Originally Posted by
flyswiss88
Not knowing if this is still relevant but as having flown SK on Longhaul the first time (in SAS Plus) to Austin and back I would like to share my thoughts having used Y+ on BA (77W), SQ (A388) and LH (343/346/748/380) where my ranking would be: LH, SQ, SK, BA, NZ:
- I've heard similar stories about CPH but I find transit in ARN a bit of a pain, I think I've never seen any airport within EU where they take that long to scan the passports and as I was lucky to be quick also surprised to see that here is only one security checkpoint for transit (really?) which filled up quickly
The problem at ARN when going through passport control is that they scan
all the passports and not for safety or security reasons but to catch people with outstanding unpaid taxes because that is a worse crime in Sweden than terrorism.
I actually quite liked the SK Gold Lounge, don't really know what the rave about the SEN Lounge food quality is - it is the same that you would in any German Cantine but guess if you are used to things the grass is always greener on the other side.
The SK lounge food is of terrible quality, often only a cold salad bar (occasional pizza/wrap being the exception) and without standard international food options. LH does this a lot better, few people expect outstanding food in a lounge but you could at least serve something that appeals to more than the local population.
Pre-Departure: no drinks, no menus etc... and an ancient FA that yelled at anyone who had blankets on the seat. I've travelled on 60+ Airlines and I've never had anyone making a fuss about it - on the other hand she wouldn't care if seats were reclined, Devices inside the USB Ports and the footrests down - maybe some of the SK pro's can explain the blanket-mania to me
Welcome to SAS, ancient FAs that put in 200% effort to provide as close to zero effort as possible. Their younger, attractive and service minded FAs are flying CRJ-based short-haul routes for some reason.
Food/Beverage: I was really shocked that it took almost 3 hours to get lunch service done and that they ran out of booze (no kidding - and I don't drink on flights) half way through the flight. Found it cool that they offered a mid-flight snack (found it disgusting but that might be personal taste
) and I generally the catering was quite ok. Way back was somewhat quicker and breakfast decent enought for TATL.
This is the standard SK treatment, inedible and to little food and a service that takes long enough to ensure you get no sleep.
Crew: Didn't really like the crew on the way out, distant (and no not the nordic distant but "i couldn't care" distant) and as said very slow. Way back was pleasantly different (and no its not an age thing, they were mostly 50+ on the way back as well) - lots of smiles, good interaction and proactive.
A total hit and miss as is the standard on SK, offering a consistent product and ensuring FAs are service minded and polite aren't considered.