SAS Introducing Intra-Europe Business Class As Of October 2025

In September 2024, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) announced that it plans to reintroduce business class on intra-Europe flights, replacing the carrier’s current quirky SAS Plus product. There’s now an update, as we’ve learned when this new product will launch, and what we can expect.

SAS Business replaces SAS Plus on regional flights

As of October 1, 2025, SAS plans to once again offer business class on intra-Europe flights operated by regional aircraft, with tickets going on sale as of May 6, 2025. SAS highlights how passengers can expect the following from the new short haul business class:

• A new food & beverage concept with a more premium and flexible dining experience, including reusable premium tableware
• A section in the front of the aircraft, separated with a curtain and overhead divider from the rest of the plane
• Blocked middle seats, to ensure more space and privacy
• Priority treatment on the ground, including priority check-in, boarding, and access to more lounges

Here’s how Paul Verhagen, SAS’ Chief Commercial Officer, describes this:

“Many of our comfort- and quality-focused travelers expect a clearly defined European Business Class that aligns with international standards. While SAS Plus has provided an upgraded experience, it has lacked the recognition and clarity that travelers seek. With the reintroduction of European Business Class, we are ensuring that SAS offers the premium experience of a top European airline.” 

Now, intra-Europe business class isn’t much to get excited about, but it’s better than what the airline currently offers. For context, currently SAS has what it refers to as SAS Plus on short haul flights. That branding is aligned with the name of the carrier’s long haul premium economy product. SAS Plus consists of seats at the front of the cabin with complimentary drinks and snacks. There are also premium ground services, like fast track security and lounge access.

However, SAS Plus doesn’t have blocked middle seats, there’s no dedicated bathroom, and you’re primarily just getting economy food and drinks for free in business class. So these changes will more closely align SAS with what you find in the rest of the industry.

Why SAS is changing its premium short haul product

The timing of this development is no coincidence. Within the past year, SAS has received an investment from Air France-KLM, and the airline has also joined the SkyTeam alliance. The goal is even to get SAS into the SkyTeam transatlantic joint venture, which consists of Air France-KLM, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic.

It makes perfect sense for SAS to also more closely align its short haul product with that of partner airlines, so that there’s more consistency between airlines. For example, if someone is on a transatlantic business class ticket, they at least want a blocked middle seat on their connection, and SAS doesn’t want people booking away from the airline because of this.

Beyond that, we know SAS is embracing a new strategy, whereby it’s trying to turn Copenhagen (CPH) into a global hub, and become more of a hub-and-spoke carrier. For so long, SAS split its efforts, also offering long haul flights from Oslo (OSL) and Stockholm (ARN), and that made it tough to actually build a cohesive strategy.

Bottom line

SAS is making updates to its short haul premium product. As of October 2025, the airline will introduce business class on flights within Europe, replacing the current SAS Plus product. This will mean a dedicated cabin with blocked middle seats, a more substantial food and drink selection, more personalized service, and more. This seems like a sensible move, given that SAS is trying to align more closely with its SkyTeam partners.

What do you make of SAS introducing business class on short haul flights?