SAS check-in

SAS check-in at Kastrup is aimed at travellers who have already chosen to fly with SAS and who need an efficient and fairly straightforward start to their journey. The area acts as a central link between arrival at the airport and the journey itself, and the experience here greatly influences the overall impression of the airline. For many, SAS is the first choice when looking for cheap flights and Scandinavian service, but the check-in experience has both strengths and clear weaknesses.

The check-in area itself is located in the terminal building and is equipped with both manned counters and self-service machines. Many guests find it relatively easy to find their way around, and that information boards and signage help a lot on the way, which reduces stress when departing. Several describe that the staff at the counters generally appear smiling and helpful, especially when it comes to just regular baggage drop-off and standard questions. This friendliness is an important reason why SAS continues to be perceived as a safe choice among Nordic travelers looking for a stable tour operator for both business and leisure trips.

At the same time, there are guests who emphasize that some employees demonstrate high efficiency, especially when a passenger is late and needs to get through quickly to catch his flight. Some descriptions tell of staff who practically coordinate a small process from check-in counter to security control, so that the customer reaches the gate on time, even on a regular economy ticket. This type of service creates loyalty among customers who often travel to European cities and are looking for a package trip , where the flight part is allowed to run smoothly and with a minimum of surprises.

On the positive side, check-in is experienced by many as relatively quick when there are not unusually many people. The self-service machines mostly work without major problems, and boarding passes can be printed in a few minutes. For experienced travelers who often use online travel agencies or SAS's own app to check in in advance, the counters mostly become a place for baggage drop-off, which makes the process short and simple. This is especially attractive for those who travel light and want to minimize time standing in line.

However, the check-in area is far from problem-free. Several previous experiences show that the information provided by SAS is not always consistent, especially when it comes to the options for personal check-in versus using the machines. Some customers have experienced being informed by telephone that personal check-in was possible at no extra cost, but upon arrival at the counter they were refused and directed to the machines. The result has in some cases been that fellow travellers have ended up in seats far apart on long intercontinental flights, which naturally creates dissatisfaction and distrust of the overall service.

Another recurring criticism concerns the more general customer service culture at check-in. There are reports of situations where staff have seemed unengaged or downright disinterested in helping, even when passengers are clearly having problems, e.g. with delayed or cancelled flights. In a few cases, staff are described as ignoring inquiries, closing the counter without explanation or referring people on without real solutions. For travellers who expect a structured experience and support from a large Scandinavian travel agency player in the aviation sector, this type of handling can feel both frustrating and unsafe.

Several international reviews also point to challenges with baggage handling. Especially on longer trips, where passengers travel with checked baggage and may have booked a package tour through a travel agent, delayed or lost suitcases can cause major problems. There are reports of luggage not arriving until the next day, and situations where communication about status is unclear. When travelers have already had a tense experience at check-in, this reinforces the negative impression of the entire trip.

Flight prices are another point often mentioned in connection with SAS. Some customers find that ticket prices are higher than a number of competitors, even when the level of service on board and at check-in is not necessarily perceived as correspondingly better. When travelers compare different package holidays or combinations of flights and hotels from different providers, SAS does not always appear as the most economical choice. This can be especially crucial for families and price-conscious customers who are choosing between several European airlines.

On the other hand, there are still guests who highlight stability and professionalism as strengths. They emphasize that SAS has a well-developed route network in the Nordic region and further afield, which makes it attractive to both leisure and business travelers who want a coherent itinerary. For customers who often travel on their own without the help of an external travel agency , it is reassuring to know that there are many daily departures and possible connections through Kastrup. The check-in area is an integral part of this infrastructure, and when things work, it lives up to the expectations of a structured Nordic flight experience.

The check-in environment is also influenced by the airport's general price level and commercial offerings. Several travelers note that food and drink during their stay can be expensive, both in cafes and kiosks. There are descriptions of very ordinary snacks and sandwiches at very high prices, which reinforces the experience that the airport stay is an expensive affair overall. For customers who have already paid a lot for the flight ticket, and perhaps have booked the trip through a major travel portal , this may seem like another minus of the trip.

Despite critical experiences, many also find the check-in area to be well organised and accessible. Wheelchair users and others with reduced mobility can take advantage of accessible entrances and facilities, which is important to ensure that all passengers can get around easily. This part of the experience is in line with the expectations of a modern airline, which, in cooperation with the airport, must be able to handle different needs professionally. For travellers planning longer trips through an international tour operator, it gives a certain reassurance to see that accessibility has been thought through.

During busy periods, the queues at SAS check-in can be long, and many people experience waiting times that are longer than desired. Here, the distribution between self-service and manned counters plays a major role: When the machines are working and clearly marked, the process runs noticeably smoother, but technical problems or inexperienced users quickly create bottlenecks. For passengers who do not travel that often and may have purchased a package trip with flights and hotels via an online travel agency, it can seem confusing that they are expected to do so much themselves. This increases the risk of stress and errors in the process, which the staff must then spend time correcting.

Communication about cancellations and strikes is also mentioned in SAS assessments. In some cases, passengers have been informed very late about changes, which has caused major challenges with rebooking, extra nights and changed travel plans. Some reports indicate that a new departure could not be offered until several days later, and that passengers had to find a temporary solution themselves, even though they were ready to depart at their destination. For customers who may have booked their trip through a professional travel agency, it can be difficult to understand that such a large player does not have more flexible solutions.

However, there is another side to the story, where SAS staff at check-in and gate make a significant effort to help delayed customers. Some travelers tell of situations where several employees worked together across the counter and gate to ensure that a passenger made it to their flight despite a major delay on the way to the airport. This kind of personal effort matches the expectations many have of a Scandinavian tour operator with a focus on service and punctuality. When it succeeds, it leaves a strong positive impression that can outweigh previous less than good experiences.

Overall, SAS check-in appears to be an area with both solid strengths and significant weaknesses. The strengths lie in particular in the basic structure, the technical options for self-service and the many employees who actually provide a friendly and accommodating effort. The weaknesses are largely about inconsistent information, varying levels of service and sometimes inadequate handling of pressured situations. For the individual traveler, whether the trip is booked independently or via a larger travel agency, the experience will largely depend on whether you meet the committed or the less present employees on that particular day of travel.

For potential customers, this means that SAS check-in at Kastrup can be a sensible choice if you prioritize a broad route network, a well-known brand and the possibility of fast self-service. On the other hand, you should be aware that the level of service does not always match expectations for the price, and that unforeseen events can be difficult to get help for. Compared to other companies and the solutions that a specialized travel agency can put together, the experience is therefore somewhere in between: neither consistently excellent nor consistently bad, but characterized by large differences from trip to trip. For those who choose SAS, it may be an advantage to prepare well, arrive in good time and use the digital tools actively to get the most out of the check-in area at Kastrup.