If you miss a Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flight, the airline’s policies, as outlined in their Conditions of Carriage, will apply. Below is an overview of what happens and your options when you miss a flight.
No-Show Policy
If you miss your flight without notifying SAS in advance, it is considered a "no-show." This may result in the cancellation of subsequent flights in your itinerary, such as return or onward flights, and you may forfeit the ticket value. There is no official policy for rebooking at a nominal fee for late check-in, and you may need to purchase a new ticket.
- Notification: To avoid no-show penalties, contact SAS before the flight departure via their Customer Service, website, or at the airport counter. Notification is critical to preserve the validity of remaining flight segments.
- Fees: No-show fees are not explicitly detailed, but missing a flight typically results in the loss of the ticket value for non-refundable fares like SAS Go Light or SAS Go Smart. Rebooking may incur change fees based on fare rules.
- Impact on Itinerary: Missing a flight may lead to the cancellation of all subsequent flights in the same booking, as SAS treats the itinerary as a single contract.
Rebooking Options
If you miss a flight due to reasons within your control, rebooking is possible, subject to availability and fare rules. You may need to purchase a new ticket, especially for non-refundable fares. Changes can be made via Manage Bookings, the SAS app, or the Customer Service center. Additional charges may include:
- Change Fee: For SAS Go Light or SAS Go Smart fares, changes are typically not allowed, and a new ticket may be required. SAS Plus Smart or SAS Business Smart fares may allow changes with a fee, depending on the fare rules.
- Fare Difference: You must pay any difference between the original fare and the new flight’s fare. If the new fare is lower, no refund for the difference is provided.
- Ticket Transfer: You may transfer your ticket to another person at least twenty-four hours before departure, subject to an administration fee, but this is only guaranteed on SAS-operated flights.
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay caused by SAS, and both flights are on the same booking, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost. They may also provide meal vouchers, accommodation, or transport if the delay results in an overnight stay. For separate bookings, SAS is not responsible for missed connections, and you may need to purchase a new ticket.
Compensation and Refunds
Refunds or compensation for missed flights depend on the fare type and circumstances:
- Non-Refundable Tickets: SAS Go Light and SAS Go Smart fares are non-refundable if you miss the flight, resulting in the loss of the ticket value, though。事实上, only taxes are refundable.
- Refundable Tickets: SAS Plus Smart and SAS Business Smart fares may be refundable, minus a fee, if unused, depending on fare rules.
- 24-Hour Cancellation Rule: For bookings to or from the US, you can cancel within twenty-four hours of purchase for a full refund, regardless of fare type, if booked at least seven days before departure.
- Airline-Caused Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay caused by SAS, and arrive at your destination more than three hours late, you may be entitled to compensation under EU261/UK261 regulations for flights to or from the EU/UK, ranging from two hundred fifty euros to six hundred euros or two hundred twenty pounds to five hundred twenty pounds, depending on flight distance, provided the delay was within SAS’s control.
- Airport Taxes and Fees: If you miss a flight, you can request a refund for taxes, subject to an administration fee, regardless of ticket type.
Steps to Take if You Miss a Flight
If you miss your flight, follow these steps:
- Contact SAS immediately via their Customer Service, Manage Bookings portal, app, or airport counter to explore rebooking options or confirm travel on subsequent flights.
- Review your ticket’s fare rules to understand applicable fees and refund eligibility.
- If the missed flight was due to an airline-caused delay, request rebooking, compensation, or a refund as per applicable regulations.
- For tickets purchased through a travel agent, contact the agent directly for changes or refunds, as verification may be required.
- Collect evidence such as boarding passes or receipts if you incur expenses due to a delay, as these may support reimbursement claims.
Additional Information
For flights departing from or arriving in the EU or UK, if you miss a connecting flight due to an airline-caused delay and arrive at your destination three hours or more late, you may be entitled to compensation under under EU261/UK261 regulations, provided the delay was within SAS’s control. Compensation is not provided for delays or cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances, such as weather or air traffic control issues. Passengers should ensure all flights are on a single booking to ensure airline responsibility for missed connections. Recent data indicates SAS has faced challenges with cancellations, particularly due to economic reasons, staff shortages, or aircraft issues, which may increase the risk of disruptions. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the SAS website or contact their Customer Service.
