SAS to leave Star Alliance on 31st August

[YorkRailFan]

SAS today announces exciting details about the next chapter in its future commercial relationships. SAS will remain in Star Alliance through August 31, 2024, and customers can start enjoying benefits with most SkyTeam airlines beginning September 1, 2024.

Following this transition starting September 1, 2024, SAS EuroBonus members will enjoy loyalty benefits similar to those offered today with Star Alliance airlines with most of SkyTeam’s airlines.

SAS is in advanced negotiations with SkyTeam and many of its member carriers to develop and grow extensive commercial relationships. We look forward to giving our customers access to 19 new airlines and more than 1,060 destinations around the globe. Customers will enjoy continued access to their favorite cities and regions, while enjoying more travel options to previously unserved destinations.

“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,” says Chief Commercial Officer at SAS, Paul Verhagen.

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.

SAS ANNOUNCES NEXT STEP IN ITS ALLIANCE TRANSITION JOURNEY - SAS

www.sasgroup.net

This move is happening as part of Air France-KLM's purchase of SAS shares. SAS will benefit from partnerships with Delta in particular for their trans-Atlantic operations once they fully move to Skyteam. Note that the press release says that SAS' EuroBonus will collect miles from Skyteam members, but not specifically that SAS will join Skyteam on 1st September.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

SAS ANNOUNCES NEXT STEP IN ITS ALLIANCE TRANSITION JOURNEY - SAS

www.sasgroup.net

This move is happening as part of Air France-KLM's purchase of SAS shares. SAS will benefit from partnerships with Delta in particular for their trans-Atlantic operations once they fully move to Skyteam. Note that the press release says that SAS' EuroBonus will collect miles from Skyteam members, but not specifically that SAS will join Skyteam on 1st September.

I am excited but not as much as I once would have been because I am getting close to retirement - but definitely opens up some new route home possibilities for me!

e.g. CHA-ATL-CPH-MAN or CHA-DTW-CPH-MAN etc. Same options via ARN or OSL too.

Looking forward to it.

BTW - slightly OT - although I am Skyteam Elite Plus, being totally honest, in my opinion, Skyteam are the weakest alliance of the big 3 so SAS joining is a help.

 

[YorkRailFan]

Skyteam are the weakest alliance of the big 3 so SAS joining is a help.

Oneworld is the smallest of the Big 3 alliances in terms of members.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Oneworld is the smallest of the Big 3 alliances in terms of members.

I know and understand but look at the Global Coverage - I mean BA/AA/Quantas - fantastic.

 

[YorkRailFan]

I know and understand but look at the Global Coverage - I mean BA/AA/Quantas - fantastic.

Skyteam has giants like Delta, Air France-KLM and Korean Air though.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Skyteam has giants like Delta, Air France-KLM and Korean Air though.

I know - so you would think Asia-Pacific region would be covered well with Korean in the alliance but most of the talkboards I am on (FlyerTalk for example) all agree that in the past Skyteam are the weakest alliance.

I use Air France-KLM all the time when I book through Delta and occasionally AeroMexico who are also in the SkyTeam alliance. They did have Aeroflop in the past!!!

 

[YorkRailFan]

I know - so you would think Asia-Pacific region would be covered well with Korean in the alliance but most of the talkboards I am on (FlyerTalk for example) all agree that in the past Skyteam are the weakest alliance.

I use Air France-KLM all the time when I book through Delta and occasionally AeroMexico who are also in the SkyTeam alliance. They did have Aeroflop in the past!!!

Delta relies too much on Korean Air for their Asian operations. Vietnam Airlines is also Skyteam I believe, but Skyteam losing China Southern was a blow to Skyteam.

 

[atillathehunn]

I know and understand but look at the Global Coverage - I mean BA/AA/Quantas - fantastic.

They also have captive very high value, strongly O&D hubs like London, and strong presence/captive in high value places (or formerly high value) including Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney (as well as big hubs in the US) as well as high value connecting airlines like Qatar. Both OneWorld and SkyTeam have some big blackspots geographically, but OneWorld arguably captures more valuable markets and route pairs. Both are equally weak within Europe - their hubs are too far west. OneWorld is stronger in Asia/Pacific, and while SkyTeam is stronger in Latin America, it's very much a mixed market. Arguably SkyTeam are stronger than OneWorld in Africa with Kenya Airways, though again this is a market with strengths and weaknesses.

While Paris and Amsterdam are not poor cities by any stretch, they are not London. A recent piece in the Dutch media has highlighted that approximately 1 in 3 flights through Schiphol bring no benefit to the Dutch economy as they are nearly purely transit flights.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

At the end of the day, SAS joining SkyTeam is a really good boost.

