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13 November 2013 by Alex Stewart
Becky Davis experiences the Scandinavian Airlines concept classes, SAS Go and SAS Plus, on a flight from London Heathrow to Copenhagen and vice versa and reports on the experience, reviewing the service and seat she enjoyed.
SAS Go vs SAS Plus
Whether it is a business trip to Scandinavian capitals or a once in a lifetime trip to see the Northern Lights, SAS has got Scandinavia covered.
Their network stretches from southern Denmark all the way to Svalbard, just 620 miles from the North Pole. Then there are their long haul flights to Asia and North America as well...
SAS Go
I flew from London Heathrow to Copenhagen on SAS Go. SAS recommends this class for customers who want an affordable price without compromising on quality. SAS Go replaces Scandinavian's previous Economy Class and includes all the usual benefits you get when travelling with Scandinavian Airlines: 23 kg luggage allowance, online check-in and seat selection as well as Eurobonus points.
I checked in with the SAS app. The new app allows you to check in and choose your seats in advance. The app sent me my boarding pass electronically, saving it on my phone. You can also register your mobile number with SAS, so the airline can keep you up-to-date with flight delays or changes by text - very handy when on the way to the airport or loose in the terminal.
You'll notice some of the most concrete changes of the new service concept on board. SAS has introduced a new 'café' style service on board, which features a variety of dishes such as salads, sandwiches and smaller snacks at a reasonable price. Many of them are healthy choices, such as salad with Norwegian salmon and spelt salad, a delightful light meal that can't be called 'plane food'! Coffee and tea are complimentary on all journeys. If you prefer something else, drinks are reasonably priced too with sparkling wine costing around 8 EUR and beer around 5 EUR.
SAS also enjoys the reputation of one of the most punctual airlines in Europe, so you can rest assured that you'll arrive at your destination on time.
SAS Plus
On my way back from Copenhagen to London Heathrow, I tried the SAS Plus service. SAS Plus replaces the old Business Class with a premium service that offers travellers more at a surprisingly reasonable extra cost.
The benefits of SAS Plus start with two 23kg checked bags at no extra cost - ideal if you're heading to the freezing North and struggling to fit your thermal and ski gear into just one suitcase! You'll also get to whizz through security using the dedicated Fast Track channel (where offered).
Lounge access is also included, which allows you to relax while you wait for your flight away from the airport's hustle and bustle. SAS lounges feature a buffet with various light dishes as well as beverages, free newspapers, Wi-Fi and computers. Some of them even have their own cinemas. Lounges at SAS hubs in Scandinavia are beautifully decorated in chic Nordic style with Scandinavian design furniture and accessories.
When on board, all meals and drinks are included free of charge (except for alcoholic beverages for domestic Scandinavia flights) and you can choose your meal from the same quality menu offered in SAS Go class, as mentioned above. SAS Plus, like Business Class, is situated in the front of the plane, so passengers will be served first. Free Wi-Fi is also available in SAS Plus on selected flights and Eurobonus members can even enjoy free Wi-Fi with SAS Go fares.
SAS Plus is now also available on domestic and intra-Scandinavian routes; previously all domestic routes were a one-class Economy service only. So, now you can enjoy the Plus service all the way to Tromsø, Kiruna and other domestic connections via various country capitals.
Perhaps the best part of the new class though is how inexpensive it is to upgrade to SAS Plus. For example, if you're flying to Tromsø to see the Northern Lights, you can upgrade a return journey to SAS Plus from as little as £150 per person. This works out at less than £40 per sector, which is great value considering this gives you lounge access during the journey, complimentary meals and drinks on board and an additional baggage allowance.
With SAS Go and SAS Plus, the airline seems to have found a simple, winning formula. And with affordable upgrades to SAS Plus we'd certainly recommend starting your Scandinavian trip in style.
Speak to our consultants on how to make the most of your flights with SAS.