SAS Scandinavian Airlines

While many countries have their own specific flag carriers, the countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark are unique in sharing a single operator.

The Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) was formed in 1946, when the individual flag carriers of the three Nordic countries decided to co-ordinate operations. The companies fully merged in 1951.

The company, based at Copenhagen's coastal airport, became the first in the world to launch a trans-polar route - taking travellers from Los Angeles to Copenhagen. The firm also offered trans-polar routes elsewhere across the world, including to East Asia.

At present SAS offers 64 destinations from its main hub of Copenhagen - 52 of those to other European airports, and nine to intercontinental destinations. The airports of Stockholm and Oslo serve 45 and 41 destinations respectively, although SAS only operated intercontinental routes at Stockholm.

The firm has merged with a number of local carriers, including Blue1 and Braathens, allowing it to offer connections across the region.

For the best air fairs with SAS, don't forget to book your tickets with Major Travel.

SAS takes part in the Star Alliance, currently the largest airline alliance in the world. Benefits of the alliance include a frequent flyer programme which can be used across the service's members, including TAP Portugal, US Airways, Swiss International Air Lines and South African Airways.

The SAS in-flight service is wide and varied, depending on the value of ticket purchased. In Europe fliers can either pop for Economy, where sandwiches and drinks can be bought separately, or Economy Flex, with the offer of a three-course cold meal or cold breakfast is on offer. Business class passengers receive either a hot breakfast or a hot three-course meal.

On intercontinental flights, economy customers can expect cocktails before dinner and a three-course meal, featuring a salad, hot meal and a dessert. Prior to landing following night-time flights breakfast is served.

Economy Extra fliers get to choose between two hot main dishes. Business class passengers can receive snacks and cocktails before dinner, as well as three-course dinner with a choice of four dishes. A selection of cheeses and desserts is also presented to passengers, while night-time fliers are also offered the option of a cold meal. Business class passengers can also help themselves to sandwiches and coffee.

Savvy air-line users should not forget to book their cut price tickets through Major Travel.