bakster21

Looking forward to flying SAS in a few weeks on a trip up to LYR to see the northern lights. Will be sad to see them leave Star Alliance as I've always liked the options to connect via northern Europe when schedules align.

MatthewLAX

Just flew BKK-CPH on SK in J. Great, great flight. Will be so sorry to see SAS leave Star Alliance.

dkc192

This, plus the blocking of SK award availability that other *A partners can access, is punitive and unfriendly. SK is still a member of *A and will be for at least the next few months, period.

AirbusFan2B

yes, their longhaul is exquisite while their shorthaul sucks.

joeyday

Over the years, I have enjoyed their business class service to Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Until recently, it was consistently available from the east coast for Mileage Plus redemptions at a moderate level. I have a ton of Delta miles but I suspect business class redemptions will be very pricey.

Repooc17

Nice! How was the load?

How does shorthaul suck? Better than US domestic shorthaul from my POV (in SAS Plus).

AirbusFan2B

No J product CPH-ARN nor ARN—LHR when I flew SK in May 2023. SAS lounges in CPH and ARN are dismal compared to United Clubs or Lufthansa/SWISS Senator or even Business.

Repooc17

"No J product" - that is normal for Europe regional flying. Comparable US flights are not J either.

Kacee

But unlike other European carriers, SK doesn't even block the middle seat in intra-Europe J. That makes a big difference when you're six across in a narrowbody.

miamiflyer8

In the case of SK, their short haul “J” is sold as SAS Plus which doesn’t have blocked middle seats or a curtain separating from Y. Catering comes in boxes and plastic cups rather than real service ware. No access to Fast Track or contract lounges should you be departing a non-SK or *A hub, contrary to other European counterparts.

econ

It’s been several years since I was there, but I recall their CPH *G lounge was pretty nice. Maybe not as good as the newer UCs that have opened recently, but at the time I remember it being nicer than the average UC, and on par with the average Senator lounge.

MatthewLAX

Flight was almost full in business class (only one seat open), nearly empty in premium economy class (10% load), around 80% full in economy.

As has been mentioned, SK does not block middle seats on shorthaul and of course the seat itself is bad enough. I do like the catering, though. Fresh Scandinavian food is always appreciated.

Repooc17

If you select the last couple of rows in SAS Plus, the middle seat should be open anyway

My point remains - how much of a superior experience can you get on US domestics for 1 to 2 hours flights, as per the other poster, SAS, "sucks"? If you have an economy+ (SAS+ ticket), you'd get good (hot/cold) food, or you'd have the opportunity to buy food with other ticket types (Go); and there is always a beverage cart run for all passengers. Can't say the same for US domestic short flights.

No access to Fast track or lounges at non-SK or *A hub? LHR you can get both, and I am sure there are others.

miamiflyer8

Well, on US carriers up front I get a better seat than SK which I personally value more than any catering. In Y, many US carriers have IFE and you get a full selection of free non-alcoholic beverages instead of just coffee or tea in the case of SK.

LHR T2 has Star Alliance lounges so you’d get access to them based on your SK Plus ticket which is considered “J” for lounge access purposes. At any airport with Star A Gold Track, you’ll have access with SK Plus or *G if in Y. FRA and MUC are examples similar to LHR as are a few other airports with *A facilities.

But go to airports like ALC, BCN or HEL and you get nada. SK closed down their own lounge at HEL during the pandemic so without Priority Pass or AX Plat you’re SOL.

moondog

Trick question?