This year I have started flying SAS twice a month between Heathrow and Stockholm Arlanda (ARN in airline parlance). I sent 4 years doing the same with BA but changed allegence due to the SAS frequent flyer arrangement being better for me. Basically even though I fly economy I can still get and maintain the Gold card with SAS while I couldn't maintain that level with BA.
I don't know if it is coincidence or not but since I have got my SAS Gold card,I have got upgraded from economy to economy flex (and once to business class) 3 times out of the last 10 flights with SAS while I only received 2 upgrades during 50-60 flights with BA.
On the Stockholm flights SAS seems to have a smaller pitch between the rows of seats than BA so they feel more cramped (so try to get a seat in the emergency exit rows and benefit from a few more inches of leg room). The seat design and pitch seems to be the same along the whole length of the plane which means that Business class passengers suffer equally along with the rest of us. However SAS seems to keep the middle seat in the 3-seat rows empty in Business class so Business class passengers get more elbow room. Plus the service in Business is very attentive with good food and smiling staff plying you with lots of alcohol.
SAS also have gone over to selling you food in economy - around about £5 for a sandwich and coffee - I haven't tried them so I can't vouch for the quality but there doesn't seem to be many different flavours to choose from. BA gives you a free slice of pizza, a box with water, muffin, fruit salad and a Kit-Kat along with free drinks. SAS also has (more expensive) Economy Flex which gets you a cold meal and free drinks - however I think it's probably more cost-effective to bring your own food and drink if you really want to picnic at 38000 feet.
One big difference between SAS and BA at Heathrow is that the SAS gates to and from Stockholm in Terminal 3 are close to the terminal entrance while the BA gates for Stockhom at Terminal 1 always seem to be as far away as possible.
On the other hand SAS uses Terminal 5 in Stockholm and it is always about a 10 minute walk to the gate while BA uses Terminal 2 and it is only a 3 minute walk to the gate.
If you have problems walking then you might like to know that there are no moving walkways at Arlanda but Heathrow is full of them (and quite often they work too!).
To conclude, if you are paying for the flight yourself, choose the cheapest ticket and if it is SAS then use some of your savings to pay for a good picnic and chat up the counter staff to get a seat with more leg room by the emergency exit.
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You don't really sell this airline to me. Sounds like its less comfortable than BA but the frequent flyer programme is better.
I'm flying SAS in August, I hope its comfortable - I'm off to Beijing.
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JVL 22.04.2008 (22.04.2008)
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