When I first booked my SAS ticket to Stockholm, the flight departed at 3pm. But a schedule change pushed the flight back to 8pm. I wanted to go and check out Manchester, but I ended up getting a day room at the Doubletree Manchester Airport to get some work done and have a quiet space to help coordinate the movers.
The DoubleTree was a bit of a walk from Terminal 2, though it was a fairly pleasant walk if you overlook having to play frogger jaywalking across the motorway thanks to crappy Google Maps instructions.
I booked a day use room for £74, which was pretty solid. The hotel was nothing special, but decently clean and comfortable.
I had plenty on my plate to keep me busy between catching up on work and coordinating the move. After 10,787 texts and phone calls, I breathed a sigh of relief when my buddy sent me a picture of the now empty moving truck.
I packed up and headed out the door just before 6pm. It was a shorter walk to Terminal 1, though I got turned around quite a bit trying to get up to the check in desk and locating SAS’ check in desks. Eventually, I found it. My bag was a carry on, but I paid for checked bag when I bought my ticket. It was a smidge over the published carry on weight limit, so I figured I’d check to save me some potential trouble.
Security would have been quick had my allergy spray not triggered a secondary screening. But I was through in enough time to stop at the lounge for a quick bite. I checked out the Aspire Lounge my last time through Manchester in 2022, so I decided to go across the hall to the Escape Lounge this go around.
That was not the best choice. The Aspire Lounge, while not great had plenty of natural light and great tarmac views. The Escape Lounge was the same minus the tarmac views giving it oh so pleasant dungeon vibes.
The hot buffet was cleaned out when I arrived, but to their credit it was quickly replenished. The cold buffet was fine, with some finger sandwiches, crisps, and cookies.
The food was perfectly edible and filling, but on the very bland side. A microscope is necessary to find the seasoning on the “seasoned chicken”.
I left about before departure only to find out my flight to Stockholm was delayed. I was too lazy to hoof it back to the lounge, so I just hung out in the central waiting area.
I was kind of excited about this flight as I’ve never flown SAS. So I was bit giddy to see some of their planes on the tarmac, but unfortunately neither were not mine.
It was sad to see a Thai Airways A330 broken up for parts at the STS facility.
The gate was finally posted about 30 minutes late, and I headed over there.
SAS 2550
Manchester (MAN) – Stockholm (ARN)
Depart: 8:05PM
Arrive: 11:45PM
Aircraft: Airbus A320 NEO
Seat: 14A (Economy Class)
My SAS experience got off to a rocky start. First, the delay and now an awful boarding process that gives Southwest a run for their money. It started with SAS Plus and Star Alliance Gold, which is pretty typical. But then one of the agents screamed for all other passengers to board. And a mass of humanity surged forward and blocked up the boarding lane. Then, we ended up standing around in the jet bridge for a good 20 or so minutes before the line started moving.
Once on board, I was greeted by unpleasant sight of the the new tangled slimline seats dressed in a very sterile gray.
The seats were quite literally wafer thin.
Legroom and seat width in exit row were good. But padding was non-existent. You know it’s bad when I wish I were flying Spirit instead.
It was very humid outside
Next thing I knew, I woke up and we were airborne with a nice view of the setting sun.
I passed on the buy on-board drink and snacks, and passed the flight with my iPad. We ended arriving at Arlanda just after midnight.
