News: SAS - Finnair - Virgin Australia

This week’s curated aviation round-up spotlights the latest premium travel developments: SAS launches an expansive codeshare with Delta and unveils a reimagined European Business Class, Finnair increases Lapland flights for the holiday season, and Virgin Australia introduces a headline-making pet travel initiative. 

This week, discerning travellers have much to celebrate: SAS strengthens its global reach through a new codeshare with Delta, expands its European network, and reintroduces a refined Business Class cabin for intra-Europe flights. Meanwhile, Finnair and Virgin Australia unveil their own major enhancements. 

SAS & Delta: Enhanced SkyTeam Codeshare and Expanded Routes

SAS, the flagship airline of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, has deepened its partnership with Delta Air Lines, enabling seamless codeshare flights beginning September 25th. Travellers flying between the Nordics and the United States can now access over 150 U.S. destinations via Delta’s key hubs in Seattle, Boston, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. In return, Delta passengers gain streamlined access to more than 50 North European cities through SAS’s central airports in Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. This alliance delivers reciprocal frequent flyer perks, including earning and redeeming SkyMiles or SAS EuroBonus points across both airlines.

Since joining SkyTeam in September 2024, SAS has announced the addition of 15 new destinations for summer 2025 departures from Copenhagen. New routes include Seattle, Krakow, Madrid, Budapest, Lyon, Valencia, Malta, Bucharest, Milan Linate, Seville, Turku, Billund, Kristiansand, Harstad/Narvik, and Bodø, reflecting robust demand for both business and leisure travel.

In a move to elevate the travel experience, SAS is relaunching its European Business Class product. Guests can anticipate a dedicated cabin with blocked middle seats, gourmet catering, and premium ground services—raising the bar for intra-European premium travel.

Discover our in-depth review of Delta’s Business Class experience

Explore our review of SAS Business Class

Read our review of SAS Premium Economy

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Finnair, proudly recognized as the Official Airline of Santa Claus, is ramping up operations ahead of Christmas 2025.

With under 100 days left until the festive peak, Finnair will operate up to 31 daily flights to Lapland’s enchanting winter gateways: Ivalo, Kemi-Tornio, Kittilä, Kuusamo, and the magical Rovaniemi—Santa’s official hometown. This expanded network is meticulously designed for optimal connections with Finnair’s UK departures from London Heathrow, Manchester, and Edinburgh, as well as Dublin in Ireland. Compared to last year, Finnair’s winter schedule features a 27% increase in flights to Lapland, responding to surging demand for luxury Arctic holidays and family getaways.

Passengers benefit from swift, hassle-free transfers at Helsinki Airport, with minimum connection times as short as 40 minutes—all flights operate from a single terminal, ensuring a seamless journey.

Experience Finnair’s Business Class: Read our expert review

Virgin Australia Unveils Onboard Pet Travel for Domestic Flights

Virgin Australia is preparing to launch a pioneering pet-friendly travel option, allowing passengers to bring small cats and dogs into the cabin on select domestic routes. Pets must remain in approved carriers that fit beneath the seat in front, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey for all guests. 

While the official roll-out and pricing are still being finalized, Virgin Australia has begun a limited trial phase in 2025. Early indications suggest a supplemental fee of up to AUD150 per sector, with pet carriers counting toward the standard carry-on baggage limit. To maintain a tranquil cabin environment, pets will be assigned to designated rows and must remain in their carriers throughout the flight—no laps or aisle roaming permitted.

The new policy preserves existing privileges for certified assistance animals, who can continue to travel in the cabin at no extra charge. Virgin Australia’s cargo service for larger pets remains unchanged. Subject to regulatory approval, the full pet-friendly offering is expected to be available to travelers by March 2025.

See our comprehensive review of Virgin Australia’s Business Class

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