SAS Baggage Policy

Before arriving at the airport, reviewing the updated SAS Baggage Policy ensures your luggage meets all size and weight requirements. As SAS transitions into the SkyTeam alliance and updates its policies, staying informed about SAS Baggage Policy for 2026 can save you from unexpected fees and travel headaches.

This comprehensive guide, crafted by an aviation baggage specialist, breaks down everything you need to know about SAS carry-on limits, checked baggage allowances, personal item rules, and how to navigate fees for special items like sports equipment or musical instruments. We'll cover the latest updates, including new benefits for EuroBonus and SkyTeam Elite members on "Go Light" fares, ensuring you're fully prepared for your flight.

SAS Carry-On Baggage Rules: Your Cabin Essentials

SAS maintains specific guidelines for items brought into the aircraft cabin. These rules are rigorously enforced to ensure passenger comfort and safety, especially on busy flights. Familiarize yourself with these dimensions to avoid gate-side complications.

Personal Item (Underseat Bag) Allowance

Every SAS passenger is entitled to one personal item, regardless of their ticket class. This item must be small enough to be stowed completely under the seat in front of you.

• Maximum Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in)
• Examples: A small backpack, laptop bag, handbag, or camera bag.
• Purpose: Designed for essentials you might need during the flight.

Overhead Carry-On Bag Allowance

This is the larger piece of cabin luggage that goes into the overhead locker. Your entitlement to this bag depends on your fare type.

• Maximum Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (22 x 16 x 9 in)
• Maximum Weight: 8 kg (18 lbs) per bag
• Included Fares: SAS Go Smart, SAS Go Pro, SAS Plus, SAS Business.
• SAS Go Light: This fare does NOT include an overhead carry-on bag. You must purchase it separately if needed. Elite members may have exceptions (see below).

Connecting Flights & Multi-Airline Trips: If your itinerary involves connecting flights or partner airlines, make sure to check and compare their specific baggage allowances: Ryanair Baggage Policy and Saudi Airlines Baggage Policy.

Liquids, Aerosols, Gels (LAGs) and Other Cabin Restrictions

All airlines, including SAS, adhere to international security regulations regarding liquids in carry-on baggage. These rules are crucial for airport security screening.

• LAGs Rule: Each liquid container must be 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less. All containers must fit into a single transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of 1-liter capacity (approx. 20x20 cm or 8x8 in). Only one such bag is allowed per passenger.
• Medication & Baby Food: Essential liquid medications, baby formula, or breast milk are generally exempt from the 100 ml rule but must be declared separately to security for inspection.
• Electronics: Laptops and larger electronic devices must be removed from your bag and placed in a separate tray for X-ray screening. Power banks should always be carried in your carry-on, never in checked luggage.
• Learn more about the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

SAS Checked Baggage Allowance: Larger Items and Longer Trips

For longer trips or when you need to bring more items, checked baggage is your solution. SAS's allowance varies significantly by fare class and your EuroBonus/SkyTeam status.

Standard Checked Bag Allowances by Fare Type

The following table outlines the typical allowances for different SAS ticket categories:

Ticket Type	Included Checked Bags	Max Weight per Bag	Max Linear Dimensions (L+W+H)
SAS Go Light	0 (Purchase required)	N/A	N/A
SAS Go Smart / Pro	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)	158 cm (62 in)
SAS Plus (Europe/Int.)	2 bags	23 kg (50 lbs) each	158 cm (62 in)
SAS Business (Int.)	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each	158 cm (62 in)

Always verify your specific allowance on your booking confirmation or via the "My Trips" section on the SAS website or app, as routes and specific aircraft types can sometimes have minor variations.

Maximum Dimensions for Checked Bags

Beyond weight, SAS also enforces a maximum linear dimension for checked luggage. This is calculated by adding the length, width, and height of your bag.

• Standard Maximum: 158 cm (62 inches)
• Bags exceeding this limit are considered oversized baggage and will incur additional fees, often requiring special handling.

Elite Status Benefits on Go Light Fares (New for 2026)

A significant policy update, effective April 23, 2026, grants new baggage benefits for frequent flyers on SAS Go Light tickets. This change aligns with SAS's transition to the SkyTeam alliance.

• EuroBonus Silver & SkyTeam Elite Members: You are now typically entitled to one complimentary checked bag (up to 23 kg / 50 lbs) even when traveling on a Go Light fare.
• EuroBonus Gold/Diamond & SkyTeam Elite Plus Members: You typically receive two complimentary checked bags (up to 23 kg / 50 lbs each) on Go Light fares.
• Important Note: While these benefits are standard, always confirm your exact allowance on your specific booking, especially when flying on codeshare flights with partner airlines, as their operating carrier rules might apply.

