There’s something unmistakably calming about flying SAS Business Class. Maybe it’s the understated Scandinavian design, the muted colors, clean lines, and lack of unnecessary flash. Or maybe it’s the thoughtful touches like Hästens bedding, Nordic inspired meals, and crews who make service feel effortless rather than over rehearsed.
In 2026, SAS continues to run business class on long haul routes linking Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm with major US cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. The seats are fully lie flat in a 1-2-1 layout, the WiFi is among the most reliable over the Atlantic thanks to new Starlink, and the lounges in Scandinavia are some of the sleekest in Europe. If you’re after a business class that feels less like theater and more like genuine comfort, SAS quietly gets it right.
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My #1 tip to find cheap SAS Business Class tickets
Looking for a deal on SAS business class tickets? For 5 years, I’ve been using this site called Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), which sends you alerts on airline deals, discounts, and mistake fares. It’s a total game-changer, saving me $10,000+ on flights each year.
Their $49/year premium version is well worth it- just one discounted flight pays for the whole thing. And if you’re into business/first class, you’ll want to sign up for their Elite version. Last year, this service saved me $2,750 on a first class flight and $1,500 on a business class flight. At just $199 year year, trust me, it’s a small price for massive savings. I definitely recommend trying their 14-day free trial and using my special discount code JON25 to save 25%!
Overview of SAS business class
SAS Business Class is one of the most consistent premium products in Europe. I’ve flown it multiple times across different aircraft, and what stands out is how reliable the experience is, no matter which plane you’re on. It’s not flashy or over-designed, but it works well. Here’s what to expect.
Seats and space
- Lie-flat beds in a 1-2-1 layout on all long-haul aircraft (A350, A330, A321LR)
- Direct aisle access from every seat
- Thompson Vantage XL seats that are comfortable for sleeping
- 78 inches of bed length on the A350 and A330
Sleep and bedding
- Dux bedding with proper pillows and duvets that keep you warm
- Seats that go completely flat
- Cabins that stay dark and quiet on overnight flights
- Massage function built into the seat (and it works!)
Food, drinks and service
- Real Scandinavian ingredients and Nordic-inspired dishes
- Great wine and champagne selection
- Crews that are friendly and professional without being theatrical
Lounges and ground experience
- Clean, modern SAS lounges in Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo
- Dedicated business check-in and fast-track security
- Expanding lounge network through SkyTeam partnerships across Europe
Wi-Fi and tech
- Large entertainment screens (18.5″ on the A350)
- Free Wi-Fi for business class passengers
- Reliable enough for work and email
- USB ports and power outlets at every seat
What’s new with SAS Business Class in 2026?
SAS is going through a major transformation right now, and 2026 is looking like their best year yet. Here’s what’s worth getting excited about.
The biggest summer expansion in SAS history
SAS just announced nine new routes for summer 2026, including some exciting destinations. Daily flights to Istanbul start March 26, five weekly flights to Mumbai from June 2, plus new service to Bordeaux, Marseille, and Riga.
What really matters here is Copenhagen’s role as a hub. Seat capacity is up 20%, which translates to 50% more connecting opportunities. Routes that used to run only during peak season (like Copenhagen to Edinburgh and Thessaloniki) are now year-round. If you connect through Copenhagen regularly, this expansion makes your life significantly easier.
Free Starlink WiFi is finally happening
SAS is rolling out Starlink across the entire fleet starting end of 2025, and it’s free for EuroBonus members. We’re talking high speed in-flight internet at up to 350Mbps that works gate to gate, even over the Atlantic and North Pole where traditional WiFi always dropped out.
I’ve flown enough transatlantic routes to know how frustrating slow WiFi can be. Starlink changes the game completely. You can take video calls, work properly, stream whatever you want. It’s honestly the biggest upgrade to business class travel in years.
Proper European business class is back
After years of the confusing “SAS Plus” product, they brought back real European Business Class in October 2025. You get a proper dedicated cabin up front with blocked middle seats, meals on porcelain instead of plastic, and Charles Heidsieck Champagne. The service quality has noticeably improved too. I flew it recently and the crew seems proud of the new product. For short European hops, it’s now competitive with what Air France and Lufthansa offer.
35 new lounges across Europe
SAS partnered with lounge operators to add about 35 new locations across Europe. Cities like Nice, Malaga, Venice, Florence, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Prague now have lounge access where there wasn’t any before. If you’re connecting through smaller European airports, this means you’re not stuck at the gate anymore.
