SAS Returns to Seattle After 57 Years Inside the New Copenhagen Route and Delta Codeshare Benefits

Post Published February 2, 2025

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SAS Returns to Seattle After 57 Years Inside the New Copenhagen Route and Delta Codeshare Benefits - SAS Launches Daily Copenhagen Seattle Flights with Airbus A350





SAS is re-establishing its presence in Seattle with the launch of daily flights from Copenhagen starting May 21, 2025, after a 57-year absence. Operating five times a week, this route will initially utilize the modern Airbus A350-900, offering a mix of business, premium economy, and economy seating. While the airline touts its focus on the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its Scandinavian ties, a change to the Airbus A330-300 is already scheduled to happen by late June. One has to wonder why start a route with one type of plane, only to switch a few weeks after. The return to Seattle not only highlights SAS's commitment to increasing connectivity between Scandinavia and the Pacific Northwest but also comes at a time of growing travel demand. Additionally, the integration into the SkyTeam alliance and the partnership with Delta Airlines will enhance options for travelers seeking seamless connections between Europe and the US. One has to wonder if the Delta codeshare, really makes it all that better.

SAS is initiating a direct Copenhagen to Seattle service utilizing the Airbus A350, a modern aircraft noted for its improved fuel consumption. The anticipated flight duration hovers around 10-11 hours, a considerable improvement over longer connecting itineraries. This marks the end of a 57-year gap in service, signaling a response to increased transatlantic demand and Seattle’s emergence as a prominent destination. The A350, known for its noise-dampening design, should make for a quieter, more relaxing ride. The code-share arrangement with Delta allows travelers access to over 300 destinations in the Americas and vastly increases connectivity for Seattle departing passengers. This Copenhagen-Seattle path seemingly targets Seattle's expanding tech sector with business travellers as it seems to offer a more direct and faster travel experience. The A350’s updated cabin features, such as improved air circulation are also noteworthy on a long transatlantic flight, but not that critical in modern airliners. We shall see if the cost of this route is competitive, especially for travellers who use points and frequent flyer mile programs, as there might be potential to save money using these methods and it’s critical for an airline to attract repeat customers. Seattle’s airport is a rising hub in the United States, so that the route is probably more than a coincidence in this regard and it could help long term. Finally, travelers will also be able to accumulate points using their EuroBonus program, which can be used on flights, upgrades or even hotel stays, an attempt to attract returning customers using these programs.

What else is in this post?

  1. SAS Returns to Seattle After 57 Years Inside the New Copenhagen Route and Delta Codeshare Benefits - SAS Launches Daily Copenhagen Seattle Flights with Airbus A350
  2. SAS Returns to Seattle After 57 Years Inside the New Copenhagen Route and Delta Codeshare Benefits - Delta SkyTeam Partnership Creates New Award Space on West Coast
  3. SAS Returns to Seattle After 57 Years Inside the New Copenhagen Route and Delta Codeshare Benefits - Norwegian American History Museum Opens at Pike Place Market May 2025
  4. SAS Returns to Seattle After 57 Years Inside the New Copenhagen Route and Delta Codeshare Benefits - Flight Schedule Links Seattle with 39 European Cities Through Copenhagen
  5. SAS Returns to Seattle After 57 Years Inside the New Copenhagen Route and Delta Codeshare Benefits - SAS Business Class Features Nordic Design and Fjord Inspired Menu
  6. SAS Returns to Seattle After 57 Years Inside the New Copenhagen Route and Delta Codeshare Benefits - Sea Tac Adds Priority Pass Lounge Access for SAS Premium Passengers

SAS Returns to Seattle After 57 Years Inside the New Copenhagen Route and Delta Codeshare Benefits - Delta SkyTeam Partnership Creates New Award Space on West Coast





SAS Returns to Seattle After 57 Years Inside the New Copenhagen Route and Delta Codeshare Benefits

Delta Air Lines is now offering more award space options on the West Coast through its expanded SkyTeam partnership. This development seeks to provide travelers with greater flexibility when using frequent flyer points, making it easier to book award tickets. It will be interesting to see how this change might simplify the booking process and enhance the overall travel experience. Given SAS's return to Seattle and the launch of the new Copenhagen route, this Delta partnership promises to strengthen connections between North America and Scandinavia. This could mean more convenient flight options for travelers and how it impacts price changes in the airline business.

