SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) has revealed plans to split from the Star Alliance global aviation group, switching across to rival SkyTeam later this year.
SAS was one of the five founding airlines of Star Alliance, establishing the network in 1997 alongside Air Canada, Lufthansa, Thai Airways International and United Airlines.
SAS will remain in Star Alliance through 31 August 2024, and EuroBonus members can enjoy similar loyalty benefits when travelling on most SkyTeam airlines beginning 1 September 2024. The changeover will see SAS working with 19 new airlines, and operating to more than 1,060 destinations around the world.
In general, EuroBonus members will still have access to the same benefits and point earnings based on their membership level when they fly on a Star Alliance carrier until 31 August 2024.
SAS is in advanced negotiations with SkyTeam and many of its member carriers to develop and grow extensive commercial relationships.
“Customers will enjoy continued access to their favourite cities and regions, while enjoying more travel options to previously unserved destinations,” SAS said.
Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS said: “We are thrilled to progress on our alliance transition journey and pave the way for delightful new destinations and loyalty program benefits across the world.
“Our focus now is to guide customers and our EuroBonus members on each step during this transition. We look forward to sharing more details as our journey progresses, with the aim to create a smooth transition to an exciting travel future with us,” Verhagen said.
In a statement, Star Alliance thanks SAS for “contributing to the superior customer experience for which Star Alliance is globally renowned.” Star said it will “continue its tradition of exceptional global connectivity and superior customer experience in Scandinavia”.
Star Alliance continued, saying “Going forward, 17 Star Alliance member airlines will continue to offer direct flights to and from Scandinavia, including Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, TAP Air Portugal, Thai, Turkish Airlines, and United. These Star Alliance member airlines will operate more than 3,700 flights per month to Scandinavia from 23 hubs worldwide, offering customers connections to more than 1,100 international destinations — the most by any airline alliance. In the future, Star Alliance member airlines may bring additional service to Scandinavia.”
In its statement, SAS added: “We have worked closely with both Star Alliance and SkyTeam and many of their members over the last 6 months to ensure a smooth transition for all customers and our EuroBonus members. All customer benefits of Star Alliance, including earn and burn of EuroBonus points, lounge access and other benefits along the customer journey will remain through August 31, 2024. EuroBonus will remain SAS’ loyalty program, also after SAS leaves Star Alliance.”
EuroBonus Benefits when travelling on a Partner Airline
For departures from 1 September 2024:
EuroBonus members will enjoy similar benefits with most SkyTeam airlines
EuroBonus Silver members will enjoy benefits such as extra baggage allowance and priority check-in with most SkyTeam airlines
EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members will enjoy benefits such as lounge access, fast track and priority boarding with most SkyTeam airlines.
