SAS Premium Economy Experience

Flying long-haul can be a test of endurance, especially when confined to a standard economy seat. For many travelers, the idea of a little extra comfort without the hefty price tag of business class is incredibly appealing. This is where SAS Premium Economy, known as SAS Plus, steps in. But what exactly does the SAS Premium Economy Experience entail, and is it truly worth the upgrade for your next journey?

This comprehensive guide will delve into every aspect of flying SAS Plus, from the moment you arrive at the airport to your arrival at your destination. We'll explore the enhanced comfort, dining, and services, helping you decide if this mid-tier cabin is the perfect choice for your travel needs.

What is SAS Plus (Premium Economy)?

SAS Plus is Scandinavian Airlines' dedicated premium economy cabin, designed to bridge the gap between their standard economy (SAS Go) and business class offerings. Originally launched as "SAS Economy Extra" in 2002 and rebranded to SAS Plus in 2013, it aims to provide a more comfortable and convenient travel experience at a more accessible price point than business class.

You'll primarily find the SAS Premium Economy Experience on long-haul flights connecting Scandinavia with North America, Asia, and Canada. SAS Plus is typically featured on modern aircraft such as the Airbus A330, A350, and A321LR, ensuring a contemporary and comfortable journey. While SAS Plus is also available on intra-European flights, the benefits can differ, with long-haul routes generally offering a more significant upgrade in terms of seat comfort and amenities.

Key Benefits of the SAS Premium Economy Experience

Opting for SAS Plus unlocks a range of benefits designed to enhance your comfort and streamline your travel.

Superior Seat Comfort and Space

One of the most significant advantages of SAS Plus is the improved seating. Forget cramped quarters; SAS Plus seats offer noticeably more room than standard economy.

• Increased Legroom: Enjoy a generous 38-inch seat pitch, providing approximately six to seven inches of extra legroom compared to economy, allowing you to stretch out and relax.
• Wider Seats: SAS Plus seats are slightly wider, typically around 18.3 inches, compared to the 17.3 inches in economy, offering that crucial extra inch of shoulder space.
• Enhanced Recline & Support: The seats offer a greater recline, making it easier to rest or sleep, especially on overnight flights. You'll also find footrests in most rows, with the coveted first row often featuring leg rests for even more comfort.
• Cabin Configuration: On wide-body aircraft like the A330, SAS Plus cabins are often configured in a 2-3-2 layout, while the A350 might feature a 2-4-2 setup. This often means fewer middle seats and more opportunities for couples or individuals to have a pair of seats by the window or aisle.

Upgraded In-Flight Dining & Beverages

Your culinary experience gets a notable boost in SAS Plus.

• Complimentary Meals: On long-haul flights, expect a hot meal service with a choice of two entrees, accompanied by side dishes and dessert. A lighter breakfast is also served before landing on overnight flights.
• Quality Presentation: Meals are typically served on a single tray with real silverware and glassware, a step up from the plastic cutlery found in economy.
• Complimentary Drinks: Alcoholic beverages, including sparkling wine, beer (such as Danish Carlsberg or Mikkeller), red and white wine, and spirits, are complimentary throughout your flight, along with a selection of non-alcoholic options. A welcome drink, often sparkling wine, is served shortly after takeoff.
• Snacks: Between main meal services, SAS Plus passengers are offered snacks like cashews and other light bites.

Generous Baggage Allowance

Packing for your trip becomes less stressful with the increased baggage allowance in SAS Plus.

• Checked Bags: Depending on your specific SAS Plus fare (e.g., "Smart" vs. "Pro" or "Bonus"), you're typically allowed either one or two checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
• Carry-on Bags: You can bring one carry-on bag (max 8 kg / 17 lbs) and one personal item (like a handbag or laptop bag). For flights to/from North America and Asia, you may be allowed two carry-on bags, each up to 8 kg.
• Priority Baggage Handling: Your checked bags are tagged with "priority handling," meaning they're among the first to arrive on the baggage carousel, saving you time upon arrival.

Streamlined Airport Experience

The benefits of SAS Plus extend to the ground, making your airport journey smoother.

• Priority Check-in: Skip the regular lines with dedicated check-in counters for SAS Plus passengers.
• Fast Track Security: At select airports, you'll gain access to Fast Track security lanes, allowing you to bypass longer queues and get to your gate faster.
• Priority Boarding: Board the aircraft ahead of economy passengers, giving you ample time to settle into your seat and find space for your carry-on luggage.

Lounge Access (Important Update!)

Historically, lounge access was a significant perk of SAS Plus. However, it's crucial to note a recent change:

• Effective April 1, 2025, SAS Plus ticket holders will no longer have complimentary lounge access for intercontinental (long-haul) flights. This change aims to manage lounge capacity.
• Lounge access will remain for SAS Plus tickets for travel within the Nordic region or Europe.
• Passengers who purchased their SAS Plus tickets before March 3, 2025, will retain lounge access for their booked flights.
• EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members, or those with equivalent Star Alliance Gold status, will continue to have lounge access regardless of their ticket type.
• SAS Lounges are available at key airports like Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Chicago O'Hare, and Newark Liberty.

In-Flight Entertainment & Amenities

While the entertainment selection might not be as vast as some competitors, it provides enough to keep you occupied.

