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After deciding that flight time does not have to
be wasted time, Scandinavian airlines (SAS) caught
the world’s attention by being one of the first
airlines to offer internet onboard.
Passengers can do business as usual at 40,000 feet
above ground. "Efficiency is a priority for
SAS," said Elisabeth Bylund, Vice President
of Strategic Development, "we aim for the entire
experience; the reservation, check in, boarding
process and flight time to be enjoyable and efficient."
Because of SAS’s willingness to explore more
information technology, the airline has become known
for its efficiency. While most airport counters
amass long lines, SAS has streamlined the boarding
process by employing more self-service kiosks and
creating "ticketless travel" which allows
passengers to use their Eurobonus card all the way
to the gate. Currently, 80% of SAS travelers get
to their seat without a boarding pass. This is just
the beginning, "in the future we will be implementing
Biometrics where a passenger will be able to use
their fingerprint to glide through the boarding
process," said Bylund. Biometrics has already
been tested and proven effective. This service will
allow travelers to stroll through the airport sans
bags. Another exciting development is the text messaging
service available which allows passengers to check
in via an SMS message. To use this service send
a text message to +46708000727.
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Courtesy
of SAS
Biometrics, the efficient flight check-in of
the future. |
SAS has not only been at the forefront of information
technology solutions, the company has instigated
extensive research in order to comply with the wants
of their customers and become "best in class"
in a spectrum of areas. "What we discovered
is that there are different requirements for different
passengers. The main categories that we received
requests for are comfort, productivity, hassle free
travel, and an economical price," said Bylund.
For the comfort seekers, SAS has upgraded their
business class by recently implementing flat beds
into their Asia bound flights and expecting to allow
transatlantic flyers to lay down this spring. To
allow for in-flight productivity, internet is available.
In response to the cry for cost-effective travel,
SAS has two options; reasonably priced economy fares
and the unique Economy Flex choice. "For a
budget conscious business traveler, Economy Flex
is a great choice, the customer is given bigger
seats, better food, plugs, a flexible ticket, and
expedited lines," said Bylund.
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Courtesy
of SAS
The buffel of food for business class passangers. |
Customer control is a theme that permeates SAS.
Customers can check in where ever or however they
choose: by an SMS, on-line, at the counter or at
a kiosk. All passengers are equipped with personal
televisions and remotes. Business travelers have
a buffet of food that is available for whenever
hunger strikes.
With the direct flight from Dulles to Copenhagen,
SAS has long been the most convenient choice for
Washingtonians visiting Denmark. And travelers have
found that after having an SAS experience, it is
hard to fly anything else.
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DENMARK
