SkyTeam and SAS airplane tails, with employees holding flags.
Source: SAS

SAS Moving from Star Alliance to SkyTeam

Matthew Justice

Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) has announced they are switching airline alliances. Starting on September 1, 2024 SAS will be transitioning from Star Alliance to SkyTeam. The news of this change was announced on April 29th when SkyTeam and SAS officially signed an Alliance Adherence Agreement (AAA) which serves as an important step toward SAS’ official entry into the (SkyTeam) global airline alliance.

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.

Anko van der Werff, SAS President and CEO

Once the SAS has transitioned, SkyTeam will grow to 20 members, and Star Alliance will remain the largest with 25 member airlines.

SkyTeam members (19) as of April 2024:

  1. Aerolíneas Argentinas
  2. Aeromexico
  3. Air Europa
  4. Air France
  5. China Airlines
  6. China Eastern Airlines
  7. Czech Airlines
  8. Delta Air Lines
  9. Garuda Indonesia
  10. ITA Airways
  11. Kenya Airways
  12. KLM
  13. Korean Air
  14. Middle East Airlines
  15. Saudia
  16. TAROM
  17. Vietnam Airlines
  18. Virgin Atlantic
  19. XiamenAir

Star Alliance members (26) as of April 2024:

  1. Aegean Airlines
  2. Air Canada
  3. Air China
  4. Air India
  5. Air New Zealand
  6. All Nippon Airways (ANA)
  7. Asiana
  8. Austrian Airlines
  9. Avianca
  10. Brussels Airlines
  11. Copa Airlines
  12. Croatia Airlines
  13. EgyptAir
  14. Ethiopian Airlines
  15. EVA Air
  16. LOT Polish Airlines
  17. Lufthansa
  18. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
  19. Shenzhen Airlines
  20. Singapore Airlines
  21. South African Airways
  22. Swiss Airlines
  23. TAP Portugal
  24. Thai Airways
  25. Turkish Airlines
  26. United Airlines

Loyalty and Lounge Access

Upon entry into SkyTeam, all SAS EuroBonus (frequent flyer program) members will enjoy benefits across most SkyTeam airlines. EuroBonus Silver members will be recognized as SkyTeam Elite level, while Gold and Diamond members will be recognized as Elite Plus.

Gold and Diamond members will also enjoy access to a network of 750+ airport lounges and SkyPriority services at eight airport locations, including priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling. SAS customers will benefit from easy connectivity across SkyTeam’s network of 1,060+ global destinations.

In regards to access to SAS lounges, the exact details have not yet been announced.  SAS currently operates six airport lounges across four countries, with locations in Copenhagen - Denmark (CPH), Oslo - Norway (OSL), Stockholm - Sweden (ARN), Gothenburg - Sweden (GOT), Chicago (ORD), and Newark (EWR). I expect all of these lounges to open up to SkyTeam members with lounge access.

Closing Thoughts

As a Delta traveler, I am excited to see the SkyTeam alliance grow with new members. I am also excited about the opportunity to visit any of their existing lounges. SAS currently operates at seven U.S. locations, and two of the airports have SAS lounges.

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