Originally Posted by
CPH-Flyer
The reason that partner awards are charged as business class for SAS Plus is that Star Alliance still don't offer alliance wide premium economy award bookings. So it is J award pricing, or no booking option.
Only partly true. The simple fact is that SAS Plus on short-haul flights is treated as business class by Star Alliance even on paid tickets, with e.g. access to Star Alliance lounges. Also, paid tickets booked in C means seating in SAS Plus, while SAS releases Plus award tickets in I class (Star Alliance business awards).