Airline vs Airline
0 shared routes · SkyTeam vs Oneworld
| Feature | SAS Scandinavian Airlines | Finnair |
|---|---|---|
| Product | SAS Business | Business Class |
| Alliance | SkyTeam | Oneworld |
| Seat Type | Staggered Lie-flat | Staggered Lie-flat |
| Layout | 1-2-1 | 1-2-1 |
| Bed Length | 78 inches | 77 inches |
| Seat Width | 21 inches | 21.5 inches |
| Screen | 17-inch | 18-inch |
| Privacy | Open suite | Open suite |
| Rating | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Avg. Price | $3,000 | $3,000 |
SAS Business
SAS positions its business class as a refined, minimalist alternative to the more maximalist Gulf and Asian carriers — competent long-haul hard product paired with warm, Scandinavian-inflected service. It sits solidly in the upper-middle tier of European business class offerings, ahead of many legacy short-haul products but behind the top-tier Gulf carriers in terms of sheer luxury.
Business Class
Finnair positions itself as the most efficient gateway between Europe and Asia, leveraging Helsinki's polar routing to shave hours off flight times versus competitors. Its long-haul business class product competes credibly with other European flag carriers through the innovative AirLounge seat, while its Nordic design ethos and calm, understated service style differentiate it from flashier Gulf or Asian carriers.
SAS operates its long-haul business class with a staggered herringbone configuration featuring fully lie-flat seats that recline to 78 inches. The seats provide direct aisle access for every passenger but lack doors or substantial privacy dividers, making the cabin feel relatively exposed. Finnair's business class utilizes a similar staggered configuration on its A350 fleet with fully lie-flat seats extending to 77 inches, though like SAS, privacy remains limited without proper doors or high partitions.
Where SAS distinguishes itself is through EuroBonus, a program that offers exceptional Star Alliance redemption value and generous elite status benefits that extend across the alliance. The Scandinavian airline also provides access to SAS Lounges in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm, which offer comprehensive amenities including hot meals and premium spirits. Finnair counters with strong Oneworld connectivity through its partnership with American Express Platinum cardholders and JAL, plus Helsinki's excellent lounge featuring a Finnish sauna and locally-inspired Nordic cuisine that surpasses SAS catering.
Catering represents Finnair's strongest advantage over SAS. The Finnish carrier emphasizes seasonal Nordic ingredients with restaurant-quality presentation and extensive champagne selections, while SAS offers competent but less inspired meal services.
Verdict: Choose Finnair for superior dining and a premium Helsinki hub experience, particularly when connecting to Asia. Select SAS for better frequent flyer program value and stronger European network coverage through Star Alliance.
Choose Finnair for the superior cabin experience (8.4/10). Choose SAS Scandinavian Airlines if value matters most — fares average ~$3,000 on shared routes.
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