Get My Money Back If I Cancel My SAS Flight Ticket
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) allows cancellations of most flights—but whether you get your money back depends on your fare type, when you cancel, and whether the airline initiates cancellation. Let’s explore the details.
1. SAS’s 24‑Hour Money‑Back Guarantee
If you book directly via SAS (website, app, or customer service), you’re eligible for a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking, provided:
- The ticket was booked more than 24 hours before departure (e.g., booked at 5 PM for a flight departing after 5 PM the next day), or
- If booked less than 24 hours before departure, you cancel at least 12 hours before departure.
This applies regardless of ticket type, even non-refundable fares.
2. Refundable vs Non‑Refundable SAS Fare Types
Fully Refundable Fares
- SAS Plus Pro and SAS Business Pro (often domestic/intra‑Europe).
- Cancel any time before departure for a full refund (minus any fare-specific service fee).
Partially Refundable Fares
- Includes SAS Plus Smart (Europe), SAS Go Pro, and SAS Bonus (award) tickets.
- Permit refunds upon payment of a fee; taxes are always refundable.
- Award points returned for valid, unexpired points if cancelled more than 24 hours before departure.
Non‑Refundable Fares
- SAS Go Light, SAS Go Smart, SAS Business Smart (U.S./Canada routes), and Youth fare.
- Only taxes and fees refunded; the fare itself is forfeited.
Note: Extras like lounge access, seat selection, meals are non-refundable unless cancelled within the 24‑hour money‑back window.
3. How to Cancel and Apply for a Refund
Online via “My Bookings”
- Visit SAS.com → My Bookings
- Enter booking reference and last name
- Select Cancel & Refund, then follow prompts
Customer Service
If online cancellation is not possible, call SAS support or use their online form for visa rejection or bereavement requests.
For tickets booked by travel agents or OTAs, cancellations must be handled through that channel.
4. Refund Processing Timelines
- Credit card refunds: Generally complete in 7 business days after refund notice.
- Bank transfers: May take up to 20 business days.
However, delays are common—especially during pandemics or high-volume periods. Reddit reports of customers waiting months are not unusual.
Use consumer protection bodies (e.g., Sweden’s Konsumentombudsman) if delays exceed a few weeks.
5. When SAS Cancels or Significantly Changes Your Flight
If SAS voluntarily cancels your flight or makes a substantial schedule change, you are entitled to:
- A full refund of unused portions, or
- Free rebooking to an alternative flight
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, you may also be eligible for compensation (€250–€600) if cancellation occurs less than 14 days before departure due to SAS’s fault. Compensation is separate from the refund for unused ticket value.
6. Special Cases: Medical, Bereavement, Visa Refusal
Medical Emergencies / Death in Immediate Family
If you cancel due to hospitalization or bereavement:
- SAS can refund completely unused tickets upon documentary proof.
- May waive fees, but partial use often disqualifies full refunds.
Visa Rejection
For China flights or other affected destinations:
- SAS may refund fare (excluding taxes) if official visa denial proof is submitted.
7. Real Traveler Experiences (Reddit Insights)
- Some travelers waited 5‑9 months for refunds. SAS blamed backlog.
- One person canceled 5 days after booking; bank declined refund due to delay. Refund eventually arrived after months.
- After SAS canceled a flight, one Redditor reported the refund arriving in 7–14 business days once cancellation was confirmed.
- During COVID‑19, SAS initially allowed refund claims, but issued only taxes later—arguing that flights weren’t formally cancelled before refund requests.
8. Timeline Breakdown: What You Can Expect
| Scenario | Refund Eligibility | Refund Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel within 24 h (money-back window) | Full fare and taxes refunded | ~3–7 business days (credit card) |
| Refundable fare (e.g., SAS Plus Pro) | Full refund minus cancellation fee | 7–14 business days |
| Partially refundable fares (e.g., Plus Smart) | Fare minus fee; taxes refunded | 7–14 business days |
| Non-refundable fare | Only taxes refunded | 7–20 business days |
| SAS cancels your flight | Full refund OR free rebooking | 7–14 business days after confirmation |
| Medical/bereavement or visa rejection | Fare (or full) refunded if unused ticket | Case-by-case; may take longer |
9. Tips to Maximize Your Refund
- Always book directly with SAS to access all policies effectively.
- Cancel within the 24-hour window if you’re unsure of your travel plans.
- Understand fare rules before you purchase.
- Document everything—confirmation emails, cancellation timestamps, screenshots.
- Follow up persistently if refunds are delayed.
- Use local consumer protection bodies if SAS delays exceed several weeks.
- In cases of SAS cancellations, you can demand a cash refund instead of accepting a voucher.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I cancel any SAS ticket for a full refund?
A: Only refundable fare types or within the 24-hour money-back window. Non-refundable fares yield only taxes.
Q: Do I get my seat and extras fees back?
A: Not unless you cancel within the money-back window or SAS cancels the flight.
Q: How long does a refund take?
A: Officially 7–14 business days; bank delays or backlog may extend this to months.
Q: I missed my flight—can I still cancel and get money back?
A: No. A no-show forfeits the ticket unless special documentation or statutes apply.
Q: Can I get compensation in addition to refund?
A: Yes—if SAS cancels less than 14 days before departure without extraordinary circumstances, EU 261 may entitle you to compensation.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can often get your money back if you cancel a SAS flight—but the outcome depends heavily on:
- When you cancel (24‑hour window vs later).
- What fare you hold (refundable vs non-refundable).
- Whether SAS initiated the cancellation or schedule change.
- If special conditions apply (medical emergency, visa refusal).
To ensure success:
- Act quickly.
- Know your fare rules.
- Keep records of all communications.
- Use official channels.
- Be persistent if refunds stall—escalate to oversight bodies if needed.
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