SAS delay and cancellation compensation

1.43%

Cancels

Of its scheduled flights

86.47%

Arrives on time

Within 15 minutes

7,471

Flights measured

January 2025 – August 2026

The cancellation rate is the number that matters on this page: cancellation is what triggers a refund right. Delay, in the United States, does not.

SAS is an EU carrier — EC 261 applies to much of what it flies

EC 261 covers any flight departing an EU airport on any airline, and flights arriving in the EU operated by an EU airline. Because SAS is an EU carrier, both legs of a European round trip are usually covered.

Where it applies, an arrival delay of three hours or more, a cancellation with less than fourteen days' notice, or denied boarding entitles you to a fixed sum by distance — roughly €250, €400 or €600. It is not payable when the cause was an extraordinary circumstance, which in practice means most weather and air traffic control disruption.

The one rule that applies everywhere

If SAS cancels your flight and you decline the alternative, you are owed your money back for the unused portion — whatever the reason, weather included. A voucher is something you may accept, never something you can be required to take.

Where SAS flies from, and what applies there

Departing from Flights Scheme that applies
United Kingdom 3,733 UK261 — cash compensation possible
Norway 1,391 EC 261 — cash compensation possible
Denmark 1,301 EC 261 — cash compensation possible
Sweden 1,046 EC 261 — cash compensation possible

About SAS's record

Is SAS reliable?

SAS arrived on time 86.47% of the time across 7,471 flights, ranking 6 of 86 airlines measured. That is a good record by the standards of this data.

How often does SAS cancel flights?

1.43% of its scheduled flights were cancelled. Cancellation matters more than delay for a traveller: it is the outcome that costs a day, and the one that triggers a refund entitlement.

This page explains published rules and is not legal advice. AirlineGrades is independent and not affiliated with SAS. Confirm current thresholds with the relevant regulator before relying on them. The full guide →