Review: SAS Lounge Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

After a couple of nights in Copenhagen, it was time for the last segment back to the United States, in Scandinavian Airlines’ Airbus A350-900 business class to Miami. In this installment I wanted to review the SAS ground experience at CPH, including the carrier’s hub lounge.

SAS check-in Copenhagen

We got to Copenhagen Airport at around 5:30AM for our 9:35AM flight to Miami (we arrived extra early so we could get our coronavirus tests — fortunately that was a breeze).

Check-in was fairly busy, though there was a priority line for check-in. Unfortunately the check-in process still wasn’t a breeze, as Scandinavian Airlines tried to incorrectly deny my friend boarding, as I explained in a different post. Fortunately that situation was eventually sorted out, as a “one time exception.”

With boarding passes in hand we headed toward security. I was under the impression that SAS had a dedicated fast track channel, though I couldn’t initially find it. When I finally got to the security checkpoint I asked one of the employees where the fast track line was, and she said I was in it (which wasn’t the case, as it turned out). Security took over 20 minutes to clear, and then I had to go through the typical duty free maze.

There definitely is a proper fast track lane that’s open, and it also lets out right next to the lounge. So be sure you use that if you’re flying out of the airport.

SAS Lounge Copenhagen location

The SAS Lounge Copenhagen is located in Terminal 3, near gate C10. If you’re coming from the standard security checkpoint, just turn left and then it’s maybe a five minute walk away. If you’re coming through the fast track security lane, just turn left, and then you’ll see the lounge there immediately.

Note that the lounge is located in the Schengen part of the terminal. In other words, if you’re taking a non-Schengen flight (to the UK or most long haul destinations), you’ll still have to clear passport control, so be sure to leave time for that.

SAS Lounge Copenhagen hours & entry requirements

The SAS Lounge Copenhagen doesn’t have consistent hours, but rather it’s stated that the lounge opens roughly an hour prior to the first flight of the morning, and closes roughly 30 minutes prior to the last flight of the evening.

As far as entry requirements go, the SAS Lounge can be accessed by:

• SAS business class passengers, SAS Plus passengers (this is the name of SAS’ intra-Europe premium cabin), and all Star Alliance business class passengers
• Star Alliance Gold passengers traveling on any Star Alliance flight
• Those who purchase access — you can buy access online for 199DKK (~$29), or at lounge reception for 249DKK (~$37)

The SAS Lounge has automated entry gates, so you simply scan your boarding pass and are then admitted — there’s no human contact required.

SAS Lounge Copenhagen seating & layout

The SAS Lounge Copenhagen is roughy 32,000 square feet, and is supposed to consistent of two distinct areas — the upper level is supposed to be a lounge for Star Alliance Gold members, while the lower level is supposed to be a lounge for all other passengers. Unfortunately for the time being the lounge’s first floor has been closed off, so all guests are being directed to the upper level.

There was a very small sitting area on the first floor that was open, with nice design. This area remained empty, given that all the food & drinks were on the second floor.

Below is a picture of some of the lounge space on the first floor, taken as I went up the escalator (since it otherwise wasn’t accessible).

Unfortunately the second floor ended up being really crowded. I can appreciate airlines are in a tough financial spot, but it’s kind of frustrating to cram everyone into the smaller part of the lounge, while leaving the rest of the lounge empty.

I did manage to take pictures strategically as people got up, but that took some effort. So don’t assume the lounge was as empty as some of the pictures I captured below.

At the top of the escalator were some pretty stylish couches. I’m not sure they’re necessarily that functional, though, between the lack of outlets and the general challenge of trying to eat, drink, or work, while seated here.

There was then an area with a bunch of dining tables that had two to four chairs each.

The rest of the seating in this area consisted of communal tables with high-top stools, as well as booths.

From the main part of the lounge was a hallway leading to the back of the lounge, which had more traditional lounge seating, with seats arranged in rows.

There were also some areas with curtains, for those looking for a bit more privacy or to rest.

There was a business center in this area of the lounge, with four computers.

There was another part of the lounge that remained mostly empty, which consisted of shared workstations. This was quite far from the buffet, and for that matter I think many people missed it, since it’s the opposite direction of the rest of the lounge.

There were also a few semi-private workstations, unfortunately facing the terminal rather than the apron (or else the views would’ve been really cool).

The lounge had a “daylight booster zone,” intended to make you feel refreshed if you’re jetlagged.

There were also some private cubicles in this area.

SAS Lounge Copenhagen food & drinks

The food & drink selection in the SAS Lounge was underwhelming, and the buffet was constantly busy, given the number of guests.

The breakfast selection consisted of toast, rolls, pastries, cereal, yogurt, cold cuts, veggies, and cheese. There wasn’t much in the way of hot food, except for oatmeal.

There was self serve beer, wine, juice, soda, coffee, tea, etc.

I found it hilarious how there was an area with bottles of tomato juice and then little pitchers containing what looked like apple juice. In reality it was wine — I’m not sure a Post-it note on top of one of the pitchers is really sufficient warning?

The lounge also had a cafe counter where it looked like you could usually get a barista-made coffee, but go figure that was closed as well.

Bottom line

I’m sure the SAS Lounge Copenhagen is quite nice when it’s fully operational, but unfortunately it isn’t right now. Only a small portion of the lounge is open, and it got crowded. Add in the limited food selection and the cafe area being closed, and I can’t say this was a great experience.

After visiting the SAS Lounge we headed to the nearby Priority Pass location, which was so much better. Stay tuned, as I’ll be reviewing that in the next installment.

If you’ve visited the SAS Lounge Copenhagen, what was your experience like?