SAS introduces EuroBonus points for domestic business travelers

Business travelers who take domestic flights in Norway will soon be able to gain the rewards and benefits that EuroBonus members in the rest of world can enjoy.

SAS is now set to introduce its EuroBonus rewards program for domestic flights in Norway with SAS and Widerøe, which means companies with business agreements can offer their employees points when they fly with the airlines.

“Our legal opinion is that the terms of business agreements are not subject to the provision that bans bonus points being earned on domestic flights in Norway,” says Eivind Roald, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing at SAS. “It is important for us to be able to offer our entire package of rewards and offers, which means we are delighted that we can now offer business travelers the same benefits as other EuroBonus customers who fly to or from Norway and anywhere else in the world,” adds Roald.

SAS also intends to file a lawsuit to establish that the ban on bonus programs for domestic flights in Norway cannot be legally enforced for other customers either. The basis of this lawsuit is that the government is in breach of EEA rights and regulations in maintaining the ban, which is unique in the world. And that the competition picture in the airline industry has change dramatically since 2002.

ESA (EFTA Surveillance Authority) also sent a so-called Letter of Formal Notice to Norway in July 2012 stating that the ban is not in line with EEA rules and regulations.