SkyTeam (SAS) status match

[Ihar]

Flying SAS from LHR->ARN. Will have just got to BA Silver and believe there is a status match? Which is the cheapest match route (Flying Blue?) and what are the benefits (for 1 Silver holder/3 PAX). All seems a bit of a muddle?!

TIA.

[titaniumostrich]

I guess that would be FlyingBlue Gold as the SAS status match already closed if I am not mistaken?

In terms of SAS flights it would include lounge access for 2 on the same flight (up to 3 hours from departure from April, but obviously limitless for connections). Usually small children are looked upon favorably by the lounge dragons, but if at capacity they might be charged as well. Extra lounge passes at Skyteam hubs can be purchased for others in your party, but note prices have recently gone up here as well. SAS still charges around £30 in line with other EU contract lounges, but KLM & AF upped to €50-€75 depending on either length of layover or time of day.

Also note: pre-SkyTeam agreements have not yet come to an end, so some lounges will only be available to those on an SAS business class ticket, not FlyingBlue/SkyTeam status. Main airlines involved in this strange situation are Lufthansa and ANA, who’s members are now barred from the SAS lounges, but SAS still uses (till the contracts expire) for their premium product. Same goes for a few contract lounges at outstations that do not have contracts with FlyingBlue yet (and SAS will perhaps move away from), I’d give SAS a call close to your departure date if said airport does not have a FlyingBlue-related contract lounge. All of these aervice agreements should be ironed out by the end of the year.

Seat selection is free including on all three, including the ever so slighty more roomy “economy comfort” seats (business seats with curtain adjustment) on KLM. Note only for yourself: not for your party. The main difference with BA. Same goes for fast track security, although you could ask kindly to tag the rest of your group at check-in (mixed results). 99% of the time you will all have the same boarding group.

1 bag is free for for this tier as well, although there is a very small change you might be charged at an outstation if travelling on an SAS light fare. Don’t know why this is still happening, but you will receive a refund promptly if you claim it back. Said light fare does not include cabin luggage either, although this is generally considered a FlyingBlue benefit. 99% of the time this is fine as they don’t take in/charge cabin luggage in your boarding zone number, but then again: they may do so at an outstation. You will be swiftly refunded this amount. Again, kinks in this merger they need to iron out.

[Ihar]

Thanks so much – thought I was going out of my mind reading conflicting rules left, right and centre. Probably give it a punt for £99.

Glad to know the internet and AI is making the world simpler 😀