On 1 September 2024, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) officially left Star Alliance and joined SkyTeam, marking a major shift in global airline alliances. As SAS joins SkyTeam as its 20th member, it expands the alliance’s reach, offering new connectivity to over 1,060 destinations worldwide. SAS’s transition boosts SkyTeam’s presence in the Nordic region, with improved connections through hubs in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo.
For SkyTeam Elite members, this means enhanced access to Scandinavian destinations and lounge privileges. SAS EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members now have SkyTeam Elite Plus status, giving them priority services and worldwide lounge access. Meanwhile, Star Alliance status holders lose these perks on SAS flights but retain benefits on other Star Alliance carriers.
By joining SkyTeam, SAS strengthens its codeshare agreements with key partners like Air France-KLM, with more partnerships expected soon.
With SAS now part of SkyTeam, the alliance becomes the only one to serve both the northernmost and southernmost commercial airports – Svalbard, Norway, and Ushuaia, Argentina.
This change brings exciting opportunities for travellers, with SAS opening up new regions such as Africa and Latin America through its new alliance ties. While Star Alliance loses its Scandinavian stronghold, SkyTeam gains a key player in the Nordic region, further expanding its global network.
For frequent flyers, it’s time to review your loyalty programmes and make sure you’re maximising the new SkyTeam benefits as SAS joins or adjusting your strategies if you’re a Star Alliance regular.
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