The Scandinavian way to fly. As the national carrier of not one, but three of the world’s most contemporary, innovative and modern countries, Scandinavian Airlines prides itself on representing the region well. Scandinavian Airlines’ Airbus 330 carries passenger comfortably between Copenhagen and Stockholm, and U.S. gateways New York, Chicago and Washington DC.

I felt as though I had stepped into Scandinavia when I crossed the threshold into the SAS Scandinavian Airlines’ Business Class Lounge at Newark Airport. Because I believe the travel experience begins with the flight, I ponied up a little extra to book Business Class on my flight to Copenhagen.

Upgrading also meant I would have access to the beautiful lounge, where I would find a slew of Scandinavian treats — Swedish Wasa Bread (knäckebröd), salmon, cheeses, Carlsberg beer (probably the world’s best, the Danish brewer modestly claims), Scandinavian furnishings and design. It was like being in Scandinavia already.

SAS' touch is evident throughout SAS’ products, services and fleet. • SAS is the only Northern European airline to offer personal screens in all classes on long-haul flights. • SAS’s long-haul offers wider seats and more legroom. • One of few airlines internationally to offer a premium economy class: Economy Extra. • SAS Business features a popular buffet bar and espresso machine; spacious restrooms with windows and a handle bar to stretch your back. • Free wireless broadband and IP telephony in all SAS lounges.

SAS’s goal is to make Scandinavians returning home and visitors traveling to Scandinavia feel as though they have already arrived, and indeed, the experience continued as I boarded the Airbus 330. I loved the small touches, such as the Scandinavian design place settings: glassware by Sweden’s Orrefors, cutlery by Danish silversmith Georg Jensen, and porcelain by Royal Copenhagen. Dishes, drinks and desserts were also typical Scandinavian specialties.

After take off, a four course superior meal service with multiple choices, carefully selected wines and premium spirits is served. It is also possible to opt for a lighter and quicker meal service on night flights, if you wish to sleep. Drinks, fruits, snacks and sandwiches are available between meals from the popular buffet bar, which also features an espresso machine.

The SAS Business Sleeper is one of the best in the sky, offering passengers a 52cm/20” wide seat, 155cm/61” seat pitch and 200cm/79” of living space. When fully reclined at 170°, the SAS Business Sleeper creates a 188cm/74” long bed with an additional 15cm/6” width at the shoulders. Seat features include audio/video-on-demand entertainment, a built-in massage function and clever storages for laptops and other items.

In SAS’ Economy Extra class, passengers enjoy wider (47cm/ 18”), more comfortable seats with almost a meter (38”) of legroom in a separate cabin. Besides manually adjustable neck rests, the specifically designed and ergonomic Economy Extra seats also feature foot rests for a greater level of comfort.

Another option would have been for me to book Economy Flex, which has wider seats and more legroom than regular economy. It’s cheaper than booking Business Class and includes none of the Business Class perks.

Scandinavian influence: glass from Orrefors, cutlery from Georg Jensen and porcelain from Royal Copenhagen.