SAS Scandinavian Airlines Carry-On Rules (2026 Guide)

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) serves Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, and a wide network of European and intercontinental routes. Like Finnair, SAS uses a fare-tier system that significantly affects your carry-on allowance — its cheapest fares provide only a minimal underseat bag, while standard and premium fares include full overhead carry-on privileges.

SAS Carry-On by Fare Type

Fare	Overhead Carry-On	Personal Item	Checked Bag
SAS Go Light	None	40×30×15 cm (underseat)	Not included
SAS Go	55×40×23 cm, 8 kg	40×30×15 cm	Not included
SAS Go Smart	55×40×23 cm, 8 kg	40×30×15 cm	1 included
SAS Go Plus	55×40×23 cm, 8 kg	40×30×15 cm	1 included
SAS Business	2 bags (55×40×23 cm)	40×30×15 cm	2 included

SAS Go Light: Underseat Bag Only

SAS Go Light is SAS's entry-level fare. Passengers are permitted only one small personal item that must fit under the seat: maximum dimensions 40 × 30 × 15 cm. This is notably restrictive — roughly the size of a small handbag or a slim laptop bag.

Go Light passengers who arrive at the gate with an overhead-sized bag will be required to check it. At airport prices, this is significantly more expensive than pre-booking a checked bag or upgrading to Go fare.

If you're booking SAS, look carefully at the fare name. The difference between Go Light and Go is often only a small amount at booking time but can cost far more at the airport.

SAS Go: Standard Economy with Carry-On

SAS Go is the standard Economy fare that most travelers expect from a full-service carrier. It includes:

• One carry-on bag up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm and 8 kg
• One personal item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm (underseat)

The 8 kg carry-on limit is at the lower end for European full-service carriers (Lufthansa allows 8 kg, British Airways has no weight limit for Economy). The 40 × 30 × 15 cm personal item limit is quite small — a compact backpack or handbag will fit, but a standard 13-inch laptop bag is tight.

SAS Go Smart and Go Plus

Go Smart and Go Plus are enhanced Economy tiers. Carry-on allowances are identical to SAS Go:

• Overhead carry-on: 55 × 40 × 23 cm, 8 kg
• Personal item: 40 × 30 × 15 cm

The additional benefits come in the form of a checked bag (included), flexible change policies, and bonus EuroBonus points.

SAS Business Class

SAS Business Class passengers enjoy:

• Two cabin bags in the overhead bin (55 × 40 × 23 cm each)
• One personal item (40 × 30 × 15 cm)
• No weight limit beyond what is practically manageable

SAS Business Class on long-haul routes features lie-flat beds and premium service. On Nordic short-haul routes, Business Class is more of a premium Economy equivalent with a blocked middle seat.

EuroBonus: SAS's Loyalty Program

EuroBonus is SAS's frequent flyer program with tiers Silver, Gold, and Diamond. Elite members receive enhanced carry-on treatment:

• Gold and Diamond members may receive an additional bag or weight allowance when traveling in Economy
• Diamond members receive Business Class check-in and lounge access regardless of travel class

As a Star Alliance member, SAS partners with United MileagePlus, Lufthansa Miles & More, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, and others for reciprocal earning and redemption.

Scandinavian Hubs: Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo

SAS operates from three major Scandinavian hubs:

Copenhagen (CPH) — SAS's primary hub. Copenhagen Airport is modern, efficient, and consistently ranked among Europe's best for passenger experience. Terminal 2 handles most SAS operations.

Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) — SAS's second-largest hub. Arlanda is larger and slightly less compact than Copenhagen but equally efficient.

Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) — SAS's Norwegian hub. Oslo Airport is a single-terminal facility that is straightforward to navigate.

All three Scandinavian hubs are known for fast security processing, orderly queues, and professional staff. Enforcement at the gate is proportionate — clear violations are addressed, but minor variations are not aggressively penalized.

What Doesn't Count Against the Allowance

SAS exempts from carry-on limits:

• Outer garments (coats, jackets)
• Baby equipment for families traveling with infants
• Mobility aids and walking frames
• Medical equipment and medications
• Duty-free purchases in sealed airport bags

Tips for SAS Passengers

Never book Go Light with a roller bag. The 40 × 30 × 15 cm personal item limit on Go Light is genuinely restrictive. If you need to bring a cabin suitcase, you must be on SAS Go or higher, or you'll pay airport-rate fees.

Weigh your carry-on at home. The 8 kg limit in SAS Go/Smart/Plus is enforced, particularly at Copenhagen and Stockholm. A digital luggage scale is worth the investment if you're a regular SAS flyer.

Check the personal item dimensions. The 40 × 30 × 15 cm personal item limit is tighter than many travelers expect, especially the 15 cm depth. Many standard laptop bags are 15–20 cm deep — measure yours before assuming it qualifies.

Use CPH as a transit hub for North Atlantic routes. SAS competes well on North Atlantic routes from Copenhagen to New York, Chicago, and Boston. Layover times are typically short and CPH security processes are fast.

The Bottom Line

SAS's carry-on policy is sharply divided by fare type: Go Light passengers get only a tiny underseat bag, while Go and above passengers get a standard 55 × 40 × 23 cm, 8 kg overhead carry-on plus a small personal item. Business passengers get two overhead bags. Know your fare tier before you pack, and use the EuroBonus program if you fly SAS regularly.