SAS A350-9 Business Class CPH-ORD
One of the most desired Rewardflying trips for me is flying on a new aircraft. When SAS announced their initial A350 route and it was Chicago, I immediately searched for reward flights. These can be tricky with SAS, but I found one within a few days of the inaugural. With one booked this led to planning for the three other A350 flights on my European carrier A350 comparison tour. SAS ended up being the fourth. Who will I judge to be on top?
Originally I had plannned on flying in the same day to Copenhagen but there was a storm forecast for the Zurich area which is where I would have been departing from. So arriving the night before allowed for a nice stay at the Clarion airport hotel. After breakfast it was off to the lounge.
The “upgraded lounge” in Copenhagen is a nice facility, very Scandinavian in design, wood floors and all. A multi-level area strangely has only a small elevator and huge staircase to get to the main level. But we are here for the A350 so let’s go there.
I would be flying on their first A350, SE-RSA
Boarding was on time as the excitment built. Having flown SAS on both their A330 and A340 I was anticipating a well appointed cabin and was not disappointed.
Boarding from door 2 and seated in row 3 gave this impression upon entry. Somewhat sterile using grey tones with the rust colored highlights made for a pleasant view. The cabin is open as middle seats do not have overhead storage bins. That makes a huge difference in overall cabin feel.
Seats are forward facing Vantage XL. Many operators use this seat. It may not be my absolute favorite, but depending on the configuration and cabin I would not hesitate to fly an aircraft with these seats.
My seat was not against the window, I had selected row 2 and when checking in saw I had row 3. Hmmm. My mistake originally or did they do a switcheroo on me?
There is plenty of room to put stuff, including this nice tablet holder, making use of otherwise non-usable space. My biggest complaint with this seat had been the seat controls on the armrest in earlier versions. Now they’ve moved it down to the side of the armrest, out of the way of accidental adjusting. The electronics are also easily accessible. A very good design.
And maybe the most important feature of the forward facing seat are the oversized foot wells, or at least not non-narrowing foot wells found in reverse herringbone style seats.
The front lavatory on this A350.
Time to go. Yes! SAS has the onboard cameras. Such a cool view.
Or the traditional view.
Amenities were fairly basic. A sustainable amenity kit, which has become the norm especially with European carriers and some not so noise canceling headphones.
Service was prompt and efficient on this flight. Which has been my experience with SAS on each flight taken with them. While not overly personal, the FA’s are respectful and attentive.
Today’s menu. And a fun one at that.
Mixed nuts accompanied my Negroni Mocktail which was quite refreshing.
But it was nearing 5 so enough of the mocktail, time for some red. This Portuguese red was nice but nothing to shop for at home.
In the spirit of Scandinavia, reindeer was on the menu so why not. I guess the whole Santa Claus thing growing up takes away from my enthusiasm for this appetizer.
The main course was offered with cart service. Actually I like this as it allows a view of the dish when otherwise undecided.
I chose the black cod, which is somewhere in there…
This was followed by a small duo dessert and not so french pressed coffee, at least it was poured from a coffee pourer and not the press.
All in all a satisfying meal. As was the IFE system. Yes there is something other than the onboard camera, the flight map!
Time for a nap on this 8 hour and 45 minute flight. Bedding was good, a little thin but this was a day time flight so it was fine. This seat (odd number row) was exposed to the aisle so if you are looking for privacy make sure to select an even row window seat on this plane.
Before landing a second meal was served. A traditional Scandinavian open faced sandwich.
And a nice surprise to close out a most enjoyable flight.
Arrival at O’Hare. Move A350 camera fun.
Stepping off this plane little did I know this would be my last time on an airplane for over 2 years. Everyone has their own stories so I won’t get into that. But one unfortunate result of COVID for SAS was they entered adminstration/bankruptcy duing this time. As a result two of their new A350 aircraft were returned and no longer are in the fleet. This was such a nice aircraft it’s really a shame for them. Currently they have 4 left.
My personal rating for SAS on this flight.
As for the A350 companison tour? It was fairly even. Of course all the aircraft were shiny new. Seat wise the BA Super Diamond with doors took the edge over SAS. I think I was too generous with the 7 for Air France, as I did not like that seat at all and won’t pursue it again. Food and Amenity was hands down SAS. Everything else was marginal, but overall SAS and BA were the winners, with SAS on top for me.
