SAS has announced it will leave the Star Alliance at the end of August.
The move follows the restructuring of the Scandinavian carrier, which is seeing SkyTeam member Air France-KLM take a stake in SAS.
Back in October last year it was confirmed that the airline would “eventually” join SkyTeam, and this transition will now begin on 1 September 2024.
SAS will leave Star Alliance on 31 August, and from the following day “SAS EuroBonus members will enjoy loyalty benefits similar to those offered today with Star Alliance airlines with most of SkyTeam’s airlines”.
It’s not clear exactly when the carrier will officially join SkyTeam, with SAS stating that it is in “advanced negotiations with SkyTeam and many of its member carriers to develop and grow extensive commercial relationships”.
The airline added that it has “worked closely with both Star Alliance and SkyTeam and many of their members over the last six months to ensure a smooth transition for all customers and our EuroBonus members”.
SAS has published a page on its website with more information on the transition, which confirms that from 1 September EuroBonus members will earn Basic points when flying on “most SkyTeam airlines”.
It also states that from the start of September EuroBonus Silver members will enjoy benefits such as extra baggage allowance and priority check-in with most SkyTeam airlines, while EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members will enjoy benefits such as lounge access, fast track and priority boarding – again “with most SkyTeam airlines”.
Also note that EuroBonus members will have until 8 September to claim missing points for flights on Star Alliance airlines that they have completed until 31 August.
SAS said that more information would be shared on the transition “in the coming weeks and months”.
Commenting on the news Chief commercial officer at SAS, Paul Verhagen, 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.”
Star Alliance has also released a statement, in which it said that it “will continue its tradition of exceptional global connectivity and superior customer experience in Scandinavia”.
“Since its founding in 1997, Star Alliance and its member airlines have maintained a significant presence in Northern Europe,” the alliance continued.
“Loyal customers who travel to and from Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have come to appreciate the many benefits of the superior customer experience and loyalty reciprocation that Star Alliance member airlines proudly provide globally, and in Scandinavia.
“SAS Scandinavian Airlines plans to exit Star Alliance on 31 August, 2024. On behalf of our member airlines, we thank SAS and its employees for contributing to the superior customer experience for which Star Alliance is globally renowned.
“During this transition, the experience of our customers is top of mind. Star Alliance, its member airlines, and SAS intend to ensure that this change is seamless for customers, particularly with respect to previously booked flights.
“Members of frequent flyer programmes should consult their individual airline programs directly with specific questions related to mileage accrual and redemption for travel within the Star Alliance network.
“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.
“On 1 September, Star Alliance will have 25 member airlines dedicated to fulfilling and enhancing their customers’ global journeys. Star Alliance continues to hold its position as the world’s largest and foremost global airline alliance, providing over 17,000 daily departures and serving more than 1,100 airports across 187 countries.
“In Scandinavia, Star Alliance and its member airlines will continue to provide customers with a wide choice of travel options and focus on delivering a superior customer experience.”
