Scandinavia’s SAS Launches New U.S. Routes

SAS, known colloquially as Scandinavian Airlines, announced on December 21 that it would launch 2 new routes from Aalborg (AAL) in Denmark and Gothenburg (GOT) in Sweden to Newark (EWR).

Here’s what you need to know!

New Routes Begin April 2023

The routes begin service starting in April of 2023 and will operate 3 times weekly throughout the summer 2023 travel season before returning seasonally in the summer of 2024.

Both routes will be operated on the single-aisle Airbus A321 Long Range jet, featuring 22 business class, 12 premium economy and 123 economy seats. Business class features fully lie-flat seats and high-speed Wi-Fi.

“We see a demand from secondary cities and are delighted to connect even more parts of the world,” Erik Westman, EVP & CCO of network and revenue management, said in a statement.

Westman went on to say that SAS believed a nonstop option to New York would be “highly valued” by the airline’s passengers.

The announcement of this route comes less than a month after SAS announced that it would launch flights from nearby New York (JFK) airport to Copenhagen (CPH) in Denmark, beginning February 2023.

Additionally, SAS flies to a handful of U.S. airports, including Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), and Washington (IAD). Many flights connect in popular cities like Copenhagen (CPH), Oslo (OSL), or Stockholm (ARN).

If you’re interested in booking a flight on this new route (or any SAS flight), you’re in luck. SAS is a member of the Star Alliance airline, meaning you can spend partner miles to fly on the airline. There are several ways to book, starting at just 40,000 miles one-way (using Asiana Club miles).

You can redeem the following ways:

• American Express Membership Rewards: Transfer Amex points to Aeroplan miles, Avianca LifeMiles, or Singapore KrisFlyer miles
• Capital One Miles: Transfer Capital One miles to Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, EVA Air Infinity MileageLands, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Chase Ultimate Rewards: Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to United Airlines or Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Citi ThankYou Rewards: Transfer Citi ThankYou points to Avianca LifeMiles, EVA Air Infinity MileageLands, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus, and Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
• Marriott Bonvoy: Transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Aegean Airlines Miles+Bonus, Air Canada Aeroplan, Air China PhoenixMiles, Air New Zealand Airpoints, All Nippon Airways Mileage Club, Asiana Club, Avianca LifeMiles, Copa Airlines ConnectMiles, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, South African Airways Voyager, TAP Air Portugal, Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, and United MileagePlus

However, if you decide to book a flight on any SAS route, keep in mind that the airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy back in July, though it says it will continue to operate as normally as possible.

Hot Tip: Thinking about booking a flight with SAS? Check out our guide to all 8 U.S. routes!

Final Thoughts

This has been an exciting few weeks for SAS, with the launch of several routes that will connect the Newark/New York area with 2 exciting Scandinavian cities. And with points options as low as 40,000 miles one-way in business class, SAS is one of the most competitive products out there!