SAS Scandinavian Airlines Compensation
Claim up to €600 for delayed, cancelled or overbooked SAS flights
Was your SAS flight delayed or cancelled?
Check your eligibility in under 60 seconds — no win, no fee.
About SAS Scandinavian Airlines
Scandinavian Airlines (IATA: SK), commonly known as SAS, is the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Founded in 1946, SAS has been a cornerstone of air travel in Northern Europe for nearly eight decades. Its primary hub is Copenhagen Airport (CPH), complemented by major hubs at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) and Oslo Gardermoen (OSL).
In 2024, SAS completed a significant transformation: it emerged from Chapter 11 restructuring in the US and joined the SkyTeam alliance on 1 September 2024 — leaving Star Alliance after 27 years. Air France-KLM now holds a stake in the airline, with a view to increasing its shareholding further. Despite these changes, SAS continues to operate its full route network and EC 261/2004 rights remain fully in force for all eligible passengers.
Fleet and Key Facts
| Fleet size | ~133 aircraft |
|---|---|
| Main hub | Copenhagen Airport (CPH) |
| Secondary hubs | Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) · Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) |
| Alliance | SkyTeam (since September 2024) |
| Destinations | 130+ in 38+ countries |
| Aircraft types | Airbus A319 · A320neo · A321LR · A330 · A350 |
| IATA code | SK |
| Official website | www.flysas.com |
How EC 261/2004 Applies to SAS Flights
SAS is an EU-registered carrier, so EC 261/2004 applies broadly — both to flights departing from the EU and to flights arriving into the EU on SAS from outside. This gives SAS passengers wider protection than passengers on non-EU carriers.
| Flight scenario | Regulation | Compensation for 3h+ delay? |
|---|---|---|
| EU airport → anywhere (SAS or any airline) | EC 261/2004 | Yes — up to €600 |
| Non-EU airport → EU airport (SAS) | EC 261/2004 (EU carrier rule) | Yes — up to €600 |
| UK airport → anywhere (SAS) | UK261 | Yes — up to £520 |
| Non-EU, non-UK → non-EU/UK (SAS) | Local law | Depends on country |
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
Compensation is fixed by regulation and depends on flight distance — not ticket price or fare class.
Stockholm → London
Copenhagen → Istanbul
Stockholm → Bangkok
For flights over 3,500 km, compensation may be reduced to €300 if the arrival delay is between 3 and 4 hours. The full €600 applies when the delay exceeds 4 hours. Under UK261, the equivalent amounts are £220, £350, and £520.
When Are You Entitled to Compensation?
Flight delays
You are entitled to compensation if your SAS flight arrived at your final destination 3 or more hours late, the delay was caused by factors within SAS's control, and the flight was covered by EC 261. The clock starts when the aircraft doors open at your destination — not at departure.
Flight cancellations
You are entitled to compensation if SAS cancelled your flight and notified you fewer than 14 days before departure, and no comparable alternative was offered. You always have the right to a full refund or rerouting, regardless of the notice period.
Denied boarding
If SAS denied you boarding against your will — due to overbooking or other operational reasons — you are entitled to €250–€600 compensation, plus a full refund or rerouting, plus care at the airport.
SAS staff strikes
This is a notable area of SAS history. In a landmark European Court of Justice ruling in March 2021, the court found that disruptions caused by SAS's own employees striking are not extraordinary circumstances — meaning SAS must pay compensation when its pilots or cabin crew go on strike. This applies to wildcat strikes as well as organised industrial action by SAS staff.
Your Right to Care During a Delay
| Delay duration | What SAS must provide |
|---|---|
| From 15 minutes | Written notice of delay and your options |
| 2 hours+ | Free meals and drinks · 2 free phone calls or emails |
| 3–5 hours | Full meal appropriate to time of day |
| 5 hours+ | All of the above + right to a full ticket refund |
| Overnight delay | Hotel accommodation + airport transfers (both ways) |
These care rights apply even during extraordinary circumstances. Keep all receipts — if SAS failed to provide these, you can claim reimbursement for reasonable expenses.
When Is Compensation Not Available?
SAS does not owe financial compensation when a disruption is caused by genuine extraordinary circumstances beyond its control:
- Severe weather (storms, blizzards, dense fog)
- Air traffic control strikes or airspace restrictions
- Airport security incidents or closures
- Political unrest or natural disasters
- Medical emergencies on board
How to Claim SAS Compensation
How Voos Can Help with Your SAS Claim
SAS processes compensation claims directly through its website, but responses can be slow and rejections are common — especially for strike-related claims. Voos takes the process off your hands entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compensation Amounts
- Up to 1,500 km €250
- 1,500 – 3,500 km €400
- Over 3,500 km €600
Fixed by EC 261/2004 — SAS cannot legally offer less. UK flights: up to £520 under UK261.
Quick Eligibility Check
- ✓Arrived 3+ hours late
- ✓Cancellation with under 14 days' notice
- ✓Denied boarding (overbooking)
- ✓Departed from EU or EEA (incl. Norway)
- ✓Arrived in EU on SAS (non-EU departure)
- ✓SAS staff strike caused the disruption
At the Airport: Quick Tips
- Ask SAS staff for written confirmation of the delay cause
- Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation
- Save receipts for meals, transport, and hotel
- Do not accept EuroBonus miles as a substitute for cash without reading the terms
- Note the actual gate time when doors opened at your destination
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