Here at Thrifty Traveler, we search for cheap economy and business class fares flying to Europe and back every day for our Thrifty Traveler Premium members. But of all the deals we've found lately (and there are plenty!), I'm convinced we've found the best bargain to cross the Atlantic … and it's not in economy or in business class, either.
It's called SAS Plus, the premium economy cabin on Scandinavian Airlines. And lucky for all of us, it's on sale right now: With fares in the $600s, you can book a trip to Europe for the price of basic economy – maybe less!
SAS may not be top of mind for U.S. travelers, but it should be. The airline connects more than a half-dozen major U.S. cities (plus one in Canada!) to Copenhagen (CPH), Oslo (OSL), or Stockholm (ARN), then onward throughout much of Europe – especially northern Europe.
Plus, there's all the more reason for many Delta flyers to start paying attention now. Come September, SAS will join Delta's SkyTeam alliance, meaning you'll be able to earn towards Delta Medallion status and add to your stash of SkyMiles when you fly with SAS.
From lie-flat business class to premium economy and back to your standard economy seats, SAS is largely on par with your favorite airlines … but not on price. Unlike the others, SAS runs frequent sales on transatlantic routes, cutting fare prices down into the $300s in economy and $600s in premium economy.
They're at it again, with another fantastic sale on transatlantic fares for a trip this fall through next spring. But you'll have to act fast: These lower fares are only bookable through July 8.
Here's why you shouldn't wait if you want to book a flight to Europe!
SAS Premium Economy is Way Better than Economy
You'll find SAS Premium Economy seats, called SAS Plus, on all its flights between the U.S. and Europe. These are primarily operated on its Airbus A330 or A350 aircraft.
Best of all, you can sometimes book these seats on the cheap. This is one of those times.
Read next: Our Full Review of SAS Plus Premium Economy
More legroom, a larger seat with more recline, free seat assignments, two checked bags, and free Wi-Fi are all included when booking an SAS Plus premium economy ticket. You can even access SAS's lounges before departure, a perk most airlines reserve for business class and up.
We flew SAS Plus and found it was a more-than-comfortable way to fly across the pond. You can read all about it in our detailed review.
The seats are arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration, giving couples the chance to fly together on the sides of the plane and only creating one middle seat per row. The seats are a full inch wider than their economy seats – and trust me, even one inch of extra shoulder space is a game changer – and feature footrests and individual armrests for every seat, too.
When you add in a little extra recline and an amenity kit, you're looking at something far, far superior to the back of the plane.
The food and drink definitely aren't as fancy as up in business class, but little touches like real silverware make a difference when dining at 30,000 feet.
SAS Plus gives you more space and elevated service. It's a comfortable way to fly across the Atlantic if you're looking for something in between a standard economy seat and the fancy seats in business class.
The lounge access that comes with a SAS Premium Economy ticket is a huge differentiator over other airlines' premium economy cabins, too. I've personally only ever heard of premium economy passengers getting lounge access with Japan Airlines – and that's only when you're flying from Japan. With SAS, you get lounge access just like a business class customer.
But is it worth it to upgrade to SAS Plus? Yes. Yes it is.
SAS Premium Economy is the Price of Economy
SAS Plus might be about double the price of SAS economy, but it's still an incredible value. Let me show you why I always scope out SAS Plus fares during these sales.
As soon as this latest sale was announced earlier this week, we started searching all of SAS's fares and found some stellar deals for our Thrifty Traveler Premium subscribers. Those aren't standard economy prices…
These are among the lowest premium economy fares to Europe we've found all year. But just how good of a value are they? Let me show you.
Let's say you want to fly from Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) to Helsinki (HEL) next winter to see the northern lights and visit the dreamy Lapland region of Finland for a little dog-sledding, cross-country skiing, and just a general winter wonderland vibe. (Can you tell I've been thinking about this trip?!)
This SAS sale can get you from Chicago to Finland in SAS Plus (including lounge access, a wider seat, and all the fixings we talked about above) for a phenomenal price.
Seriously, somebody book this or I will: SAS Plus premium economy fares are clocking in at $697 roundtrip on this deal.
Now, let's look at what it would cost you to fly another airline on the same exact dates … this time, in economy.
If you want to fly the bigger, better-known carriers like American, Lufthansa, United, Air France, KLM, or Delta, you're looking at a low of $723 roundtrip … in basic economy. That means no free seat selection, no free changes, and no free checked bags.
So for about $30 less, you can fly premium economy, bring a free checked bag, and select a seat. Oh, and you get dedicated service, lounge access, an amenity kit, and all the other extras we've already beat to death in this story.
File this one under “no-brainer.” I'm flying SAS Plus every time when given these choices.
SAS Sales are Outstanding
Most airlines don't advertise their best prices. SAS is an exception.
The key to getting the best value is booking during SAS's many sales. Every other month or so, SAS runs a promotion, slashing fares in all cabins.
Over the past year, SAS ran week-long sales in the following months:
- July 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- January 2024
- November 2023
- October 2023
- August 2023
Eight of the past 12 months featured SAS sales, so your chances of getting in on one are quite good. If you're a Thrifty Traveler Premium member, we'll round up the best fares for you as soon as the sale fares are posted. We always search economy, SAS Plus, and business class fares as soon as the sale is announced … and sometimes even before!
We already showed you the latest SAS Plus sale on premium economy seats, but the airline is also slashing economy fares right now.
I wouldn't hesitate to book fares to Europe in the $300s and $400s. These are some of the best deals you can get.
Plus, we also flew SAS Economy and found it was pretty much comparable to any U.S. airline flying overseas. The seats are set up in a comfortable 2-4-2 configuration, giving traveling couples a private row on each side of the plane. And you can't beat the price.
If economy isn't your style, business class might be. And all the way in front of the plane, SAS also offers a lie-flat business class seat that it occasionally discounts, too.
This deal was a stunner for a few reasons. For starters, the prices were good. While it's far from the cheapest-ever business class fare we've ever found to Europe, it's still solid.
But the real reason this deal was so special was the availability: You could snag these seats from several U.S. gateways over to many European destinations roundtrip. And more importantly, you could book at these prices even during the peak summer months and again over Christmas and New Year's in Europe, too.
Want to hit the Christmas markets in Scandinavia? Or hike between the castles of Luxembourg in the middle of summer? Done.
Again, your best bet at booking these seats for less is during one of SAS's frequent sales. But if you're ready for them, it's way cheaper than you think.
Bottom Line
I'm calling it: SAS Plus is one of the best ways to get to Europe in comfort for less.
It's a more-than-solid Premium Economy seat and experience at economy-like prices. The wider seat, more legroom, dedicated service, and even lounge access set SAS Plus apart.
To take advantage of SAS's current sale, visit SAS's website or head to Google Flights to start your search. If you want us to do the searching for you, sign-up for Thrifty Traveler Premium.