SAS Baggage Allowance Explained: Carry-On & Checked

SAS Baggage Allowance Explained: Carry-On & Checked

Understanding Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) baggage rules is crucial for a stress-free flight. This comprehensive guide details SAS's carry-on and checked baggage allowances, including dimensions, weight limits, fees for excess baggage, and policies for special items like sports equipment and musical instruments.

Carry-On Baggage with SAS

SAS offers different carry-on allowances depending on your ticket type and travel class. For most SAS Go and SAS Plus tickets, you are permitted one carry-on bag and one smaller personal item.

SAS Go & SAS Plus:

• One Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions are 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (height x width x depth). This bag should fit in the overhead compartment.
• One Personal Item: This can be a laptop bag, a small backpack, or a handbag. It must fit under the seat in front of you. Typical dimensions for a personal item are around 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm, though SAS is less strict on exact measurements for this item as long as it fits under the seat.
• Weight Limit: For SAS Go, the combined weight of your carry-on bag and personal item should not exceed 8 kg. For SAS Plus, the combined weight limit is 8 kg for the carry-on bag and an additional 8 kg for the personal item, totalling 16 kg.

SAS Business:

• Passengers travelling in SAS Business have a more generous allowance: two carry-on bags, each with maximum dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm, and one personal item.
• The total weight for all carry-on items in SAS Business is 18 kg.

Important Note: If your carry-on bag exceeds the size or weight limits, it will be checked as hold baggage, and you may be charged a fee. It's always best to check the dimensions and weight of your bags before heading to the airport. For real-time flight price monitoring and to plan your trip efficiently, consider using theflightagent.app.

Checked Baggage on SAS

Checked baggage allowances vary significantly based on your ticket type, destination, and whether you are a SAS EuroBonus member.

SAS Go:

• Domestic and European Flights: Typically, SAS Go tickets do not include checked baggage as standard. You can purchase a checked bag separately. The first checked bag usually costs around €70-€90 if purchased online in advance, and more at the airport.
• Intercontinental Flights: For flights to Asia, North America, and the Middle East, one checked bag is usually included in the SAS Go fare.

SAS Plus:

• Domestic and European Flights: One checked bag is typically included.
• Intercontinental Flights: Two checked bags are usually included.

SAS Business:

• All Routes: Two checked bags are included as standard.

Weight and Size Limits for Checked Baggage:

• Standard Bag: The maximum weight per checked bag is 23 kg. The maximum combined dimensions (length + width + height) for a standard bag are 158 cm.
• Overweight Bags: Bags weighing between 23 kg and 32 kg will incur an overweight fee, typically around €100-€150 per bag.
• Oversized Bags: Bags exceeding 158 cm in combined dimensions but under 203 cm will be considered oversized and incur a fee, usually similar to the overweight fee.
• Excess Bags: If you need to bring more bags than your allowance, you can purchase extra baggage allowance. The cost varies by route and when you purchase it, but expect to pay upwards of €150-€200 per additional bag.

SAS EuroBonus Members: SAS EuroBonus members often receive additional baggage allowances depending on their tier status (Silver, Gold, Diamond). For example, Silver members might get one extra checked bag on certain routes, while Gold and Diamond members often enjoy more generous allowances across all ticket types.

Special Items: Sports Equipment & Musical Instruments

SAS has specific rules for transporting sports equipment and musical instruments. These often have different size and weight allowances than standard checked baggage and may incur additional fees.

• Sports Equipment: Items like skis, golf bags, bicycles, and surfboards are generally accepted but must be packed appropriately. They are usually counted as one piece of checked baggage, but if they exceed the standard weight (23 kg) or size (158 cm), overweight/oversized fees will apply. Some items, like bicycles, may require specific preparation (e.g., pedals removed, handlebars turned). Check the SAS website for detailed packing instructions for specific sports equipment.
• Musical Instruments: Small musical instruments that fit within the carry-on dimensions and weight limits can be brought into the cabin. Larger instruments, like guitars or cellos, may need to be transported as checked baggage or as special baggage. If the instrument's dimensions exceed standard checked baggage limits, you might need to purchase an extra seat for it in the cabin, provided it fits within specific size constraints (usually around 125 cm x 45 cm x 30 cm). If transported as checked baggage and exceeding standard limits, specific fees will apply.

It is highly recommended to contact SAS directly or check their website well in advance of your flight if you plan to travel with special items to confirm the specific requirements and any associated costs.

What Happens If You're Over the Baggage Limit?

Exceeding SAS's baggage limits can lead to unexpected costs and delays at the airport. If your carry-on bag is too large or heavy, it will be re-tagged and stowed in the cargo hold as checked baggage. You will be required to pay the applicable checked baggage fee, which is usually higher when paid at the airport. For checked baggage, if you arrive at the airport with an overweight, oversized, or extra bag beyond your allowance, you will be charged the relevant fees on the spot. These fees can be substantial, often ranging from €100 to over €200 per item, depending on the nature of the excess and your route. To avoid these surprises, always double-check your baggage against SAS's guidelines before you leave for the airport. Planning and pre-purchasing extra baggage online, if needed, is almost always cheaper than paying at the check-in counter.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to add a checked bag to a SAS Go ticket?
The cost to add a checked bag to a SAS Go ticket varies by route and when you purchase it. If purchased online in advance for domestic or European flights, it typically ranges from €70-€90. Prices are higher if purchased at the airport.

Can I bring a stroller on a SAS flight?
Yes, strollers are generally permitted on SAS flights. Depending on its size, it may be allowed as carry-on baggage (if it meets dimensions and weight limits and can fit in the overhead bin) or, more commonly, it can be checked in at the gate or the check-in counter and will be returned to you upon arrival.

What are the dimensions for a SAS musical instrument in the cabin?
Small musical instruments that fit within the standard carry-on dimensions (55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm) and weight limits (8 kg for SAS Go) can be brought into the cabin. For larger instruments requiring a separate seat, SAS typically allows dimensions of approximately 125 cm x 45 cm x 30 cm, but it's essential to confirm this directly with SAS as policies can vary.

What happens if my checked bag is over 32 kg?
Bags weighing over 32 kg are considered exceptionally heavy and may not be accepted as checked baggage due to handling regulations. You will likely need to repackage the contents into multiple bags to comply with the 23 kg limit per bag, or arrange for special cargo transport. Contact SAS in advance if you anticipate having bags this heavy.