SkyTeam membership opens up new options
Since joining SkyTeam in September 2024, EuroBonus miles work across Delta, Air France, KLM, and other partners. Your EuroBonus Gold or Diamond status gets you into 750+ SkyTeam lounges worldwide. If you’re already loyal to any SkyTeam airline, SAS suddenly becomes way more useful.
Best and worst SAS planes for business class
Not all SAS business cabins are exactly the same, though they’re all pretty good. The good news is every long haul flight has fully flat beds with direct aisle access. Here’s how to pick the right one.
Best bet: A350-900 (the flagship)
If you can swing it, this is the one to book. The A350 is SAS’s newest widebody with 40 business seats split between two cabins. You get Thompson Vantage XL seats in a 1-2-1 layout, which means everyone gets direct aisle access. The seats are 22 inches wide and convert to a 78 inch fully flat bed. Entertainment screens are massive at 18.5 inches, noticeably bigger than the 15.4 inch screens on the A330. You also get a massage function, adjustable lumbar support, wireless charging, USB ports, and a universal power outlet.
What I really like about the A350 is the staggered layout. Odd numbered window seats like 3A, 3L, 5A, and 5L are true window seats with your console between you and the aisle, giving you maximum privacy. Even numbered window seats put you closer to the aisle. If you want peace and quiet, book rows 9 or 10 in the tiny rear cabin. There’s just 8 seats back there, separated from the main cabin by galleys and lavatories.
Routes: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, New York, Chicago, Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore.
Very good: A330-300 (the workhorse)
The A330 is SAS’s most common longhaul aircraft with 32 business seats in the same Thompson Vantage XL hardware as the A350. Same 1-2-1 layout, same direct aisle access, same fully flat beds. The main differences are slightly smaller IFE screens at 15.4 inches, and the footwells feel a touch tighter than the already snug A350.
If you’ve got large feet, definitely book a bulkhead row for extra space. This is still a very comfortable seat and I’d happily book it for an overnight transatlantic. It just doesn’t have that “new plane” feel or the bigger screens of the A350.
Routes: Most North American flights, including Copenhagen to Chicago, Newark, and Washington.
Interesting option: A321LR (narrow body done right)
This is SAS’s long range narrow body that handles transatlantic routes you wouldn’t expect from a single aisle plane. There’s 22 business seats with a mixed configuration that’s actually pretty clever. Odd numbered rows (1, 3, 5, 7) have a 2-2 layout. Even numbered rows (2, 4, 6) have just two “throne seats” in a 1-1 configuration. If you’re flying solo, those throne seats are what you want. Unbeatable privacy for a narrow body.
The seats are Thompson Vantage (not the XL version) and still go fully flat, just slightly shorter beds than the widebodies. For a transatlantic on a narrow body, it’s surprisingly comfortable. Don’t expect the same meal service as the A350 though.
Routes: Stockholm to New York, Gothenburg to Newark, some seasonal transatlantic.
How to book SAS Business Class for less
SAS Business Class doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you’re smart about it, there are several ways to bring the price down, whether you’re using miles or paying cash.
1. Use EuroBonus miles (and watch for monthly sales)
SAS’s own loyalty program, EuroBonus, is the most straightforward way to book business class with points. As of December 2025, long-haul business class will cost 60,000 points one-way between North America and Europe (up from 50,000). If you have points now, book before the devaluation hits.
What I like about EuroBonus is that it still uses a fixed award chart, not dynamic pricing. That means you can plan ahead and know exactly what you’ll pay. Every month, SAS also runs sales with 25-30% off select routes. I’ve grabbed Copenhagen to Bangkok for 37,500 points instead of 50,000 just by waiting for one of these promotions.
The catch is that EuroBonus miles are harder to earn if you’re based outside Scandinavia. There’s no U.S. co-branded credit card, and the only transfer partner is Amex Membership Rewards at a 3:2 ratio (so 90,000 Amex points = 60,000 EuroBonus points). That’s not great value unless you’re sitting on a pile of Amex points you can’t use elsewhere.
2. Book through SkyTeam partners (Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles)
Since SAS joined SkyTeam in 2024, you can now book SAS flights using partner miles like Flying Blue (Air France-KLM) or Delta SkyMiles. This is huge for Americans because Flying Blue is a transfer partner of Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One and Bilt.
The pricing can be better or worse depending on the route. I’ve seen SAS flights for 62,500 Flying Blue miles one-way in business, which is reasonable. Delta’s pricing is fully dynamic, so sometimes you’ll find a steal, and sometimes it’s absurd. Always compare both programs before transferring points.
