Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is the flag carrier for Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Founded in 1946, it links the Nordic region with Europe and a smaller set of long-haul routes.
SAS is a full-service Nordic airline with hubs in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo. It is often worth it when you care about smooth connections, clear service, and a single ticket for the whole trip. If your top goal is the lowest base fare, a low-cost carrier may be cheaper.
Key takeaways
- SAS is a major Nordic airline with many routes in Europe and some long-haul flights.
- What you get in the fare varies by fare type, route, and cabin (bags, seats, and changes).
- Cabins are clean and modern, and many flights offer Wi-Fi and streaming entertainment.
- Punctuality can change by season, but SAS has reported strong recent results in Cirium tracking.
- EuroBonus is SAS’s loyalty program and now works with many SkyTeam partners.
Cost and value
What’s included in the fare
SAS sells several fare types. The cheapest “light” fares may include only a small personal item. Higher fares can add a cabin bag, checked bag, seat choice, and easier changes or refunds. Before you pay, open the fare rules and confirm bags and change fees.
How to pay less
SAS often runs sales. You can also save money by booking early, flying midweek, and traveling outside peak school holidays. If you live near more than one hub city, compare prices from each.
When SAS can be good value
SAS can be worth the extra cost when you need tight connections, want priority services, or prefer one booking for a multi-leg trip instead of mixing airlines.
Comfort and amenities
Comfort depends on the plane and the route. On short flights in Europe, seating is similar to other full-service airlines. On longer routes, SAS focuses on rest, better lighting, and a quieter cabin feel.
Wi-Fi and entertainment
Many SAS flights offer Wi-Fi. Entertainment is often streamed to your phone, tablet, or laptop through an onboard portal. The exact setup can change by aircraft.
Food and drink
Food and drink rules depend on the route and cabin. Some drinks are offered on many flights, while meals are more common on long-haul and in Premium or Business. Other items may be sold onboard in Economy. See current details on SAS food and beverages.
On-time performance and reliability
On-time arrival matters most when you have connections or fixed plans. Results can swing with weather and airport delays, but SAS has said it has improved punctuality in recent years, using Cirium’s tracking as a benchmark.
- Look at both on-time arrival and cancellations for your route and travel month.
- Leave extra time for the first flight of a two-flight trip, and avoid the last flight of the day when possible.
Customer service and satisfaction
SAS is known for a simple, no-drama service style. The best experience usually comes from using the SAS app for check-in, gate alerts, and rebooking if a flight changes.
Destinations and route network
SAS advertises flights to more than 130 destinations, mainly within Europe, plus a smaller set of long-haul routes. Its hubs in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo make it a strong option for travel to and within Scandinavia.
Smaller Nordic destinations
If you want to see more of the Nordic region, SAS and its regional partners can help you reach smaller cities that may need a connection.
Sustainability and newer aircraft
Flying creates emissions, and no airline is “green.” SAS says it is working to cut its climate impact through newer planes, smarter operations, and more sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
- Newer aircraft: SAS says its newer planes use less fuel than the older planes they replace.
- Fuel and operations: SAS supports more SAF and other steps that can reduce emissions over time.
- Long-term goal: SAS links its plans to the aviation industry’s net-zero goal for 2050.
If this matters to you, review SAS’s latest targets and updates on SAS sustainability.
Loyalty program and benefits
EuroBonus is SAS’s loyalty program. You can earn and use points on SAS and many partners. Since SAS joined SkyTeam, partner earning and lounge access now follow SkyTeam rules on many routes. See the current list on EuroBonus SkyTeam partners.
EuroBonus has several status tiers that can add priority services and lounge access. Rules can change, so check partner terms before you plan a redemption or a status trip.
Final verdict: Is Scandinavian Airlines worth it?
SAS is often worth it if you want reliable Nordic connections, a clean cabin, and the ease of one ticket for the full trip. It may not be the cheapest airline in every search, but it can offer better overall value once you count bags, changes, and connection quality.
If you are planning a trip with SAS, you may want to consider investing in the best carry-on luggage for international travel. Having the right luggage can make your journey easier. Read our guide to the best carry-on luggage for international travel.
FAQs
What is Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)?
SAS is the flag carrier for Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It flies short-haul routes across Europe and selected long-haul routes, with hubs in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo.
Is SAS a budget airline?
No. SAS is a full-service airline, but its lowest fares can work like budget tickets, with fewer inclusions and extra fees for bags or seats.
Does SAS include food and drinks on flights?
It depends on your route and cabin. Drinks and meals are more common on long-haul and in Premium or Business, while some Economy routes use buy-on-board.
Is SAS in SkyTeam?
Yes. SAS joined SkyTeam in 2024, which changed which partner airlines you can use for earning points and some benefits.
What is EuroBonus?
EuroBonus is SAS’s loyalty program. You can earn points and status on SAS and many partners, then redeem points for flights and other rewards.
Does SAS have a good safety record?
SAS operates under strict European aviation safety rules and has decades of flight history. For the most objective view, rely on regulator reporting and official safety oversight.