Review: SAS A321neo Business Class, New York JFK to Oslo

 

SAS A321neo business class, JFK to Oslo

Trip to Toronto & New York flying SAS Business Class

Flight: SK 924
Departure time in New York JFK (JFK): 17:10
Arrival time in Oslo (OSL): 6:50 (+1)
Aircraft: Airbus A321neo (SE-DMO named Jarl Viking)
Seat: 4F
Duration: 7h 40m
Date of flight: April 24, 2025
*This is a reward ticket using SAS points, Business Class flight #282

Video on YouTube



Spending 2 nights in New York

On this trip, we stayed two nights in New York before flying back to Scandinavia. We were lucky to have a nice weather which was perfect to explore Central Park. We also got the chance to see the Midnight Moment in Times Square for the first time, which happens between 11:57pm and midnight, almost every night.

Central Park

Times Square

New York JFK Terminal 1

We arrived at JFK Airport Terminal 1 at 1:05pm for our 5:10pm flight.

Check-in at Zone B

The SAS check-in desks did not open until 3.5 hours before departure so while waiting, we decided to use the kiosk first to print our luggage tag and boarding passes. At 1:40pm, we used the check-in and bag drop counter for elite and business class passengers to leave our luggage.

Fast Track

As usual, we were able to use fast track as business class passengers.

Air France Lounge, Gate 1

It was my first time to visit the Air France Lounge in Terminal 1 since the last time I flew on a Skyteam airline, I got access to the Delta Sky Club in Terminal 4. The beef daube and slow roasted salmon were very good. 

Sadly, the complimentary facial at the Clarins treatment section was exclusive to Air France passengers.

Aircraft, Airbus A321neo (Jarl Viking)

(The photo was taken after landing in Oslo)

This was actually the same aircraft we flew with six days ago from Copenhagen to Toronto.

Boarding, Gate 1

Gate 1 is basically beside the lounge so there was no need to do a long walk. At 4:30pm, boarding began with those flying in business class and those with status getting priority boarding.

Business Class Cabin

The business class cabin is in a 2-2 and 1-1 configuration where 2-2 is odd numbers and the seat thrones are even numbers. 

Seat map

On this flight to Oslo, all the seats in business class were taken.

Seat 4F

It was always nice to get a seat throne on this single-aisle aircraft as there is so much space, just like in their Airbus A330.

Universal power port, headphone socket, USB-A socket, headphones, seat controls, a small bottle of water, reading lamp

Headphones and IFE controller

Personal monitor, storage

From the movie selection, I ended up watching "The Bucket List".

Literature pocket

Safety manual, air-sickness bag, wifi card

As usual, the pillow and blanket were from the Swedish company DUX which I thought were comfortable to use.

My last 3 flights with SAS in business class had the same DUX laundry bag containing Verso facial cream and lip balm (plus the usual dental kit, socks, ear plugs and eye mask) so I was glad that they had this shoe bag instead. Still, it would be cool to have the travel pouch version which is the only one I am missing.

Pre-departure Beverage

There was a choice between water, cranberry and champagne.

I settled for a glass of cranberry juice.

Menu Card & Drinks List

Menu card and drink list

Menu

Menu

Drinks list

Take Off

We began our pushback at 5:10pm and 23 minutes later, we were airborne.

Dining

When the flight attendant took my meal order, she also asked if it was okay to wake me up before landing for breakfast. Since I wanted to take some photos, I had to say yes 👍

Warm towel

Warm nuts and apple juice

For my appetizer, I had the seared scallops which was okay.

My beef top blade steak was very good.

Cheese, blackberry cheesecake icebox pie with Chantilly cream

White tea (Nordic Grace)

Breakfast

At 5:10am, the flight attendant woke me up for the breakfast service.

Warm towel

Airshow enroute to Oslo.

Overnight oats with berries and toasted coconut, assorted charcuterie and cheese, bread and tea

Lavatory

There is only 1 lavatory in the cabin which means there could be queue sometimes.

Landing in Oslo

We landed in Oslo Gardermoen Airport at 6:45am which is 5 minutes ahead of schedule.

CONCLUSION

Just like my previous flight with them, I thought this flight was also very good mainly because we were able to secure a throne seat. I think it would have been another story had we been sat in those 2 seats together. I think SAS business class service and amenities is not in the same league as Qatar Airways and Emirates (considering you get new business class which offers aisle access to all) and EVA Air. Nor are they as bad as Kenya Airways which needs a lot of improvement. They are more like the ones in between (like Lufthansa and THAI) but slighty better than Finnair. The seat is okay but the dining options, movie selections and amenity kits can definitely be improved. I only paid 30K SAS miles plus €8.54 for this flight so I really can't complain 👍

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