I'm getting close to my first year EBG anniversary, and this is my experience:
- Intercontinental op-ups have been frequent, and if not, I've always been able to use points. My favourite moment was when flying ORD-ARN in M, and requesting upgrade at check-in/lounge for me and my girlfriend (EBB at the time) - being totally ready to spend 60k points for M --> C. Ended up getting it for free for both of us. The flight was totally packed, so that explains it. However, I was pleasantly surprised that SAS didn't fall for the temptation of taking my points regardless of the fact that they were overbooked. I know LH does that, but maybe I just got lucky this time?
- Few Intra-European op-ups, but that's probably due to the low cabin factor that SAS has been struggling with. Funny thing was that I was upgraded on the exact flight that I requalified to EBG on - anniversary gift?
- No personal recognition from FAs due to status.
- Every time I've tried to get an extra guest into lounges with me (in addition to the one I'm entitled too), I've been denied (CPH, FRA, MUC).
- One UA op-up (US domestic flight).
- Great record of upgrades at hotels (Rica, Radisson SAS, Hilton).
- Fast Track is a HUGE advantage. May we please get it as a *A perk at OSL/ARN/CPH. Would love to see it as a domestic flight benefit too, and at other airports (BGO, SVG).
- The Priority-luggage system seldom works, and in Norway they hardly ever put the tag on unless you request it - especially bad at BGO.
- The only EBG-perk when flying domestically in Norway is the possibility to pick a seat at the time of booking. Business Class/EBG Check-in/Bag-drop only exists at OSL (or at other airports when SGS is handling a LH-flight at the time you that check in).
- No priority boarding on SK-flights (except IC). Annoying when it's a full flight and you have hand-luggage. Hate to "fight" for the storage space.
All in all I'm quite happy with my first year as EBG. I've definitely become more loyal to *A when flying international.
On the bad note I can mention the lack of EBG-perks for domestic flights in Norway, and the planned points increase for stand-by upgrades. Regarding the latter, I still don't feel totally sure that they won't go through with it. EBG combined with the current stand-by upgraded prices is a great advantage when travelling intercontinental on your own dime
