SAS has elevated the premium ground experience at Stockholm Arlanda Airport with the grand opening of its reimagined flagship lounges in Terminal 5. Coinciding with the debut of the Stockholm-Hong Kong route, these enhanced spaces now set a new benchmark for Scandinavian hospitality. The SAS Gold Lounge emerges as a completely new environment, boasting expanded square footage and panoramic airfield views, while the SAS Lounge has also grown, incorporating the former Gold area for enhanced comfort. Both lounges now offer a suite of innovative amenities designed for today's discerning travelers.
Step Inside: A Warm Scandinavian Welcome
The unveiling event gathered SAS executives, key partners, media representatives, and invited guests, all eager to experience the transformation firsthand. The atmosphere was vibrant, with live piano melodies, sparkling wine, and a curated selection of Nordic culinary delights setting the tone for an exclusive celebration.
Leadership Vision: Remarks from SAS CEO Rickard Gustafson
During the official remarks, CEO Rickard Gustafson highlighted SAS’s strategic investments in lounge infrastructure across Scandinavia. The Stockholm opening follows successful launches in Gothenburg and precedes new concepts set for Oslo Gardermoen. SAS continues to expand its network of regional café lounges, reflecting a commitment to consistent premium service for frequent flyers.
Doors Open to the Next Generation of Lounges
Renovations commenced in late spring and were executed in several phases to minimize disruption. Initially, the SAS Gold Lounge closed for works, followed by the SAS Lounge. Throughout the summer, a temporary Pop-Up Lounge in the F-pier ensured continued premium service for eligible guests until the main spaces reopened.
The upgrades were essential as guest volumes have steadily increased, particularly with SAS Plus now granting lounge access on European routes—a privilege previously reserved for business class passengers and Gold cardholders. Regular guests had reported challenges finding seating, and these expansions directly address such feedback with more capacity and improved flow.
The renovation
Upon entering, guests are greeted by a sophisticated, enlarged reception zone. What was once a compact check-in point has evolved into a spacious lobby, complete with dual reception counters and a dedicated service desk. SAS’s innovative "Travel Self Service" kiosks—mirroring the latest developments at Gothenburg Landvetter—allow travelers to manage bookings and obtain real-time travel assistance independently.
Scandinavian-Style Lounge Foyer
The spatial layout remains intuitive: SAS Lounge is to the right, SAS Gold Lounge to the left. The previous dividing glass doors have been removed, creating a seamless transition from the lobby into both lounges, enhancing the sense of openness and Scandinavian minimalism.
The SAS Gold Lounge, reserved for Gold card members, now spans an impressive 855 square meters—more than double its original size. This expansion, extending into the A-pier, delivers a transformative guest experience. Even frequent visitors will find the lounge virtually unrecognizable, with an entirely new design language and curated ambiance.
Spaciousness and Light: The New Gold Standard
One of the most striking enhancements is the installation of expansive windows, providing captivating views of Terminal 5’s apron and the western runway. Natural daylight floods the space, remedying the previous lounge’s lack of sunlight and creating an uplifting environment for both work and relaxation.
Flexible Zones for Work, Dining, and Relaxation
The Gold Lounge features dedicated zones for business, leisure, and dining. Quiet work areas are strategically located away from the main thoroughfare, ensuring genuine privacy. Guests seeking respite can unwind in tranquil relaxation nooks or take advantage of discreet nap pods, shielded from the bustle.
Premium Facilities: Enhanced Restrooms and Showers
Newly constructed restroom facilities, conveniently positioned near reception, have doubled in capacity. Separate men’s and women’s sections, along with two high-demand shower suites, are now available. According to the lounge manager, these showers have quickly become guest favorites, and SAS is assessing the potential for a virtual queue system to streamline access during peak times.
Expanded Dining & Bar Concepts
The enlarged buffet area features dual serving stations, supporting a broader culinary selection. The newly unveiled bar, with its dramatic underlit shelving and spotlighted hanging glassware, brings a touch of modern Nordic glamour. This bar concept echoes award-winning designs seen in SAS’s Oslo lounge, and showcases a rotating selection of premium wines and spirits.
Thoughtful Touches and Productivity Enhancements
Guests will find a popular communal workspace with ample charging points, as well as four private phone booths for confidential calls or focused work. A serene relaxation area, equipped with ergonomic recliners, invites travelers to unwind before their journey.
Art & Atmosphere: Scandinavian Aesthetics
Elegant photographic artworks now adorn the walls, adding warmth and character throughout both the Gold and Business lounges, and contributing to an inviting, residential feel.
Reception area
The SAS Lounge—accessible to SAS Plus, SAS Business, and EuroBonus Silver guests during select periods—has grown by 100 square meters, now totaling 540. The lounge now occupies the rear section of the former Gold Lounge, forming a sleek, elongated space that benefits from natural light and views of the bustling departures hall.
Spacious New Layout
While the Gold Lounge saw the most radical transformation, the SAS Lounge also boasts notable improvements. The main buffet remains centrally located, now with expanded counters to accommodate a more diverse menu. Original barstools and round tables have made way for contemporary seating arrangements that maximize comfort and social interaction.
Family-Friendly Amenities: Dedicated Kids’ Playroom
Families are welcomed by a generously sized playroom at the entrance, equipped with toys, books, and creative materials. This concept, first piloted in Gothenburg, has proven immensely popular, with the interactive drawing wall already covered in young travelers’ artwork. SAS plans to continue rolling out this thoughtful feature across its lounge network.
Redesigned Space for Business Travelers
The most significant addition is the new rear section—previously part of the Gold Lounge—now seamlessly integrated into the business lounge. Longtime guests will recognize this as the former business class enclave, now accessible to a wider group of premium travelers.
Private Workspaces and New Facilities
At the back, three sound-insulated phone booths provide private workspaces, while upgraded lighting and fresh contemporary art create a sophisticated ambiance. The lounge also features newly installed restrooms, reflecting SAS’s commitment to comfort and convenience.
Culinary Touches for the Launch
To celebrate these enhancements, guests sampled champagne, gourmet canapés, and bespoke SAS macarons—a signature flourish reflecting SAS’s dedication to memorable pre-flight experiences.
