SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) Baggage Allowance Policy - Cabin and Checked Luggage

Planning to fly with SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)? Before you zip up your suitcase, make sure you know exactly what you can bring and what will cost you extra.

SAS allows one carry-on bag and one personal item (varies depending on your ticket class). Both items must fit within the specified size and weight limits to travel hassle-free through security and onboard.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through SAS’s baggage allowance rules for both cabin and checked luggage, plus how to check in and book the right fare for your needs.

Overview of SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)

In 1946, Det Danske Luftfartselskab, Den Norske Luftfartselskap, and Svensk Interkontinental Lufttrafik AB, three Scandinavian airlines, entered into a codeshare arrangement to form Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS). SAS Scandinavian Airlines has been awarded a 3-Star rating for the quality of its airport and in-flight products, as well as employee service.

SAS Group offers scheduled passenger, freight, and postal flights in over 100 locations worldwide. Over a dozen locations in the United States, China, and Japan are served by SAS from its three main hubs in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo.

Scandinavian Airlines Carry-On Baggage Allowance

SAS hand luggage size and weight explained.

The carry-on allowance is determined by both the ticket type and the destination

All carry-on luggage must be stored in the bin above or beneath the seat in front of the passengers and must meet the following specifications: 

• Dimensions of hand luggage: 22 x 18 x 9 in / 55 x 40 x 23 cm (length x width x height) - Max weight: 8 kg (17 lbs)

• Dimensions of personal item: 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in / 40 x 30 x 15 cm (height x width x depth).

SAS has a unique guideline about luggage under the seat. Accordingly, travellers are permitted to carry one additional bag, free of charge. Should you desire, you can also purchase extra baggage allowances.

NOTE: When you take the bulkhead seats, during takeoff and landing, there is no under-seat storage space in front of you.

Do note that SAS Economy Light doesn’t include any free carry-on bags. If you have a SAS Go Light ticket, the fee only covers a one-liner underseat bag no bigger than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in).

For example, you can bring a tiny handbag, laptop, or similar item that must) fit beneath the passenger seat in front of you.

For safety reasons, you are not allowed to carry weapons, stun devices, sharp object, or liquid containers with a capacity of more than 100 ml.

Scandinavian Airlines’ Checked Baggage Allowance Policy

Most SAS fliers can enjoy free hold bags. Photo by Prostock-studio - stock.adobe.com

The number of free checked luggage varies depending on the ticket type you've purchased and where you're heading.

The key difference in luggage allowance is that travellers using the SAS Plus service are permitted to add one checked bag free of charge, provided the standards listed below are satisfied.

SAS Go, SAS Plus, and SAS Business are the three primary categories of tickets offered by Scandinavian Airlines at the moment:

• SAS Economy Standard and SAS Economy Flex options include one piece of complimentary checked baggage weighing no more than 23kg (50 lbs).

• In comparison, SAS Premium and SAS Premium Flex include two checked bags with the same weight restriction.

• SAS Business prices offer two complimentary checked bags; the weight restriction is doubled to 32kg (70 lbs) per piece on most flights.

For budget-conscious customers, a fourth pricing option called SAS Economy Light is offered on select domestic flights. This is the only Scandinavian Airlines fare type that doesn't include complimentary checked luggage.

Checked luggage on Scandinavian Airlines can not be larger than 62 linear inches (158 cm) with a 32 kg (70 lbs) maximum weight. Larger items of luggage can not fit on some flights.

Weight limits apply to checked luggage on Scandinavian Airlines. Individually checked luggage for most tickets cannot exceed 23 kg (50 lbs), while certain prices/routes allow up to 32kg (70 lbs) of checked baggage per fare.

Scandinavian Airlines’ Excess Baggage Policy

Scandinavian Airlines' large baggage regulations for hand luggage are relatively easy.

Excess baggage will be charged an extra price, which can vary depending on whether the trip is domestic or international.

When the baggage weighs above 32 kg (70 lbs), it must be repackaged or delivered in freight. Passengers can check up to 9 pieces of additional luggage.

If you want additional checked luggage in addition to your Scandinavian Airlines cost, you can do it in advance or at the airport. However, you should book extra baggage as early as possible, because the price increases the closer you are to departure.

For instance, you have to pay around €50 or$55 for extra hand luggage at the airport. This fee goes down to €16 or $18 when you pay 14 days in advance. You can see this page for more information.

Make sure your bags fit so there’s no extra fees.

Sports Equipment

Most sports equipment, such as skis, golf bags, snowboards, and bikes, can be taken on board as special baggage, but you need to inform the crew in advance. 

You will not be charged if your sports equipment fits within the checked baggage allowance included in your ticket. If not, you’ll have to pay a fee that is similar to extra baggage. 

• A set of golf equipment is considered 1 piece of checked baggage, which includes 1 golf bag containing a set of clubs and 1 pair of shoes.

• 1 ski/snowboard bag and 1 smaller ski/snowboard boot bag count as 1 piece of checked baggage and must not weigh more than 50.7 lbs.

