SAS carries baggage directly to Åre/Östersund

Effective January 15, anyone traveling with Star Alliance and SAS to Östersund via Arlanda can reclaim their baggage at Åre Östersund Airport. Accordingly, passengers do not need to take their baggage through customs clearance at Arlanda and check it in again.

"With only two weeks left until the Alpine World Championships in Åre, it is satisfying that we have been able to agree this solution with Swedish Customs and Stockholm Arlanda Airport," says Peter Nilsson, Director Swedish Domestic routes at Scandinavian Airlines Sverige. "We can now provide all of our international visitors - competitors and supporters - more convenient and simpler travel to the World Championship in Åre via Arlanda."

The tourism sector and industry in Sweden have a longstanding request for passengers to be able to reclaim their baggage at their final destination - something that is common in many other European countries.

Accordingly, a test is now being conducted in cooperation with Swedish Customs and Stockholm Arlanda Airport. From February 5, passengers traveling to Luleå will have the same possibility. The test will continue until April 15. It is hoped that it will lead to a permanent solution for Östersund and Luleå, and that this will also be introduced for all other destinations in Sweden.

"It is highly positive for Stockholm Arlanda Airport that SAS and Swedish Customs have now developed a solution for sending baggage directly from abroad to destinations in Sweden," says Claes Hagström, operations manager LFV Stockholm Arlanda Airport. "It increases service to passengers and makes Arlanda a better airport. Stockholm Arlanda is contributing to the practical solutions and following the test with great interest. We hope that, in the long term, this solution will function for all airlines and destinations."