Delta's collaboration within SkyTeam is poised to substantially increase award flight options, especially for West Coast travelers. By leveraging Delta's broad domestic network, flyers could now potentially use miles more strategically for improved routes and a much greater number of destination options. SkyTeam's global network, encompassing over 1,000 destinations, makes even a modest number of earned miles potentially capable of opening up routes previously seen as financially unviable. The newly available award space may offer opportunities to book premium cabin seats with fewer miles when compared to other alliances, particularly on sought-after routes such as Seattle to Copenhagen. Delta's improvements to its digital booking platform should also streamline the process of finding and managing award travel.

The A350's efficient fuel consumption, around 25% less than older aircraft, could also impact ticket pricing and, indirectly, be a benefit to travellers who are hunting for the best deal. The partnership between SAS and Delta should simplify connecting flights on multiple airlines for a single trip which previously would have been complicated. The Seattle route seems strategically designed to attract the tech community, where business travelers might be inclined to use travel miles for corporate trips. The A350's advanced cabin pressurization can contribute to a more comfortable flight, an important factor for long journeys across the Atlantic. EuroBonus points can now be utilized for more than just flights, such as hotel stays, and other services, expanding the rewards for frequent travelers. Finally, the new Seattle route also increases the potential for special offers, promotional tickets, and unique fare deals, as airlines often incentivize new routes, potentially presenting attractive deals for travellers focused on cost saving strategies.



SAS Returns to Seattle After 57 Years Inside the New Copenhagen Route and Delta Codeshare Benefits - Norwegian American History Museum Opens at Pike Place Market May 2025





The Norwegian American History Museum is scheduled to debut at Pike Place Market in May 2025, marking the 200th anniversary of organized Norwegian migration to North America. The museum's new exhibit, “200 Years of Norwegians in America,” aims to present the history and influence of Norwegian immigrants through personal narratives and artifacts. These events and the museum opening seem designed to coincide with broader commemorations throughout 2025 of this important milestone in Norwegian-American history. The timing of SAS's return to Seattle with daily flights to Copenhagen, may serve to enhance cultural exchange alongside the museum's mission. The new flight path seems intended to ease travel and promote cultural connectivity between Scandinavia and the Pacific Northwest.

The Norwegian American History Museum is preparing to open its doors at Pike Place Market in May 2025, a timely occurrence aligned with the bicentennial of organized Norwegian migration to North America. The museum’s exhibits aim to be interactive, emphasizing the profound impact Norwegian immigrants had on Seattle’s development. Expect displays focusing on maritime history and how their influence shaped local industries, from fishing to logging. Seattle's strong Scandinavian roots, especially the robust Norwegian presence, could drive local tourism to the museum. With over 50,000 residents tracing their lineage back to Norway, the appeal for these kinds of heritage destinations could have a solid base. The museum's design seems ambitious, as it’s reportedly drawing inspiration from traditional Norwegian building techniques, possibly incorporating environmentally conscious practices reminiscent of stave churches. This raises the question of how successfully they manage to reconcile old architectural styles with a modern setting.