3. Bid for upgrades
If you’ve already booked economy, SAS lets you bid for an upgrade to business class through their Plusgrade system. I’ve won upgrades with the minimum bid multiple times, especially on routes where business class isn’t full. The trick is to check availability on a tool like ExpertFlyer first. If business class is wide open, your minimum bid will likely clear. You’ll get notified 24-72 hours before departure if you’ve won. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s a low-risk way to score business class for a few hundred dollars instead of a few thousand.
4. Use flight deals (this is where Going comes in)
For cash tickets, I don’t waste time manually searching routes and dates. I let Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) do the work for me. You set your home airports, and they email you when SAS business class fares drop or mistake fares appear.
I’ve seen Copenhagen to New York in business for under $1,200 roundtrip through Going. Those deals don’t last long, but if you’re flexible on dates and destinations, this is the easiest way to find them. If you want to try the Elite version (which includes business class deals), use my code JON25 for 25% off.
- Read next: Ways to Find Cheap Business Class Flights
Ground experience: check-in, lounges and priority services
The ground experience with SAS is straightforward and well organized, especially at their Scandinavian hubs. It’s not flashy, but it works.
Check-in and priority services
With a business class ticket, you get SkyPriority, which covers the basics: dedicated check-in desks, fast-track security, priority boarding, and early baggage delivery. At Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm, the fast-track lanes move quickly. The mobile app is simple to use for check-in, and you can change seats once the 22-hour check-in window opens.
SAS lounges at the Scandinavian hubs
SAS merged its Gold Lounges and main business lounges at Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm into single, larger spaces. This is actually a smart move. Everyone now gets the upgraded food and drink selection that was previously reserved for elite members, and the combined lounges have more seating and feel less cramped during busy times.
Copenhagen (CPH) is the flagship. The lounge is spacious, modern, and has proper hot food options, a barista bar for decent espresso, showers, work pods, and quiet zones. The design is classic Scandinavian: light wood, clean lines, lots of natural light. It’s a genuinely nice place to spend a layover, not just somewhere to kill time.
Oslo (OSL) and Stockholm (ARN) are similar but smaller. Both have hot food, drinks, showers, and work areas. They’re perfectly functional and comfortable, but they don’t have quite the same “wow” factor as Copenhagen. Still, I’ve never had a bad experience in either.
Expanded lounge access across Europe
Starting in October 2025, SAS also added access to around 35 partner lounges at airports where they didn’t previously have their own facilities. Cities like Barcelona, Nice, Manchester, Prague, Helsinki, and Palma now have lounge access for business class passengers and elite members.
These aren’t SAS-operated lounges, so the quality varies. Some are excellent, others are just okay. But it’s a huge improvement over having no lounge access at all on those routes, especially if you’re connecting through a secondary European city.
Lounges outside Scandinavia
In the U.S., SAS operates its own lounges at Newark and Chicago. They’re fine, but nothing special. Comfortable seating, basic food and drinks, showers, and Wi-Fi. If you’re connecting through a non-SAS airport, you’ll usually use a SkyTeam partner lounge (like Delta, Air France, or KLM). Quality depends on the airport, but at major hubs like JFK or Paris CDG, the SkyTeam options are generally good.
- Read next: Best Airport Lounges in the World
Onboard comfort: seats, sleep, Wi-Fi and amenities
Once you’re on board, SAS business class delivers where it matters most: comfort, sleep, and a calm cabin. It’s not trying to impress you with bells and whistles, but the fundamentals are good.
Seats and layout
The Thompson Vantage XL seat is consistent across the entire long-haul fleet. Every seat goes completely flat to 78 inches and has direct aisle access thanks to the staggered 1-2-1 layout. The dark gray fabric with orange accents feels modern without being flashy, and there’s enough storage around the seat for your essentials.
On the A350, the entertainment screen is 18.5 inches, which is noticeably bigger than the 15.4-inch screens on the A330. The seat also has a built-in massage function that works well. I’ve used it on long flights and it’s surprisingly effective, especially if you’re dealing with lower back stiffness.
The only minor complaint is the footwell. If you’re over 6’4″ or have large feet, it can feel a bit tight. In that case, I recommend booking a bulkhead seat (row 1 or row 8 on the A350) for extra space.
