Oslo in three words: modern, charming, expensive. Luckily, I had the chance to spend the past four hours in Norway’s breathtaking capital Oslo, offering not only a lovely historic old town but also modern architecture and a lovely waterfront. But now it’s time to move on to one of my favorite countries in Europe: Sweden.
Do I want to fly there because hotels are up to 50% cheaper than in Norway? Absolutely. So let’s fly to Sweden.
Today I’ll be flying all the way to Stockholm Arlanda with SAS Scandinavian Airlines on board their Airbus A321 aircraft. This will be quite a short hop as the overflight time should be roughly 45 minutes. So please make sure to have your seatbelt securely fastened, grab yourself a glass of champagne, and enjoy the upcoming journey with me.
Check-In and Airport Experience
Oslo’s ATC tower is located landside right in front of the terminal building and some may say that it is tall but to me, it is just average. Oslo Airport was opened back in 1998 and is home to several carriers.
I’ll be on board SAS Scandinavian Airlines flight SK886 leaving at 7:30 p.m. and the check-in counters should be located at concourses 1, 2, and 3. I really appreciate that Oslo Gardermoen Airport features these self-bag drop counters which can be used by passengers of not only one but six different airlines. Of course, there are also normal staffed check-in counters and a service center for those passengers who may need further assistance from an airline employee.
Security and Gate Information
I made it through the security control within less than five minutes which was kind of expectable as the rush hour is over since quite some hours. Now we are on our way to the gate as we are now leaving Norway. As this is an international flight and Norway is not a part of the European Union, but it’s part of the Schengen countries, so you don’t need to go through a specific border control or body patrol or whatsoever.
However, unexpected issues can happen. If you need urgent documentation for international travel, you might need to check if an emergency passport and visa service is legitimate and available.
Unfortunately, it seems like my flight is slightly delayed. I also just received an email from SAS notifying me about that.
SAS Seat Selection: The Best Spot on the Plane
The boarding process for my flight to Stockholm has finally started with like 30 minutes delay. I really don’t know where this delay is coming from. Let’s head inside and check out the cabin interior.
Finally settled in at the, in my eyes, best seat of an Airbus A321, at least of Scandinavian Airlines. That is seat 25A, which is a seat right next to the emergency exit.
Why Seat 25A is Superior
I got great legroom here as you will see in just a minute and I also have a window on the left. Let’s take a first quick look around. As I am seated right next to the rear emergency exit, there is no seat in front of me so my leg room is simply amazing.
However, there are trade-offs with specific SAS seat selection choices. A foldable table is stowed in the armrest resulting in a quite narrow seat width compared to others. A sick bag, a safety card, and an onboard menu flyer can be found in the magazine compartment to my left.
Luckily the view outside is also fantastic. I need to mention however that the window glass is kind of milky. But finally, here is a quick view through the cabin from my seat which is probably the best one in the entire aircraft.
Seat Features
The seat itself comes with a grey fabric cover and its backrest can be leaned backward with this button on the armrest. Finally, the passenger service unit above me is a common one offering fresh air nozzles and reading lights.
My favorite feature of the cabin interior is definitely the USB power outlet. However, I had no one as there is no seat in front of me.
Do you guys know how such an Airbus A321 emergency exit is working?
The yellow arming lever which is located next to the small window is controlling if the slide is inflating once the door is being opened with the large so-called door handle or not. Normally all doors are armed by the cabin crew once the aircraft is moving indicated by the command “all doors in flight and cross-check” but all airlines have slightly different door operation procedures.
In-Flight Service and Amenities
We are finally airborne. Let’s take a closer look at the paper stuff in the magazine compartment shall we? Firstly here is the nicely designed sick bag and next comes the onboard menu card.
SAS offers a rather small and expensive selection of snacks and drinks but also light meals like instant pasta or pizza slices. But no worries if you’re thirsty but don’t want to pay for anything, you’re still fine as both coffee and tea are always complementary on all SAS flights.
If you are flying on a budget ticket, you might be interested in SAS Go Light options which usually restrict baggage but still include coffee and tea.
As this is a rather short flight I received my tea as we’ve already been starting with our descent into the airport. But anyway, it’s still freaking hot and you have to place it on the table.
Cabin Crew Experience
Cabin crew also did their final cabin checks already, gliding through the aisles with a focused but friendly efficiency. They made sure everything was tucked away perfectly without ever making the process feel rushed or intrusive to the passengers.
