Trip report by: ARNBER
This detailed review covers my inaugural journey in SAS Business Class between Stockholm and Hong Kong aboard their latest cabin. I invite you to explore this experience with me.
Turning 30 prompted me to mark the occasion with something extraordinary—a business class trip to Asia. My partner, who spent her childhood in Guangzhou, and I selected Hong Kong as our destination, allowing us to blend nostalgia with discovery. We secured our tickets during one of SAS’s competitive fare sales, coinciding with the launch of this direct route.
The roundtrip fare was under SEK 4,300 (approx. €460, £355, or $506) per person—an exceptional value for a premium long-haul flight. The deal sweetened when, just two days before departure, my EuroBonus points upgrade to SAS Plus (premium economy) was approved. I was already anticipating the enhanced comfort, but then came a surprise: when checking in online, I discovered we’d been further upgraded—this time, as a gesture for my EuroBonus Diamond status. Double upgrades aren’t common, so I felt genuinely privileged. Even better, our flight would feature SAS’s state-of-the-art business class cabin.
We made our way to Stockholm Arlanda via Flygbussarna airport coaches, eager to escape the persistent late-winter chill and grey skies. Our afternoon departure meant we had time to unwind in the newly renovated SAS Gold Lounge, which now offers expanded seating, elevated design, and a markedly improved dining selection. The Scandinavian-inspired interiors evoke an upscale, minimalist aesthetic reminiscent of IKEA—subtle, functional, and welcoming.
The day’s buffet offered highlights such as cured salmon, fresh pasta, roast chicken, salads, a hearty soup, a cheese assortment, and a well-curated bar featuring an array of wines and spirits. For those with a sweet tooth, pastries were limited, but the overall culinary standard was notably high for a European business lounge.
I opted for a non-alcoholic lunch, still catching up on work, but soon transitioned into holiday mode. About an hour before takeoff, we left the lounge to clear passport control, which, in our experience, is efficient at Arlanda—rarely exceeding a 10-minute wait, even during busy international departures. En route, we passed an engaging exhibit by the Swedish Airport Authority, spotlighting the industry’s push toward sustainable aviation fuel. With my background in climate policy and aviation sustainability, I appreciate the visible commitment to greener travel. For those looking to offset their carbon footprint, SAS’s own offset program is robust, and alternatives such as ATMOSFAIR | Climate Protection and CO2 Offsetting – Welcome offer additional transparency and options.
Boarding commenced about 35 minutes prior to departure, and the flight was at capacity. Our aircraft, “Frithof Viking,” is one of SAS’s Airbus 330 Enhanced jets, featuring their signature new long-haul cabin.
As first-time business class travelers, my partner and I were filled with anticipation. Upon boarding through the second door, we made the classic left turn into the business cabin, where we were warmly welcomed by the dedicated crew. Our seats, 8C and 8D, were the only adjacent pair remaining—located at the rear of the cabin.
The SAS Business Class cabin features a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger—a hallmark of modern premium cabins. The design delivers a private yet sociable feel; although my seat was more exposed to the aisle, conversation with my partner was effortless.
The seats themselves are supremely comfortable, offering a full range of adjustments (including massage, lounge, and fully flat modes), individual reading lights, universal power ports, and high-quality noise-cancelling headphones. The Scandinavian-inspired materials and finishes lend the space an understated elegance. (The wool blanket pictured is a personal item, not standard issue.)
SAS provides a thoughtfully assembled amenity kit, featuring skincare products by Swedish brand REN (About REN). According to my partner, REN’s formulations are both effective and luxurious—a sentiment echoed by many frequent flyers.
Soon after settling in, the crew offered pre-departure beverages. We toasted our adventure with Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV Champagne (Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV | France | Winedirect.co.uk), renowned for its complexity and finesse—an excellent business class pour. For those interested in menu details, see the included images for a comprehensive look at the unique selections.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is now standard for all SAS Business, SAS Plus, and elite members, reflecting an industry trend toward inclusive connectivity for premium travelers. While some competitors still charge, SAS’s approach is both guest-centric and progressive.
We departed punctually, heading east over Finland. Around 20 minutes after takeoff, the seatbelt sign was switched off, and the crew began the cocktail service, presenting warmed nuts and a second round of drinks. SAS’s signature cocktails, such as the SASmopolitan and the Take-off, are elegantly served in Orrefors crystal glassware, showcasing Scandinavian craftsmanship.