SAS Baggage Fees: Understanding the Costs

Baggage fees can quickly add up if you're not careful. SAS, like many airlines, employs a dynamic pricing model where fees are significantly lower when purchased online in advance compared to at the airport.

Carry-On Bag Fees for Go Light Fares

If you have a Go Light ticket and wish to bring an overhead carry-on bag, you must purchase this allowance. Failing to do so can result in hefty gate fees.

• Online Pre-purchase: Expect to pay approximately €12-€20 (or equivalent in SEK/NOK/DKK) for domestic or European flights.
• Airport / Gate Fee: If you arrive at the gate with an unauthorized carry-on, the fee can jump to approximately €45-€55.

Checked Baggage Fees

For passengers needing to add checked bags beyond their allowance (or for Go Light fares), fees vary by route, destination, and purchase time.

• First Checked Bag (Go Light): Typically ranges from €20 to €40 when purchased online for European routes. Intercontinental flights may be higher.
• Additional Checked Bags: Fees for a second or third checked bag will be higher than the first, often starting from €30-€50 online.
• Overweight Baggage Fee: Bags weighing between 23 kg (50 lbs) and 32 kg (70 lbs) (for Go Smart/Plus fares) will incur an overweight fee, usually around €40-€60. Bags over 32 kg are generally not accepted as standard checked luggage and must be shipped as cargo.
• Oversized Baggage Fee: Bags exceeding 158 cm (62 in) linear dimensions will also be subject to an oversized fee, typically in the range of €40-€70.

Traveler Tip: Always calculate your potential baggage costs before booking, or immediately after, to ensure you select the most economical fare and purchase options. The official SAS baggage calculator is a reliable tool.

Nordic Travel Advantage: Free Ski & Snowboard Baggage on SAS

Unlike many European legacy carriers that charge separate specialty sporting fees, Scandinavian Airlines maintains a generous ski equipment allowance reflecting its Nordic heritage:

• Included in Standard Allowance: If your ticket class includes checked baggage (such as SAS Go Smart, SAS Plus, or SAS Business), you may bring one ski set as your free checked piece at no additional cost.
• What Constitutes a Ski Set: One pair of skis and poles (or one snowboard) in a ski bag, plus one separate ski boot bag. Both bags combined count as one single checked bag, provided the combined weight does not exceed 23 kg (50.7 lbs).
• Advance Declaration: Because aircraft cargo space on flights to Scandinavian winter destinations (e.g., Oslo, Tromsø, Åre Östersund, Kiruna) fills rapidly, you must register your ski equipment online at flysas.com at least 24 hours before departure.

SkyTeam Alliance Integration & EuroBonus Status Privileges

Following SAS's historic departure from Star Alliance and accession to the SkyTeam alliance, frequent flyer baggage privileges have been fully unified across partner airlines (such as Air France, KLM, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic):

Special Baggage Policy: Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, and More

SAS offers specific guidelines for transporting items that don't fit standard baggage categories, such as sports gear or delicate musical instruments. Pre-notification and proper packing are key.

Sports Equipment

Many common sports items can be transported, often counting towards your standard checked baggage allowance if they meet weight and size limits.

• Skis/Snowboards: One ski bag (containing skis/snowboard) and one boot bag are often considered a single piece of baggage. If this combined unit fits within your allowance (e.g., your first 23 kg bag on a Go Smart ticket), it flies free. Otherwise, standard excess baggage fees apply.
• Golf Bags: A golf bag (including clubs and shoes) typically counts as one piece of checked luggage.
• Bicycles: Must be properly packed in a bike box or protective case. E-bikes with lithium batteries are subject to strict dangerous goods regulations and may need to be shipped as cargo or have batteries removed.
• Other Equipment: Check the SAS website for specific rules on diving gear, surfboards, fishing equipment, etc.

Musical Instruments

The rules for musical instruments depend on their size and fragility.

• Small Instruments: Instruments like violins, violas, or small guitars can often be carried onboard as your overhead carry-on bag, provided they fit within the 55 x 40 x 23 cm dimensions and 8 kg weight limit.
• Medium Instruments: Larger instruments, such as cellos, cannot fit in the overhead bins. You may purchase an extra seat for them, ensuring they are securely fastened and do not exceed specific dimensions/weight for a seat-held item.
• Large Instruments: Instruments too large for an extra seat must be checked as special baggage. They require a rigid, hard-shell case to protect them from damage during transit. Special baggage fees will apply.

Medical Equipment and Baby Items

SAS generally provides allowances for essential medical equipment and items for infants.