Cabin crew is absolutely lovely today. Their energy was infectious, turning what could have been a mundane flight into a truly pleasant experience. It was clear they took genuine pride in their work, which made all the difference in the world to the overall cabin atmosphere.
I can already say this at this point of the review. It’s rare to find a group that maintains such high spirits and attentiveness from the initial boarding call right through to the final descent. Even during the busier moments of the service, they never lost their composure or their smiles.
Just had a few words with them while disembarking the airplane, and they were just as charming during our brief chat as they had been throughout the flight. They took the time to wish everyone a safe journey with a personal touch that felt remarkably sincere.
Can only say once more that today’s crew was absolutely on point; they were really really nice. Their seamless blend of professionalism and kindness left a lasting impression that truly sets the gold standard for hospitality.
Arrival in Stockholm
Well, time to say goodbye to today’s amazing seat 25A right next to the emergency exit. Let’s head outside. Ladies and gents, welcome to Stockholm Arlanda Airport Terminal 5 I believe.
I’ll now head right into the city center Stockholm for two days before continuing to Poland to Krakow. If you are looking for deals on future flights to these destinations, you might wonder what happened to Hitlist app for finding cheap fares.
SAS Flight Experience Summary
| Feature | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft | Airbus A321 | Standard |
| Seat | 25A (Exit Row) | Excellent |
| Legroom | Infinite (No seat in front) | 5/5 |
| Amenities | Free Tea/Coffee | Good |
| Crew | Friendly & Efficient | 5/5 |
| Punctuality | 30-35 min delay | Average |
Thank you guys for coming along to today’s trip report. Have a lovely day. Cheers.
SAS Seat Selection FAQ
1. Is seat selection free on SAS flights? It depends entirely on your ticket type and EuroBonus status. Passengers in SAS Plus or Business can usually pick a spot for free. For SAS Go, you’ll typically need to pay a fee or wait until check-in.
2. When can I select my seat? You can choose your seat during the booking process or later via “My Bookings.” If you want a specific spot without paying, wait until check-in opens 30 hours before departure. Note that the best spots are often snatched up by then.
3. How much does it cost to reserve a seat? Prices vary based on your destination and the specific seat’s desirability. Standard seats are the most affordable, while “Preferred” or extra legroom seats cost more. You can see the exact pricing by viewing the seat map for your flight.
4. Do EuroBonus members get special seating perks? Yes, Gold and Diamond members enjoy free seat selection on most flights. Silver members may occasionally receive benefits, but it is less guaranteed. Always ensure your membership number is added to the booking to see your benefits.
5. What happens if I don’t choose a seat? SAS will automatically assign you a seat for free when check-in opens. You can attempt to change this assigned seat during the check-in window at no extra cost. Just keep in mind that your options might be limited to what’s left.
6. Can I book an emergency exit row seat? These seats are available for purchase and offer significantly more legroom. You must meet specific safety requirements, such as being able-bodied and at least 15 years old. The crew will verify your ability to assist in an emergency once you board.
7. Are families guaranteed to sit together? SAS makes a concerted effort to seat families together, especially those with children. To be 100% certain, it is always safer to pay for reservations in advance. Children under 12 are almost always placed next to at least one accompanying adult.
8. How do I change my seat after I’ve already booked? Simply log into the “My Bookings” section on the SAS website or app. From there, you can view the seat map and select a new location. If you choose a more expensive category, you will just need to pay the price difference.
9. Is seat selection included in SAS Go Light tickets? No, SAS Go Light is their “no-frills” economy option. Seat selection is considered an add-on and will require an extra fee. Most Go Light travelers wait until the check-in window to get a free random assignment.
10. Can I get a refund for my seat reservation? Seat fees are generally non-refundable if you choose to cancel your flight. However, if SAS changes your aircraft or seat for operational reasons, you are entitled to a refund. You will need to contact their customer service to process that claim.
Conclusion: Fly Smarter, Not Harder
Mastering SAS seat selection is about understanding the system and planning ahead. By knowing the rules for your specific fare type and leveraging key opportunities like the 30-hour check-in window, you can avoid unnecessary fees and secure a comfortable spot for your journey.
Remember that the cheapest ticket isn’t always the best value, especially if seating is important to you. For families and groups, the peace of mind that comes with sitting together is often worth planning for. With the strategies outlined in this guide, you are now equipped to navigate the SAS booking process like a pro, ensuring a more pleasant and cost-effective travel experience.