Managing Scandinavian Airlines Strikes: Your Rights, Expert Tips, How to Make Changes to Flights

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  April 29, 2026

Reviewed by:  Anton Radchenko

The last thing you want to see before a trip are headlines talking about a potential SAS strike. News like this can be stressful, but don’t get too worried because there are a few steps you can take to ease the situation.

Whether it's rescheduling your flight, opting for a refund, or taking your chances with potential flight disruptions, we’re going to explain what you need to know to manage your booking during a SAS strike.

Your Rights as a SAS Passenger

When you fly SAS, you’re protected by Regulation EU261 as long as you travel to, from, or within Europe. This means that if you experience strike-related delays or cancellations, you will receive certain benefits from the airline.

What SAS is Required to Do for Passengers

First, Scandinavian Airlines is required by law to keep you informed about any unfolding strike activity that may affect your flight. As well, you can expect to receive the following if your flight is interrupted because of a work stoppage.

• In cases of SAS flight cancellations, the airline must give you the choice of a new flight at no extra cost OR a refund.
• If you're dealing with SAS flight delay of 2 hours or more, you must be offered  meals and refreshments coupons or vouchers. If you are delayed overnight, you can get hotel accommodation and transport as long as the flight disruption was caused by a SAS employee strike.

If you have to pay for these essentials, keep your receipts for reimbursement.

Repayment From SAS for Strike-Related Disruptions

Compensation up to 600 EUR is also a possibility if your flight is disrupted by SAS employee strikes. For example, if your flight was delayed by 3 hours or more, or if it was cancelled within 2 weeks of departure you would qualify for compensation.

By contrast, if the strike was caused by other aviation entities like air traffic control or airport workers, then you will still get care and assistance but you will not be eligible for financial compensation.

Have you experienced delays or cancellations because of a SAS strike? Check below to see if you’re eligible for repayment.Check Your FREE Flight Checker

Can You Modify Your Scandinavian Airlines Booking?

In most cases, when a strike has been called, the airline will give passengers a chance to change their booking free of charge, if they believe a strike will interfere with scheduled flights. 

You will most likely be notified by SMS, email, or through alerts in the SAS mobile app, but you can also check the airline’s travel advisory page on their website for updates.

How to Cancel or Modify Your SAS Flight

• If you have a refundable ticket, then you can change or cancel it without a fee according to the rules of your booking.
• If you’ve purchased a non-refundable ticket, you should first check with SAS to see if they will allow changes due to the pending or active strike. Generally, airlines will be flexible with changes if they know a strike will affect flights.
• If you are unable to change your flight without a fee, then it might be best to wait until your flight is cancelled by SAS. Doing this will give you the choice of a rebooking free of charge or a refund.

How to Prepare for a SAS Strike

1. Sign up for notifications: If you haven’t already, sign up for SAS alerts or download their mobile app to get updates and to see if your flight will be affected. 
2. Look into travel insurance: If you haven’t purchased travel insurance, check your credit card to see if it offers some protection for strike-related flight disruptions. 
3. Find out the terms of your SAS ticket: Read up on the kind of booking you purchased to see if you can modify or cancel without a fee. 
4. Pack for delays: Pack a carry-on with essential items for long waits at the airport.

When Will Scandinavian Airlines Go on Strike?

It’s never easy to predict when the next employee strike will happen. When SAS has gone on strike in the past, it has led to considerable problems for passengers. Also, strikes by this airline tend to go on for at least 4 days. The table below will give you a better indication of what to expect the next time you hear about a SAS labour dispute.

Source: sasgroup.net

• SAS Compensation

Author:

Joanna Teljeur

Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead

Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development, specialising in consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work focuses on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.

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