SAS to Switch Airline Alliance Programs

SAS is in negotiations to establish commercial relationships with most of SkyTeam's 19 current alliance members.

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.