Scandinavian or Play Airlines?

[Anonymous]

Are both equally bad or is one better than the other?

Finding some good deals on both. Scandinavian allows 1 carry on but Play charges for that as well.

For a 2 week trip to Northern Europe in Spring (3 or 4 cities) - would it be better to just pay for the checked luggage and take 2 large suitcases for a family of 4 or take 4 carryons and 4 back packs. Since it will be rainy and colder than Southern Europe (temps in 50's from what I see online), I assume we will need more sweaters and at least 2 pairs of shoes and a waterproof jacket and a fleece jacket.

[Anonymous]

SAS definitely. Play is like riding the city bus. Basically the same seats as on the bus, no space, they don't even serve free water - you have to buy a bottle.

[Anonymous]

I love SAS. It does not feel like a budget airline to me -- on board experience is comparable to United. The budget part comes in their ticketing, with more tiers and having to pay for certain upgrades. We usually book the cheapest tickets and then pay for one checked bag since not realistic for us to fit everything in one carry on each. It still winds up being pretty affordable.

Also, regarding seat assignment, I generally book the tickets without it but then monitor the seating situation as our flight approaches and will purchase seat assignment if I'm worried. You can select your seats when you check in 24 hours before boarding, and most of the time there are still plenty of seats together at that point. I've only paid to pre-select seats once. But to do this you need to be willing to check the seating availability pretty much daily for the last couple weeks before the flight. It only takes a minute so I don't mind doing it to save over $100 each way. But some people don't want to bother in which case you might just want to buy the tier with assigned seating.

[Anonymous]

SAS is fine. Not any different than Lufthansa or Swiss Airlines or whatever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love SAS. It does not feel like a budget airline to me -- on board experience is comparable to United. The budget part comes in their ticketing, with more tiers and having to pay for certain upgrades. We usually book the cheapest tickets and then pay for one checked bag since not realistic for us to fit everything in one carry on each. It still winds up being pretty affordable.

Also, regarding seat assignment, I generally book the tickets without it but then monitor the seating situation as our flight approaches and will purchase seat assignment if I'm worried. You can select your seats when you check in 24 hours before boarding, and most of the time there are still plenty of seats together at that point. I've only paid to pre-select seats once. But to do this you need to be willing to check the seating availability pretty much daily for the last couple weeks before the flight. It only takes a minute so I don't mind doing it to save over $100 each way. But some people don't want to bother in which case you might just want to buy the tier with assigned seating.

Thanks! If we book 4 tickets, does it give you the option to do just 1 checked luggage or can you add it later after you book? How strict are they with carry on dimensions and personal bag dimensions from your experience? -my kids have a 20", mine is a 21" and my husband's is a 22" height carryon.

[Anonymous]

SAS is better than Play.

But definitely buy trip insurance! A few years back, we flew SAS to Europe and then there was a pilot strike. We were able to use our insurance to instead book a direct trip home on United. (Note - you need to be able to float the trip costs until reimbursement.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SAS is better than Play.

But definitely buy trip insurance! A few years back, we flew SAS to Europe and then there was a pilot strike. We were able to use our insurance to instead book a direct trip home on United. (Note - you need to be able to float the trip costs until reimbursement.)

Which insurance did you get? Is the credit card's travel insurance insufficient?

[Anonymous]

I have flown with both SAS and Play airlines. I don't consider SAS a budget airline. Last time I flew (December 2022), they included the personal item+ 1 carry on each, entertainment, and meals (no alcohol included though). If the price differential is significant, then I'd go with Play but between paying for extra carry-on's or checked bags and the likelihood that you will need to purchase at least some water (as it can be difficult to find the water fountain in some airports), if you are probably within $400, you are better off with SAS.

[Anonymous]

We had a great experience on SAS!

[Anonymous]

Just flew SAS for Spring Break -- and in previous trips. I booked and paid extra for seats because I just didn't have time to monitor and wait around. The overheads are very small (we are very much carry-on folks) and they encouraged everyone to gate check, which we did. If you don't have status or early boarding zone, forget it. Fast and efficient at baggage claim on both ends. You can always add and pay for baggage later...I suggest downloading the app. The SAS website is wonky!