When SAS announced that they would be reintroducing SAS business class within Europe from October 1, I thought I needed to be able to experience it first hand. Booking is not a problem. After all, I won 1 million SAS points earlier this year so I can always use my points even if the rates are higher than usual. The best use of points that I found was flying from Stockholm to Copenhagen on September 30 so I could fly the first flight from Copenhagen to Madrid in business class the following day. Sadly, points redemption on the return flight was really high so I ended up flying to Malaga with Air Europa and the booking the Malaga to Stockholm in business class. In the end, it went out well, as the new SAS business class allowed me to access the Sala VIP Lounge in Malaga for the first time and experience the improved dining experience both on the Copenhagen to Madrid and Malaga to Stockholm flights.
*This is an award ticket (28744 pts + 331KR), Business Class flight #293
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Stockholm Arlanda Airport Terminal 5
I arrived in Arlanda Airport around 4:30pm and since I already had a mobile boarding pass, went straight to Fast Track. The SAS check-in desks for business class and status passengers are located in Zone 7.
Fast Track
With SAS plus ticket and elite plus status on Skyteam, I could use fast track 👍
SAS Lounges, F-pier
I had an hour before boarding so I thought I would visit the 4 lounges I had access to before heading to the boarding gate. First stop was the SAS Lounge by Mastercard - Business. This is a really nice lounge with modern design although food and drinks offering are not really special.
I did not stay much in the business lounge and went over to the superior SAS Lounge by Mastercard - Gold. Here, the food and drinks offering is much better, as well as the design. Today, they had Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and soup. It also offers lovely views unlike the business lounge. It is open from 6am to 8pm.
Around 5pm, I headed to the E gates to visit the original SAS lounges.
SAS Lounge, E gates
SAS one lounge
Beside the reception desk is the signage that (tomorrow October 1), the SAS Gold and the SAS Business lounge will become one.
For the last time, I am visiting the SAS Business lounge. They had salmon here instead of the Swedish meatballs.
Then, I transferred to the SAS Gold Lounge (again for the last time). SAS promised a better food and drinks offering when they merge the two lounges from October 1. We´ll have to see that for ourselves 😉
Boarding, Gate E8
Boarding was supposed to begin at 5:30pm so I was there a few minutes before that. It was a few minutes walk from the lounge. Boarding began at around 5:38pm.
Aircraft, Airbus A320 (SE-ROG)
Airbus A320
SAS Plus Cabin
The SAS Plus Cabin consisted of seats from rows 1 to 6 on this flight, with a total of 36 seats in a 3-3 configuration.
On this flight, 16 seats were occupied.
Push back & Take Off
At around 5:55pm just before push back, Captain Charlotte welcomed us on board. Taxi took about 9 minutes, and then we were airborne.
Seat 4A
My seat 4A is a window seat. Legroom was spacious 👍
Flight safety card, menu, wifi card, air-sickness bag
There was also a coat hook and a USB port at every seat.
Also, there was wifi connection, and as a Gold member, I had free access to it 👍
Dining
On this short 1-hour flight to Copenhagen, the snacks offered was a Caesar Sandwich and drinks. I also had some chips 👍
Lavatory
The lavatory is located in front of the cabin.
Landing in Copenhagen Airport
We landed in Copenhagen at 6:57pm, a few minutes ahead of schedule.
CONCLUSION
Flying SAS Plus for the last time was memorable as I have flown this many times in the past years. Of course, a 1-hour flight does not make much difference especially if the seat beside you is vacant. Overall, a nice flight with great crew and good snacks offering. Looking forward to the my business class flight to Madrid tomorrow 😉
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