Norwegian Air Shuttle and SAS dominate Scandinavian aviation with contrasting models. Norwegian operates 75 Boeing 737-800/MAX aircraft focusing on point-to-point European leisure and business routes from Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. SAS operates 130+ Airbus A320neo, A350, and CRJ900 aircraft, serving 120+ destinations with Star Alliance connectivity. Norwegian uses unbundled LowFare pricing, while SAS bundles services in Go Smart/Plus fares. Both compete heavily on domestic Scandinavia and key European capitals like London and Berlin.
Quick Comparison
| Category | Airline A | Airline B |
|---|---|---|
| Free cabin bag | 42x30x25cm underseat | 55x40x23cm overhead (Smart+) |
| Seat pitch | 29 inches standard | 31 inches standard |
| Fleet size | 75 Boeing 737s | 130 Airbus/Regional |
| Route network | 90+ European routes | 120+ Global routes |
| Priority bag fee | €15-35 per flight | Included in Plus |
| 20kg checked bag | €25-45 | €30-50 |
| Seat selection | €5-25 | €10-30 (or included) |
| Change fee | €45 online | €50 online |
Class Comparison
Economy
Seat pitch: Norwegian 29in, SAS 31in, Width: Both 18 inches
Meal service: Norwegian buy on board €4-12, SAS snack included on most
Entertainment: Norwegian paid Wi-Fi, SAS free messaging streaming
Premium/Business
Seat pitch: Norwegian Premium 46in, SAS Business 37-40in, Width: Norwegian 21 inches, SAS 20 inches
Meal service: Full meal included both, SAS lounge access
Entertainment: Both offer enhanced streaming and power outlets
Choose Airline A If…
- You prioritize lowest base fare for short flights under 2 hours
- You travel with only a small backpack fitting underseat
- You fly direct to Mediterranean holiday destinations in summer
- You do not need connecting flights beyond Europe
Choose Airline B If…
- You need Star Alliance connections to North America or Asia
- You want overhead cabin baggage included in the ticket price
- You prefer slightly more legroom at 31-inch seat pitch
- You value flexible change policies and business lounge access
Verdict by Traveller Type
Budget backpacker
Winner: Norwegian
LowFare tickets exclude checked bags which backpackers do not need, and base fares are €40-60 cheaper than SAS equivalent routes. Underseat bag allowance is sufficient for week trips.
Business traveler
Winner: SAS
SAS Plus fares include lounge access, fast track security, and flexible rebooking. Frequent flyer program EuroBonus offers better redemption value within Star Alliance network for corporate travel.
Family with kids
Winner: SAS
SAS includes overhead baggage for strollers and diapers without extra fees on most fares. Seat selection is cheaper or free, allowing families to sit together without high add-on costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper Norwegian or SAS?
Norwegian is generally cheaper for base fares, starting around €80-120 return on short-haul routes like Oslo to London. SAS typically starts at €150-200 return but includes overhead cabin baggage and seat selection in most fares. When adding a 20kg checked bag, Norwegian totals €150-180, while SAS reaches €180-220. For travelers with only a backpack, Norwegian saves €40-60. However, SAS offers better flexibility for changes. Book Norwegian 6 weeks ahead for lowest prices, while SAS last-minute deals sometimes appear for EuroBonus members.
Is SAS or Norwegian better for baggage?
SAS includes a 55x40x23cm overhead cabin bag in Go Smart fares and above, whereas Norwegian charges extra for overhead bags on LowFare tickets. Norwegian includes only a 42x30x25cm underseat bag for free. Checked baggage costs €25-45 on Norwegian versus €30-50 on SAS for 23kg. SAS allows 23kg standard, Norwegian often sells 20kg or 25kg options. Overweight fees are stricter on Norwegian at €65 per item. SAS EuroBonus Gold members get free extra bags. For heavy packers, SAS offers better value inclusively, while Norwegian suits light travelers willing to pay à la carte for specific needs.
Which airline has more comfortable seats?
SAS Airbus A320neo aircraft feature 30-31 inches of seat pitch in Economy, compared to Norwegian’s Boeing 737-800 with 28-29 inches. SAS seats often have slight recline, while Norwegian seats are fixed pitch in standard rows. SAS provides free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks on most flights, whereas Norwegian sells all refreshments starting at €4. Entertainment on SAS includes streaming to personal devices with free Wi-Fi messaging on some routes. Norwegian charges for Wi-Fi access. For flights over 2 hours, SAS provides significantly better physical comfort and included amenities that justify the higher fare structure for many passengers.
Where do Norwegian and SAS fly?
SAS operates major hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm with extensive long-haul connections to North America and Asia via Star Alliance. Norwegian focuses on point-to-point European leisure and business routes with limited long-haul options primarily from Oslo. SAS flies to 120+ destinations, Norwegian to 90+ European cities. SAS dominates business routes like Stockholm to Brussels, while Norwegian competes heavily on holiday routes like Oslo to Alicante. For connecting flights beyond Europe, SAS is the only viable option between the two. Norwegian excels in direct seasonal summer routes to Mediterranean beaches without layovers.
What are the hidden fees on Norwegian and SAS?
Hidden fees differ significantly between the carriers. Norwegian charges €45 for flight changes online and €60 at the airport. SAS charges €50-70 for changes depending on fare type. Both charge for credit card processing sometimes. Norwegian fees for missed check-in are €55, SAS is €50. Seat selection on Norwegian ranges €5-25, SAS €10-30 unless included in fare. The biggest hidden cost is baggage at the gate, costing €70 on Norwegian and €80 on SAS. Always pre-book extras online. SAS fares often bundle these costs, making the initial price appear higher but total cost competitive.
Can I cancel or change Norwegian or SAS flights?
Neither airline offers free changes on lowest fares without purchasing Flex options. Norwegian LowFare changes cost €45 plus fare difference. SAS Go Smart changes cost €50 plus difference. SAS Plus and Pro fares include free changes. Norwegian Flex tickets cost 40% more but allow free changes. Both offer 24-hour cooling-off periods for bookings made directly. If SAS cancels, EU261 compensation applies up to €600 for long delays. Norwegian also complies but has faced historical scrutiny on payout speed. For uncertain plans, SAS Plus provides better protection without extra insurance purchases.
Data updated: 2026-03
