Flight Check

SAS Complaints & DOT Data (2024)

2,182 complaints filed with the DOT in 2024.

Complaint Rate

4.4/100K

Total Complaints

2,182

Rank

#21 of 27

Top Issue

Flight Problems

SAS at 4.5 per 100,000 benefits from its Scandinavian operational discipline, but flight problems still lead complaints. The airline's 2022 bankruptcy restructuring and subsequent acquisition created a period of uncertainty, though complaint rates have stabilized as operations normalize under new ownership.

vs. Industry Average

SAS4.4/100K
Industry Average8.2/100K

SAS is 46% below the industry average.

Monthly Complaint Rate (2024)

4.2
Jan
4.2
Feb
4.2
Mar
4.2
Apr
4.2
May
4.2
Jun
5.0
Jul
5.0
Aug
4.2
Sep
4.2
Oct
4.2
Nov
5.0
Dec

Complaints per 100K passengers by month. Red bars exceed industry average (8.2).

What People Complain About

Flight Problems83%
Baggage17%

How to File a Complaint Against SAS

  1. Document everything — save confirmation emails, receipts, and screenshots.
  2. Contact SAS directly first. Give them a chance to resolve it.
  3. If unsatisfied, file with the DOT at airconsumer.dot.gov.
  4. Use the Disruption Desk to understand what you are owed.
Disruption DeskCompensation Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints did SAS get in 2024?

SAS received 2,182 DOT complaints in 2024, at a rate of 4.4 per 100,000 passengers. This ranks them #21 out of 27 airlines tracked.

What do people complain about most with SAS?

The most common complaint category for SAS is flight problems. Cancellations, significant delays, diversions, and missed connections. This is the most common complaint category overall. New DOT rules require automatic refunds for cancelled flights and significant delays.

How do I file a complaint against SAS?

You can file a complaint against SAS with the DOT at airconsumer.dot.gov, or use Flight Check's Disruption Desk to understand your rights and generate a complaint letter. Check what you're owed with the Compensation Calculator. Every DOT complaint is forwarded to SAS's executive consumer affairs team.

Is SAS complaint rate above or below average?

SAS's complaint rate of 4.4 per 100K is 46% below the industry average of 8.2 per 100K. They rank #21 out of 27 airlines. See the full airline complaint rankings.

Compare Other Airlines

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Source: DOT Air Travel Consumer Report, January–December 2024.