- Introduction: An Open-Ended Journey To Oman
- Review: Iberia Business Class Airbus A330 (MIA-MAD)
- Our COVID-19 Testing Mess At Madrid Airport
- Review: Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
- Review: Iberia Lounge Madrid Airport (MAD)
- Review: Iberia Business Class A320neo (MAD-MXP)
- Review: Sala Montale Lounge Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
- Review: Qatar Airways Business Class Boeing 787-9 (MXP-DOH)
- Review: Qatar Airways A320 Business Class (DOH-SLL)
- Oman Entry Requirements: My Experience
- Traveling As A Gay, Married Couple: My Philosophy
- Review: Alila Hinu Bay, Oman
- Review: Oman Air Lounge Salalah Airport
- Review: Oman Air A330 Business Class (SLL-MCT)
- Review: W Hotel Muscat, Oman
- Review: Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman
- Review: The Chedi Muscat, Oman
- Review: Primeclass Lounge Muscat Airport (MCT)
- Review: Turkish Airlines A321neo Business Class (MCT-IST)
- Review: Turkish Airlines 737 MAX Business Class (IST-CPH)
- Review: AC Hotel By Marriott Copenhagen Bella Sky
- Copenhagen Airport’s Awesome COVID-19 Testing Center
- Review: SAS Lounge Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
- Review: Eventyr Lounge Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
- Review: SAS Business Class Airbus A350-900 (CPH-MIA)
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.
In this post:
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?
Loved this lounge! Visited before flight to US. Very Scandinavian in decor and food choice which is a nice change. I found it on par with SFO Polaris lounge I was in last month.
I have 18 hours layover at CPH. Travelling Business class from MCT -IST-BER on *Alliance Turkish Airlines and BER-CPH-KEF on SAS on a Single ticket/ booking ref no. I have Iceland Visa. I spoke to SAS agent. He said that they do not offer any hotel accomodation. But she said, I am free to leave the airport.
However without a transit visa how can I leave the airport? Any suggestions? I am willing to...
I have 18 hours layover at CPH. Travelling Business class from MCT -IST-BER on *Alliance Turkish Airlines and BER-CPH-KEF on SAS on a Single ticket/ booking ref no. I have Iceland Visa. I spoke to SAS agent. He said that they do not offer any hotel accomodation. But she said, I am free to leave the airport.
However without a transit visa how can I leave the airport? Any suggestions? I am willing to pay for the hotel . Any possibility of spending 18 hours at SAS lounge? Do they have sleeping facility?
SAS lounge is not worth it .
If you book the wrong date by mistake online and paid , they refuse to change it even though you call them immediately !!
All they say is no change , no refund even if you cancel the flight booking .
Rip off !!
Scandinavians dont eat any hot food for breakfast, exept of porridge.
The same applies to most Europeans outside UK & Ireland so having substantial hot breakfast offer at CPH would be a tremendous waste of money.
I still can't wrap my head around how anyone can eat bacon before 3 PM :D
I spent several hours on 4 layovers in january 2022 at sas lounge and liked it. the food seclection reflects scandinavia very well. I loved the white bread and the butter bowl, simple but delish. The salads offered have been fresh and appetising and so was the soup of the day. Beer on tap, red and white wine from late morning onward and buttery cakes to accombine fresh made (maschine) coffee what else can be...
I spent several hours on 4 layovers in january 2022 at sas lounge and liked it. the food seclection reflects scandinavia very well. I loved the white bread and the butter bowl, simple but delish. The salads offered have been fresh and appetising and so was the soup of the day. Beer on tap, red and white wine from late morning onward and buttery cakes to accombine fresh made (maschine) coffee what else can be expacted in hard times foe airlines. Keep in mind sas struggles heavy with financal base so the offer in my mind is more than u can expect. Arlanda is better in fact but compared to lufthansa at my base in munich and most us lounges ( exept polaris and amex) i“d say sas cph is reliable.
Airport lounges in Scandinavia are generally horrible. Been to two different Priority Pass Lounges in CPH, one in Gothenborg and one SAS Lounge in Oslo. All horrible, with no or only pretty bad hot food options and everything just feeling "cold" and sort of "reserved lifestyle"-ish in a negative way.
