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What is the SAS baggage policy?
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has a baggage policy with the intention of having translated travel standardized for all passengers. For cabin baggage, SAS allows an allowance of one bag and one personal item (handbag or laptop); the real size and weight limit depends on ticket type. Checked baggage allowance will depend on ticket type as well; typically SAS Go will include one checked bag, whereas SAS Plus and SAS Business will usually come with a more generous allowance. You will also be able to prepurchase excess baggage at a lower rate than you would at the airport. SAS has requirements for special baggage (sporting equipment, instruments, etc.), which will allow the passengers to ensure they book the appropriate allowances to take them.
SAS Carry-On Allowance
- You are allowed one bag and a personal item (e.g., purse, laptop, briefcase).
- You are permitted to carry on any assistive devices (i.e., cane, wheelchair) and any outer garments (i.e., coats and jackets) separate from your personal items.
- Your carry-on item must be stowed in the overhead bin or in a position in front of you under the seat.
- Although there are restrictions on size, it goes into further detail and has maximums of 22 x 18 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm).
- The maximum weight is 17 lbs (8 kg).
SAS Checked Baggage Allowance
SAS Checked Baggage Allowance When flying with SAS, your allowance of checked bags will depend on your ticket type. As a passenger, you will have the right to at least one (1) checked bag free of charge with regular limits to size and weight.
Allowance by Ticket Type
| Ticket Type | Weight | Dimension (L+W+H) |
|---|---|---|
| SAS Go | 1 bag × 50 lbs / 23 kg | 62 in / 158 cm |
| SAS Plus | 2 bags × 50 lbs / 23 kg | 62 in / 158 cm |
| SAS Business | 2 bags × 50 lbs / 23 kg | 62 in / 158 cm |
When traveling with SAS, you are always allowed to bring at least one piece of checked baggage for free. The same baggage rules apply regardless of where you are travelling to.
A baggage tag is attached to checked baggage, available at check-in either at the counter or at a kiosk, even if you have checked in through another means. SAS also recommends that passengers always fill out a label with their name and address and put it on their baggage. Labels can be found in the departure hall and at the counter.
Extra Items You Can Bring on Board
When traveling, it’s always good to know what extra items you’re allowed to carry without running into last-minute surprises.
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For parents with infants: You can bring a diaper bag, a child car seat, and a stroller (up to 23 kg / 50.7 lb) at no extra charge. Just make sure to confirm these special items with the airline before your trip.
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For pet owners: Small cats and dogs are welcome in the cabin for an additional fee. Your pet must stay in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, and this will count as your carry-on item.
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Other extras: Duty-free bags and items purchased at the airport can also be brought on board, in addition to your regular cabin baggage.
Still unsure about what you can pack? Check out our full guide to carry-on rules so you can fly stress-free.
What happens if your luggage is over 23 kg international?
If you're taking an international SAS flight with checked luggage weighing in excess of the 23 kg limit, you will be charged for "excess baggage." SAS permits checked baggage up to 32 kg per piece, but between 23 and 32 kg is considered overweight and will incur an excess baggage charge, which varies depending on your route and ticket type.
If luggage exceeds 32 kg, it will not be accepted under any circumstances for obvious safety reasons—you will certainly have to repack the larger piece or ship it via cargo. To avoid unwelcome surprises, it's always advisable to weigh your luggage before you go, and, if you are over the 23 kg, make a purchase of any additional baggage online through SAS. This is generally cheaper than purchasing baggage at the airport counter.
That way you will have peace of mind knowing that your baggage is within limits and you can avoid being charged a higher last-minute fee.
What happens if your luggage is over 23 kg international?
The baggage allowance is 23 kg for international SAS flights. If your checked baggage is larger, then you will incur overweight baggage fees at the airport. SAS allows a maximum weight of 32 kg per checked bag. All bags that weigh between 23 and 32 kg are considered overweight, and the baggage fees are burdened fees of different amounts, based on your itinerary and ticket class.
Please keep in mind we cannot accept bags above 32 kg due to safety regulations and procedures; in this case, we will have to repack the luggage or send it as cargo. Always weigh your luggage before you travel, and if you intend to travel with luggage that is larger than this allowance, make sure to purchase extra baggage before your travel online through SAS. The average online baggage charges will always be cheaper than purchasing it from the travel agent counter at the airport.
This is the easiest way to limit your stress before your travels. You will have peace of mind knowing your luggage is within the allotted limits, so you don't have to worry about paying increased fees at the last minute at the airport.
What is Considered Sports Equipment and How Can I Take it with Me
SAS allows a wide range of sports equipment as special checked baggage, but you must make a request and gain approval in advance—as early as when the booking was made, or in 'My Bookings' at least 24 hours before departure.
Golf bag—General acceptance for one bag including clubs, balls, tees, shoes, etc. counts as one checked item.
SAS
Ski/Snowboard Equipment—One bag (for skis/snowboard) + one bag (for boots) counts as one checked item.
Bicycles must be packaged in a protective case or box; they count as one checked item. Electric bikes are required to travel by cargo. Tandem bikes are not accepted!
Diving Equipment—All pieces (i.e., an empty scuba cylinder, regulator, mask and fins, snorkel, dive flashlight, etc.) will count as one checked item. No previous registration is required unless any person's piece is more than 32 kg.
Fishing Equipment—Rod case + bait box = 1 checked item, no previous registration required.
Hang glider—one checked item: singular, but hang gliders must be pre-registered; not allowed on smaller aircraft
Hockey Equipment—counts as one checked item and is not counted as a normal checked piece; teams with multiple bags must pre-register.
Pole vaulting poles—one pole per bag; not part of intended checked baggage; requires advance registration and additional charges.
Surfboards/kite surfing equipment—if it is under 200 cm, it counts as one checked item; no advance booking necessary. Over 200 cm in length (windsurfing boards) requires advance booking and will sometimes be limited with regard to being shipped on smaller aircraft.
SAS carry-on FAQs
SAS actually has very rigid size restrictions on carry-on baggage, specifying exact measurements and a weight limit for each passenger's in-cabin space. If your bag exceeds width, length, height, or weight, you could be charged an additional fee for the bag.
According to SAS, it is usually permitted for passengers to bring a backpack as a personal item (as long as it fits the personal item size restrictions) and a carry-on bag in the overhead compartment.
As in most cases, if you're seated in an exit row, you will not be able to store your personal item under the seat in front of you. You will most likely have your personal item stored in the overhead storage bin. Follow the direction of the cabin crew for the storage of your personal item during your flight, as they differ slightly from aircraft to aircraft.
Conclusion:
For guests traveling with 'special' baggage—including sports gear, instruments, items for infants or pets—SAS clearly outlines policies and informs their guests that these items can be registered in advance. The takeaway is that while SAS is very strict with baggage size and weight limits, especially for cabin baggage, SAS also sets standards (and relief) for travelers, as its policies are transparent and fair if you have baggage needs beyond the allowance.