SAS, or Scandinavian, is moving over to SkyTeam. Nothing new under the sun, we all already knew that from some time already. The Scandinavian carrier secured an Air France-KLM investment which will bring the airline out of its bankruptcy issues and into SkyTeam. What we know more now compared to a few months ago is the time frame of this upcoming transition.
September 1st 2024 is SkyTeam Day for SAS
The upcoming summer season will be the last for SAS as a Star Alliance member. Just under 4 months, at the moment of writing this post, divide us from when Scandinavian will depart the Lufthansa-centric Star Alliance.
September 1st 2024 will be the dawn of a new era for SAS that will be joining SkyTeam and its new partners Air France and KLM. Finally we have a hard date for the event and I’m sure there will be some sort of celebration of this historical transition at Copenhagen on the first day of September. However more on that when the date draws closer.
What’s in Store For EuroBonus Frequent Flyers?
The main question that comes to mind is, will there be any changes for EuroBonus (SAS’ frequent flyer program) members? The answer is quite simple and straight forward: mostly there won’t be any changes.
Status holders will maintain their status and benefits along with all their points. EuroBonus will continue to exist and function exactly as it has until now. However, when not in the home Scandinavian airports SAS frequent flyers will no longer access the Star Alliance facilities. They will, starting September 1st 2024, access SkyTeam’s facilities.
It is plausible to think and expect that flights and frequencies between SAS’ hubs and Amsterdam and Paris will be enhanced over the next months and years as the airline integrates more and more into this new ecosystem.
Speaking of ecosystem, SAS will integrate with its new SkyTeam partners. That means that EuroBonus members will no longer be able to book reward flights on the likes of Lufthansa or Singapore Airlines but they will access the networks of airline such as Air France-KLM, Delta or Korean Air. A different, but just as interesting, crowd.
How Will The Transition Pan Out For SAS EuroBonus?
The airline also released details on how the transition from Star Alliance to SkyTeam will work for EuroBonus frequent flyer members. If you just want the lowdown here’s what can and can’t be done before and after September 1st 2024:
Before September 1st 2024
- Silver and Gold EuroBonus status holders will continue to enjoy current benefits.
- Miles will be accrued flying on Star Alliance Airlines. With the possibility to claim missing miles until September 8th.
- Reward flights will be bookable on Star Alliance airlines, even for departures after such date.
After September 1st 2024
- Silver and Gold EuroBonus status holders will enjoy similarly to current benefits on and at SkyTeam flights and facilities.
- Miles will be accrued flying on SkyTeam Airlines. With the possibility to claim missing miles from 8 days to 6 months after the travel date.
- Reward flights will be bookable on SkyTeam airlines.
By June we’ll also get some more information if ITA, the Italian flag carrier, will be making the opposite transition. Although the Italian government and Lufthansa have reached an agreement, antitrust authority clearance on the deal is still pending.
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