I was happy to fill in the form that came with the Pandion renewal kit making me a HHonors Gold VIP again. Puh. Especially since I have quite a few stays at Hilton properties coming up in the summer.
Well, today arrived my new Diamond VIP card. Thank you SAS. Expires in 2011.
Guess I will now have to pass by the complimentary cocktail reception tomorrow by Quintesentially in Stockholm so that SAS doesnīt waste their money on no good.
Programs: SAS EBP, BA EC Gold, SPG Platinum, First Gold, Radisson Gold Elite, etc....
Posts: 64
EBP very good on long haul
I must agree 100%, this is not the same airline - EBP recognition is fully implemented on long haul.
During the past 6 months I have had 10+ long haul (return) trips, on SAS - and on all flights there has been special recognition. Either upgrades or seat blocking (manual process, but still) - and often other special stuff...... on a single flight the entire plane was overbooked, they actually appologized for not being able to upgrade, but provided loads of drinks :-)
This is a very significant change and is a great improvement over last year
Only hope that they are able to continue to keep this up
Cheers
Quote:
Originally Posted by SK_RSJ
I have complained a lot on the on board recognition of EBP at SAS. Especially given the phrases used in the introduction letter/renewal letter from CEO Mr Janssson. ("Welcome to our very special and exclusive club with special benefits...")
But things have really changed. Seems every purser have been to EBP boot camp.
It is not the same airline as 6 months ago. Complimentary BoB is really working now as described in previous posts.
This is a short glimp from todays flight:
SAS Sweden operated ARN-AMS flight.
B736 with the new seats (meaning the adjustable c-ceats are no more).
I was the only pax in Business (row 1 and 2) and my co-traveller was the only pax in Y (row 3). The rest of the plane (row 4 and back) was jam packed.
The curtain was between row 3 and 4. Oh my, I can live with it, I am a humble person after all. I know Y pax can feel a bit downgraded at times so let the curtain rule.
While getting seated the purser happens to notice we are travelling together and asks me if I would like my co-traveller to move up to my seat row? Nice of her!
So we are both seated in Business for take off.
Flight is delayed on the ground due to the co-pilots seat being stuck in a far back position (!), which needs some 50 minutes to fix.
Up front we are offered drinks during the ground delay.
During pre meal drink service I order items from the M BoB-menu (the KRAV potato chips), no problem.
When meal is served obviously there is salmon. Warm salmon for me and cold salmon for my Y-friend.
The purser smiles and tells me she is sorry she couldnīt provide warm salmon for my guest (her phrasing).
She also asks if I am happy with the meal or she could bring me the dinner box sold in M-class? I decline the offer but it was nice still to get the offer.
Later in the flight the purser comes by to chat about the purpose of my trip today and she says "I imagine you travel a lot" etc etc.
The new chocolates they hand out in C are actually superb and they collect all the left overs and hand them in a yellow money bag for us to keep.
When leaving the aircraft the purser says "see you onboard soon Mr. ...".
In all very good recognition. As always these days.
PS. Who did the purser recognition training at SAS? I need that name for some projects coming up...
NOTE: I am still to evaluate the new EBP aware SAS on long haul and SAS Norge.
