The flag carrier airline of South Africa has a lenient baggage policy, but what is South African Airways’ baggage allowance? And how strict is SAA with carry-on baggage?
The following information provides everything you need to know about SAA luggage rules and regulations.
Let’s dive in deeper.
What is SAA Cabin Baggage Allowance?
Standard Hand Baggage Allowance:
Economy Class:
Economy class passengers are entitled to 1 piece of carry-on baggage not exceeding 8 kg / 17.6 lbs, with maximum dimensions of 56 cm (L) x 36 cm (W) x 23 cm (H) / 22 in (L) x 14.2 in (W) x 9.1 in (H)..
In addition, Economy Class guests are allowed one personal item, such as a small handbag or laptop bag.
Business Class:
You are allowed to have 2 pieces of hand luggage, each not exceeding 8 kg/ 17.6 lbs, with maximum dimensions per piece of 56 cm (L) x 36 cm (W) x 23 cm (H) / 22 in (L) x 14.2 in (W) x 9.1 in (H).
Besides your carry-on you can also bring one personal item, such as a small handbag or laptop bag.
How strict is South African Airways with carry-on baggage?
If your hand baggage does not conform to the specified size, you may be denied entry into the departure area or directed back to the check-in desks.
All hand baggage must fit under the seat in front of you or in one of the overhead lockers. It must not obstruct emergency exits or aisles.
Larger laptop bags and bulkier briefcases are not considered personal items and will count toward your standard hand baggage allowance.
Star Alliance Gold members flying with SAA or any Star Alliance partner airline are also entitled to the carry-on items mentioned above.
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SAA Checked Baggage Allowance
Guests traveling to / from Canada and the U.S.:
- Free Baggage Allowance: 2 pieces
- Maximum Dimensions: 62 linear inches / 157 cm (L + W + H)
Maximum Weight:
- Economy Class: 50 lb / 23 kg per piece
- Business & First Class: 70 lb / 32 kg per piece
Star Alliance Gold and Voyager members are allowed additional baggage.
Guests traveling to most other destinations:
- Economy Class: 44 lb / 20 kg total
- Business Class: 66 lb / 30 kg total
- First Class: 88 lb / 40 kg total
Exceptions may apply depending on destination and ticket. Always check the baggage details attached to your booking on flysaa.com.
South African Airways Excess Baggage Allowance
SAA allows you to check up to 3 pieces, but if you exceed your limits, additional baggage rates will apply.
Extra baggage must be assessed and paid for before boarding. You can pay for the entire journey or up to your point of transfer if you have a connecting flight.
For sectors not operated by SAA, please check with the respective airline. For codeshare flights, the operating carrier’s baggage rules and charges apply
Additional Baggage Fees
Fees vary depending on the route. The charges below apply to SAA-operated flights and exclude SA Express and Airlink.
Between New York / Washington & Africa (via Johannesburg):
- All countries/cities in Africa: USD 200
- Accra / Dakar (direct service only): USD 200
- South Africa: USD 200 / ZAR 1200
Between USA & Africa (except Hawaii, Alaska):
- All countries/cities: USD 250
- Accra / Dakar: USD 200
- Namibia: USD 250 / NAD 2050
- South Africa: USD 250 / ZAR 2050
Between Africa & Hawaii, Alaska & Mexico:
- All countries/cities: USD 400
- Accra / Dakar: USD 350
- Namibia: USD 400 / NAD 2350
- South Africa: USD 400 / ZAR 2350
- Zimbabwe: USD 400
Between Canada & Africa:
- All countries/cities: CAD 250 / USD 250 (increased rate: CAD 300 / USD 300)
- Accra / Dakar: CAD 250 / USD 250 (CAD 300 / USD 300)
- Namibia: CAD 250 / NAD 1950 (CAD 300 / NAD 2050)
- South Africa: CAD 250 / ZAR 1950 (CAD 300 / ZAR 2050)
- Zimbabwe: CAD 250 / USD 250 (CAD 300 / USD 300)
Please visit South African Airways additional baggage fees for more information
South African Airways Special Baggage Allowance
Valuable, fragile, or sentimental items (including IDs and passports) should be kept in your hand baggage.
Musical Instruments:
SAA does not offer free special allowance for instruments. Instruments can be:
- Checked as normal baggage
- Count as hand baggage (if small)
- Transported on a paid-for seat in the cabin
Sport Equipment
Like musical instruments, charges may apply. Items must not exceed 200 cm in length unless specified.
Some accepted items:
- Angling rods
- Golf, tennis, squash, cricket gear
- Parachute, diving, motor-sport gear (empty scuba tanks only)
- Cycling (max 200 cm x 100 cm x 75 cm)
- Surfboards, kite surfing gear, sailing suits, etc.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with South African Airways can be an easy experience once you know the ins and outs of their baggage policy.
Unlike some budget airlines that hit you with unexpected fees, SAA gives you a decent allowance for both carry-on and checked bags, especially if you’re flying internationally.
But keep in mind: rules can vary based on your destination and ticket type. And if you’re flying Basic Economy or have a codeshare flight, your baggage perks might be different.
So, pack smart, double check your baggage allowance before heading to the airport, and choose the right size bag to any avoid last minute surprises.
FAQs on South African Airways Baggage Allowance
A: They can, especially on full flights. Weigh your bag at home before heading to the airport and avoid any surprises.
A: Yes, if it fits under the seat. Large duty-free items may count as your 1 cabin bag.
A: Yes, but limited to 100Wh (20,000mAh). Spare lithium batteries must be in carry-ons, read more on lithium batteries on this post.
A: No, Infants (under 2) get 10kg checked + 1 collapsible stroller, plus a diaper bag (in addition to your carry-on).
A: These fly free and don’t count toward your allowance. It is better to contact the airline 48+ hours in advance.
A: SAA are strict with both size and weight limits. Oversized / heavy bags will be subject to additional charges or will be refused.
A: Yes, Lithium batteries, explosives, and flammable items are not allowed, in general any item that is flammable will not be accepted in both carry-on and checked baggage.
A: Yes, it is always cheaper to pay for baggage online than the airport, this applies to most airlines, not just South African Airways.
A: Report it immediately at the airport. SAA covers up to ZAR 12,000 for lost items (you will need to provide a receipt).
A: No, but Voyager loyalty members and Star Alliance Gold travelers get extra allowances.
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