Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, KLM or SAS?

KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), up to 12 kg (26.5 lb). SAS: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), up to 8 kg (17.6 lb). SAS allows the larger bag.

Do KLM and SAS include a carry-on on basic economy?

KLM: The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag. SAS: 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.

Where do KLM and SAS fly from?

KLM's main hubs are Amsterdam (AMS). SAS's are CPH, OSL, ARN. The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are KLM and SAS partners?

Yes. Both belong to SkyTeam, so you can usually earn miles and use elite benefits across the two.

KL vs SK · 2026 comparison

KLM vs SAS

KLM wins on 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

KLM

Wins 1 category

A more generous carry-on weight limit

SAS

Wins 1 category

A bigger carry-on

Quick verdict

KLM wins on 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: KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm · SAS: 55 × 40 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: KLM: Not on some basic fares · SAS: Not on some basic fares

Side by side

	KLM	SAS
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 35 × 25 cm	55 × 40 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Not on some basic fares	Not on some basic fares
Carry-on weight limit	12 kg (26.5 lb)	8 kg (17.6 lb)
Personal item	40 × 30 × 15 cm	40 × 30 × 15 cm
Network
Alliance	SkyTeam	SkyTeam
Loyalty program	Flying Blue	EuroBonus
Main hubs	AMS	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

KLM allows a carry-on up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), and SAS up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), so SAS's is roomier.

KLM's Basic / Light can be personal-item only, while SAS's Light can be personal-item only.

Carry-on weight limits: 12 kg (26.5 lb) on KLM, 8 kg (17.6 lb) on SAS.

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on KLM, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on SAS.

Basic economy

KLM (Basic / Light): The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag.

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: Flying Blue (KLM) and EuroBonus (SAS).

KLM's main hubs are Amsterdam (AMS). 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 KLM if you want…

a more generous carry-on weight limit
to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from AMS

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.

KLM vs SAS FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. KLM wins on 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

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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