SAS to Switch Airline Alliance Programs

SAS on Sept. 1 will join the SkyTeam airline alliance,
leaving behind the Star Alliance program on Aug. 31, the carrier
announced Monday.

Members of SAS’ EuroBonus loyalty program “will enjoy
loyalty benefits similar to those offered today” with “most of
SkyTeam’s airlines,” according to the carrier, which is in
“advanced negotiations” with SkyTeam and its member carriers
to “develop and grow extensive commercial relationships.”

The new alliance will provide SAS customers access to 19
new airlines and more than 1,060 destinations globally, according to the
carrier. Star Alliance benefits will remain in place through Aug. 31.

The main North American carriers affiliated with SkyTeam
include Delta Airlines and Aeromexico. The European carriers include Air
France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, ITA Airways and Czech Airlines.