Understanding SAS Baggage Allowances
When planning a journey with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), grasping the nuances of their baggage allowance is paramount to avoid unexpected charges or the need to reorganise luggage at the airport. SAS operates under a system that categorises allowances based on ticket type, fare class, and destination, influencing both the number of items permitted and their maximum weight and dimensions. For travellers accustomed to simpler rules, SAS's tiered approach requires careful attention to ensure all checked and cabin luggage complies with their regulations.
The fundamental principle is that your ticket type dictates your allowance. SAS offers several fare classes, often distinguished by names like Go, Plus, and Business, each with varying inclusions for baggage. Generally, lower fare classes might include only a cabin bag, while higher classes or specific ticket types will incorporate checked baggage. It is always advisable to verify the specific allowance printed on your ticket or booking confirmation before you travel, as policies can be subject to change and international travel often carries different allowances than domestic flights.
Beyond the number of bags, the weight and dimensions are critical. SAS specifies maximum weights for both cabin and checked luggage, and exceeding these limits will likely incur excess baggage fees. Similarly, checked bags have maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) that must be adhered to. Failing to meet these physical constraints can result in your bag being re-tagged as oversized or, in extreme cases, not accepted for transport at all. This section provides an overview of these core principles.
- Ticket type dictates SAS baggage allowance.
- Cabin and checked bags have strict weight limits.
- Dimension restrictions apply to all checked luggage.
- Verify your specific allowance on your booking.
Fare Types and Their Baggage Inclusions
Scandinavian Airlines structures its fares to offer different levels of service and inclusions, with baggage allowance being a primary differentiator. Understanding these fare types is the most direct way to determine what you can carry on board and what you can check into the hold.
SAS Go: The Economical Choice
SAS Go is the airline's most economical fare. When flying SAS Go, you are typically permitted one piece of cabin baggage and a small personal item, with a weight limit usually around 8kg. Checked baggage is not included with SAS Go tickets by default. Passengers wishing to bring checked luggage must purchase it as an add-on service. This can be done during the booking process, through 'My Bookings' on the SAS website, or via the SAS app. Adding checked baggage in advance is generally more cost-effective than purchasing it at the airport on the day of travel. The allowances for additional checked bags can vary, and SAS provides specific details on pricing and weight limits for these purchases.
SAS Plus: Enhanced Comfort and Baggage
SAS Plus offers a more comfortable travel experience and typically includes a more generous baggage allowance. Passengers flying SAS Plus are usually entitled to two pieces of cabin baggage, each weighing up to 8kg, along with a personal item. Furthermore, SAS Plus fares generally include one checked bag as standard, with a weight limit of 23kg. This makes SAS Plus a popular choice for travellers who require more luggage space or prefer the convenience of having their checked items included. The specific dimensions for cabin bags remain consistent with other SAS fares, ensuring overhead compartment compatibility.
SAS Business: Premium Travel with Generous Allowances
For the highest level of service, SAS Business provides a premium travel experience, which naturally extends to its baggage allowances. Passengers booked in SAS Business can typically bring two pieces of cabin baggage, each weighing up to 8kg, plus a personal item. In addition, the SAS Business fare usually includes two checked bags, each with a higher weight limit of 32kg per bag. This substantial allowance is designed to cater to the needs of business travellers or those seeking maximum flexibility with their luggage. The advanced packing considerations for SAS Business travellers might include larger items, though the 32kg limit per bag is a universal safety standard across most airlines.
Intercontinental Flights and Special Fares
It is important to note that baggage allowances for intercontinental flights, particularly on SAS's long-haul routes, may differ from those on short and medium-haul flights. For example, some long-haul tickets in economy class might include one or even two checked bags as standard. SAS also occasionally offers special fares or promotions that can alter standard baggage inclusions. Always refer to your specific booking confirmation or the SAS website for the most accurate and up-to-date information pertaining to your particular ticket and route, as these can be complex and subject to change.
Exceeding Allowances: Fees and Options
Encountering excess baggage on an SAS flight is a common concern for travellers, but understanding the airline's policies on fees and alternative solutions can mitigate stress and unexpected expenses.
