SAS to Reintroduce Intra-European Business Class in October
SAS Scandinavian Airlines will reintroduce an intra-European business class product from 1st October on all flights within Scandinavia and Europe.
SAS intra-European business class
Scandinavian flag carrier SAS, the national airline of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, has announced the date for the reintroduction of business class on its intra-European flights.
From 1st October this year, all intra-European SAS flights — including those within Scandinavia — will feature a dedicated business class cabin.
Since Air France-KLM acquired a stake in SAS and the airline left Star Alliance for SkyTeam, the return of a true business class cabin for its flights within Europe had already been announced — though no clear timeline was given until now.
From 6th May, tickets including a seat in the new intra-European business class will go on sale.
Business class experience
According to a SAS press release, the launch of the intra-European business class cabin supports the airline’s long-term strategy and reinforces Copenhagen Airport’s role as a global hub for Scandinavian and European connectivity.
It will also simplify connections, as passengers transferring between airlines — such as from Air France or KLM to a SAS flight — will enjoy a more cohesive in-flight experience, flying in the same premium cabin throughout their entire journey.
Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS, stated that “many of our comfort- and quality-focused travellers expect a clearly defined European business class that aligns with international standards”.
He said: “While SAS Plus has provided an upgraded experience, it has lacked the recognition and clarity that travellers seek.
“With the reintroduction of European business class, we are ensuring that SAS offers the premium experience of a top European airline.”
SAS Plus
Until now, SAS has been unique among European mainline carriers in not offering a proper business class cabin on its short- and mid-haul flights within Europe.
Instead, it offered a premium economy product called SAS Plus on its intra-European flights, with true business class available only on long-haul routes operated by widebody aircraft.
Passengers booked on SAS Plus for an intra-European flight can enjoy perks such as fast-track security, priority boarding, and access to SAS Lounges at airports like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo.
However, passengers could not access third-party or other airline lounges when flying SAS Plus, unless they hold frequent flyer status (SkyTeam Elite Plus).
Also the experience on board was more comparable with premium economy rather than business class.
SAS Plus offers a complimentary premium snack, (alcoholic) drinks, and coffee or tea, rather than a full meal.
Just like in economy class, drinks are served in plastic or carton cups, while snacks are handed out in carton boxes with wooden cutlery.
More strikingly, even though SAS Plus passengers get up-front seats in the cabin, it doesn’t offer the benefit of an empty middle seat, and the cabin isn’t separated from economy class by curtains or dividers.
When the cabin is fully booked, passengers in SAS Plus will also find themselves sitting three abreast, just like those in economy class on a narrow-body plane.
New business class service
According to SAS, business class passengers on intra-European flights can soon look forward to an entirely new, enhanced dining experience.
It will offer passengers a “more premium and flexible dining experience”, including “reusable premium tableware” to cater to the diverse needs of business class travellers.
Business class passengers will have a dedicated cabin at the front of the plane, separated by a curtain and overhead dividers from economy class.
As is standard in intra-European business class on other airlines, the middle seat on narrow-body planes like the Airbus A320 will be blocked, giving passengers more space, shoulder room, and privacy.
SAS has not announced whether business class passengers on its subsidiary SAS Link, which operates an all-Embraer E195 fleet with a 2+2 seating configuration, will also benefit from a blocked seat for added comfort and privacy.
On the ground, business class travellers will benefit from priority check-in, security, and boarding, as well as access to more lounges across Europe.
Conclusion
On 1st October 2025, SAS will replace SAS Go with an intra-European business class product on its flights within Scandinavia and Europe.
The reintroduction of an intra-European business class cabin, which was first announced after Air France-KLM took a controlling stake in SAS and the airline left Star Alliance for SkyTeam, will align the on-board product of the Scandinavian flag carrier more closely with other major airlines in Europe.
SAS business class passengers on flights within Europe can look forward to an improved in-flight service in the new business class cabin, a blocked middle seat for added space and privacy, and greater access to business lounges at more airports.
