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Living in Europe, there are lots of destinations within easy reach for a weekend trip. A few weeks ago I flew Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) from Amsterdam to Stockholm and back. I flew in economy there, and SAS's version of business class back. I thought I'd write up a quick trip report and a comparison of the two classes of service.
For flights within Europe, SAS offers two classes of service - SAS Go and SAS Plus. There is not that much difference between the two classes, but SAS Plus does come with lounge access, security fast-track, up-front seating and a meal on board. Unlike most European carriers, SAS does not block the middle seat on intra-Europe flights for "SAS Plus" passengers. In fairness, though, the airline also doesn't charge a huge premium for SAS Plus. It's often only a bit more expensive than a Go fare. I think I paid around €85 for my ARN-AMS flight in SAS Plus.
Lounges
I was able to use the Aspire Lounge in AMS (thanks to Star Alliance status). This was a pretty dreadful lounge - crowded, noisy and limited food options. I can't wait for a proper Star Alliance lounge to open in AMS!
At Stockholm, SAS operates two lounges. There is an SAS Gold Lounge, for passengers with SAS/Star Alliance Gold status, and an SAS Business Lounge for passengers booked in SAS Plus/Business Class. I would have theoretically been able to use either lounge, but was told the Gold Lounge was nicer so went in there.
The Gold Lounge at ARN was indeed very nice. Comfortable seating, showers, not too crowded and some good food and drink choices (including hot food). Also some nice runway views.
If you have don't have status or a Plus fare, you can purchase lounge access using cash or SAS EuroBonus points.
Outbound flight - SAS Go (economy)
I flew AMS-ARN on SK558, an afternoon flight on a CRJ-900. This aircraft had a 2-2 configuration. At check-in I enquired whether an exit row seat happened to be available, and it was. This came with excellent legroom for the 2-hour hop, and the aisle seat next to me was also empty. So I was very comfortable.
Economy passengers were offered complimentary tea and coffee. Other snacks and drinks were available for sale.
This was a very pleasant flight. No frills but the crew were friendly and I enjoyed the view out the window.
Return flight - SAS Plus (kind of business class)
I took SK1553 back to AMS. This was an early morning flight on a Boeing 737-700. For this flight I sat in 1B. (I had a friend in 1A so didn't mind taking the middle seat.)
There was no curtain separating the two cabins - just a piece of cardboard attached to the seat in the last row that had been designated as "Plus" on this sector.
Each passenger received a breakfast box (there was only one choice) with a can of fruit juice. This was followed by tea or coffee.
For what it's worth, it was announced on my previous flight that they had three meal choices for Plus passengers (one was a club sandwich, and I can't remember the other two).
This was another pleasant flight. Was it worth paying the extra cost over SAS Go? Well, maybe if I didn't have any status, the ground benefits like lounge access, security fast-track and a checked baggage allowance would have come in handy. And it was nice to get breakfast on board. But I probably wouldn't bother paying for this again unless the price difference was small.
For flights within Europe, SAS offers two classes of service - SAS Go and SAS Plus. There is not that much difference between the two classes, but SAS Plus does come with lounge access, security fast-track, up-front seating and a meal on board. Unlike most European carriers, SAS does not block the middle seat on intra-Europe flights for "SAS Plus" passengers. In fairness, though, the airline also doesn't charge a huge premium for SAS Plus. It's often only a bit more expensive than a Go fare. I think I paid around €85 for my ARN-AMS flight in SAS Plus.
Lounges
I was able to use the Aspire Lounge in AMS (thanks to Star Alliance status). This was a pretty dreadful lounge - crowded, noisy and limited food options. I can't wait for a proper Star Alliance lounge to open in AMS!
At Stockholm, SAS operates two lounges. There is an SAS Gold Lounge, for passengers with SAS/Star Alliance Gold status, and an SAS Business Lounge for passengers booked in SAS Plus/Business Class. I would have theoretically been able to use either lounge, but was told the Gold Lounge was nicer so went in there.
The Gold Lounge at ARN was indeed very nice. Comfortable seating, showers, not too crowded and some good food and drink choices (including hot food). Also some nice runway views.
If you have don't have status or a Plus fare, you can purchase lounge access using cash or SAS EuroBonus points.
Outbound flight - SAS Go (economy)
I flew AMS-ARN on SK558, an afternoon flight on a CRJ-900. This aircraft had a 2-2 configuration. At check-in I enquired whether an exit row seat happened to be available, and it was. This came with excellent legroom for the 2-hour hop, and the aisle seat next to me was also empty. So I was very comfortable.
Economy passengers were offered complimentary tea and coffee. Other snacks and drinks were available for sale.
This was a very pleasant flight. No frills but the crew were friendly and I enjoyed the view out the window.
Return flight - SAS Plus (kind of business class)
I took SK1553 back to AMS. This was an early morning flight on a Boeing 737-700. For this flight I sat in 1B. (I had a friend in 1A so didn't mind taking the middle seat.)
There was no curtain separating the two cabins - just a piece of cardboard attached to the seat in the last row that had been designated as "Plus" on this sector.
Each passenger received a breakfast box (there was only one choice) with a can of fruit juice. This was followed by tea or coffee.
For what it's worth, it was announced on my previous flight that they had three meal choices for Plus passengers (one was a club sandwich, and I can't remember the other two).
This was another pleasant flight. Was it worth paying the extra cost over SAS Go? Well, maybe if I didn't have any status, the ground benefits like lounge access, security fast-track and a checked baggage allowance would have come in handy. And it was nice to get breakfast on board. But I probably wouldn't bother paying for this again unless the price difference was small.