Sleep quality
This is where SAS really shines. The Dux bedding is very comfortable. I’m 6’2″ and can stretch out fully without my feet hitting anything. The pillow is soft but supportive, and the duvet is warm without being too heavy.
The cabin stays dark and quiet on overnight flights. Service is paced so you’re not disturbed once you’ve eaten, and the crew is good about letting people sleep. One thing to note: there are no individual air vents, which some people miss. The cabin temperature is usually fine, but if you run hot, that might be a downside.
Wi-Fi and connectivity
SAS offers free in-flight Wi-Fi for business class passengers (you just need a free EuroBonus account to log in). The speed is fine for emails, browsing, and light work. You can usually handle a video call if you need to, though I wouldn’t count on streaming Netflix. Every seat has a universal power outlet, USB-A port, and a spot for wireless charging on newer aircraft.
Entertainment
The IFE system has around 200 movies and TV shows, which is decent but not exceptional compared to Emirates or Singapore Airlines. What I do like are the tail and nose cameras on the A350, especially during takeoff and landing. If you’re an aviation nerd, you’ll spend more time watching those than the movies!
The provided headphones are fine but nothing special. If audio quality matters to you, bring your own. The screens don’t have Bluetooth connectivity, so you’ll need a wired connection.
Amenity kits and small touches
Amenity kits are Dux-branded and come in a striped drawstring bag. Inside you’ll find an eye mask, earplugs, socks, dental kit, lip balm, and Verso skincare products. Hot towels are served before meals, and the bathrooms are stocked with extra Verso products if you want to freshen up mid-flight.
Dining and drinks in SAS Business Class
Food and drink on SAS is better than most European carriers, and there’s a clear focus on Scandinavian ingredients and flavors. It’s thoughtful and well executed.
Meals in business class
On long-haul flights, you’ll get a full meal after takeoff and a lighter service before landing. Starting in October 2025, SAS introduced “Flavors by SAS,” a new dining concept that moves beyond the previous Nordic-only focus to include more international influences. This includes Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian, and North American dishes alongside Scandinavian options.
The food on SAS is excellent. Mains are properly seasoned and cooked well for airline standards, and you can tell they’re using quality ingredients. If you’re flying out of Scandinavia, expect options like salmon, lamb, or vegetarian dishes with Nordic herbs and techniques. On flights departing North America or Asia, the menu adapts to local preferences while keeping that Scandinavian touch.
You can pre-select your meal in advance on most long-haul routes, which I recommend if you have a strong preference. If you’re on an overnight flight and want to maximize sleep, you can ask the crew for a quicker service or to skip courses.
Drinks, wine and champagne
You’ll usually find champagne at boarding, a couple of decent wines (both red and white), and a selection of Scandinavian craft spirits that you won’t find on other airlines. Mikkeller beer, Harahorn gin, and Swedish vodkas are regular features. The wine list isn’t extensive, but it’s thoughtfully chosen.
Coffee comes from Illy or Swedish roasters like Johan & Nyström, and they’ll make you a proper espresso or cappuccino. Tea is Dammann Frères, which is a step up from most airlines. Crews are usually generous with refills, and you don’t have to wait for specific service windows to ask for a drink. If you want a second glass of wine or a coffee between meals, just ask.
Snacks and between-meal service
Between meals, there’s a self-service area in the galley with snacks like Swedish chocolates, Norwegian cashews, and Danish pastries. The quality is noticeably higher than the generic snack baskets you get on most airlines. If you’re hungry between services, it’s easy to grab something without having to ring for the crew. On flights departing Scandinavia, the pre-landing meal is often a traditional open-faced sandwich (smørrebrød).
Dessert and cheese
This is where the Scandinavian focus really comes through. There’s almost always a proper cheese course with selections that pair with the wine. Desserts are thoughtfully prepared and not overly sweet. I’ve had everything from cloudberry desserts to chocolate cakes that felt more like something from a café than a plane.
SAS Business Class vs other airlines
Everyone wants to know how SAS actually stacks up. Here’s my honest take on the three airlines you’re most likely choosing between if you’re flying transatlantic.
SAS vs British Airways
BA’s Club Suite is excellent when you can get it. It’s private, modern, with a door and lots of space. If I know my flight has Club Suite, BA edges ahead on the pure seat and privacy factor. The problem is BA’s inconsistency. Some routes still use the older, cramped layout where you’re practically nose-to-nose with your neighbor. It’s a bit of a lottery.
