SAS: Free Baggage for SkyTeam Elite (Plus) Also in Light Fare – But Not for EuroBonus Members

A little over a month ago (on September 1), SAS Scandinavian Airlines switched from Star Alliance to SkyTeam. This brought significant changes not only for EuroBonus customers but also for e.g. Lufthansa passengers, who had to adjust accordingly.

However, one hope initially went unfulfilled. The SkyTeam rules usually stipulate that frequent flyers with Elite (Plus) status always receive additional free baggage. Unlike at Star Alliance, there are no numerous exceptions for Light fares. However, SAS had a different approach and made it clear as early as July: Those travelling on the Light fare are not allowed to check any baggage—regardless of whether they are status members or not.

Now, there has been a slight turn of events. In Flyertalk, various customer service statements were discussed. The current situation is as follows:

• As a EuroBonus Silver member, there are no baggage benefits in the Go Light fare.
• As a EuroBonus Gold/Diamond frequent flyer, you get one large carry-on (if not already included) in the Go Light fare, but no free checked baggage.
• New: As a SkyTeam Elite (Plus) frequent flyer, you get one piece of checked baggage (up to 23 kg) for free in the Go Light fare. However, this does not apply to EuroBonus members but only to frequent flyers of other programs like Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, etc.

Unfortunately, this information cannot be found on the website. However, when asked via customer support, this was confirmed as such:

EuroBonus members are treated worse than other frequent flyers

If SAS enforces the rules as communicated, all EuroBonus status members will be treated worse than external frequent flyers from ITA, KLM, Korean Air, Delta, and others. This is unusual. Typically, an airline’s own frequent flyers enjoy better benefits (seat selection, more baggage, upgrades, etc.) than those of other airlines.

However, there is already one area where such discrimination against an airline’s own customers is happening: Lounge access in North America:

• Delta SkyMiles frequent flyers do not receive access to Delta lounges when travelling in economy class. However, frequent flyers of other programs still have access on international itineraries.
• United MileagePlus frequent flyers are not allowed in United Club Lounges on domestic flights. This restriction does not apply to other Star Alliance Gold members (like Lufthansa Senator, etc.).
• American Airlines does the same to its own AAdvantage members.

However, these exceptions are always outlined in the respective alliance’s rules. So far, this is not the case for free baggage in SkyTeam. Therefore, SAS’s actions remain in contradiction to SkyTeam’s benefits.

Conclusion

SAS is making a slight retreat from the initially announced strict baggage rules in the Light fare. However, the rules remain unsatisfactory. Now, “external” frequent flyers receive more benefits than loyal SAS customers.

It remains to be seen whether this will always be enforced in practice. On a recent departure from Germany, we were able to check in a bag for free as a EuroBonus Gold member on the Light fare, even though it was not fare-provided. However, this might have been different at a counter with SAS staff.

Incidentally, SAS promotes the absence of free baggage on its website as a great environmental protection measure. Less baggage means fewer emissions, after all. Cynics may suggest that Light fares are more about generating additional revenue through baggage fees.

Cover Picture: Ditmar Lange