ARN-MMX on SK
 

Since I've done a report on Malmo Aviation ( http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/002503.html ), I thought it would only be fair to write a report on SK.
I've been commuting between Malmö and Stockholm for about six months, so I've taken a number of flights on both SK and TF (Malmo Aviation).

Here's my latest little trip:

SK 125, ARN-MMX, June 14th, scheduled: 18.10-19.15, actual: 19.30-20.45, B737-800, seat: 19F.

When I arrived at ARN I noticed that a lot of flights were delayed. I was told that it was because of strong winds, causing only one runway to be open. After checking in using the check-in machine, I dropped off my luggage and went to McMurder for a couple of burgers. When I came back, the whole chec-in area was filled with people lined up for the regular check-in desks, but the lines by the check-in machines were very short, and so was the line for baggage drop. Why would you stand in line for more than 30 minutes when you could check yourself in in about two minutes?
When I arrived at the gate area (after passing through security with my Swiss army knife that I had put in my carry-on by mistake) I saw that the inbound flight from Ronneby would arrive at 18.55, and my flight would leave at 19.20. The 19.15 flight to MMX was cancelled, so suddenly my flight was overbooked. The gate attendant asked for volunteers that could take the 20.10 flight instead. Getting US$250 in vouchers for waiting another 50 minutes didn't seem like a bad deal, so I volunteered. The 20.10 flight was also fully booked, so perhaps I could score another $250 for waiting yet a while longer?
Of course, my plan failed... SK didn't need any volunteers for the first flight, so I had to board. Farewell, easy money!
Finally onboard, I managed to squeeze myself into my seat, and was seated to a very cute girl. The meal consisted of a cold pasta salad and grilled chicken. Pretty good, but the bread roll was like rubber. SK has served a pretty good breakfast on morning flights, so I know that they know how to heat bread. Too bad they don't always show it...
The flight was rather boring, but the fly-by over MMX before landing was pretty neat.

So, how does SK compare to Malmo Aviation(TF)?
I prefer TF because of their more comfortable planes and friendlier service. The food is normally better on TF, but I've had terrible food on TF, and I've had good food on SK on some occasions.

About your comment on the knife, I did ARN-MMX with SK in June 2001 and recall being surprised that I didn't even pass through a security checkpoint...just walked up to the gate areas. I guess they have had to secure the domestic flights a bit more since 9/11?

You are correct Jim. Pre 911 there was NO security checkpoint at ARN. Those days they did it only at random departures and you could get on like 90% on the domestic flights with whatever you wanted...