SAS Business Class To Copenhagen Reflects The Danish Spirit Of Hygge

There are so many great reasons to visit Denmark this summer, including the fact that 1) It’s number two on the official 2024 list of the happiest countries in the world 2) It’s, literally, a cool alternative to the extreme heat of the Mediterranean and 3) Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), with its excellent business class option, is adding more nonstop flights from the US to Copenhagen.

I booked one of those flights from Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago when I decided to take a road trip along the Danish Riviera, and it was a game-changer. Since SAS will be introducing daily non-stop flights from Atlanta to Copenhagen next month, I wanted to share my experience because it just may encourage you to move on from France, Spain and Italy and get to know a whole new part of Europe.

With travel busier and more unpredictable than ever, I always fly internationally in business class, where I have a better chance of sleeping. Having a seat that turns into a bed is the only way I can actually fall asleep at least for a few hours and be able to function when I arrive. But, coming from the west coast, it’s hard to get a nonstop international flight, which means half of my long trip is usually cross-country and my business class, lie-flat flight doesn’t really last long enough to get a good rest.

I decided to try SAS, which I had never flown before, because I was excited they offered a nonstop flight where I would be able to take advantage of business class the entire 11 hours and have the luxury of the lie-flat seat whenever I felt like closing my eyes. Although I always try to fly on Delta or its partners to get back up to my former Diamond Medallion status, the nonstop flight took priority. Fellow Medallion members, take note: SAS will soon be switching from its current Star Alliance to SkyTeam (hence the new flight from Delta’s hub in Atlanta), giving you yet another reason to book a trip to Denmark this summer.

These may have been my first SAS flights but they definitely won’t be my last. Both flights were smooth and on time, I had access to great lounges and was able to Fast Track through security in Copenhagen.

I loved that the airline honored its homeland by serving traditional Scandinavian open-faced sandwiches, supporting Scandinavian companies in their amenity kits and basically teaching passengers the meaning of hygge — the highly-coveted Danish lifestyle which Merriam Webster defines as “a cozy quality that makes a person feel content and comfortable.”

Seats

I was happily surprised to find that the way the SAS lie-flat seats were designed, I had more room than usual to lie on my stomach with my knee out (yes, I am a high maintenance sleeper) so I was able to get more shut-eye than usual and was ready for a full day ahead when we landed in Copenhagen.

The business class seat configuration on SAS is 1-2-1 and I opted for a window both ways since I was traveling alone. I like being in control of my window shade and, honestly, might have chosen those same seats – especially for the overnight flight – even if I was traveling with my husband. As an FYI, the restrooms are in the back of business class; there are none in front.

I also really appreciated that my footrest was able to go higher than most while I was sitting upright, which made it so much more comfortable to watch a movie or read.

Food

Because I almost always have to connect somewhere to take an international flight, I usually end up on a late night flight, where the multi-course business class dinners are being served at a time that would be best spent sleeping. It was such a treat to leave LAX at 4 pm on a direct flight and actually eat my meal at an appropriate time.

On the way to Copenhagen, I had saffron fettucine with truffle cream sauce, wild mushrooms and cherry tomatoes and on the way home, I chose local spelt risotto with celeriac, pickled carrots, celery and lemon thyme. I enjoyed breakfast, afternoon sandwiches and sweets and chips from the snack bar between meals. Drinks were constantly offered along with bottles of water, which I stockpiled for my road trip.

Entertainment

One of the best features about this flight is that wifi is complimentary for business class passengers. On an 11-hour flight, this is a much-appreciated perk and something I wish every other airline would offer.

Although there was an extensive selection of movies available, I only re-watched Barbie (my go-to flight choice). The rest of the time, I happily curled up in my lie-flat seat to read, to catch up on emails and to listen to The Tortured Poets Department on repeat.

Amenities

I am a big fan of the luxurious DUX bedding provided in business class and only wish they could figure out a way to fit the Swedish brand’s famous mattresses into the seats. The matching striped Comfort Kits are a nice touch, filled with high quality, sustainable products from Scandinavian brands like Swedish Stockings. In addition to the cozy socks, there’s an eye mask from DUX, skincare from Verso, a dental care kit from the Humble Co. and earplugs from Swedsafe.

As someone who truly can’t use one more traditional amenity bag, I thought it was creative of SAS to substitute a suitcase organizer instead. There are three different types – a travel pouch, a shoe bag and a laundry bag – and they’re all practical and stylish. I’ve already used the two I received on this trip and hope to complete my set on my next SAS flight.

Service

Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy a flight comes down to the crew – and the SAS business class flight attendants were exceptional. They were so attentive and proactive, I can’t imagine any passenger lacking for anything. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that SAS business class passengers top the list of the happiest passengers in the world.