• Medical Devices: Crutches, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids are typically transported free of charge and do not count towards your baggage allowance. Always inform SAS in advance if you require special assistance or have significant medical equipment.
• Baby Strollers/Car Seats: One stroller (collapsible) and one car seat per infant or child usually travel free of charge as checked baggage. Compact strollers that meet carry-on dimensions may be allowed in the cabin if space permits.

Prohibited and Restricted Items: What Not to Pack

To ensure the safety of all passengers and crew, certain items are either prohibited or restricted from both carry-on and checked baggage. Adherence to these regulations is mandatory.

• Dangerous Goods: Explosives, flammable liquids/solids, gases, corrosive substances, radioactive materials, poisons, and oxidizing materials are strictly prohibited in all baggage.
• Lithium Batteries: Spare lithium batteries (like those in power banks) must always be in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. Devices containing batteries (laptops, phones) can be in either, but it's safer in carry-on.
• Sharp Objects: Knives, scissors with blades over 6 cm, box cutters, and other sharp objects are prohibited in carry-on baggage but can be packed securely in checked luggage.
• Firearms: Firearms and ammunition are generally prohibited, or require special permits and declaration, and must be transported as checked cargo under strict conditions.

Consult TSA guidelines for US flights or EU aviation regulations for comprehensive lists of prohibited items.

Tips to Avoid Excess Baggage Fees with SAS

Smart packing and planning can significantly reduce your travel costs. Here are expert tips to help you keep your baggage expenses in check:

1. Choose the Right Fare: If you know you'll need a checked bag, compare the price difference between "Go Light" (no checked bag) and "Go Smart" (one checked bag included). Often, "Go Smart" is cheaper than buying a "Go Light" ticket and adding a bag later.
2. Weigh and Measure Your Bags: Invest in a portable luggage scale. SAS is strict with weight limits (especially 23kg/50lbs for Go Smart/Plus). Double-check dimensions, particularly for carry-ons, using a measuring tape.
3. Join EuroBonus (or leverage SkyTeam Elite): Even the lowest tiers of SAS's loyalty program can provide baggage benefits. With the 2026 update, elite status now offers tangible benefits even on Go Light fares.
4. Pre-purchase Online: This is arguably the most crucial tip. Purchasing extra baggage online via the SAS website or app is always significantly cheaper than paying at the airport check-in counter or, worse, at the gate.
5. Pack Smart & Light: Consider capsule wardrobes, rolling clothes tightly, and utilizing compression bags. Wear your heaviest items (jacket, boots) on the plane to reduce bag weight.
6. Consolidate: If traveling with a companion, combine items into fewer, heavier bags if permitted, rather than several lighter ones, to maximize allowance and potentially reduce fees.

Connecting Flights and Interline Baggage Rules

When your itinerary involves connecting flights, especially with different airlines (codeshare or interline partners), understanding how your baggage is handled is crucial.

• Single Ticket Booking: If all flights are on a single ticket (even if operated by different airlines), your baggage will typically be checked through to your final destination. The baggage policy of the "Most Significant Carrier" (often the airline operating the longest flight segment, or the first airline in the sequence) usually applies to the entire journey.
• Separate Ticket Bookings: If you've booked separate tickets for connecting flights, you will almost certainly need to collect your baggage at each layover airport, clear customs (if international), and re-check it for the next flight. This means you'll be subject to each airline's individual baggage policy and fees. Allow ample time for transfers.
• SAS & SkyTeam: As SAS integrates into SkyTeam, interline agreements with SkyTeam partners will become more streamlined. However, always confirm with SAS or your travel agent how your baggage will be handled on multi-airline itineraries.

What to Do If Your Baggage Is Lost or Damaged

While rare, baggage issues can occur. Knowing the steps to take can alleviate stress.

• Report Immediately: If your bag is lost, delayed, or damaged, report it to the SAS baggage services desk at the airport *before* leaving the baggage claim area. You will need to fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
• Keep Documentation: Retain your baggage tag, boarding pass, and the PIR form. These are essential for tracking and claims.
• Follow Up: SAS uses a tracking system (WorldTracer). You can typically track your bag's status online. For delayed bags, SAS may provide an allowance for essential items.
• Claims: For damaged bags, claims must be made within specific timeframes (e.g., 7 days for damaged checked baggage). For lost bags, compensation limits apply under international conventions (Montreal Convention).

Frequently Asked Questions About SAS Baggage Policy

Final Thoughts on SAS Baggage Rules

Navigating airline baggage policies doesn't have to be complicated. By understanding SAS's specific rules for carry-on, personal items, and checked luggage, especially the nuances of "Go Light" fares and the recent updates for elite members, you can travel with confidence. Always double-check your booking details and consider pre-purchasing any additional baggage online to secure the best rates. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your journey with Scandinavian Airlines is as smooth as possible.