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Back in October, I wrote about Scandinavian Airlines’ (SAS) plans to join SkyTeam. This was in part due to an investment from Air France-KLM. A firm timeline for the transition was established earlier this month and SAS plans to be a full SkyTeam member airline on September 1st.
Today we announce the next steps in our alliance transition journey. SAS will remain in Star Alliance through 31 August, 2024, and the customers can start enjoying benefits with most SkyTeam airlines beginning 1 September, 2024. ▶️ https://t.co/pzLlKugpJ6 #flysas pic.twitter.com/gpFFBUIsOF
— SAS – Scandinavian Airlines (@SAS) April 8, 2024
When SAS joins SkyTeam on September 1st, it will be a full member and offer all associated benefits as well as points earning and redemption options. SAS EuroBonus Silver members will get SkyTeam Elite status. EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members will receive SkyTeam Elite Plus status. Benefits include:
- EuroBonus Silver members will receive extra baggage allowances and priority check-in with most SkyTeam airlines.
- EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members will receive lounge access, fast track, and priority boarding with most SkyTeam airlines.
In addition to joining SkyTeam, SAS plans to be fully incorporated in the SkyTeam transatlantic joint venture. This is currently made up of Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic. This would be subject to government approval and will be interesting to see if it happens on the same timeline as the alliance membership.
SAS will provide SkyTeam with hubs at Copenhagen Airport (CPH), Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), and Oslo Airport (OSL). These will nicely complement SkyTeam’s existing hubs in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), London Heathrow Airport (LHR), and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). KLM, Air France, and Virgin Atlantic primarily operate from these three airports.
On 1 September 2024, SAS joins @skyteam! With this, SAS travelers get access to 750+ airport lounges, SkyPriority services and much more. EuroBonus Silver will be recognized as SkyTeam Elite; Gold/Diamond as SkyTeam Elite Plus. 🎉 #flysas #skyteam pic.twitter.com/AY53lY0yB0
— SAS – Scandinavian Airlines (@SAS) April 29, 2024
Anko van der Werff, SAS President and CEO, said:
We are very excited to now have reached this pivotal milestone in SAS’ alliance transition journey. EuroBonus members will be able to enjoy new destinations and benefits as part of the SkyTeam alliance family, marking the start of an exciting future for customers, partners and employees alike. SAS customers will benefit from SkyTeam’s strong global presence in many of the world’s major aviation hubs and from its focus on strategic partnerships and innovative sustainability initiatives.”
Anthony’s Take: SAS leaving Star Alliance gives the Scandinavian carrier a chance at a fresh start. Between the investment from Air France-KLM as well as the possibility of joining its joint venture, it looks like things are moving in the right direction.
(Image Credits: Miguel Angel Sanz and Beckett P.)
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