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Update: SAS has officially joined the SkyTeam Alliance effective September 1, 2024. At this time, it is unclear when SAS awards will become bookable with partner airline miles.
In an October 3, 2023 press release, SAS announced that it had found new buyers to secure its future. However, part of the new owners' plan involves taking the airline out of Star Alliance, joining SkyTeam instead. And SAS has now provided additional details, including a timeline for the change.
In a statement paired with the original news, SAS President and Chief Operating Officer Anko van der Werff stated:
“Further, our move towards a partnership with SkyTeam determines a clear path forward for the company. Through the completion of this process and the opportunities presented by being part of SkyTeam, we will be able to further enhance SAS’ offerings for the benefit of our colleagues, customers and communities. We look forward to building a bright future for SAS together.”
Page Contents
Who Are the New Buyers?
The newly restructured SAS group will have four major equity stakeholders:
- Private equity group Castlelake will hold a 32.0% share.
- The Danish government will hold a 25.8% share.
- Air France–KLM will hold a 19.9% share, which is why SAS is switching alliances.
- Lind Invest will hold around 8.6% of shares.
- The remaining share will likely be held amongst current creditors.
If you held SAS shares before the new structure came into force, you will probably feel aggrieved. According to the Financial Times, all the current shareholders have been wiped out!
When Will SAS Move From Star Alliance to SkyTeam?
SAS will remain a Star Alliance member through August 31, 2024. Effective September 1, 2024, SAS will be a SkyTeam member with all its benefits.
EuroBonus SkyTeam benefits
SAS has yet to release the full details of members' benefits. However, here's what we know so far:
- Silver members will receive benefits like priority check-in and extra baggage allowance.
- Gold and Diamond members will benefit from lounge access, fast track, and priority boarding.
EuroBonus points earning changeover
For flights departing up to and including August 31, 2024, SAS members will earn EuroBonus points when credit flights with Star Alliance partners. If members have not credited their flight immediately, they have until September 8, 2024 to do so retroactively. After that date, members cannot retroactively claim EuroBonus points for Star Alliance flights taken before August 31, 2024.
From September 1, 2024, members will earn EuroBonus points for flights taken with SkyTeam partners. Points can be claimed retroactively up to six months after the flight's date.
Star Alliance award bookings
Star Alliance partner award bookings using EuroBonus points are now subject to the following timeline:
- Awards can be booked through August 31, 2024, even for travel date after that date.
- You can rebook your Star Alliance trip up to 24 hours before departure through August 31, 2024.
SkyTeam award bookings
Going forward, these are the new rules:
- You can use your EuroBonus points to book SkyTeam partner awards from September 1, 2024, for flights taking place from that date onwards.
- You can rebook your flights up to 24 hours before departure by contacting SAS customer service.
What the News Means for Star Alliance and SkyTeam
You still can earn and burn miles from Star Alliance airlines like United and Air Canada for flights on SAS. However, once the switch to SkyTeam happens, that won't be possible. While its premium economy and business class have good ratings, finding SAS premium award redemptions has been difficult. Whether that will change with new partnerships remains to be seen.
United's loss is Delta’s gain in this situation. Once SAS joins SkyTeam, you'll be able to earn and burn SkyMiles for flights on SAS. SAS will likely shift its route map to the U.S. and switch some of its current routes to Delta hubs instead of United ones. That would facilitate onward travel on connecting flights with SAS' new partners.
Related: Beginner's Guide to Airline Alliances & Partnerships
Our Take
If you were a regular on SAS and used to credit the flights to United or other Star Alliance members, you'll need to rethink and adjust your travel rewards strategy. Fortunately, there is no rush. You have through the end of summer to explore your options and decide how to deal with this change.
However, if you are a Delta flyer who regularly heads to Scandinavia, you probably have a spring in your step. You can start planning for new earnings and redemptions on your flights to the region.
Meanwhile, the good news for everyone is to see a decent carrier saved and continuing to operate. Ultimately, any news that means you can still earn points and miles is good news, even if the method is slightly different.
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