Excess Baggage Fees
If your luggage exceeds the standard allowance in terms of number of items, weight, or dimensions, SAS will charge an excess baggage fee. These fees are typically higher if paid at the airport on the day of departure compared to purchasing them in advance online or via the app. SAS categorises excess baggage into a few types: extra bags, overweight bags, and oversized bags. Each category incurs its own fee structure, and sometimes these can be cumulative. For example, a bag that is both overweight and oversized will be subject to multiple charges.
The exact cost of excess baggage can vary based on the route (domestic, European, intercontinental) and how far in advance the purchase is made. SAS provides detailed tables of these fees on its website. It is strongly recommended to check these figures for your specific route and to buy any necessary extra baggage allowance online before you travel. This proactive approach can lead to significant savings and a smoother check-in experience. Remember, individual checked bags are generally capped at 32kg for safety reasons; anything heavier must be repacked or shipped separately.
Options for Overweight or Oversized Luggage
When faced with luggage that is too heavy or too large for standard allowances, passengers have several options. The most straightforward is to pay the excess baggage fees, provided the item meets the maximum weight (32kg) and dimension (158cm linear) limits for a single piece of checked luggage. Passengers can often purchase additional baggage allowances online up to a certain point before departure, usually around 24-48 hours, depending on the flight. This allows for planning and can secure a better price.
If an item is exceptionally heavy or bulky, beyond the 32kg limit, it cannot be transported as regular checked baggage. In such cases, SAS may offer or recommend alternative shipping solutions, such as SAS Cargo. This service is designed for larger, heavier shipments and has its own set of regulations and pricing. It is essential to contact SAS Cargo directly well in advance of your flight to arrange for such shipments, as they require separate booking and handling procedures. For items that are simply oversized but within the weight limit, the oversized baggage fee applies, but it still must be manageable for airline staff to handle.
Weigh your bags accurately at home before heading to the airport. Use a reliable luggage scale to avoid surprises and the higher costs associated with purchasing extra allowance at the check-in desk.
Special Items and Sports Equipment
Travelling with items beyond standard clothing and personal effects requires specific attention to SAS's policies. This includes everything from musical instruments and electronic devices to sports equipment like skis or golf clubs. SAS categorises these items, and their transport is subject to specific rules regarding size, weight, and packaging.
Transporting Sports Equipment
SAS generally allows sports equipment, such as skis, snowboards, golf clubs, and bicycles, to be transported as checked baggage, provided they are properly packaged. For instance, skis and snowboards should be in a ski bag, and golf clubs in a golf bag. Bicycles must have their pedals removed, handlebars turned sideways, and tyres deflated, often requiring them to be placed in a protective box or bag. These items usually count as one piece of checked baggage, but they often have specific weight and dimension limits that differ from standard luggage. For example, a sports bag might have a maximum weight of 32kg and linear dimensions of 200cm x 75cm x 45cm. It is vital to check the precise requirements for your specific sport equipment on the SAS website, as some items might require special booking or incur additional fees beyond the standard checked baggage allowance, even if they fit within one bag entitlement.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can be transported in one of three ways with SAS: as carry-on baggage, as checked baggage, or as a special item in a dedicated seat. Smaller instruments, such as a violin or a flute, might fit within the standard cabin baggage dimensions and weight limits, allowing them to be brought into the cabin. Larger instruments, like a cello or a guitar, often exceed cabin baggage size restrictions. In such cases, they can typically be checked in as baggage, but they must be adequately protected in a hard-shell case to withstand the rigours of transit. There may be specific weight or size limits for these instruments as checked baggage, so consulting SAS's guidelines is essential.
For very large or valuable instruments, passengers may have the option to purchase an extra seat for the instrument. This means the instrument travels secured in its own seat next to the passenger. This option is subject to availability and must be booked in advance. It is important to note that the instrument must fit within the dimensions of the seat and be secured appropriately. SAS outlines the procedures and any associated costs for transporting musical instruments, whether in the cabin, as checked luggage, or in a separate seat, on its official website.
Other Special Items
Other special items, such as prams, car seats, or medical equipment, often have specific allowances. For example, a collapsible pram or a car seat for an infant might be allowed as checked baggage without incurring an extra fee, or they might be permitted to be brought to the aircraft door. Medical equipment, like wheelchairs or mobility aids, is generally handled with care and specific procedures; passengers requiring assistance or needing to transport such items should notify SAS in advance. For any item not falling into standard categories, contacting SAS customer service or checking the dedicated section on their website for 'Special Baggage' is the most reliable way to ensure compliance and a smooth travel experience.
