SAS does not offer a premium seat, or even a blocked seat, on its E195LR regional jet in business class, but I still enjoyed a short but pleasant journey from Zurich to Copenhagen.
SAS Embraer E195LR Review (ZRH-CPH)
I’ve flown this very flight twice this year and both experiences were identical, down to the same meal. As of October 1, 2025, SAS has rebranded its front cabin as business class on flights within Europe like this, with meals now served on ceramic dishes with glassware.
But SAS is still not blocking adjacent seats on these flights, meaning other than the meal, the experience will closely mirror my flight from a couple of months ago in “Plus” class, the former premium cabin on this and other shorthaul flights.
I booked this ticket as part of my Zurich – Copenhagen – San Francisco award ticket, which was 50,000 points for me and 25,000 points for each of my kids in business class.
Check-In
SAS contracts out ground servicing to Dnata, with a consolidated check-in area for carriers including Aer Lingus, AJet, Sun Express, and Tunis Air. Economy class lines can be horrendous, but the business class line was short.
Priority security is offered, though I find screening to be extremely effecient at ZRH:
Lounge
SAS uses the SWISS business lounge in Zurich for its business class and SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers.
> Read More: SWISS Business Lounge A – Zurich (ZRH) Review
Boarding
In May, we departed from a jetbridge but for my August trip, we departed from a remote stand, requiring a bus to the aircraft.
Our remote bus departure from gate B02:
SAS 931
Zurich (ZRH) – Copenhagen (CPH)
Saturday, August 16
Depart: 10:20 AM
Arrive: 12:05 PM
Duration: 1hr, 40min
Aircraft: Embraer 195
Distance: 591 miles
Seats: 1D (Premium Class)
Onboard, we settled into our seats for the short journey to Copenhagen.
Seat
Like many carriers in Europe, there is no difference between business class and economy class seats. All saets are 18 inches wide and legroom is about the same, though it varies slightly:
- Row one: 35 inches on A/C side, 42 inches on D/F side
- Rows 2 to 14: 30 inches
- Row 15 (exit): 35 inches
- Rows 16 to 32: 29 inches
Some aircraft are apparently equipped with USB-A and USB-C sockets, but mine was not (both flights).
The aircraft has 122 seats and business class can be dynamically adjusted based upon flight loads…it’s as simple as moving the curtain back and forth.
While the Luthansa Group blocks adjacent seats on regional jets in business class, SAS does not.
Food + Drink
SAS offers delicious, fresh food on its flights within Europe. Economy class passengers can order them in advance, while they are offered for free in the front cabin. Today’s only offer in premium was smoked salmon.
Birch-smoked Norwegian salmon
creamy potato salad, dill and distilled vinegar mayonnaise, and lemon-pickled cabbage
It was delicious…
However, my kids were not interested, but premium passengers can also have whatever they want from the snack menu. Delighted, my kids chose potato chips and gummy bears…a snack of champions.
Until this month, SAS served these meals in disposable boxes, but now serves meals in ceramic dishes with glassware and metal cutlery.
> Read More: Birch-Smoked Norwegian Salmon On SAS
Service
Service was very pleasant and attentive, with an FA promptly serving meals after takeoff and offering several drink refills on the short flight.
Before landing, a box of Swedish chocolates was offered:
Lavatories
The SAS E195 has one lavatory in the front of the aircraft for business class and one in the rear for economy class. Both are very small.
Wi-Fi + IFE
This aircraft has no Wi-Fi internet or other in-flight-entertainmnet. It was a beautiful day outside, though, as we flew over Malmo, Sweden and landed at Katstrup Airport.
The kids occupied their time by reading.
CONCLUSION
We pulled up next to an Atlantic Airways plane, leaving me dreaming of returning to the Faroe Islands.
Don’t expect much on a regional jet within Europe, especially in terms of seating or Wi-Fi, but I found the service and food perfectly pleasant on this SAS flight. We landed on time in CPH with a couple of hours to spare before our onward connection to SFO.
Let’s put it this way: SAS Eurobonus still allows you to add connecting flights within Europe for no extra miles, something I greatly appreciate. I viewed this flight as icing on the cake.
I’m surprised they’re still sending them to the LX business lounge. If it’s the one in A that thing is always packed. They key is sitting downstairs
Not blocking the adjacent seat is a major, major mistake. As I said before; Flemming Poulsen who’s the regional expert thinks it’s a great thing, but I really don’t think that’s what the majority think.
Try again, SAS. This time listen to people who actually travel and actually have money.
KLM and other airlines also don’t block the adjacent seat.
So, I’m confused. This was their new Business Class Service or Economy +? I thought SAS upgraded their meals in their new intra European Business Class effective October 1, 2025. Porcelain dishes versus carton boxes..? I do realize that even in their “new” Business Class, ERJ 195 seating does not keep the adjacent seat free. They do keep the middle seat free on other narrow body airrcaft.
It is mentioned that the flight reviewed was taking earlier this year, so the review is Economy Plus but the product is now Business with porcelain dishes, and seems to be otherwise identical.
Air France 2×3 seating on an A220 with blocked seat on both sides + free starlink for the win
Swedish chocolate? That makes no sense. Check out Sockerbit near the Grove. I took a date there once.
Also that bulkhead passenger is obnoxiously crossing his legs protruding the aisle.
The Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), commonly known as Scandinavian Airlines, is the national airline of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It is part of SAS Group and is headquartered in Solna, Sweden. Offering Swedish chocolate makes sense.
Tasty lunch options need improvement… Excellent choice of drinks & snacks.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
Hedh-Escalante Chocolatier’s products will hardly disappoint the SAS guests! And neither will the E195LR!
Dr. Güntürk Üstün