• HD Entertainment Screens: Seats are equipped with 12-inch or 13.3-inch HD seat-back screens offering movies, TV shows, music, and a moving flight map.
• Amenities: You'll typically find a pillow, a higher-quality blanket than in economy, a bottle of water, and an amenity kit (often containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and earplugs) waiting at your seat.
• Wi-Fi (Important Update!): As of April 2023, complimentary Wi-Fi is no longer included with SAS Plus tickets. Free Wi-Fi is now exclusive to Business Class passengers and EuroBonus Gold/Diamond members. Other passengers must purchase Wi-Fi access if desired.

Flexibility and EuroBonus Points

SAS Plus tickets often come with added flexibility and loyalty program benefits.

• Changeable & Refundable Tickets: Many SAS Plus fares offer the flexibility to change or refund your ticket, providing peace of mind.
• More EuroBonus Points: Flying SAS Plus allows you to earn significantly more EuroBonus points (e.g., double points), helping you reach higher status or redeem for future travel faster.

Is the SAS Premium Economy Experience Worth It?

Deciding if SAS Plus is worth the extra cost depends on your individual priorities, flight duration, and budget.

• Long-Haul Flights: For journeys across the Atlantic or to Asia, where flight times can exceed eight hours, the enhanced seat comfort, improved dining, and priority services can make a significant difference in your overall well-being upon arrival. The extra legroom and wider seats are particularly valuable for longer durations.
• Value for Money: SAS often runs promotions and sales on its Premium Economy fares, making them an excellent value proposition, sometimes comparable to or slightly higher than standard economy fares on other airlines. If you can snag a good deal, the upgrade is often highly recommended.
• Convenience: The priority check-in, Fast Track security, and priority baggage handling can save valuable time and reduce stress, especially if you're traveling for business or have tight connections.
• Recent Changes: Be mindful of the recent changes regarding lounge access and complimentary Wi-Fi for long-haul SAS Plus tickets (effective April 1, 2025, and April 2023, respectively). If these perks were primary motivators for your upgrade, reassess their value given these adjustments. However, if seat comfort, better food, and airport efficiencies are your main drivers, SAS Plus remains a strong contender.

Tips for Maximizing Your SAS Premium Economy Experience

• Book During Sales: Keep an eye out for SAS promotions and sales, as this is often when the best value for SAS Plus tickets can be found.
• Choose Your Seat Wisely: If possible, try to secure a seat in the first row of the SAS Plus cabin for the added benefit of a leg rest instead of just a footrest, and potentially more bulkhead legroom.
• Pre-order Special Meals: If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, remember to pre-order special meals at least 24 hours before departure.
• Download Entertainment: While SAS Plus offers in-flight entertainment, the selection might not be as extensive as some other airlines. Consider downloading your favorite movies, shows, or podcasts to your personal devices before your flight.
• Bring Your Own Headphones: While headphones are provided, bringing your own comfortable, high-quality headphones can significantly enhance your entertainment experience.
• Stay Informed on Lounge Access: Double-check the current lounge access policies, especially if your flight is on or after April 1, 2025, for long-haul routes, to avoid disappointment.

Conclusion

The SAS Premium Economy Experience, or SAS Plus, offers a compelling middle ground for travelers seeking enhanced comfort and convenience without the premium price tag of business class. With more spacious seating, upgraded dining, generous baggage allowance, and streamlined airport services, it provides a noticeable upgrade from standard economy.

While recent changes to lounge access for long-haul flights and complimentary Wi-Fi are important to note, SAS Plus still delivers a solid premium economy product, particularly when found at attractive fares. For those longer journeys where comfort truly matters, investing in SAS Plus can transform your travel experience from a mere transit into a more enjoyable and restful part of your adventure.

Have you flown SAS Plus? Share your experiences in the comments below! What was your favorite perk, and would you recommend it to fellow travelers?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between SAS Plus and SAS Go?

SAS Plus is SAS's premium economy product, offering a significant upgrade over SAS Go (standard economy). Key differences include more legroom, wider seats, greater recline, upgraded complimentary meals and drinks, increased baggage allowance (one or two checked bags vs. one), priority check-in, Fast Track security, and priority boarding.

Do SAS Plus passengers get lounge access?

Historically, yes. However, effective April 1, 2025, SAS Plus passengers on intercontinental (long-haul) flights will no longer receive complimentary lounge access. Lounge access will continue for SAS Plus tickets within the Nordic region or Europe. Passengers who booked before March 3, 2025, will retain their lounge access. EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members (or Star Alliance Gold equivalent) continue to have lounge access regardless of their ticket type.

Is Wi-Fi included with SAS Premium Economy (SAS Plus) tickets?

No, as of April 2023, complimentary Wi-Fi is no longer included with SAS Plus tickets. Free Wi-Fi is now exclusively available for SAS Business Class passengers and EuroBonus Gold/Diamond members. Other passengers can purchase Wi-Fi access onboard.

How much baggage can I bring with SAS Plus?

Typically, SAS Plus fares include one checked bag (up to 23 kg / 50 lbs) for "Smart" fares, or two checked bags (each up to 23 kg / 50 lbs) for "Pro" and "Bonus" fares.