DL vs SK · 2026 comparison
Delta vs SAS
Delta wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and a more generous carry-on weight limit; SAS wins on a bigger carry-on. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Delta
DLWins 2 categories
- A carry-on on its cheapest fare
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
SAS
SKWins 1 category
- A bigger carry-on
Quick verdict
Delta wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and a more generous carry-on weight limit; SAS wins on a bigger carry-on. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.
- Carry-on size
- Delta: 22 × 14 × 9 in · SAS: 55 × 40 × 23 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Delta: Included on every fare · SAS: Not on some basic fares
Side by side
| Delta | SAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 22 × 14 × 9 in | 55 × 40 × 23 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Not on some basic fares |
| Carry-on weight limit | None published | 8 kg (17.6 lb) |
| Personal item | Must fit under the seat | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | SkyTeam | SkyTeam |
| Loyalty program | SkyMiles | EuroBonus |
| Main hubs | ATL, DTW, MSP, SLC, JFK | CPH, OSL, ARN |
Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.
Bags and fees
Delta allows a carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), and SAS up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), so SAS's is roomier.
Delta includes it on every fare, while SAS's Light can be personal-item only.
SAS caps carry-ons at 8 kg (17.6 lb); Delta publishes no limit.
Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on Delta, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on SAS.
Basic economy
Delta (Delta Main Basic): Main Basic (formerly Basic Economy) includes a carry-on and a personal item on U.S. flights. Checked bags cost extra.
SAS (Light): Light fares on domestic and European flights include only a personal item; Standard and higher fares, and long-haul fares, include the 8 kg carry-on.
Loyalty and where they fly
Both are SkyTeam members, so status and miles can work across the two.
Loyalty programs: SkyMiles (Delta) and EuroBonus (SAS).
Delta's main hubs are Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), New York (JFK). SAS's are CPH, OSL, ARN. The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Delta if you want…
- a carry-on on its cheapest fare
- a more generous carry-on weight limit
- to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
- nonstops from ATL, DTW, MSP
Choose SAS if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
- nonstops from CPH, OSL, ARN
On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.
Delta vs SAS FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Delta wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and a more generous carry-on weight limit; SAS wins on a bigger carry-on. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Connecting at their hubs
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Delta Air Lines official baggage policy
- CNBC: Delta and Southwest raise checked bag fees $10 (Apr 7, 2026)
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- U.S. DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics: 2025 on-time performance by operating carrier (via AviationDB)
- Your Mileage May Vary: where every major U.S. airline stands on Wi-Fi (Oct 13, 2026)
- Simple Flying: how U.S. airline economy seat pitch compares in 2026
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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