Navigating SAS Baggage with Children
Travelling with children often means bringing extra gear, and SAS has specific provisions for infants and children that can affect your baggage allowance.
Baggage for Infants
An infant, typically defined as a child under two years old who does not occupy their own seat, is usually permitted a certain amount of baggage. While a separate seat is not allocated, a dedicated infant baggage allowance often includes a checked bag weighing up to 10kg, along with a stroller or a car seat. The dimensions for this infant checked bag are usually stipulated, and it's separate from the adult's allowance. Passengers travelling with an infant should verify these allowances, as they can differ slightly depending on the fare type of the accompanying adult.
Children's Luggage
For children over two years old who occupy their own seat, the standard baggage allowance for their specific fare class applies. However, SAS also provides specific guidance for items like pushchairs and buggies. Collapsible pushchairs or buggies are usually permitted to be brought to the aircraft door and then checked into the hold by the cabin crew. They are often treated as part of the infant allowance or may be permitted in addition to the standard allowance for children. It is crucial to check if a specific children's hand luggage suitcase is permitted as cabin baggage for your child; if it adheres to the standard cabin baggage dimensions and weight limits of the fare class they are travelling in, it should be acceptable.
Strollers and Car Seats
When travelling with infants or young children, strollers and car seats are common items. SAS permits these items to be checked, often at the baggage drop or at the gate. For a stroller, it is usually accepted that it can be brought to the aircraft door and then handed over to the ground staff. Similarly, car seats used for the journey to the airport can typically be checked in. Some airlines may allow a car seat to be used on an empty seat if one is available and booked, but this is rare and requires specific advance arrangements. SAS's policy generally facilitates the transport of these essential child items, but it's wise to confirm the exact procedure and any associated weight or size considerations for your specific booking.
Maximising Your Allowance & Smart Packing
Efficient packing and understanding how to best utilise your SAS baggage allowance can prevent unnecessary stress and additional costs.
Utilise Your Cabin Allowance Wisely
The cabin baggage allowance is your first line of defence against excess charges. Always aim to pack your most valuable, essential, or frequently needed items in your cabin bag. This includes electronics, medication, travel documents, and a change of clothes. If you are travelling on a fare that includes checked baggage, use your cabin allowance for items you might need during the flight or in case of checked luggage delays. If your fare only includes cabin baggage, pack meticulously to ensure everything fits within the weight and dimension limits. Consider a children's hand luggage suitcase if a child has their own seat and needs their own items.
Weigh and Measure Everything
Before you leave for the airport, weigh all your bags and measure them against SAS's specified dimensions. Use a luggage scale and a tape measure. Many standard suitcases, especially those marketed as 'carry-on', might exceed the stricter dimensions imposed by some airlines. If you're buying new luggage, specifically look for dimensions that comply with airline cabin baggage regulations, such as those for a 4 wheel hand luggage suitcase that is compact and lightweight.
Consider Purchasing Additional Baggage in Advance
If you anticipate needing more checked baggage than your ticket allows, purchase the extra allowance online through 'My Bookings' or the SAS app. This is almost always cheaper than paying at the airport. SAS often allows you to purchase additional bags up to a certain limit, and you can also pay to increase the weight allowance of an existing checked bag, provided it doesn't exceed the 32kg maximum per bag. Compare the cost of purchasing extra allowance against the potential fees for overweight or oversized items.
Layer your clothing when travelling, especially if you are close to exceeding your checked baggage weight limit. Wearing your bulkiest items, like a jacket or boots, on the plane can save considerable weight in your suitcase.
Share and Consolidate
If travelling with family or friends, discuss your luggage needs beforehand. Can you consolidate items? Perhaps one person can carry more, and another less, to balance the total weight and number of bags within the group's combined allowance. This can be a very effective strategy to avoid paying for multiple individual excess baggage fees. For example, if one person has a lighter allowance and another has space, sharing can be more economical than paying for an extra bag for the first person.
SAS Baggage Policy: Key Differences and Regions
While SAS strives for consistency, baggage policies can exhibit subtle differences, particularly between short-haul European flights and long-haul intercontinental routes. Understanding these distinctions is key to accurate packing and avoiding surprises.