The museum's emergence comes alongside an increased demand for international travel to the Pacific Northwest. It has been stated that this rise in tourist interest might serve as a booster for cultural attractions like this museum. It will be interesting to see if the actual experience will live up to this promise. It is unclear how far this increase in visitors to Seattle also benefits other parts of the city. The museum is also planning to include a range of culinary activities, offering guests a taste of traditional Norwegian fare, potentially attracting a segment of visitors interested in food tourism, in the heart of Seattle's thriving food culture. Furthermore, it appears that educational initiatives will form a core part of the museum's activities, seeking to involve local schools, and possibly increasing the quantity of visits from school field trips, solidifying local connections to Norwegian traditions. The choice of the museum’s location inside Pike Place Market should bring heavy foot traffic, as this location already attracts a substantial number of yearly visitors. It remains to be seen whether this will translate to repeat visitors of the museum itself, and not just walk-through tourists. The museum seems poised to attract a wide audience, but one may wonder how they will try to retain interest and offer something of value to local inhabitants.

It is expected that travel companies will jump on the new route by offering combined travel and museum packages and cultural excursions, possibly creating a synergy between the new SAS Copenhagen-Seattle route and Seattle’s own cultural and tourism offerings. How these will be priced and structured remains to be seen, but given the high cost of living in Seattle, affordability will likely be a major factor. One wonders if the museum will collaborate with area tour groups to construct immersive experiences integrating both the museum with other city sights, a prospect that could potentially enhance visitor appeal. Given the relatively long planning horizon of over two years, and the volatile nature of tourism and current financial situations, one can only hope that all promises come to fruition.







Scandinavian Airlines is reviving its direct service connecting Seattle and Copenhagen, a move designed to provide access to 39 European cities. Starting May 21, 2025, this route will run five times per week, offering an additional option to reach cities like Berlin, Milan, and Zurich through the Copenhagen hub. The airline plans to use a blend of Airbus A330 and A350-900 aircraft, signaling an investment in this growing market. This route aims to bridge Scandinavia with the Pacific Northwest region and its cultural ties, further enhanced by the planned Norwegian American History Museum opening. The addition of this route may provide new options for travellers to Europe from the Seattle area, but the real test is if the pricing will be appealing.

The newly reinstated Copenhagen to Seattle flight route, operated by SAS, offers a direct connection, thus avoiding the delays and hassle of multiple layovers. The deployment of the Airbus A350-900, a more fuel-efficient aircraft by roughly 25% when compared to previous models, also means that this could translate into lower costs for the airline and maybe better prices for travelers in the long term. The increased route network via the SkyTeam partnership with Delta may further increase cost competition, especially if more customers try to take advantage of frequent flyer miles.

Indeed, SkyTeam's broad network provides access to over 1,000 global destinations for frequent flyer mile redemption. It also opens up possibilities for booking premium cabin seats using fewer points, a bonus for those accumulating miles. The upcoming opening of the Norwegian American History Museum in Seattle introduces a culinary experience with Norwegian specialties that could possibly tap into the interest of food tourists. Furthermore, the historical significance of SAS’s route launch coinciding with the 200th anniversary of Norwegian migration to North America could further promote this travel destination, particularly for the many visitors who appreciate historic ties to this area.

Technological aspects of the A350, including improved cabin pressurization, might be of particular interest to those on longer transatlantic flights as they should provide an improved flying experience. The EuroBonus loyalty program provides flexibility with points redeemable across flights, upgrades, and hotels, an incentive for customers to remain with the airline long term. Given that Seattle is gaining prominence as a tech hub and travel hotspot, the direct SAS route seems designed to meet current demand trends. It’s worth noting that new routes are often promoted with special fares, which can be an opportunity for those seeking cost-effective ways to travel between Europe and the United States.



SAS Returns to Seattle After 57 Years Inside the New Copenhagen Route and Delta Codeshare Benefits - SAS Business Class Features Nordic Design and Fjord Inspired Menu





SAS Business Class aims to impress with its "New Nordic by SAS" dining concept, highlighting Scandinavian flavors and locally-sourced ingredients. Expect dishes like Norwegian fjord salmon and Swedish lamb, all thoughtfully presented in a prepacked cube, designed for easy dining at your leisure. This is all part of a larger plan which tries to blend convenience with gourmet experience in the sky. The business class experience also emphasizes its roots with lie-flat seats and attentive service, along with Scandinavian design influences. This is happening as the airline returns to Seattle after a long absence, and the overall approach seems to be about providing a premium travel experience based around high-quality service.

