Understanding sas upgrade with points
The SAS upgrade with points option is a fantastic way for EuroBonus members to enjoy extra comfort and perks while flying. With SAS, you can use your earned EuroBonus points to upgrade from Economy to SAS Plus or Business Class, depending on availability. This allows you to experience benefits like more legroom, better meals, extra baggage allowance, and access to SAS lounges—all without spending extra cash.
Frequent flyers on Scandinavian Airlines often accumulate EuroBonus miles faster than they expect, especially now that credit‑card partners and retail promotions pour extra points into member accounts every month. Instead of redeeming for short‑haul flights—or letting those points expire—many travelers find far higher value by opting for a SAS upgrade with points. This strategy converts an existing Economy or SAS Plus ticket into the airline’s coveted Business cabin, delivering lie‑flat seats, gourmet Nordic cuisine, lounge access, and priority services for far fewer points than a full Business award would cost. Below, we break down the eligibility rules, step‑by‑step instructions, and smart tips that will help you secure a seat up front without draining your mileage balance.
1. Check Eligibility and Seat Availability
Not every ticket can be upgraded. To use the SAS upgrade with points feature, you must hold a paid Economy Go, Economy Go Light, or SAS Plus fare on a long‑haul intercontinental flight operated by SAS. Codeshares flown on partner airlines are excluded, as are charter services. Upgradable inventory is the same bucket SAS uses for award seats (designator “I” for Business), so availability follows the airline’s dynamic, demand‑based revenue model. The easiest way to verify space is through the SAS website or mobile app under “My Bookings.” If an “Upgrade with Points” link appears next to your segment, seats are open. Alternatively, ExpertFlyer or KVS Tool can display real‑time “I” class seats if you prefer a more granular view.
2. Know How Many Points You Need
The number of EuroBonus points required for a SAS upgrade with points is fixed by zones, making it simple to plan:
| Route | Economy → SAS Plus | SAS Plus → Business | Economy → Business* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scandinavia – North America | 20 000 pts | 30 000 pts | 50 000 pts |
| Scandinavia – Asia | 25 000 pts | 35 000 pts | 60 000 pts |
*Direct Economy‑to‑Business upgrades deduct the combined total. Taxes and surcharges already paid on the original ticket remain unchanged, but SAS imposes a modest administration fee (~€30) when processing the upgrade.
3. Execute the Upgrade
Once you confirm availability and point cost, log in to your EuroBonus account, open “My Bookings,” and select the flight segment. Click “Upgrade with Points,” tick the passenger names to be upgraded, and proceed to payment. Points are deducted instantly, and a new e‑ticket receipt arrives by email within minutes. If seats disappear mid‑transaction, the website will alert you before points debit—no nasty surprises. For travelers who prefer human assistance, the EuroBonus hotline (+46 8 797 4000) can also process the request, although phone upgrades incur a SEK 150 (~€13) service fee.
4. Last‑Minute Upgrades at Check‑In
If award inventory is tight, you can still gamble on a same‑day SAS upgrade with points. Online check‑in opens 30 hours before departure, and SAS often releases additional Business seats at that moment. Head to the “Check‑In” section in the app, look for a banner labeled “Upgrade with Points,” and complete the transaction. Because these seats were likely unsold, the required points may be slightly lower than advance‑purchase levels, delivering excellent value to opportunistic flyers.
5. Combine Points with Cash (Points + Pay)
Suppose you’re a little short of the required balance; SAS allows a hybrid Points + Pay option. For example, if you have 25 000 EuroBonus points but need 30 000 for a SAS Plus‑to‑Business jump, you can contribute the missing 5 000 points’ value in cash—usually about €75. This flexibility ensures you never leave points stranded while still enjoying the full Business‑Class experience.
6. Maximize Success Rates
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Book Off‑Peak Dates: Mid‑week departures outside school holidays see lighter Business‑Class loads, increasing upgrade inventory.
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Monitor Alerts: Set a Google Calendar reminder 30 hours before take‑off to log in exactly when additional seats drop.
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Maintain Elite Status: EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members receive priority in the wait‑list queue if multiple passengers request the same seat simultaneously.
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Upgrade the Longest Legs: On multi‑segment itineraries, focus points on the transatlantic or trans‑Pacific sectors where the lie‑flat seat delivers maximum comfort.
Final Thoughts: Stretch Your Miles, Enhance Your Flight
The SAS upgrade with points option is one of the smartest redemptions in the EuroBonus ecosystem. For a predictable, zone‑based number of points—often less than half the cost of booking a Business award outright—you can transform a standard Economy ticket into a luxurious experience marked by wider seats, premium dining, and exclusive lounges. By understanding eligibility rules, tracking seat availability, and timing your request strategically, you’ll unlock outsized value from every mile earned. Next time you fly SAS long‑haul, don’t settle for cramped legroom; leverage your points and arrive refreshed, relaxed, and ready to enjoy your destination.
