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 2025, SAS continues to run its business class on long-haul routes linking Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm with major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. The seats are fully lie-flat in a 1-2-1 layout, the Wi-Fi is among the most reliable over the Atlantic, 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
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Overview of SAS business class
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) operates one of Europe’s most consistent business class products across their fleet. Based in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo, they fly to 109 destinations with 124 aircraft. What I really appreciate about SAS is their commitment to sustainability – they’re seriously pushing biofuels and working on electric aircraft with Airbus. Flying with them actually feels like you’re supporting the future of aviation. Their business class works on three main aircraft: the A350-900, A330-300, and A321LR. Each offers lie-flat seats, quality Scandinavian design, and surprisingly good food that actually showcases local ingredients. I’ve flown all three configurations, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. The consistency across their fleet is something most airlines can’t match.
SAS business class products: A detailed comparison
SAS operates its prestigious business class across three aircraft types: the A350-900, A321LR, and A330-300. I’m going to dive a little deeper into what each aircraft offers, helping you decide where to sit for the best possible journey.
A350-900
SAS‘s newest flagship is pretty impressive. The A350 has 40 business seats in a 1-2-1 layout, which means everyone gets aisle access. I always go for the odd-numbered window seats (like 3A or 5A) because they’re positioned closer to the window and feel more private. The beds stretch to 78 inches – plenty of room even if you’re tall. If you want maximum quiet, book rows 9-10 in the smaller rear cabin. It’s basically like having your own private section with just 8 seats total. The entertainment screens are massive at 18.5 inches (compared to 15.4 inches on the A330), and the massage function actually works well. I spent a 12-hour flight to Bangkok testing every setting and wasn’t disappointed.
A321LR
This narrow-body handles some surprisingly long routes, including transatlantic flights. The cabin mixes 2-2 and 1-1 configurations, so if you’re flying solo, grab one of those “throne seats” in rows 2, 4, or 6. These single seats offer unbeatable privacy for a narrow-body aircraft. The seat design matches the A350 with the same Thompson Vantage XL hardware, so comfort doesn’t suffer despite the smaller plane. I flew this from Stockholm to New York last year and was genuinely surprised how well I slept. Don’t expect the same meal service as the wide-bodies, but it’s still solid for what it is.
A330-300
The A330 is SAS‘s workhorse for North American routes, and while it’s their oldest business product, it’s still competitive. Same 1-2-1 layout as the A350 with 32 seats total. The Thompson Vantage XL seats are comfortable, though the footwells are slightly smaller than newer iterations. If you have big feet, definitely book a bulkhead row (1 or 8) for extra space. The IFE screens are smaller at 15.4 inches, but honestly, that’s not a dealbreaker. I’ve done multiple Copenhagen to Chicago flights on this aircraft and always had a solid experience.
Baggage allowance with SAS business class
Business class passengers get two checked bags up to 50 pounds each, plus one carry-on and one personal item. That’s pretty generous and covers most travel scenarios. What’s nice is that SAS doesn’t nickel and dime you on bag fees like some airlines do. I’ve never had issues with their baggage handling, and they’re usually pretty flexible if you’re slightly over the weight limit. The real perk is priority baggage handling – your bags come out first, which saves time on tight connections through Copenhagen.
SAS business class ground experience
The ground experience is where SAS really shines, especially at their home bases. At Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo, you get dedicated business class check-in counters and fast-track security. Copenhagen has this private security lane that’s incredibly smooth – I’ve never waited more than five minutes. The SAS app makes mobile check-in easy, and you can actually change seats once the check-in window opens (which isn’t possible when you first book). Their lounge network has been changing since joining SkyTeam, but the core SAS lounges in Scandinavia maintain that clean, minimalist Nordic design. The food is usually limited to light options like soup and salads, but honestly, I’m there for the quiet space and free WiFi before long flights.
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In-flight comfort & amenities on SAS business class
Jumping onboard SAS Business, your experience might differ depending on whether you’re flying their A350, A321LR, or A330. Here’s what I found consistently stands out, no matter the aircraft.
The Setup
The cabin design hits that perfect Scandinavian sweet spot – clean, modern, and functional without being sterile. Every seat gets aisle access thanks to the staggered layout, and the dark gray color scheme with orange accents feels premium. Your amenity kit (now Dux-branded instead of Hästens) includes the basics: eye mask, dental kit, socks, and lip balm. Nothing fancy, but everything you actually need.
Sleep Quality
This is where SAS really delivers. The seats go completely flat to nearly two meters, and the Dux bedding is legitimately comfortable. I’m 6’2″ and can stretch out without hitting the footwell. The only minor complaint is the footwell size on some seats – if you’re over 6’4″ or have big feet, definitely grab a bulkhead row. The cabin doesn’t get too warm, though there are no individual air vents which some people miss.
Service
Here’s where it gets hit or miss. When you get a good crew, the service is genuinely excellent – attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the food and drinks. But I’ve also had flights where the crew seemed disinterested. It’s not consistently bad, but it’s not consistently great either. The mix of crew nationalities, especially on Asian routes, usually means better language coverage for international passengers.
Entertainment
The IFE has about 200 movies and shows, which is decent but not exceptional. What I love are the external cameras, especially the tail camera on the A350 – perfect for aviation geeks. The provided headphones are fine but nothing special. Bring your own if audio quality matters to you, and don’t forget a headphone adapter since they still use the old dual-plug system.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi for business class passengers, and it actually works well for browsing and emails. Don’t expect to stream Netflix, but it’s fast enough for work. Every seat has universal power outlets and USB ports, so no battery anxiety. The WiFi has been reliable on my recent flights, which wasn’t always the case a couple years ago.
