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Scandinavian Airlines Business Class Review
September 14, 2024
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When you’re flying between the U.S. and Denmark, Sweden, or Norway, chances are you’ll be considering Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). Known for its reliable connections between Scandinavia and major U.S. cities, SAS offers a premium business class experience that blends Scandinavian design with modern comfort.

On long-haul routes, such as Copenhagen to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Washington, Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, and Bangkok, SAS operates the Airbus A350-900 and A330-300.

For shorter transatlantic routes to U.S. East Coast destinations like Boston, Newark, and Washington D.C., as well as routes to Toronto, Dubai, and Delhi, SAS uses the Airbus A321LR.

From takeoff to touchdown, travelers can expect spacious seating, high-quality amenities, and a focus on comfort and service.

 

Front view of the SAS A350 Business Class cabin, offering a modern and elegant atmosphere with spacious seating and contemporary finishes. Photo by SAS AB.Front view of the SAS A350 Business Class cabin, offering a modern and elegant atmosphere with spacious seating and contemporary finishes. Photo by SAS AB.

 

Cabin Design & Seats

SAS Business Class on A350

The SAS A350 business class cabin is designed with a focus on space and privacy, offering a 1-2-1 seating configuration that ensures direct aisle access for every passenger. This layout is ideal for solo travelers and those flying with companions. The seats feature a modern Scandinavian style, combining muted tones of grey and black with sleek leather and metallic finishes, creating an ambiance of understated luxury. Each seat converts into a 78-inch fully flat bed, ensuring comfort during long-haul flights. 

A comfortable window seat on the SAS A350 business class, featuring a fully flat bed, large entertainment screen, and ample surface space for personal items. Photo by SAS AB.A comfortable window seat on the SAS A350 business class, featuring a fully flat bed, large entertainment screen, and ample surface space for personal items. Photo by SAS AB.

The A350 also features a "mini-cabin" with just eight seats, providing a more exclusive experience. This intimate space is a popular choice for passengers seeking additional quiet and privacy. However, service may be slightly slower as it follows a front-to-back pattern.

SAS A350 Business Class cabin. Photo by SAS AB.SAS A350 Business Class cabin. Photo by SAS AB.

SAS Business Class on A321LR

For shorter transatlantic routes, SAS uses the Airbus A321LR, bringing its premium business class experience to a narrow-body aircraft. Despite the smaller cabin, the A321LR offers a mix of 2-2 and 1-1 seating configurations. The alternating layout includes “throne seats” ideal for solo travelers, providing additional space and privacy, while the paired seats are perfect for those traveling together. The seat design retains the signature Scandinavian elegance with comfortable materials and thoughtful storage solutions. 

The SAS A321LR business class cabin, featuring a mix of 2-2 and 1-1 seat configurations, designed for shorter transatlantic routes with premium comfort. Photo by SAS AB.The SAS A321LR business class cabin, featuring a mix of 2-2 and 1-1 seat configurations, designed for shorter transatlantic routes with premium comfort. Photo by SAS AB.

Whether you’re flying on a long-haul journey or a shorter hop across the Atlantic, SAS delivers a consistent, high-quality experience that makes each flight relaxing and enjoyable.

In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity

SAS ensures that travelers stay entertained and connected throughout their journey. Each business class seat comes equipped with a 15.4-inch HD touchscreen, offering a curated selection of movies, TV shows, music, and a dedicated "Kids Zone" for younger travelers. While the entertainment library may not be as extensive as some other airlines, the system includes new releases, Scandinavian content, and international options. 

SAS A350 Business Class cabin. Photo by SAS AB.SAS A350 Business Class cabin. Photo by SAS AB.

For those who like to stay connected, SAS offers complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the flight. Although it’s satellite-based, the connection speed is generally sufficient for messaging and light browsing. Passengers also have access to power outlets and USB ports at every seat, ensuring their devices remain charged throughout the trip. 