• Bicycles also count as 1 piece of checked baggage if they are carried in a protective bag or similar container. Electric bicycles must be checked in as cargo, and tandem bicycles are not accepted.

Note: 

• You must notify SAS Customer Service 24 hours before departure to book and find out if your sports equipment is approved.

• You need to check in advance if you are travelling in a group of 9 or more with several pieces of large-sized or special baggage.

CPAP Machines

Passengers can bring a CPAP on board as part of their carry-on baggage; however, you need to inform the crew in advance (at least 48 hours) and bring a doctor's note so they can make arrangements. If you need oxygen during your trip, you can bring your own compressed oxygen or request medical oxygen. Be sure to contact their customer support and fill out the Medical information form (MEDIF) first.

Booking and Check-in Process

Booking

You can book tickets on My booking or the SAS app (available on App Store and Google Play). The booking interface will look like below, quite easy to navigate.

Photo taken from the SAS official website.

If you are a frequent customer of SAS Airline, you can also use reward points (miles) to redeem free air tickets, upgrades, or discounts for flights of SAS or partner airlines in the Star Alliance.

These reward trips can be regular flights with reward points, or special trips organised by SAS, such as the "Unknown Destination" trip that SAS once organised, attracting great interest from members.

To use EuroBonus points for a trip, members need to log in to their EuroBonus account and search for the desired flight. They can then choose to pay with reward points or a combination of reward points and cash.

For details on redeemable points, please refer to the official SAS Airline website.

Check In

There are four ways to check in. The easiest way is to travel with only a carry-on bag and have a digital boarding pass ready, then just go your merry way to the security checkpoint.

Via Website:

• Go to Check in or My bookings and enter your booking reference and last name.

• Check in and choose your seat from 30 hours before departure up to 1 hour before.

• You will be notified via email within 22 to 28 hours to see if you have checked in.

Via SAS App:

• Add your booking to the SAS app

• Check in and choose your seat from 30 hours before departure up to 1 hour before.

• If you haven't checked in, you’ll be prompted in the SAS App 18 hours before departure.

At the self-service check-in machine:

• Check in

• Select or change seat

• Print bag tags

• Print boarding pass

• Add EuroBonus number

• Rebook ticket (if included in ticket price)

• Add extra information required for travel to the US and UK

At the check-in counter:

Staff will assist you in completing the check-in process similar to the kiosk. If you need assistance, are an unaccompanied minor, have a pet, musical instrument, or weapons, you must check in at the counter. 

Depending on local regulations, check-in counters usually open approximately 2 hours before flight time.

Note: To make the check-in process as smooth as possible, please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight and check in your baggage as early as possible.

FAQs

1. Can I bring my own food onboard?

You can bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on board, but you cannot bring ready-made or takeout food. Other passengers may be allergic to peanuts, so you cannot bring or eat peanuts on the plane.

2. Can I lock my baggage?

If your destination is the US, you can only lock your baggage with a travel TSA lock, a specially designed lock that airport security personnel can open and inspect without breaking the lock. For other destinations, you can lock your baggage with other locks and must open them if required for security screening.

3. Do I have to check in my musical equipment, or can I bring it onboard?

If your instrument fits in your carry-on or checked baggage, you can bring it on board. For larger instruments, you will need to pre-register and pack them in a hard case. You may have to pay an additional fee.

4. Can I bring devices with lithium batteries?

There are some rules you need to follow if you want to bring lithium batteries, as SAS follows IATA guidelines for transporting them. Hoverboards and mono wheels must be shipped as cargo. 

You cannot use electronic cigars, pipes, and cigarettes on the flight. These items must remain in your carry-on baggage for the duration of the flight.

5. Can I bring my electric wheelchair/ mobility scooter?

Yes, you can bring your electric wheelchair or mobility scooter if you pre-register at least 48 hours before your flight at SAS Sales and Service.

6. Can I bring firearms on board?

You can bring firearms onboard after registering via this form 24 hours before your flight. If you are flying within 24 hours, you will need to contact SAS customer service or the agency if you booked through them.

You must ensure that the following conditions are met:

• You have a firearms license.

• The weapon must not be loaded.

• The weapon must be disassembled and placed in separate bags when checking in, and ammunition must be kept in its original bag to avoid strong impacts.

• You can bring up to 5kg of ammunition.

• You must check in at least 2 hours before your flight to complete paperwork and security checks.

• The transport of firearms must be requested and approved in advance.

You must check in your firearms and will be charged an additional fee at the airport.

Ready to Fly With SAS?

SAS, like other airlines, has its own regulations regarding baggage allowance, and strictly following them will help you avoid any inconveniences that may arise during your flight, such as having to remove luggage or pay extra. 

Make sure to choose the right type of backpack for your underseat, such as the 28L underseat bag from Cabin Zero, which was designed after careful testing and surveying of all airlines' regulations.

Follow Cabin Zero's social media channels to get the latest and most useful travel information, carefully compiled and professionally compiled.

Duyen Pham