Food & drink in SAS business class
Flying SAS Business Class, the food and drink are standout features. Here’s what I found.
Meals
SAS food is consistently above average for European airlines. They focus heavily on Scandinavian ingredients and flavors, which makes the meals feel authentic rather than generic airline food. The Vendace roe from Kalix is a signature appetizer that’s worth trying – served with crème fraîche and crispbread, it’s uniquely Swedish. Main courses rotate seasonally, but expect quality seafood and meat options. Even the vegetarian dishes are thoughtfully prepared, not just an afterthought. I particularly enjoyed a lamb dish with local herbs on a recent Copenhagen to San Francisco flight.
Drinks
The alcohol selection showcases Scandinavian craft distilleries and breweries. Mikkeller vodka and Harahorn gin are personal favorites that you won’t find on other airlines. The wine list balances classic choices with some unexpected selections, and there’s always champagne available. The rotating champagne selection often includes vintage options that rival what you’d get in first class elsewhere. They’re generous with pours and refills.
Snacks and More
Between meals, there’s a decent snack selection in the galley – think high-quality Swedish cashews, Norwegian chocolates, and Danish pastries. The pre-landing meal is usually simple open sandwiches if you’re departing from Scandinavia, but they’re satisfying and fresh. The snack bar actually impressed me more than Turkish Airlines‘ offerings on their 777s.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee comes from Illy or Stockholm‘s Johan & Nyström, and they’ll make you a proper espresso or cappuccino. The Dammann Frères tea selection is solid if you’re not a coffee person. Service is usually prompt, and they don’t make you wait until specific meal times like some airlines do.
Tips for booking SAS business class flights
Finding SAS business class deals takes some strategy, but it’s definitely doable. Their upgrade auction system is pretty generous – I’ve won upgrades with minimum bids several times. The key is checking availability on ExpertFlyer first to see how full business class is. If it’s wide open, your minimum bid will probably work. SAS also partners with Plusgrade for these auctions, and they’ve integrated it into their mobile app now, which makes the process seamless.
Since SAS joined SkyTeam, you can use miles from partners like Delta or Air France to book awards. SAS EuroBonus award flights are reasonably priced at 50,000 points for business class between Europe and North America, and they often run 25% off promotions. The catch is earning SAS points in the US is tough since they’re not a transfer partner with any major credit card programs.
Book either way in advance or look for last-minute deals. SAS tends to release discounted business fares during slow periods. Sign up for their newsletter and follow them on social media for sale announcements. The Going.com Elite membership I mentioned earlier is still your best bet for finding mistake fares and flash sales.
- Read next: Ways to Find Cheap Business Class Flights
SAS business class vs. rival products
Wondering which airline has the best business class? I’ve flown with several and here’s my take on how they stack up.
SAS vs. SWISS
Both airlines nail the minimalist European aesthetic, but they cater to different vibes. SAS feels more modern and functional with their dark gray cabins and orange accents. SWISS goes for a warmer, more traditional approach. For food, SWISS edges ahead with their focus on Swiss delicacies, but SAS‘s Scandinavian ingredients are more unique. SWISS‘s throne seats on the 777 are incredible for privacy, but SAS‘s consistent 1-2-1 layout across their fleet means you always know what you’re getting. I’d choose SAS for reliability and SWISS for a more luxurious one-off experience.
SAS vs. British Airways
BA‘s Club World is all over the place – their old 747 product is dated, but the new A350 Club Suites with doors are genuinely impressive. SAS wins on consistency since their business class experience is uniform across aircraft types. BA‘s service can be hit or miss (I’ve had some truly awful experiences), while SAS maintains a higher baseline. BA‘s route network is massive compared to SAS, but if you’re flying to or through Scandinavia, SAS is the obvious choice.
SAS vs. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin brings personality and flair to business class with their Upper Class suites and onboard bar on the A350. It’s fun and social if that’s your thing. SAS is the opposite – understated, efficient, and focused on rest rather than entertainment. Virgin‘s food presentation is more creative, but SAS‘s ingredients are often higher quality. I’d pick Virgin for a celebratory trip and SAS for a comfortable work flight where I need to arrive rested.
Pros & cons of SAS business class
Having flown SAS business class, I’ve noticed some clear pros and cons that might help you decide if it’s the right choice for your travels.
Pros
SAS takes sustainability seriously, which matters if you care about environmental impact. They’re investing heavily in biofuels and electric aircraft development with Airbus. The seat design and cabin aesthetics are consistently excellent across all aircraft – clean Scandinavian minimalism that actually works. Their Nordic cuisine focus means you get authentic local ingredients instead of generic airline food. The consistency across their fleet is impressive; you know exactly what to expect regardless of which plane you’re on. Copenhagen is an efficient hub for connections, and their punctuality is generally good.
Cons
Service quality varies more than it should. I’ve had crews that were fantastic and others that seemed to phone it in. The entertainment selection isn’t as extensive as Emirates or Singapore Airlines. WiFi is free but not always strong enough for video calls or streaming. The provided headphones are basic – definitely bring your own if audio quality matters. Their route network is smaller than legacy carriers, so you might need connections for some destinations.
SAS business class delivers solid value, especially if you can snag it at a reasonable price. The sustainability angle is genuine, not just marketing, which I appreciate. While there’s room for improvement in service consistency and entertainment, the comfortable seats and quality food make up for most shortcomings. They’re easily one of the better European carriers for business class, particularly if you’re connecting through Scandinavia.
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 a good airline to fly?
Absolutely. Between their commitment to sustainability, the sleek Scandinavian design of their cabins, and the focus on comfort and service, SAS stands out. Their efforts in eco-friendly aviation and passenger experience really shine through.
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.
