Get ready for a relaxing journey across the Atlantic with Scandinavian Airlines' (SAS) Airbus A321LR business class! I recently had the pleasure of flying this route from Copenhagen (CPH) to Toronto (YYZ), and it was an experience I was eager to explore. With only a trio of these premium aircraft operating transatlantic routes, SAS has created a unique and comfortable travel experience.
A Comfortable Journey, A Pleasant Surprise
While SAS may not boast the most extravagant soft product, the cabin's comfort, tasty food, and excellent entertainment and Wi-Fi make for a delightful flight. In this review, I'll delve into the key aspects that make SAS' A321LR business class a charming and enjoyable option.
The Seats: A Decent Experience
SAS' A321LRs offer a premium configuration with just 157 seats, including 22 in business class. This spacious cabin, spread across six rows, features staggered seats based on the Thompson Aero Vantage platform. The 'throne' seats, ideal for solo travelers, provide both aisle and window access, offering more personal space. However, these seats have smaller footwells, a trade-off for the extra room. For those traveling with a companion, the pairs of seats might be more suitable, especially if you're lucky enough to have an empty seat next to you, providing a bit more legroom.
I had the pleasure of sitting in one of the 'throne' seats, which came with a handy storage unit on the side. Charging options included USB-A and AC outlets, ensuring you stay connected throughout the flight. The seat itself was quite comfortable in bed mode, and SAS' bedding added to the overall relaxation. Individual air nozzles were a welcome feature, providing personalized climate control.
One potential drawback is the single lavatory at the front of the business class cabin, which might be a challenge for 22 passengers and the crew. However, this is a common reality on many narrow-body aircraft, and fortunately, my flight had a low passenger count, so it wasn't an issue.
Entertainment & Wi-Fi: Impressive Features
SAS' A321LR business class impressed me with its entertainment offerings. The complimentary Viasat Wi-Fi for business class passengers was a highlight, offering excellent speeds and keeping me productive during the flight. The 20.5-inch seatback entertainment screens, while experiencing some glare, provided high-definition content and a responsive system, making it an enjoyable experience.
The entertainment selection, while not the best, was extensive, offering hundreds of movies, TV shows, games, and more. The map feature, a personal favorite, kept me engaged throughout the journey.
Soft Product: Solid and Charming
The food and beverage service on this SAS business class flight was a pleasant experience. Lunch was served after takeoff, followed by a pre-landing snack. SAS' catering is consistently good, neither overly impressive nor disappointing. The appetizer, prawns with lemongrass and black pepper mayonnaise, was a tasty treat, served with bread and a side salad. For the main course, I opted for the braised beef, a rare choice for me on planes, but it exceeded my expectations.
To finish, I indulged in both a cheese plate and a traditional cannelés dessert, accompanied by a coffee. The pre-landing snack, an open-faced sandwich with smoked salmon, was a delightful surprise. Overall, the food quality was impressive, and SAS' onboard chef, or flight attendant in a chef's uniform, added a unique touch to the service.
Bottom Line: A Pleasant Experience
My flight in SAS' A321LR business class was a delightful journey. While I prefer wide-body aircraft for transatlantic flights, the narrow-body experience with SAS was enjoyable. The comfortable seats, fast and free Wi-Fi, good entertainment, and tasty food and drinks made for a pleasant trip. This product might not be groundbreaking, but it certainly delivers a satisfying experience. A partly empty business class cabin contributed to an even more enjoyable journey.
What's your take on SAS' A321LR business class? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! Are you a fan of narrow-body aircraft for long-haul flights, or do you prefer the spaciousness of wide-body planes? Let's discuss and compare notes!