 

[atillathehunn]

At the end of the day, SAS joining SkyTeam is a really good boost.

I didn't mean to say it wasn't - it was a comment on the overall strengths and weaknesses of the alliance.

It's a good boost (though not able to offer the once-competitive route to Asia 'over the top'). Additionally, given KLM's association with the oil and gas sector, it's an obvious add for high value flying.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

It's a good boost (though not able to offer the once-competitive route to Asia 'over the top').

I have flown Tokyo Narita - to Copenhagen but it did not fly the polar route - if that is what you meant by "over the top". However, we were over northern Russian airspace for most of the way.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Skyteam is weak on Europe-Australia/NZ, as only Korean flies beyond Singapore and if you fly with them you have to use LHR and spend a night in Seoul on the way back.
I don't think SAS will change that, and Russian sanctions don't help their Asian routes.
AF/KL partner with Qantas beyond Singapore, but prices are high and no mileage.
Despite being a Skyteam (Delta) member for decades, I flew LH last time Manchester to Sydney (actually on LX/CX going out and QF/LH on the way back) for the best fare by far.
Virgin Atlantic is still in a peculiar position, 49% owned by Delta but not fully integrated into Skymiles or their operating partnerships.
Over the years, I think alliances have weakened to the point where they don't work for passengers, even if they do for shareholders.
To think that Delta was once very close to Singapore Airlines...

 

[GRALISTAIR]

@LNW-GW Joint - most of my flying is on DL/Virgin Atlantic and will hit two million miles with them early next year. But you have explained very well what I was trying to say in that SkyTeam are/were the weakest alliance- certainly for where I fly. Virgin Atlantic are now trying to integrate into SkyTeam.

 

[atillathehunn]

I have flown Tokyo Narita - to Copenhagen but it did not fly the polar route - if that is what you meant by "over the top". However, we were over northern Russian airspace for most of the way.

I didn't necessarily mean the polar route precisely.

I meant that connections in Scandinavia were quite competitive heading to Asia - you were heading that way anyway.

This is no longer the case. Flights on many carriers (including all European carriers and some others) now can't/won't overfly Russia and so connecting via the Nordics is no longer an efficient routing. It will probably remain like that for the next 5-10 years (if not longer). It suddenly makes southern (ish) hubs like Istanbul look attractive (until you visit the IST airport and realise it's shiny edifice wears thin quickly), or even the gulf states.

 

[YorkRailFan]

On 1 September 2024, SAS joins
@skyteam
! With this, SAS travelers get access to 750+ airport lounges, SkyPriority services and much more. EuroBonus Silver will be recognized as SkyTeam Elite; Gold/Diamond as SkyTeam Elite Plus.

https://x.com/SAS/status/1784871580205449530

SAS will officially join Skyteam on 1st September, after leaving Star Alliance the day prior.
Skyteam for their part said:

Today marks an exciting milestone as SkyTeam and SAS have officially signed an Alliance Adherence Agreement (AAA), serving as an important step toward SAS’ official entry into the global airline alliance. SkyTeam and SAS are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for all customers. From 1 September 2024, SAS will officially become a part of SkyTeam, enriching the alliance with the best access to Scandinavian key hubs. This collaboration will bolster SkyTeam's global network, offering new destinations, enhanced connectivity, and a more seamless, elevated customer journey for all travellers.

From the moment SAS joins SkyTeam, EuroBonus members will enjoy benefits across most SkyTeam airlines. EuroBonus Silver members will be recognized as SkyTeam Elite level, while Gold and Diamond members will be recognized as Elite Plus. This will offer them access to a network of 750+ airport lounges and SkyPriority services at eight airport touchpoints including priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.

SAS customers will benefit from easy connectivity across SkyTeam’s network of 1,060+ destinations, which includes their favourites as well as previously unserved cities - particularly across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. SkyTeam and SAS share the vision of providing a valued customer experience through quality products, innovation, and dedicated service.

SAS to join SkyTeam Alliance

SkyTeam and SAS, flag carrier of Scandinavia, have signed an Alliance Adherence Agreement concluding that SAS will join SkyTeam on 1 September 2024.

www.skyteam.com

 

[YorkRailFan]

Some positive news for members of Lufthansa's Miles & More program who frequently use SAS.

As SAS prepares to leave Star Alliance, Lufthansa's Miles & More program is offering a status match challenge for SAS EuroBonus members.