Went 5-6 years ago. Doesn’t seem to have changed much. Thanks ts nice but very crowded usually. I just went to a restaurant/bar. Lots of options to chose from.
Did you visit both PP lounges? If not, I hope you visited (and reviewed) Carlsberg Aviator Lounge and not Aspire Lounge. The Aspire lounge is extremely underwhelming (at best). lol
Haven't been to that one but the one in Brussels was really underwhelming. I've been to the two PP lounges in CPH and the breakfast food looks the same. Still better than most US lounges.
I haven't been since the 'rona, but I love that lounge. Yes, it gets crowded, but it's just so... Danish. I think the breakfast menu very much reflects Denmark.
@Lucky, a few points of clarification (at least based on my pre-pandemic experiences).
First, SAS Plus is both their intra-Europe premium cabin and long-haul Premium Economy.
Second, the SAS Fast Track is only for SAS Business, SAS Plus, and SAS elites (not sure which levels). Non-SK *G flying on SAS didn't qualify. Too bad you went to the main checkpoint (the fast track there is fine, but the SAS one never had a line).
Third,...
@Lucky, a few points of clarification (at least based on my pre-pandemic experiences).
First, SAS Plus is both their intra-Europe premium cabin and long-haul Premium Economy.
Second, the SAS Fast Track is only for SAS Business, SAS Plus, and SAS elites (not sure which levels). Non-SK *G flying on SAS didn't qualify. Too bad you went to the main checkpoint (the fast track there is fine, but the SAS one never had a line).
Third, it looks like they consolidated the lounges, so what you used was/is normally the SAS Gold lounge. Turn right and upstairs is for *G only. Turn left and the ground floor is the SAS Business lounge for Business, Plus, and SK *S. The Business lounge has shower rooms (sink + shower).
The Gold lounge was always packed pre-pandemic, but it had slightly better F&B options (barista coffee, wine from bottles instead of tap, etc.). If you were *G, you had to go to the Business lounge service desk for a shower key or a key to one of the two en suite nap rooms upstairs.
The Fast Track is to the left when you go up the escalator in Terminal 3 (There is a sign on the wall)
I went through the Lounge on Saturday, and it was really really crowded as well.
But i took my food downstairs, and the drink dispensers was working, so had all the space for myself
Even if fully open, doesn't look anywhere near as nice as the Stockholm Arlanda SAS Lounge.
I've used this lounge a number of times over recent years, as the Faroe Islands have become a favorite destination of mine, and personally I quite like this lounge. There is a small window in the mornings when it gets pretty crowded with business travelers (which it seems like you hit), but even then I've never had any trouble getting a comfortable space in the area with the workstations.
Personally, I like the food...
I've used this lounge a number of times over recent years, as the Faroe Islands have become a favorite destination of mine, and personally I quite like this lounge. There is a small window in the mornings when it gets pretty crowded with business travelers (which it seems like you hit), but even then I've never had any trouble getting a comfortable space in the area with the workstations.
Personally, I like the food as I prefer yogurt and granola with good Danish cold cuts, pate, and cheese to the poor quality egg dishes that most lounges with hot food serve with breakfast. Also, I don't see a photo of the juice dispenser, but (assuming it is still there) I appreciate that they have rhubarb juice.
I do agree that the area with the couches is kinda ridiculous. Most of the time there will be a single family spread out all over one of L-shaped couches, which just seems like not a good utilization of the space.
I've actually never bothered to try the PP lounge in CPH because I've found this one to be better than the vast majority of PP lounges I've been to, so I'm excited to see your upcoming review of that one.
3 stars is generous Ben, it should be a 2 star lounge given the crowds and pitiful food/drink selections.
Pitful f&b offerings ? Compared to us lounges for example ???
Used to love this lounge. Tons of space, comfortable seating and the WiFi was fast enough to download a few episodes of a show to your tablet.
You forgot to mention the bedrooms available. I always ask for a bedroom when arriving from an intercontinental flight, to get some more sleep and a shower (bathrooms with showers are connected to each bedroom).
Bedrooms are a huge plus in my opinion, although I hate to see the business class lounge closed (which in addition to the bedrooms upstairs has showerrooms available)