Free Delta Exit Row Seats And Checked Bags—SAS Status Matches Start At $99

SAS is selling status matches that can get you free Delta exit row seats, checked bags and earlier boarding, even if you never take a Scandinavian Airlines flight. Prices start at €89 ($99), and the eligible programs include American, United, Alaska, JetBlue and Southwest. Even a Southwest Companion Pass qualifies for their top Diamond tier.

I’ve used Air France KLM Flying Blue Gold for exactly these benefits on Delta: priority check-in and boarding, free checked bags, and free exit row seats.

What The SAS Status Match Costs

You can apply for the match here. The standard fees, including for U.S. residents, are:

There’s no flight challenge. Status lasts for the rest of your current EuroBonus membership year plus another 12 months. Depending on where you are in that year (and if you are signing up for a new account) you can get nearly two years.

I’ve covered SAS status matches going back to their switch to SkyTeam. The 2024 offer excluded U.S. residents and required five paid SAS flights to extend the status. This one is much easier for Americans to use.

Here are some of the most relevant matches from the full eligible airline chart:

If you qualify for Diamond, you can choose Gold instead and save €150. Both get SkyTeam Elite Plus. A Companion Pass holder doesn’t need to pay for Diamond just to get the higher alliance benefits.

The terms exclude matches from SkyTeam airlines, Singapore Airlines, TAP Air Portugal and Etihad. Residents of China, Brazil, Argentina, Hong Kong and Taiwan aren’t eligible. You also can’t use the offer to extend a EuroBonus tier you already hold, and the terms restrict temporary, trial and chain-matched credentials.

Some details from the offer’s FAQ:

• Poland and India residents pay €39 for Silver, €79 for Gold or €159 for Diamond. That’s where the website’s advertised “from €39” comes from.
  
• You’ll need a EuroBonus account and your qualifying airline credentials. They may request proof of status and an identity check.
  
• Decisions take up to three days after submitting the requested information; the upgrade can then take up to 10 business days to reach your SAS account.
  
• Your payment is authorized when applying, but charged only if approved.
  
• There’s no published end date. The offer closes when its quota is filled.

Even Silver Gets Some Benefits On Delta

SAS Silver is SkyTeam Elite, and Delta’s preferred seating benefit applies to both SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus. You don’t need the more expensive Gold match for that.

• Free preferred seats. Delta Main Basic fares are excluded, and this doesn’t include the separately sold Delta Comfort cabin.
  
• A free first checked bag. for both SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members.
  
• Priority check-in and earlier boarding. SkyTeam Elite boards in Zone 5; Elite Plus boards in Zone 4 through the SkyPriority lane.

I’ve written about using partner status to get some of my favorite seats on Delta. An exit row with nobody directly in front of you can be better than the extra legroom seat Delta sells farther forward.

Gold Adds Lounges On International Trips Only

Gold brings SkyTeam Elite Plus, including SkyPriority services, priority baggage handling and qualifying lounge access.

For Delta Sky Clubs, non-Delta SkyTeam Elite Plus members can enter on qualifying same-day international itineraries, including a domestic flight connecting to an eligible international flight. You can bring one guest as long as they’re on the same flight. U.S.–Caribbean travel is excluded.

This doesn’t get you into a Delta Sky Club on a wholly domestic itinerary. I’ve covered Delta’s refusal to participate in SkyTeam’s domestic lounge expansion. Selected lounges belonging to other SkyTeam airlines offer domestic access, but not Sky Clubs.

The Extra Value In EuroBonus Diamond

Diamond costs €150 more than Gold without adding a higher SkyTeam tier. Its extra value comes from SAS benefits, including higher points earning, more weight for upgrade bids, same day rebooking benefits and points that don’t expire while you hold Diamond. There’s also a 30% discount on regular tickets paid with points, not on SAS Bonus awards or SkyTeam partner awards.

Matched members don’t get the ability to give away status. And the matched year doesn’t count toward lifetime Gold or Diamond. I’d probably consider Diamond as strong leverage for a further status match (not necessarily via statusmatch.com) to another carrier.

(HT: Frequent Miler)