Review of SAS Premium Economy

Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), the national carrier for Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, is renowned for its robust premium offerings. While SAS Business remains the airline’s flagship, SAS Plus—its Premium Economy cabin—delivers a superior and cost-effective alternative for travelers seeking enhanced comfort on transatlantic and Asian routes.

SAS pioneered Premium Economy in Europe, debuting Economy Extra in 2002, and has since evolved its product into the contemporary SAS Plus. Today, SAS Plus enjoys widespread popularity, offering perks such as increased baggage allowance, expedited security, and complimentary access to SAS Lounges. On long-haul flights, passengers are treated to spacious seating with greater recline, elevated dining with improved menu selection, and a full bar service of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. However, complimentary advance seat selection is now reserved for SAS EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members only.

SAS Plus is available in four fare types, with SAS Plus Pro providing maximum flexibility, including fully refundable and changeable tickets.

Following its official entry into the SkyTeam alliance, SAS now enables EuroBonus members to both earn and redeem points across 19 fellow SkyTeam airlines. Elite EuroBonus members receive SkyPriority privileges and lounge access, with Silver members attaining SkyTeam Elite status and Gold and Diamond members upgraded to Elite Plus.

The ground experience for SAS Plus travelers is truly first-rate, mirroring the privileges enjoyed by Business Class guests. Benefits include priority check-in, expedited baggage handling, fast-track security, lounge admission, and priority boarding—delivering a seamless premium journey from the moment you arrive at the airport. 

Complimentary entry to SAS Lounges is a standout feature of SAS Plus. Lounges are conveniently situated at Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm, as well as Gothenburg, Chicago O’Hare, and New York–Newark. These lounges, shared with SAS Business and top-tier EuroBonus and SkyTeam Elite Plus members, feature buffet dining, self-serve bars with a selection of beverages, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Stockholm’s lounge includes dedicated business facilities, while Copenhagen and Oslo offer private shower suites for freshening up between flights.

While SAS Plus is available fleetwide, the dedicated Premium Economy seat is exclusive to long-haul aircraft. The Airbus A330-300, A350-900, and A321LR, serving North America and Asia, all feature separate SAS Plus cabins. The A321LR, recently introduced for transatlantic routes, stands out for its cozy atmosphere and extra-wide seats—making it a top pick for discerning travelers.

The A330-300 cabin is arranged in a 2-3-2 layout, while the A350-900 offers a roomier 2-4-2 configuration. Both types provide a generous 38-inch (96.5 cm) seat pitch—significantly more legroom than Economy—and a seat width of 18.3 inches (46.5 cm). Seats recline up to 7 inches (17.8 cm) and are upholstered in plush, charcoal-toned fabric that feels modern and inviting. Wide dual armrests with concealed storage eliminate the typical elbow tussle and offer handy space for personal items. Each seat features a magazine pouch, a coat hook, and a fold-out table housed in the armrest for added convenience.

For optimal comfort, select seats in the front row for extra legroom and built-in leg rests. All other seats provide supportive footrests and adjustable headrests with side wings for neck support.

The Premium Economy section is separated from Business Class by a bulkhead and from Economy by a curtain, ensuring a sense of exclusivity.

Entertainment is delivered via a crisp 12-inch (30 cm) HD touchscreen, offering an extensive media library, moving map, and exterior cameras. Each seat is equipped with AC and USB charging ports for personal electronics.

The state-of-the-art A321LR, flying nonstop from Scandinavia to the USA and Canada, features just 12 SAS Plus seats in a 2-2 layout behind Business Class. These seats offer 7 inches (17.8 cm) of recline, a wider 20-inch (50.8 cm) seat, and the same 38-inch (96.5 cm) pitch. Lavatories are shared with Economy passengers.  

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Meals in SAS Plus are attractively presented on a single tray, featuring an appetizer, main course, dessert, bread roll, crackers, and cheese—all elegantly served in sealed dishes. Distinct from Economy, SAS Plus offers premium Orrefors glassware and metal cutlery for a refined dining atmosphere. Guests can select from two main courses, typically including a fish option and a meat or poultry dish, with one overlapping the Economy menu. Complimentary wines, beers, and spirits accompany the meal, while freshly brewed coffee and tea round out the service.

