SAS Go Light shenanigans for Star Gold
Jan 13, 2023, 2:22 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K/1.5MM, HHonors Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium, Hertz PC, National Emerald Executive
Posts: 424
SAS Go Light shenanigans for Star Gold
I am 1k flying SAS on Go Light fare TATL. As I was checking at o’hare they said extra luggage allowance is not applicable because of the light fare(basic economy). Star Alliance website says that Star Gold does not get extra allowance for luggage only on infra-Europe flights. Despite me arguing with them, they did not budge.
I swear I was in the same boat in 2020 on light fare and had no issues like this. And official Star Alliance site says on intra-Europe flights are not eligible. Anyone from here encountered this and has any further clarity/advice?
I swear I was in the same boat in 2020 on light fare and had no issues like this. And official Star Alliance site says on intra-Europe flights are not eligible. Anyone from here encountered this and has any further clarity/advice?
Jan 13, 2023, 2:25 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SJC / DPS
Programs: AS G75K, UA Silver
Posts: 1,757
I am 1k flying SAS on Go Light fare TATL. As I was checking at o’hare they said extra luggage allowance is not applicable because of the light fare(basic economy). Star Alliance website says that Star Gold does not get extra allowance for luggage only on infra-Europe flights. Despite me arguing with them, they did not budge.
I swear I was in the same boat in 2020 on light fare and had no issues like this. And official Star Alliance site says on intra-Europe flights are not eligible. Anyone from here encountered this and has any further clarity/advice?
I swear I was in the same boat in 2020 on light fare and had no issues like this. And official Star Alliance site says on intra-Europe flights are not eligible. Anyone from here encountered this and has any further clarity/advice?
Some airlines do not offer this benefit on individual flights but only on connecting Star Alliance flights. Within Europe on "Light" fares offered by Lufthansa, Austrian & SWISS, "Check&Go" fares offered by Brussels Airlines and “Go light” fares offered by SAS as well as on “Seat” fares offered by Air New Zealand, the extra baggage allowance is not offered.
Otherwise, all Check&Go, Go Light, and Seat fares do not have the benefit applied.
Jan 13, 2023, 4:27 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: USA, JPN, GBR
Programs: A3, AA, AC, AS, DL, NH, SQ, SK, UA; BW, CP, HH, IHG, MB
Posts: 1,950
IIRC, the SAS website used to be quite clear that baggage was not included in SAS Go Light for anyone - including EB elites and *G. I just checked, and the phrasing is much, much vaguer now. 
While it does say "No bags included in SAS Go Light" in multiple locations, even the FAQs don't explicitly state that Go Light fares are excluded from the *G bag benefit.
They do mention it in the Eurobonus section for their own members: "Check in one/two extra bag(s) weighing up to 23 kg at no charge (except on SAS Go Light/Wideroe Economy Light)." As far as I can tell (from a quick look), that's the only place where they mention the exclusion. So, if you don't already know (or you misinterpret the *A website as the OP did), you're SOL. 
While it does say "No bags included in SAS Go Light" in multiple locations, even the FAQs don't explicitly state that Go Light fares are excluded from the *G bag benefit.
Additional baggage allowance for selected membership levels
A tier benefit for EuroBonus Diamond-, Gold-, Silver members and Star Alliance Gold. They can bring baggage allowance included in a specific ticket and additional bags depending on their membership level.
Number of additional bags
A tier benefit for EuroBonus Diamond-, Gold-, Silver members and Star Alliance Gold. They can bring baggage allowance included in a specific ticket and additional bags depending on their membership level.
Number of additional bags
- 1 extra checked bag: EuroBonus Silver and Star Alliance Gold
- 2 extra checked bags: EuroBonus Gold and EuroBonus Diamond
- 1 carry-on in SAS Go light: EuroBonus Gold and EuroBonus Diamond
Jan 13, 2023, 5:14 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA Platinum, 1MM
Posts: 13,460
So much for customer service to an elite member of their airline alliance especially since it is so vague. From what I understand, SAS has basically turned into a subpar, unfriendly and poorly run airline. That's what I generally read online and on here. Kind of sad considering it is the flag carrier for otherwise great countries.
Jan 13, 2023, 6:28 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Francisco/Tel Aviv/YYZ
Programs: CO 1K-MM
Posts: 10,762
So much for customer service to an elite member of their airline alliance especially since it is so vague. From what I understand, SAS has basically turned into a subpar, unfriendly and poorly run airline. That's what I generally read online and on here. Kind of sad considering it is the flag carrier for otherwise great countries.
Jan 13, 2023, 6:45 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA Platinum, 1MM
Posts: 13,460
Finnair I have heard is a much better Nordic airline product/service for competitors to SAS in that region.
The OP could contest the credit charge and point to the nonexistent and vague language. It is almost worth it to just spite SAS.