Above The Clouds: Discover SAS Business Class

Wondering if splurging on business class is worth it? It can certainly be a huge cost when compared to flying economy but some top-flight airlines make the extra expense very much worth it. Read on to discover for yourself whether Scandinavian Airlines (more commonly known as SAS) is one such airline.

The airline is certainly a popular choice for those jetting between North America and Scandinavia, as the carrier offers many direct flights from numerous major cities. One particularly convenient route for Toronto-based Canadians is their non-stop service from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Copenhagen. But regardless of where you’re flying, SAS Business Class does its best to encapsulate the essence of Danish hygge: coziness, contentment and well-being — sensations one does not normally associate with air travel.

First Impressions

As you step aboard the SAS aircraft for your flight from Toronto to Copenhagen, you’re immediately struck by the sleek and modern Scandinavian aesthetic of the Business class cabin. The elegant and relaxing hues of grey and black create an inviting space that puts you at ease and hints at the thoughtful attention to detail you’ll enjoy throughout your flight. The journey begins with your choice of drink, with champagne being the drink of choice for many travelers, setting the tone for a luxurious and serene travel experience. Best of all, soon after the flight takes off, you’ll be served a cocktail with warm nuts, a small touch that embodies the Danish concept of hygge of cozy indulgence.

Seating

Many SAS Business Class flights feature Thompson Aero Vantage XL seats, which convert into fully flat beds at the touch of a button. On the A330s and A350s, the seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger. The seats offer a generous 22-inch width and convert into a 77-to-80-inch lie-flat bed, providing ample space for relaxation and comfort.

On the A321LRs, used for the Toronto-Copenhagen route, the business class cabin features spacious lie-flat seats but in a less-appealing, alternating 2-2 and 1-1 seating configuration across seven rows, with 22 seats in total. This layout means that there are “throne” seats in even-numbered rows, which are perfect for solo travelers, while couples can enjoy neighboring seats in odd-numbered rows. However, if you get placed in the 2-2 seating configuration beside a stranger, it can be a less-than-ideal situation as there is no way to exit your seat (to use the washroom, for example) without disturbing your neighbor. This can be especially vexing if your neighbor is sleeping in the lie-flat seat position as they would be required to move the seat into an upright position to let you exit. All this to say, if you are traveling solo, be sure to select a throne seat.

The seats are easy to position, with intuitive controls that allow you to find your ideal comfort level. The seat adjustment works electronically and also includes adjustable lumbar support. The real show-stopper is a massage feature (SAS is one of the few airlines in the world that offers this function). Throughout the flight, you can enjoy a wide range of entertainment on a 15.4″ HD screen, as well as free Wi-Fi (normally a rare perk even for Business class), as well as extra power and USB outlets.

Food and Drink

SAS Business Class offers an impressive range of delicious Scandinavian-centric dishes. Each course is served from an open-top cart trolley (a charming, old-school touch that adds to the personalized ambiance) that is wheeled down the aisle. To add a sense of panache to the proceedings, one of the flight attendants wears a chef’s uniform during the main meal service.

The menu is carefully curated to highlight Scandinavian cuisine, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Dishes include elevated fare, such as braised beef cheeks with red wine sauce and fried potato rosti, as well as Nordic risotto with grilled artichokes. The meal service is ends with a selection of regional cheeses, fresh fruits, and desserts, including scrumptious delights like panna cotta with red currants and peach and berry crumble. Be sure to save a little bit of room for a box of chocolate truffles from Hedh Escalante (a Swedish chocolate maker) to finish off the meal service.

The wine selection is equally impressive, with a focus on old and new world wines. SAS offers a minimum of two whites and two reds, as well as Champagne, including the Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve MV. Passengers can also enjoy a range of beers, including Mikkeller Celebration IPA, which was specially made for SAS. The airline also has a selection of spirits that showcase Scandinavian distilleries, such as Hernö Gin from Sweden and Harahorn Gin from Norway. SAS’s fun signature drink is the “SASmopolitan,” a twist on the classic cosmopolitan cocktail, made with Absolut Citron vodka, lingonberry juice, lime, and cranberry. There’s also a refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail aptly called “Above the Clouds” which contains cranberry juice, apple juice and sprite. Cheers!

It’s worth noting that if you are sitting in the back of the Business class section, it’s possible that they will run out of your first meal choice. Apparently, according to information provided on the menu, you can preselect your meal to ensure you get your first choice. A thoughtful addition to SAS Business class service would be to do what Delta does, which is to proactively email passengers in Business Class and Premium a few days before their flight and invite them to preselect their meal. This proactive and thoughtful step ensures everyone gets their first choice.

Amenities

There is a dedicated washroom that is reserved for business class passengers. There is also a very small section in the galley (the size of the snack section depends on your flight and plane type) where you can help yourself to snacks like nuts, chocolate and chips. Business class passengers also receive a well-appointed amenity kit featuring popular Scandinavian brands.

The kit (which comes in a playful striped Dux laundry bag or shoe bag) includes:

• Eye mask from DUX
• Humble Co. Dental Care (a toothbrush with cornstarch handle and natural fresh mint-flavored toothpaste)
• Socks made from recycled material
• Verso Skincare skin lotion and a refreshing mint lip balm
• Swedsafe Ear Plugs

Service

Scandinavians may have a reputation as being reserved, but warmth and a welcoming energy are what the Business class crew on SAS exudes. Throughout the flight, service is friendly and professional and the crew is proactive in anticipating your needs, whether it’s refilling your glass, offering a snack or asking if you’d like an extra pillow.

Overall, flying business class with Scandinavian Airlines is an incredibly enjoyable experience with comfortable seating (yeah massage feature!), delectable cuisine and attentive service.