South African Airways (SAA) operates a baggage policy based on the piece concept, with allowances varying by travel class, route, and frequent flyer status. Below is a detailed overview of SAA’s baggage policy, covering carry-on, checked baggage, excess fees, and special items, based on the latest available information.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
All Classes:
- One piece of carry-on baggage.
- Maximum weight: 7 kg (15 lbs) per person, though some sources note no maximum weight applies, subject to airport-specific restrictions.
- Maximum dimensions: 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches), including wheels and handles, with a total of 115 cm (45 inches).
- Must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front.
Additional Personal Item:
- One small personal item (e.g., purse, small laptop case, camera bag) is allowed, provided it fits under the seat.
- Larger laptop bags or bulkier briefcases count as the standard carry-on piece, not a personal item.
Infants:
- One carry-on bag (up to 8 kg) including bedding, napkins, feeding bottles, and food, free of charge.
- One collapsible pram, buggy, or car seat can be brought to the boarding gate, where it may be loaded into the hold depending on airport rules.
Star Alliance Gold Members:
- Entitled to the same carry-on allowance on SAA or Star Alliance partner flights.
Restrictions:
- Carry-on must not obstruct emergency exits or aisles.
- Liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) must follow international security rules: containers up to 100 ml in a 1-liter resealable transparent plastic bag.
- Duty-free items (e.g., liquor, cigarettes, perfume) are allowed in reasonable quantities, but passengers with connecting flights should consider liquid restrictions at security checkpoints.
Checked Baggage Allowance
Economy Class:
- Domestic Flights: One piece up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- International/Regional Flights: Two pieces, each up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Maximum dimensions per piece: 158 cm (62 inches, length + width + height).
- Some routes (e.g., within South Africa or to/from the U.S.) may have exceptions; check ticket or SAA website for specifics.
Business Class:
- Domestic Flights: One piece up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
- International/Regional Flights: Two pieces, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
- Maximum dimensions per piece: 158 cm (62 inches).
Infants:
- One piece up to 23 kg (50 lbs) for infants paying at least 50% of the adult fare, plus one collapsible pram/buggy and a car seat, free of charge.
- Infants without a seat get one piece up to 23 kg and the above items.
Restrictions:
- Maximum weight per piece: 32 kg (70 lbs). Bags exceeding 32 kg must be shipped as cargo at SAA Cargo rates.
- Maximum dimensions per piece: 203 cm (80 inches). Oversized bags (158–203 cm) incur excess fees.
- Fragile, valuable, or perishable items (e.g., jewelry, electronics, passports) should not be checked, as SAA is not liable for loss or damage.
Interline/Connecting Flights:
- For single-contract tickets, the most significant carrier’s baggage allowance applies.
- For separate tickets or stopovers, each segment may have different allowances.
- Check with operating airlines for codeshare or interline flights, as their rules may apply.
Excess Baggage Fees
Overweight Baggage:
- Bags exceeding 23 kg (Economy) or 32 kg (Business) but not over 32 kg: Charged as excess baggage (e.g., $85–$95 USD per bag, depending on route).
- Bags over 32 kg are not accepted and must be shipped as cargo.
Oversized Baggage:
- Bags between 158 cm and 203 cm: Charged as an additional piece or specific oversized fee (varies by route).
- Multiple fees may apply if a bag is both overweight and oversized.
Payment and Refunds:
- Additional baggage is non-transferable and non-refundable, except in cases of flight cancellation, illness, or schedule changes (if SAA cannot offer a suitable alternative).
- Refunds are processed in the original payment form, minus any ticket-related fees.
- Pre-purchase online for potential discounts.
Special Baggage (Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, Pets)
Sports Equipment:
- Items like canoes, kayaks, windsurfing boards, and hang gliders are accepted as cargo only.
- Other equipment (e.g., golf clubs, surfboards, bicycles) may count as standard checked baggage if within weight/size limits.
- If exceeding free allowance:
- Equipment up to 23 kg and 200 cm may be free upon request with an SSR SPEQ code in the booking.
- Oversized or overweight equipment incurs excess fees or specific handling charges (contact SAA for details).
Musical Instruments:
- Small instruments (up to 115 cm total dimensions) can be carried as carry-on or checked baggage.
- Larger instruments (e.g., cellos) may require an extra seat purchase for cabin transport.
- Checked instruments are subject to standard excess baggage fees if they exceed the free allowance.
- No special free allowance is provided; notify SAA in advance.
Other Special Items:
- Cremated human remains: Acceptable as carry-on or checked baggage with a certified death certificate and crematorium certificate. Ashes must be in a sealed plastic bag inside a secure container.
- CPAP machines: Accepted but must be battery-powered for the flight duration.
- Firearms and ammunition: Secure transport available for hunters/bodyguards; contact SAA for specific procedures.
Baggage Claim and Compensation
Delayed Baggage:
- Report at the Baggage Enquiries Desk immediately upon arrival.
- SAA uses WorldTracer to track lost baggage and will attempt delivery to your specified address.
- Interim expense reimbursement (with receipts, max 5 days):
- Economy Class: Up to $75 USD/day.
- Business Class: Up to $100 USD/day.
Damaged or Lost Baggage:
- Report damage or loss within 7 days at the SAA Lost Property office.
- Compensation follows international regulations (e.g., up to 1,131 SDRs under the Montreal Convention).
- SAA is not liable for fragile, valuable, or perishable items in checked baggage.
Packing Tips:
- Label bags with a name tag and colorful ribbon for easy identification
- Lock bags and consider airport wrapping services (SAA not liable for wrapping costs).
- Remove valuables from carry-on if it’s placed in the hold due to limited cabin space.
Prohibited Items
Dangerous Goods:
- Items like lithium batteries (except in e-cigarettes, which are carry-on only with removable batteries), hoverboards, and homemade Christmas crackers are prohibited.
- Commercial parcels (e.g., nylon bags, cartons) must be shipped as cargo.
Restricted Items:
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are allowed in reasonable quantities, packed per LAGs rules.
- Christmas crackers: Max one packet of 12 commercially manufactured crackers in checked baggage.
- E-cigarettes: Carry-on only; prohibited in checked baggage.
Practical Tips
- Check your baggage allowance on your ticket, itinerary, or SAA’s website (www.flysaa.com) before travel, as allowances vary by route and fare type.
- Weigh and measure bags to avoid excess fees; use a luggage scale.
- For special items (sports equipment, musical instruments, pets), contact SAA in advance to confirm requirements and fees.
- Pack valuables in carry-on to avoid loss or damage.
- For complex itineraries or codeshare flights, verify baggage rules with all operating airlines.
- Online check-in (24 hours to 2 hours before departure) can help streamline the process.
