Does anyone know how strict SAS is on carry on allowances? My backpack (Ricks Steves smaller one) is an inch or so larger in a direction but can squish if I don't overpack it. Ryanair has a reputation of strictness so I wonder how strict or forgiving SAS is.
We're going to Paris in July then Norway and there will be quite a temperature difference, especially on a fjord cruise. We're trying to stick with carry on.
I'm trying to try to stick to their policy--we've done carry on other European trips but haven't had the temp differences we expect this time. Our cruise ends above the Arctic Circle at Kirkenes
which is lucky to hit low 50's right now.
Thanks for any help.
Posted by
Chicagoland
864 posts
We flew SAS round trip from Chicago. One of our carry on bags, a roller, was about a half inch over. No problem at all on the 7 flights, both transatlantic and within Norway.
We arrived in Kirkenes May 21, 2023. We spent the next day walking around town in t-shirts.
Check weather forecast before you leave home and just pack for layers. A packable down vest/jacket. A packable waterproof/windproof raincoat/jacket. I really didn't pack much differently for that trip than for my Paris trip this past April.
The wind and rain was a bigger issue than cold temps on our cruise from Kirkenes to Bergen.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1507 posts
This question seems to be asked quite a lot on here….”how strict are ______ airlines?” And the best answer always seems to be to stay within their rules so that you don’t experience any surprises or setbacks. What one or two people get away with doesn’t ensure you will.
Posted by
Chicagoland
864 posts
Of course Margie is correct, follow the rules. I was giving anecdotal information.
But most of us are not going to purchase a new piece of luggage for each airline we travel on. And other than the budget airlines and Lufthansa, a half inch to 1 inch in 1 direction only should not be a problem, especially if it's squishable and doesn't look like it weighs a ton.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
23119 posts
Ryanair has a reputation of strictness so I wonder how strict or
forgiving SAS is.
1) I have flown Ryan and Wizz several times the past 3 years, and prior. I have never seen either of them check bag sizes or weights. I have seen them stop people for too many bags. Both airlines play a cost shell game with trolly bag vs underseat bag vs one vs the other vs both. So you gotta read your ticket. I have seen United and Lufthansa measuring bags on several ocassions.
2) SAS will definitely allow you to bring your non-conforming bag on the the plane ......... except when they dont. Then it's your fault. Please step to the side so the rest of us can board.
Posted by
Chicagoland
864 posts
markK, Why are you presuming that the OP is trying to carry on an overweight backpack?
I travel with a carry on spinner and I have absolutely no problem keeping the weight under 8kg.
Many of the posters here carry on and act responsible!
Posted by
OP
9 posts
I appreciate your comments. We're not trying to scam the system and we bring a scale along to weigh our luggage. I will pack so I can squish my backpack. Frequently we check a bag for our flight home (dirty laundry doesn't pack as well as clean and I'm not going to fold my dirty laundry.) One of our main concerns was the fjord cruise and your comments have been most helpful. We'll pick up things in Bergen if we need to which has the bonus of having picked up some things in Bergen.
btw, I have to keep the weight down in my backpack. I'm quite short (my husband just added "and weak") and just can't carry a lot of weight. Thanks again for your help.
Posted by
Chicagoland
864 posts
Susan I did a Hurtigruten coastal cruise from Kirkenes to Bergen in May 2023. We definitely needed our waterproof raincoat/jackets more for the wind than the mist. I brought a thin pair of gloves and a knit cap, but only wore the cap a few times, again due to the wind. The packable down vest was handy a couple early mornings.
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA, USA
1077 posts
Folks, if you post with a caveat to say that you have a rant, that's a pretty good indicator that you're off topic and that you're going to send the rest of the thread off topic due to the responses you are inviting. Et voila, that's what happened. Guideline #1 is to stay on topic. I've removed several posts and edited others.
Let's stick to the topic and avoid judgement, or this thread will be closed.
Posted by
Duluth🌲
9855 posts
Hi, Susan, you might get some information out of this thread from late last year. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/norway/baggage-when-flying-sas-airline
I do agree that the rules are there, but I also feel like an extra inch of squishable fabric is probably not going to be dinged. Obviously you take a bit of risk, but it sounds like SAS (and most airlines, I believe) are more concerned about the weight. So if you keep that under, you could be fine. Worst case, you get dinged and you pay a fee.