SAS Business Class appears to prioritize a blend of function and style, reflecting a Nordic design ethos characterized by clean lines and practical layouts. The cabin setup aims to reduce noise and distractions with its staggered seat arrangements. This approach is not simply about looks, studies have shown that carefully designed environments can positively impact passenger well-being and relaxation during travel. The in-flight meals, described as "fjord-inspired," emphasize local ingredients, a move which research suggests positively influences passenger satisfaction. The choice to focus on regional cuisine allows travelers to sample local culinary specialties. Meals include multiple courses, showcasing the range of Nordic fare, along with a curated list of drinks.

Technically, the A350, is also employing a more sophisticated air filtration process with a complete cabin air exchange happening more frequently, which is something that could be beneficial on long journeys. Further, the plane's cabin is pressurized to a lower altitude, which research indicates, may help to reduce the unpleasant effects of jet lag. From a marketing standpoint, it’s likely that the partnership with renowned chefs to develop their onboard menu will appeal to the discerning traveler seeking an enhanced experience. This emphasis on high quality meals is a tactic to improve brand recognition and attract business travelers, who value a premium touch. On a purely practical side, there's provision for high-speed internet access, allowing passengers to stay connected, a plus for business travelers wanting to work during flights.

Furthermore, with the reintroduction of the Seattle route after 57 years, this service is not just about getting from A to B. The connection seems strategically designed, and there's the coinciding launch of the Norwegian American History Museum, potentially appealing to travelers interested in cultural heritage. This approach appears to be designed to create a symbiotic relationship between the flight route and local attractions, creating a broader tourism narrative. The inclusion of the EuroBonus program is a tried-and-tested way for SAS to improve customer loyalty. This program isn’t only tied to flights but also rewards other aspects of travel with options to use points for hotels, and car rentals. Ultimately, SAS aims to deliver more than just transportation; it appears to be seeking to provide a comprehensive travel experience that integrates comfort, convenience, and regional influences. The most critical thing will remain the cost and if these combined offerings translate into good value for travelers.



SAS Returns to Seattle After 57 Years Inside the New Copenhagen Route and Delta Codeshare Benefits - Sea Tac Adds Priority Pass Lounge Access for SAS Premium Passengers





Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) is now offering Priority Pass lounge access for premium Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) passengers. This means those flying SAS can enjoy The Club SEA lounges, with two locations in Concourse A and the South Satellite, offering some refuge before their flights. This perk is part of SAS’s re-entry into the Seattle market after a 57-year pause, marked by the start of its direct route to Copenhagen. Partnering with Delta Air Lines aims to provide a greater selection of travel options to/from the Pacific Northwest. It is good to see that SAS is keen to improve the overall experience for its flyers, but one should consider whether these enhancements truly create enough value compared to price to attract the loyalty of cost-conscious travelers.

Sea-Tac airport is now offering Priority Pass lounge access to SAS's premium passengers, a move that increases options and convenience for travelers using the airline. This inclusion unlocks a range of airport lounges worldwide - over 1,300 - providing better surroundings and facilities before flights, including The Club SEA with its two locations in the airport. Specifically, the addition of lounge access allows SAS passengers some of the finer things at the airport pre-flight; such lounges with their free food and drinks can have a considerable positive impact on how a traveler feels overall before long travel times.

SAS's re-entry into the Seattle market also includes new service to Copenhagen. This direct link is coupled with a code-share agreement with Delta which is designed to streamline the travel experience. A few quick benefits include seamless travel connections between North America and Europe and also potentially additional Delta benefits for SAS passengers, the actual worth of which, is something to explore further. By adding lounge access and this new route to their service portfolio, SAS is seemingly making a push towards premium travel that should provide more comfort for their high-paying clientele.


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