The menu features six signature cocktails—if you’re curious about the recipes, the menu card provides full descriptions.
With drinks in hand and the cabin settling into a tranquil atmosphere, we prepared for the first meal service.
Dining in the Sky: SAS Business Class Menu
Dinner commenced about 90 minutes into the flight, just as we crossed into Russian airspace. The daylight streaming through the windows set the stage for a memorable meal.
The multi-course dinner included a starter, main, cheese plate, and dessert. Starters and mains were plated and presented from the galley, while cheese and dessert were offered from a trolley, emphasizing choice and freshness. Each place setting featured real porcelain—sturdy and elegant. Hot towels were served with the aperitif.
Starter options included a vibrant mixed salad, smoked cod with whitefish roe and wasabi cream, and roasted duck breast (which had run out by the time the cart reached us). Presentation was on par with fine dining standards.
Main course choices ranged from spicy scampi with Thai rice and pak choi, to chicken breast with truffle ravioli, braised venison cheeks with potato gratin, and vegetarian gnocchi with ratatouille-stuffed peppers. We opted for the scampi and the gnocchi, as the venison was already popular with others. The scampi dish packed a punch—remarkably spicy, which my partner found amusing given my upcoming immersion in Asian cuisine. The vegetarian option, while well-prepared, lacked the excitement of the other mains—a common shortfall on premium menus.
In a nod to local collaboration, SAS serves a bespoke porter developed with Danish craft brewery Mikkeller, tailored specifically for this route. The attentive crew happily left us with the full bottle to enjoy at our leisure.
After mains, tableware was cleared and the cheese and dessert trolley made its rounds. The cheese selection featured three varieties, complemented by fruit, crackers, and preserves. Dessert options included ice cream and a pear tart—both thoughtfully presented. SAS’s extensive tea menu, with options like green tea, Earl Grey, and jasmine, caters to the diverse palates of their Asia-bound clientele. The tart, in particular, was a highlight.
Subtle Scandinavian design touches abound throughout the cabin—details that reveal themselves over the course of the journey.
Post-dinner, it was time to recline and rest. SAS’s fully flat beds, enhanced by a mattress topper created in partnership with Hästens (the iconic Swedish bedding brand), provide exceptional comfort. The bed stretches nearly two meters and is wide enough to allow various sleeping positions. Hästens also supplies the plush duvet and pillow, elevating the sleep experience far beyond most business class offerings.
The seat’s lounge mode is perfect for relaxing or working; for exact measurements, consult SeatGuru. The entertainment system features a high-resolution touchscreen and a handheld remote—both intuitive and responsive. There are over 55 films available, spanning Hollywood blockbusters, European cinema, and a curated selection of Asian titles. All films are offered in original language, with English, German, Japanese, or Mandarin subtitles. Cabin announcements are typically in both English and a Scandinavian language, with English often prioritized due to the diverse passenger mix.
We discovered after several hours that the remote can be used as a pointer—a fun detail for tech-savvy travelers.
Following the meal, we managed a few hours of restful sleep, aided by the quiet cabin and premium bedding. I spent some time reading about Hong Kong and reflecting on the journey, drawing inspiration from classic literature—Goethe included.
In-Flight Refreshments and Breakfast Service
During the night, a self-serve bar is available for business class guests, stocked with premium spirits, confectionery, and snacks. Notably, the whisky selection features a special edition Glenfiddich, alongside quality gin and cognac. The temptation to take home the Hästens pillow was strong, but we resisted!
About 100 minutes before landing, the cabin lights dimmed and gentle music signaled the transition to breakfast. Mood lighting, now standard on many SAS flights, was not activated on this leg—a missed opportunity for enhanced ambiance during the nighttime crossing.
Breakfast was substantial, featuring a generous spread: sausages, yogurt, fresh fruit, muesli, and a particularly well-prepared omelet. The attentive crew, relaxed and personable throughout, engaged us in friendly conversation—even offering Instagram filter suggestions for our many photos.
After nearly 10 hours aloft, we touched down in Hong Kong feeling refreshed and thoroughly satisfied. SAS’s business class continues to set high standards for transcontinental travel, blending Scandinavian design, culinary excellence, and attentive service.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
For those interested in the SAS Plus experience, my review of the return trip to Stockholm will be published soon.
