SAS Scandinavian Airlines completed its switch from Star Alliance to SkyTeam last year in record time. Overall, the transition went quite smoothly. However, SAS chose to be the first airline to break with a key SkyTeam principle: Suddenly, for baggage allowance, 0 + 1 = 0. In other words, if the fare doesn’t include a checked bag, having frequent flyer status doesn’t change that.
Since September, there’s been quite a back-and-forth regarding this rule. The latest position was that checked baggage was granted to “external” SkyTeam frequent flyers, but not to EuroBonus customers. However, check-in agents didn’t seem to be aware of this and often requested additional payment.
Now, the days of unclear rules are finally over. From April 23, 2025 (tomorrow), the exceptions are being removed, and all status benefits will officially apply even to the Go Light fare. SAS announced this on its website for travel agents, stating:
With effective date 23APR2025 SAS change the checked baggage allowance, for High Tier passengers traveling in SAS Go Light. This means the regular Extra Baggage Allowance for High Tier also applies when traveling in SAS Go Light.
As a result, the following baggage allowances now apply to the Light fare:
- EuroBonus Diamond / Gold: 2 x 23 kg
- EuroBonus Silver: 1 x 23 kg
- SkyTeam Elite / Elite Plus: 1 x 23 kg
- Without frequent flyer status: no free checked baggage
Within Europe, the Go Light fare only includes a personal item (up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm) by default—no larger cabin bag. A large carry-on is only included free of charge starting with EuroBonus Gold. Officially, this does not apply to SkyTeam frequent flyers, but in practice, it is usually honoured thanks to priority boarding.
Timeline
For those who haven’t followed the baggage allowance saga closely, here’s a brief recap of the past few months:
- July 2024: SAS clarifies that even after joining SkyTeam, there will be no free baggage for frequent flyers in the Light fare
- September 2024: SAS officially joins SkyTeam but (as previously announced) breaks with SkyTeam baggage policies
- October 2024: SAS realises its policy isn’t in line with alliance rules and begins allowing free baggage for non-EuroBonus SkyTeam frequent flyers in the Light fare. EuroBonus members remain excluded
- March 2025: Increasing reports emerge that SAS no longer adheres to the October policy. Many travellers report hefty baggage fees at the check-in counter
- April 2025: SAS gives in and extends all usual status benefits to the Light fare. These benefits now apply to both EuroBonus status members and SkyTeam frequent flyers from other programs.
Translated by Ditmar
Cover Picture: Model of an SAS plane with SkyTeam livery in the SAS lounge in Copenhagen | Ditmar Lange
Comment (1)
I flew in SAS yesterday in go light and had to pay for baggage, despite my KLM plat status. Will fly back on may 6th. I will try to get a refund for paid baggage on the return flight.