On longer intercontinental flights, a second lighter meal is provided. Overnight journeys include a continental breakfast with cold cuts, cheeses, fruit, yogurt, juice, artisan bread, and coffee served prior to landing.

The culinary experience is a notable step above Economy, though it doesn’t reach the gourmet heights of Business Class. Between meals, guests can enjoy a rotating selection of sweet and savory snacks such as crispbread, mixed nuts, and Scandinavian pastries. 

Special dietary requirements—including vegetarian, vegan, and other bespoke meal requests—can be accommodated by contacting SAS Customer Service at least 24 hours prior to departure. SAS Plus passengers on flights over 80 minutes within Europe or to Beirut also have access to special meal options with advance notice.

Shortly after takeoff, SAS Plus guests are served a welcome drink and a snack of cashew nuts. Throughout the flight, a curated selection of complimentary beverages is available, including red and white wine, spirits, Carlsberg beer, specialty cocktails, and a range of soft drinks. Tea and coffee are offered at all times, regardless of route. For flights within Scandinavia and Europe, access to alcoholic beverages may be limited depending on flight length and time of day.

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The SAS Plus cabin is staffed by experienced Scandinavian crew fluent in English and known for their attentive, approachable service. While the Premium Economy cabin is separated from Economy by only a curtain, SAS Plus guests are prioritized for meal and beverage service, ensuring a more exclusive feel. The crew promptly clears trays and offers snacks and refreshments throughout the flight.

One area for refinement is the beverage service: drinks for the meal are often requested at the same time as the initial drink round after departure. This can lead to passengers juggling several glasses in a limited space and, at times, drinks not being optimally chilled by meal service. While this approach may streamline service, a staggered drinks delivery would further enhance the premium experience.

Each SAS Plus seat features a 12-inch (30 cm) adjustable HD touchscreen, delivering a wide array of entertainment—recent blockbusters, international classics, acclaimed TV series, curated music channels, interactive games, and dedicated children’s programs. Passengers benefit from a headphone jack, USB port, and AC power outlet, and complimentary headphones are available upon request. Additional amenities include an interactive flight map and live exterior camera views.

High-speed Wi-Fi is available for purchase on most European and intercontinental flights. EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members enjoy complimentary internet access in SAS Plus. Connectivity is typically enabled about 20 minutes after takeoff and remains active until descent, though service disruptions may occur on select routes due to regulatory restrictions. 

Every SAS Plus passenger is greeted with a plush pillow, a premium blanket offering more comfort than Economy, and a bottled water at their seat upon boarding. The amenity kit—crafted from soft fabric—contains a toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs, and an eye mask, and conveniently doubles as a shoe bag. Lavatories are shared with Economy (SAS Go) passengers.

On intra-European and Scandinavian routes, SAS Plus seats are identical to those in Economy, with USB charging and a drop-down tray table. However, SAS Plus passengers enjoy an elevated travel experience with priority check-in, fast-track security, lounge access, and priority boarding. Complimentary meals or snacks are served, accompanied by tea, coffee, and a limited alcoholic beverage selection, tailored to the route and time of day.

SAS is committed to sustainable aviation, offering two fare types that include biofuel to help offset carbon emissions. The airline aims to achieve fossil-free domestic flights by 2030. Go Smart Bio and Plus Pro Bio fares are available on all intra-Scandinavian and European routes, with approximately 50% of the fuel blend sourced from biofuel. The introduction of the fuel-efficient Airbus A321LR on transatlantic routes has resulted in up to 60% lower fuel consumption compared to the older A330-300.

Businessclass flight search provides CO2 emissions data for each flight, and our quality ratings prioritize airlines operating the newest, most environmentally friendly aircraft.

• SAS Plus stands out on long-haul flights, offering exceptional value and a significant upgrade in comfort and service from Economy. While not the most opulent in the skies, it delivers exactly what savvy Premium Economy travelers expect.
• The ground experience is unrivaled: SAS Plus passengers enjoy the same airport privileges as Business Class, a rarity among global airlines and highly appreciated by frequent flyers.
• Having personally experienced SAS Plus on both widebody and the new A321LR, I found the intimate 12-seat cabin on the A321LR—featuring extra-wide seats in a 2-2 configuration—particularly impressive.Henrik HanevoldChief Product OfficerBusinessclass