Longyearbyen to Stockholm via Tromsø on SAS

It was time to leave Longyearbyen and I was very sad to go. That said, the weather had turned decidedly chilly, with a cold pelting rain greeting us on our final morning.

One other tidbit on Longyearbyen: no one locks their doors. We had left our bags with Kai, our Air BnB host, when we went to Pyramiden and reserved one more night upon our return. He was out late drinking, but invited us to come in when we wanted. But what about the key?

“Everyone knows everyone here. We don’t lock doors.”

Kai had to work early the next day, but gave us a taxi number. We ordered the taxi about 30 minutes before we had to leave and were asked where the pick-up should be. I panicked for a moment because I had no idea what Kai’s street name or house number was, but just said, “Uh, Kai’s house.”

“Sure, no problem. See you soon”

We arrived at the airport and faced a terrible check-in line:

With the rain coming down, we had not gone out for breakfast so I purchased a hot sandwich and coffee from the airport restaurant/cafe.

I loved that the SAS employees had these badges on–

Our flight to Tromsø operates four times per week and is a nice alternative to the late-night Oslo flight if you are connecting to another Scandinavian capital. We were headed to Stockholm to meet up with my brother.

Boarding was called for SAS Plus and Star Alliance Gold members.  For this flight, we flew economy class. The one-way ticket was $195.

SAS 4425
Longyearbyen (LYR) – Tromsø (TOS)
Monday, August 14, 2016
Depart: 02:45 PM
Arrive: 04:20 PM
Duration: 1hr, 35min
Aircraft: 737-700
Seat: 16A (Economy Class)

I don’t have much to report on service for this flight. Having just had brunch, I did not purchase from the BOB menu. I did have a cup of tea, which is complimentary in SAS economy class along with coffee and water.

The beauty of this flight was the views–they were once again stunning.

Long Layover in Tromsø

We had a 5hr layover in Tromsø. While we could have gone into town (a bus runs from the airport into town), we opted to have enjoy a cup of coffee and cinnamon roll in the SAS Café at Tromsø (review coming in next installment of trip report) than go for a long walk around the airport.

Upon landing, we did have to go through passport control since Svalbard is an unincorporated area of Norway.

I wanted to leave our bags in the lounge, but that request was refused. Thankfully, we were able to store our bags in the airport’s Lost and Found office (for about $15…). I suppose I could have checked them as well…

The weather was absolutely ideal and I enjoyed watching planes land.

SAS 1492
Tromsø (TOS) – Stockholm (ARN)
Monday, August 14, 2016
Depart: 09:55 PM
Arrive: 11:45 PM
Duration: 1hr, 50min
Aircraft: A320
Seat: 12A (Economy Class Exit Row)

I have nothing to say about the flight itself, but a lot to say about the beauty of leaving at 9:55p during August. My pictures certainly do not do it justice, but I encountered the most beautiful moon rising I have ever seen. It was HUGE!

I slept through the flight itself, but upon landing at Stockholm Arlanda lined up with many locals for a very tasty burger at MAX, a Swedish hamburger chain.

Read more of my Scandinavia Trip Report:

Review: SAS A330 Business Class Los Angeles to Stockholm
Lounge Review: SAS Gold Lounge Stockholm
Review: SAS Business Class Stockholm to Oslo (Scenic Flight)
Lounge Review: SAS Gold Lounge Oslo
Review: SAS Business Class Oslo to Longyearbyen
The Advantage of AirBnB in Longyearbyen
A Boat Trip to an Abandoned Russian Mining Island
Review: Hotel Tulpan in Pyramiden
Why Pyramiden is a Must-See (Photo Tour)
Exploring Pyramiden at Midnight with Two Armed Female Bodyguards
Where to Eat in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen to Stockholm via Tromsø on SAS
Lounge Review: SAS Café Tromso
Review: Radisson Stockholm Airport
Review: Hilton Stockholm