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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Overview of SAS business class
SAS has quietly built one of the more reliable business class products in Europe. They connect Scandinavia with major cities across North America and Asia, plus they’ve been expanding in Europe since joining SkyTeam.
They use three aircraft for these routes. The A350 is the flagship with 40 business seats and feels the most premium. The A330 handles most transatlantic flights with 32 seats. The A321LR is their narrow body that works well on longer routes with 22 seats.
All three have fully flat beds with direct aisle access, Dux bedding that works for sleep, and Nordic inspired food. WiFi is free and decent, getting much faster when Starlink finishes rolling out. The real standout is the ground experience in Copenhagen, which I’ll cover in detail below.
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.
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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.
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.
- Read next: Best Airport Lounges in the World
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.
