Frequent Flyer Programs in Norway

Due to geography, air travel is often the simplest way to get around Norway. As such, Norway is a country full of regular flyers. Here's how the popular loyalty programs work.

If you live in Norway and travel regularly, it’s well worth signing up to a frequent flyer program. Not only can you earn free flights, but many programs also offer perks like free checked bags, airport lounge access, and priority boarding.

In Norway, the two biggest travel loyalty schemes are SAS EuroBonus and Norwegian Reward.

Whether you’re a frequent international traveller or just fly home once or twice a year, here’s how these programs work, what’s changed recently, and which one might be best for you.

A Brief History

Until fairly recently, frequent flyer points weren’t even allowed to be earned on domestic flights in Norway. This ban, in place until 2013, was designed to keep the domestic aviation market competitive. However, it was eventually lifted following pressure from the European Free Trade Association.

Since then, loyalty schemes have taken off. Both SAS and Norwegian have expanded their programs significantly, and most Norwegians now have at least one loyalty account.

The last few years have brought major changes too. So, even if you’re already a member, now’s a good time to take another look.

Norwegian Reward: Simple and Flexible

If you fly mostly within Norway or around Europe with low-cost carrier Norwegian, the Norwegian Reward program is the place to start. It’s easy to understand, and even occasional travellers can benefit.

Members earn CashPoints (or Spenn, as it’s now called in the Nordic region) every time they fly with Norwegian. You’ll typically earn 1–5% of your ticket price back, depending on your fare type. For example, a Flex ticket earns more than a basic LowFare ticket.

You can use your points like cash to pay for future flights, seat reservations, baggage, and more. One CashPoint equals one krone, which makes things very straightforward.

You can also collect points on hotel bookings and car rentals through Norwegian’s partner network, and by using a specific credit card for your everyday spending. Many members find they earn more points from shopping than flying.

One unique feature of Norwegian Reward is its ‘Rewards’ system. For every eight one-way flights you take in a 12-month period, you unlock a new benefit, such as:

• Free checked baggage
• Free seat selection
• Fast Track security
• Extra points on future bookings

Fly often enough (32 flights in a year) and you’ll unlock Norwegian Reward Priority, which includes all of the above plus priority boarding, better earning rates, and premium perks with partners like Avis.

Widerøe is Joining Norwegian Reward

In big news for Norwegian flyers, the regional airline Widerøe—best known for serving Norway’s smallest airports—is joining the Norwegian Reward program.

From late 2025, you’ll be able to earn and use points on Widerøe flights just like you can with Norwegian. This follows Norwegian’s acquisition of Widerøe in 2023. It’s a big win for travellers who rely on regional routes, especially in northern and western Norway.

SAS EuroBonus: Bigger Network, Bigger Benefits

If you travel internationally with SAS or its partner airlines, the EuroBonus program may offer more value—especially for frequent flyers and business travellers.

You earn points when flying with SAS and, until late 2025, Widerøe. You also earn points with partner airlines in the SkyTeam alliance, which SAS joined in 2024.

This is a major change: SAS was a founding member of Star Alliance but has now switched alliances, so from September 2024, you’ll earn and spend points with airlines like KLM, Air France, Delta, and Korean Air.

You’ll no longer earn or use points with Lufthansa, United, or other Star Alliance members.

SAS flights offer different points depending on your ticket class and route. It’s a bit more complicated than Norwegian Reward, but generally, the more expensive the ticket, the more points you’ll earn.

You can redeem EuroBonus points for flights, upgrades, hotel nights, and rental cars. You can even use them on everyday items or for donations, though flights tend to give the best value.

SAS also has a wide partner network in Norway, so you can collect points by shopping online or booking Flytoget (the airport train). The EuroBonus MasterCard and AmEx cards also let you collect points through regular spending.

Status Levels and Lounge Access

The biggest difference between EuroBonus and Norwegian Reward is the elite status system.

If you fly regularly with SAS, you’ll be eligible for Silver, Gold, or Diamond status. Higher status brings benefits like:

• Free seat selection
• Extra baggage
• Priority boarding
• Access to SAS and SkyTeam lounges
• Dedicated customer service

Frequent travellers often aim for Gold, which includes lounge access even when flying economy. If you fly enough to qualify, the perks can really improve your travel experience.

Norwegian Reward doesn’t have a traditional status system. Although Norwegian Reward Priority now offers some exclusive benefits, it doesn’t include lounge access or the same level of VIP treatment.

Widerøe Leaving EuroBonus

If you’ve previously earned EuroBonus points from Widerøe flights, note that this will stop in late 2025 when the airline fully joins Norwegian Reward.

While this may be a drawback for SAS loyalists, it creates a more unified system for Norwegian travellers flying both regionally and across Europe.

Other Loyalty Programs for Frequent Flyers

Norwegian residents may also be interested in other airline schemes, especially if they often fly via Amsterdam or London.

• Flying Blue (KLM & Air France) is now more relevant than ever, given SAS’s new alliance with SkyTeam.
• British Airways Executive Club is worth a look if you fly regularly through Heathrow.
• Finnair Plus and Lufthansa Miles & More also have loyal followers in Scandinavia.

However, these programs tend to have fewer local partners and limited ways to earn points in daily life unless you fly often.

Which Frequent Flyer Program Is Best?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on how you travel—and how often.

Choose Norwegian Reward if:

• You mostly fly within Norway or Europe
• You like simplicity
• You use a Bank Norwegian credit card
• You want to collect points without flying

Choose SAS EuroBonus if:

• You fly internationally with SAS or SkyTeam
• You value airport lounge access
• You want to earn elite status
• You want the most options for redeeming points

Or… do both!

If you travel with both SAS and Norwegian—as many of us do—there’s no harm in signing up for both programs. You can earn points for every flight you take, regardless of the airline, and enjoy a mix of flexibility and perks.

By combining one or both programs with a rewards credit card, you can even earn points just by living your everyday life in Norway. With a little planning, those points could take you far.