European vs. Intercontinental Flights
For short and medium-haul flights within Europe, SAS generally adheres to the fare-based system (Go, Plus, Business) with clear allowances for cabin and checked baggage. SAS Go typically includes only cabin baggage, requiring separate purchase for checked items. SAS Plus and Business fares include checked baggage as standard. These routes often have stricter weight limits for cabin baggage (e.g., 8kg) and standard checked bag weights (23kg for Plus, 32kg for Business).
Intercontinental flights, however, can sometimes offer a more generous allowance even for standard economy tickets, or have different rules regarding the number of checked bags. For example, a long-haul economy ticket might include one or two checked bags as standard, whereas a similar fare on a European route would not. The weight limit per bag (32kg) remains consistent for safety reasons, but the number of bags permitted can vary significantly. Always check the SAS website for the specific route you are flying, as allowances for destinations like North America, Asia, or the Middle East may differ from those within Europe.
Baggage Regulations for Specific Countries
While SAS sets the overarching rules, certain countries may have specific import or export regulations that indirectly affect baggage. For instance, rules about carrying liquids, certain food items, or electronics might vary. Although these are typically customs regulations rather than airline baggage policies, they can influence what passengers choose to pack. For example, if a country has strict rules on importing certain types of batteries, you might need to adjust your packing strategy. SAS does not typically dictate these country-specific customs rules, but travellers should be aware of them, especially when transporting items like lithium-ion batteries, which have their own airline safety regulations regarding placement in cabin versus checked luggage.
Baggage Allowances in Comparison to Other Airlines
When comparing SAS baggage allowances to those of other airlines, particularly low-cost carriers, significant differences emerge. Low-cost airlines often have very restrictive cabin baggage policies, charging for anything beyond a small personal item, and checked baggage is almost always an additional purchase. SAS, as a full-service carrier, typically offers a more inclusive experience, especially with its Plus and Business fares. However, even within full-service carriers, there are variations. For instance, some airlines might offer a higher weight allowance per checked bag as standard, or have different rules for children's baggage. Understanding the specifics for SAS, such as the rules for a children's hand luggage suitcase or the allowance for items like a pushchair, is crucial for planning. Always cross-reference with the airline you are flying to avoid misunderstandings. For example, while SAS has defined rules, airlines like Oman Air allowed baggage policies, Biman Bangladesh baggage allowance, or Korean Air baggage limits often have their own unique structures and weight/dimension constraints that differ from SAS. Royal Air Maroc baggage limits are also distinct. Therefore, a direct comparison is essential for your specific travel plans.
Your SAS Baggage Questions Answered
Here are answers to common queries regarding baggage policies with Scandinavian Airlines.
Can I bring my 4 wheel hand luggage suitcase?
Yes, a 4 wheel hand luggage suitcase is generally permitted as cabin baggage on SAS flights, provided it adheres to the specified dimensions and weight limits for your fare class. Ensure it fits within the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you.
How long before my flight can I check bags with SAS?
SAS recommends checking in your bags at least one hour before departure for domestic flights and two hours for international flights. However, these times can vary by airport, so it is advisable to arrive even earlier, especially during peak travel periods.
What happens if my checked bag is overweight?
If your checked bag exceeds the weight limit for your fare, you will be charged an excess baggage fee. Bags heavier than 32kg cannot be transported as checked baggage and must be repacked or shipped separately, possibly via SAS Cargo.
Can I bring a hand luggage buggy for my child?
Yes, collapsible pushchairs or buggies, often referred to as a hand luggage buggy, can typically be brought to the aircraft door. They are then checked into the hold by cabin crew. Confirm specific details with SAS for your infant's travel.
What is the difference in baggage allowance between SAS Go and SAS Plus?
SAS Go usually includes one cabin bag and a personal item, with checked baggage available for purchase. SAS Plus typically includes two cabin bags, a personal item, and one checked bag as standard.
How much does extra baggage cost on SAS?
The cost of extra baggage on SAS varies depending on the route and whether it is purchased in advance online or at the airport. It is significantly cheaper to buy additional baggage allowance online before your flight.
Can I check my baggage the day before my flight with SAS?
Some airports offer the possibility to check in baggage the evening before your flight, especially for early morning departures. This service is not universally available and depends on the specific airport and airline arrangements.