As one could probably expect, SAS‘ alliance switch from Star Alliance to SkyTeam is leading to an avalanche of news, with the situation developing day by day. Today we have the following two interesting developments to report: First, Delta SkyMiles and FlyingBlue have published their earning rates for SAS flights (and they’re quite good!). Secondly, Eurobonus members can now use their points to book (most) SkyTeam flights online.
SkyMiles & FlyingBlue Among First Programs to Publish SAS Earning Rates
Most European SkyTeam flyers are probably members of Air France and KLM’s frequent flyer program, FlyingBlue. Now, the wait is finally over and we know how many miles you’ll get for SAS flights.
Long story short, you’ll get 150% of the distance for business class flights and 125% for premium economy. In economy class, most booking classes will get you 40% of the distance on long-haul flights if you book the fare that includes luggage – pretty good. The light fare, however, only gets you 10% of the distance. Not great, but also not a huge surprise.
As you may know, SAS Plus is considered premium economy on long-haul flights, but considered business class on flights within Europe (e.g. previously by Miles&More). While FlyingBlue doesn’t explicitly mention this issue on its site, it seems that SAS Plus will be generally considered as premium economy, even on short-haul flights – an important factor for the earning of XP. Maybe FlyingBlue will clarify this in the following days.
The other SkyTeam program that is quite popular with many frequent flyers is Delta SkyMiles. While it’s become less popular since the big change this year, it’s still a good program to earn a SkyTeam status, especially for Europeans who are less affected by the spending-based status miles (MQD).
Interestingly, all premium economy booking classes will get 20% of the distance credited as MQD – the exact same amount as for business class tickets. As for the redeemable miles, business class gets 200% (generous – AF/KL flights often only get you 100%) and premium economy gets 125% (quite standard).
In economy class (if you book a fare with luggage), you’ll get between 50% and 100% of the distance as redeemable miles, and between 10% and 15% as MQD. Merely SAS economy light fares earn a laughable amount of 10% RDM and 5% MQD.
The non-light economy earning rates are quite good, as the common Air France/KLM economy booking classes only get you 25% RDM.
An interesting side note: If you book Delta-operated flights on SAS’ website (i.e. with an SK flight number), there’s a different earning table that applies. It’s quite similar, though.
There were also two other programs that have already published their earning rates for SAS flights. Korean Air‘s earning rates are pretty standard and China Airlines‘ are more on the unattractive side.
SkyTeam Flights now Bookable through Eurobonus
The mileage redemption chart has been adopted 1:1 during the transition. Starting immediately, SkyTeam tickets can be booked online, though not with all airlines (yet). Flights with the following airlines are already bookable:
- Air France
- China Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Kenya Airways
- KLM
- Korean Air
- SAS
- TAROM
- Vietnam Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- Xiamen Airlines
You can view the complete price table for award flights on the SAS website. Please note that the prices are listed for round-trip flights. One-way trips cost 60% of the points. There are no fuel surcharges, but there is a booking fee of €50 per person.
Conclusion
SAS’ transition to SkyTeam is taking huge steps forward. While ITA was almost ignored by most airlines for months (and still is by many), SAS has a lot of cooperation and recognition issues handled since day 1 of joining SkyTeam. And so, if any SkyTeam frequent flyers booked one of the many SAS premium economy sales lately, speculating that they’d earn a lot of cheap miles with those tickets – congratulations, you were right.
Cover Picture: Ditmar Lange