SAS is more consistent. You know what you’re getting across the fleet, and the overall experience usually feels smoother. The food and wine are better on SAS, the lounges in Copenhagen feel calmer and more pleasant than the crowded BA lounges at Heathrow. The Scandinavian vibe is more relaxed and less transactional.
My take: If you can guarantee Club Suite, BA wins on the seat. If you want a reliably good experience with better food, wine, and a nicer connection in Europe, I’d lean SAS.
SAS vs Lufthansa
Lufthansa business class is efficient and gets the job done, but it feels very businesslike and formal. Service can be hit or miss. Right now, Lufthansa is also mid-transition with their new Allegris business class. This means some planes have the modern product and others still have the older 2-2-2 layout that feels dated.
SAS already has the consistent 1-2-1 layout across its long-haul fleet, and the cabin feels more modern and stylish. The food and wine on SAS are noticeably better, with a clearer sense of place and personality. Lufthansa’s lounges in Frankfurt and Munich are functional but can be crowded and uninspiring. SAS’s lounges in Copenhagen feel more thoughtfully designed.
My take: If you just want something solid and simple via Germany, Lufthansa is fine. If you want the trip to actually feel enjoyable and a bit special, SAS usually wins.
SAS vs Delta (Delta One)
For US-based travelers, this is the real comparison. Delta One (especially the suites on the A350 and A330neo) is a very strong product: good privacy, friendly crews, excellent entertainment, and reliable Wi-Fi. If you’re loyal to Delta and value staying in the ecosystem with status and miles, it’s a safe, comfortable choice.
Where SAS edges it, for me, is character. The food and wine feel more memorable, the lounges in Copenhagen are a genuinely nice place to spend time, and the whole experience has a clearer sense of place. With both airlines now offering fast, reliable Wi-Fi, that part is basically a draw.
My take: If you’re starting in the U.S. and value simplicity and loyalty with one airline, Delta One is great. If you’re happy to mix and match and want a more European-feeling trip with better food and a nicer stopover in Copenhagen, SAS is the one I’m more excited to book.
Is SAS Business Class worth it?
For me, yes – as long as you’re on the right aircraft and not paying completely silly money. On the A350 and A330, SAS business class feels special. The seat is comfortable, the sleep quality is excellent thanks to the Dux bedding, and the food and wine feel thoughtfully chosen. The lounges in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo are pleasant places to spend time, and the overall experience feels calm and well put together. If you care about arriving rested and having a smooth journey through Europe, it’s absolutely worth considering.
Where it’s most worth it:
- Long overnight flights where sleep is the priority
- Routes through Copenhagen if you have a layover (the lounge is excellent)
- When you can book with miles or snag a deal through Going
- If you value Scandinavian design, good food, and a quieter cabin over flashy extras
Where I’d think twice:
- If you’re paying full cash fare (unless money isn’t a concern)
- If you’re on a daytime flight where you won’t sleep much
- If entertainment selection is a top priority for you
The sweet spot is booking SAS business class with EuroBonus miles, through a Flying Blue transfer, or catching a cash fare sale. At those prices, it’s one of the better business class products in Europe. At full retail fare, it’s still good, but so are plenty of other options.
If you’re choosing between SAS and another European carrier on a similar route, I’d rank it this way: better than most, on par with the best versions of BA and Lufthansa, and more consistent than both. It’s not the flashiest business class in the sky, but it quietly gets all the important things right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SAS business class
Are you still curious about which airline is the best to fly to Sweden? Here are some popular questions (and answers) I get that will help decide whether SAS business class is the right option for you.
Does SAS business class have lie-flat seats?
Yes, and they’re a dream. Each seat in SAS Business Class transforms into a fully flat bed. With quality bedding provided, especially on their long-haul fleet like the A350, A330, and even the A321LR for longer single-aisle routes, you’re in for a good night’s sleep.
Is SAS better than BA?
That’s a tough one. It really depends on what you value most. SAS offers a consistently modern and comfortable experience across its fleet, with a significant focus on environmental sustainability. British Airways, while offering a broad network and their new Club Suite on some routes, can vary more in terms of product and service. If you lean towards sustainability and Scandinavian design, SAS might edge out BA for you.
Does SAS have WiFi on the plane?
Yes, SAS offers Wi-Fi on their planes. The connection quality is generally good, making it practical for most online activities. In SAS Business, this Wi-Fi access is complimentary.
- Looking to find SAS business class deals for under $1,000 roundtrip? You’ll want to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for economy deals, the Elite version is what you’ll need to find cheap business and first class deals.