Food & Beverages

Dining in SAS business class is a highlight, with a focus on Scandinavian-inspired dishes that feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The multi-course meals are served with attention to detail, providing a blend of regional flavors and international favorites. Travelers can expect dishes like smoked salmon, reindeer filet, or Swedish meatballs, paired with high-quality wines and spirits that complement the meal. 

Menus are distributed after boarding, and the crew is attentive to dietary needs and preferences. Whether it’s a light snack or a full meal, the service remains consistent with SAS’s emphasis on premium comfort. For those who prefer a nightcap or a glass of wine with their meal, the cabin crew is always ready with recommendations, ensuring a delightful dining experience from start to finish.

Amenities

SAS business class is designed to ensure that passengers are well-equipped for a comfortable journey. Each traveler receives a Dux-branded amenity kit, which includes high-quality skincare products like Verso lip balm and moisturizer, eye masks, and socks, all thoughtfully curated to reflect Scandinavian heritage. The kits come in stylish pouches, doubling as practical travel organizers. 

SAS A350 business class cabin. Photo by SAS AB.SAS A350 business class cabin. Photo by SAS AB.

SAS has also partnered with Dux for its bedding, offering plush pillows and blankets that ensure a restful sleep experience. Though the bedding is less elaborate than some competitors, it provides enough warmth and comfort for a relaxing night. Hot towels are offered before meals and during the second service, adding a touch of luxury to the experience. Slippers, while not standard, can be requested on most flights, providing an additional layer of comfort, particularly on longer routes.

Airport Experience

SAS business class passengers enjoy a seamless airport experience from start to finish, thanks to a range of priority services. This includes dedicated check-in counters, priority baggage handling, and fast-track security at most major airports. In Copenhagen, SAS goes a step further with a private fast-track lane exclusively for its premium passengers, ensuring a smooth transition through the airport. 

SAS’s user-friendly app makes check-in and managing travel arrangements easy, offering digital boarding passes and the ability to access real-time flight information. Once through security, business class passengers can relax in SAS lounges, which provide a quiet space to work or unwind before the flight. The convenience and efficiency of the ground services help passengers start their journey on a positive note, setting the tone for the onboard experience.

SAS Business Class Lounges

SAS business class passengers gain access to lounges that are the epitome of Scandinavian design, providing a serene and comfortable environment to relax before boarding. The main lounges in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo are split into dedicated areas for business class and Star Alliance Gold card holders. The lounges feature contemporary interiors with light woods and calming colors, reflecting a minimalist, yet inviting style. 

SAS A350 business class lounge. Photo by SAS AB.SAS A350 business class lounge. Photo by SAS AB.

The food and beverage selection varies throughout the day, offering a breakfast buffet, light snacks, and beverages. The lounges also provide showers and private workspaces, catering to both leisure and business travelers. Additionally, SAS’s Gold lounges offer a wider range of food options and exclusive perks like barista stations and locally inspired dishes.

Sustainability

SAS is committed to advancing sustainability in aviation, striving to reduce its environmental impact through a variety of initiatives. A key aspect of this is their collaboration with Airbus to develop electric aircraft for future use, aiming for climate-neutral travel in the coming decades. SAS is also actively involved in advocating for biofuel use, offering passengers Biofuel ticket options for Scandinavian and European flights.

In line with these efforts, SAS has introduced measures to reduce weight on board, such as eliminating inflight duty-free sales and using environmentally friendly packaging. For members of its EuroBonus program, SAS automatically offsets carbon emissions for all flights, contributing to offsetting over 40% of the airline’s total CO2 emissions. 

These initiatives reflect SAS’s dedication to offering a more sustainable travel experience without compromising on comfort and service.

Find the Best SAS Business Class Offers

For the most comfortable journey at the best price, book your business class flight with the help of experienced travel experts. At Above9, we specialize in premium travel and can secure exclusive, unpublished deals, tailoring itineraries to match your preferences and budget. 

Whether you’re seeking direct flights or planning complex travel arrangements, our experts compare prices across multiple options to deliver a premium yet affordable experience. 

Let our professionals handle every detail, ensuring a seamless and stress-free business class journey from start to finish.

 

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