Status match for EuroBonus members
In April, SAS revealed it would be leaving Star Alliance in August. Though SAS was a founding member of Star Alliance, its Chapter 11 Bankruptcy proceedings complicated its alliance membership. Air France-KLM rescued the airline and purchased a nearly 20% stake, and being that Air France-KLM is in a different alliance, SAS was bound to leave.Shortly after announcing that SAS would be leaving Star Alliance, the airline finally confirmed that it would join SkyTeam in December. Now that longtime frequent fliers with Star Alliance will lose their benefits with SAS' partners, Lufthansa is offering passengers a way to keep their status. The German airline has launched a status match challenge that will guarantee status until February 2026.Miles & More's Status Match Challenge was created for SAS EuroBonus members, and three status levels can be transferred over. EuroBonus Silver members can receive Frequent Traveller status on Miles & More, EuroBonus Gold will receive Senator status, and EuroBonus Diamond and Pandion will also receive it. There are different requirements for each status level.Those wanting to obtain Frequent Traveller status must complete 2 flight segments with Lufthansa Group airlines or co-issuing Miles & More airline partners by November 30. To obtain senator status, passengers must complete six flight segments within the same period. Upon signing up for the challenge, status will be granted until February 2025 and, if the challenges are completed, until February 2026.

The status challenge is a simple, five-step process:

Register with Miles & More
Take a photo/screenshot of your EuroBonus membership card, including your name, membership number and the expiry date
Upload your details and photo/screenshot to lufthansa.statusmatch.com
Once your information has been successfully validated, you'll automatically be assigned and registered for the Status Match Challenge
Successfully complete your challenge, and your status will automatically be extended.

Miles & More Launches Status Match For SAS EuroBonus Members Looking To Retain Star Alliance Perks

The challenge comes ahead of SAS' departure from Star Alliance.

simpleflying.com

 

[YorkRailFan]

As of today, SAS is officially a Skyteam member!

 

[GRALISTAIR]

As of today, SAS is officially a Skyteam member!

Yes it will be interesting to see how quickly booking options for me from TN/GA include options connecting in their hubs into Manchester- at reasonable cost of course. I am excited about this as I am only 22 months from retirement.

 

[AlterEgo]

A friend reports his Eurobonus switched immediately from *A to Skyteam at midnight. Seamless apparently. I’m shocked!

 

[GRALISTAIR]

A friend reports his Eurobonus switched immediately from *A to Skyteam at midnight. Seamless apparently. I’m shocked!

Fantastic- Virgin Atlantic not quite as seamless!

 

[YorkRailFan]

Star Alliance is offering a status-match for SAS EuroBonus members. Great news for EuroBonus members who want to continue to earn points on Star Alliance carriers.

On September 1, 2024, Star Alliance member carrier SAS exited the Alliance and joined as the 21st member of the SkyTeam Alliance. Consequently, SAS EuroBonus Elite Members will now get benefits on SkyTeam carriers, but if they were deeply entrenched in the Star Alliance ecosystem, they would be at a loss.

Star Alliance member carrier Lufthansa/Swiss/Brussels Airlines and other member carriers with a unified loyalty programme, Miles & More, ran an elaborate status match programme for SAS members to join and earn similar status in Miles & More. Now, Star Alliance has struck back with a much more significant response.Star Alliance has a coordinated response for SAS EuroBonus Elite Members. The alliance has partnered with StatusMatch.com and now offers status matches across 12 member airline programmes. You can pick only one match opportunity out of the 13 and get a new status in a Star Alliance member carrier. The status match is available through November 30, 2024, for the eligible elite tier members of SAS EuroBonus. Participation in the promotion is free of charge. You can apply for the Status Match here.

The following member airlines are offering a Status Match:

Air Canada – Aeroplan
Air China – PhoenixMiles
Air India – Flying Returns
Austrian – Miles & More
Brussels Airlines – Miles & More
Ethiopian Airlines – ShebaMiles
Lufthansa – Miles & More
South African Airways – SAA Voyager
SWISS – Miles & More
TAP Air Portugal – TAP Miles&Go
Thai Airways – Royal Orchid Plus
Turkish Airlines – Miles&Smiles
United Airlines – MileagePlus

Big: Star Alliance launches Status Match for SAS EuroBonus Members across 13 member airlines - Live From A Lounge

Star Alliance introduces a status match program for SAS EuroBonus members, offering elite status across 12 member airlines.

livefromalounge.com

 

[Mike395]

Star Alliance is offering a status-match for SAS EuroBonus members. Great news for EuroBonus members who want to continue to earn points on Star Alliance carriers.

Big: Star Alliance launches Status Match for SAS EuroBonus Members across 13 member airlines - Live From A Lounge

Star Alliance introduces a status match program for SAS EuroBonus members, offering elite status across 12 member airlines.

livefromalounge.com

Worth noting this only works if you've earned your EuroBonus status organically, rather than being matched into it.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Worth noting this only works if you've earned your EuroBonus status organically, rather than being matched into it.

Which is very fair in my opinion.