I leave for my 3 week vacation to France/Italy next Wednesday and would like your comments regarding SAS and Austrian airlines. I've never flown on either of these carriers before and would very much like to know from those that have flown with either their opinions. I leave out of IAD into CPH and CPH into Nice on SAS and returning out of Florence into Vienna and Vienna into IAD. Your comments are appreciated.

jdc

I've always had good flights on SAS. Another point about CPH, if you have a bit of a layover and want to freshen up, there are saunas/dayrooms in the lower level of the airport available for a modest fee. A good hot sauna does wonders for jet lag.

Thank you Flyinggolfer. The sauna sounds so good and soothing, but not sure if I will have time, but if I do it will be well worth it.

jdc

Flew biz class on SAS and it was quite nice. CPH airport was also very nice and easy to change planes in. Wish I had known about the sauna!

I've flown OS (Austrian Airlines) within Europe. Service is ok, they even served a small potion of hot meals on economy class (!), metals/seats were a bit old but not a big deal for maximum 2-3hr flights. The only thing is, they are not the most financially solid airline, to say the least (though in far better shape than Alitalia). There has been consistant talk if Luftie would buy OS.

<i>if you have a bit of a layover and want to freshen up, there are saunas/dayrooms in the lower level of the airport available for a modest fee.</i>

Are you sure this is still there? I fly out of CPH a lot (1-3 times per month) and have never seen anything like this.



As to the question at hand. SAS is decent enough. Your trans-Atlantic plane will be an A330/A340 in a 2-4-2 configuration. Seating is pretty standard, and can be tight if stuck beside a large Scandinavian. You will have a seat-back video, but it will likely be movies on a loop, rather than AVOD. Food is passable, though the breakfasts can be very &quot;Nordic&quot; and not to everyone's taste. Service is efficient and professional, but not very friendly. Booze is free, but you may have to go back to the galley to get any drink refills, as the FAs tend to disappear (which is fine, given that it is a night flight and people want to sleep).

For the intra-European flight, the planes are usually pretty comfortable - comparable to a US domestic plane. But, note that food and drinks are pay for only. This includes water. I suggest getting something in the airport to carry on.

CPH is a good airport to connect in. Immigration is pretty painless, and once through, the airport is basically one long terminal with piers sticking off with the gates. Shopping is good, but expensive. Dining options can be limited, but I usually stick with hot dogs from the stand by the C gates.

<i>There has been consistant talk if Luftie would buy OS.</i>

And, apparently, SAS has approached Lufthansa about selling themselves, as well. But I wouldn't worry about either airline. They are not the basket cases like Alitalia, and would certainly be gobbled up by Lufthansa, Air France, or BA if it came down to it.

Are you sure this is still there? I fly out of CPH a lot (1-3 times per month) and have never seen anything like this.


It was in July 07 when I was connecting to Vilnius. I think they refer to it as the TransferHotel.

I flew business class on Austrian Airlines a few years ago, and it was more like first class. Definitely the best airline I've ever flown on.

I agree with Underhill. We flew IAD to Delhi via Vienna business class and Austrian Air was wonderful -- food, seats, service. Never flown SAS, but we would jump at opportunity for AA again.

Thanks to everyone for your comments to my post.

Since you've all had good experiences on both carriers (with the exception of the sandwiches on SAS, I'll have remember to make my own), I'm even more excited about my trip next week.

Thank you all again.

jdc

I also forgot to mention that connecting at Vienna is very easy--we had 45min connection, the incoming flight was a bit late, but their minimum connection time is like 30min.

I am at CPH right now and confirmed with the info desk that the transit hotel has been closed.

Thanks for that update Travelgoumet.

jdc

I had the worst flight of my life on SAS a couple of years ago - and found the crew pretty bloody unsympathetic.

I'd never fly them again - which is a pity as I travel to Sweden regularly and SAS is convenient from Oz.