After some initial “will they, won’t they”, Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) has signed an Alliance Adherence Agreement with SkyTeam.
The upshot is, that SAS will join SkyTeam on the 1st of September, one day after it leaves Star Alliance.
From 1 September 2024, SAS will officially become a part of SkyTeam, enriching the alliance with the best access to Scandinavian key hubs. This collaboration will bolster SkyTeam’s global network, offering new destinations, enhanced connectivity, and a more seamless, elevated customer journey for all travellers.
Elite Members
From the moment SAS joins SkyTeam, EuroBonus members will enjoy benefits across most SkyTeam airlines.
EuroBonus Silver members will be recognized as SkyTeam Elite level, whilst EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members will be recognized as Elite Plus. This will offer them access to a network of 750+ airport lounges and SkyPriority services at eight airport touchpoints including priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.
Network
SAS customers will benefit from easy connectivity across SkyTeam’s network of 1,060+ destinations, which includes their favourites as well as previously unserved cities – particularly across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
SkyTeam and SAS share the vision of providing a valued customer experience through quality products, innovation, and dedicated service.
SkyTeam members serving SAS’ hubs include Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines and Middle East Airlines.
In Quotes
Signing the deal
Andrés Conesa, SkyTeam Chairman, said:
“SAS shares SkyTeam’s vision when it comes to delivering a more integrated and responsible travel experience. Together with our members, we continue to work hard behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition for customers from the moment SAS joins our alliance.”
Patrick Roux, SkyTeam CEO, said:
“We are delighted to officially chart a path to SAS joining the SkyTeam alliance. With its global reputation for reliability, quality and service, SAS is a great fit for SkyTeam and, as we continue to strengthen our customer proposition, we look forward to being part of their future journey.”
Anko van der Werff, SAS President and CEO, said:
“We are very excited to now have reached this pivotal milestone in SAS’ alliance transition journey. EuroBonus members will be able to enjoy new destinations and benefits as part of the SkyTeam alliance family, marking the start of an exciting future for customers, partners and employees alike. SAS customers will benefit from SkyTeam’s strong global presence in many of the world’s major aviation hubs and from its focus on strategic partnerships and innovative sustainability initiatives.”
Transition details for those with tickets, rebookings and issues
They only way is forward.
For those who have never been through an alliance swap before, it’s sometimes a confusing time. Thankfully SAS have published a pretty comprehensive FAQ at https://www.flysas.com/en/eurobonus/skyteam/.
If you have any miles or status with SAS, it’s worth a long read to see how you are impacted by the move, and if the network model will suit you going forward.
Images: SAS.
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