Mango Airlines Baggage Policy

Mango Airlines Baggage Policy Overview

Note: Mango Airlines, a South African low-cost carrier, was grounded in July 2021 due to financial issues and had its license suspended in August 2022. As of June 2025, the airline announced a potential comeback with a voucher portal for unflown tickets, but operational status remains uncertain. The following policy reflects the last known baggage rules from available sources and may not be current. Verify with Mango Airlines directly before travel.

Carry-On Baggage

• All Passengers: One carry-on bag, max 7 kg (15 lbs), dimensions up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 in, total 115 cm, including handles/wheels), plus one personal item (e.g., handbag, overcoat, small camera bag, reading material, infant amenities bag). Personal item must fit under the seat.
• Infants (under 2 years, no seat): One small bag for in-flight needs (e.g., feeding bottles, nappies, medication), max 5 kg (11 lbs), plus one collapsible stroller, car seat, or carrycot free.
• Liquids, Aerosols, Gels (LAGs): Containers up to 100 ml in a 1-liter transparent, resealable plastic bag (total volume ≤ 1 liter). Duty-free liquids in sealed security bags allowed with proof of purchase.
• Notes: Strict enforcement at Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), and Durban (DUR). Non-compliant bags sent to hold with excess fees (~ZAR 100–200/~$5–$11 USD per kg). Prohibited items in carry-on include toy guns, cutlery, knives, scissors, syringes, nail clippers, blades, or any sharp objects that could be used as weapons, per CAT-OPS-121 Civil Aviation regulations.

Checked Baggage

• Max Limits: Each bag up to 32 kg (70.5 lbs), no size limit specified, but multiple bags allowed if total weight is within allowance. Bags over 32 kg not accepted for transport.
• Domestic Flights (South Africa):
  • Standard Guests: 20 kg (44 lbs) free, regardless of number of bags.
  • Mango Plus Guests: 30 kg (66 lbs) free.
  • Infants (under 2 years, no seat): 10 kg (22 lbs) free, max 115 cm (45 in).
• International Flights (e.g., Zanzibar):
  • Standard Guests: 20 kg (44 lbs) free.
  • Mango Plus Guests: 30 kg (66 lbs) free.
  • Infants: 10 kg (22 lbs) free.
• Children (2+ years): Same allowance as adults.
• Notes: No pooling; total weight must be within allowance per passenger. Codeshare flights (e.g., with South African Airways) may follow Mango rules, but verify with operating carrier.

Excess Baggage Fees (One-Way)

• Domestic Flights: ~ZAR 100 (~$5 USD) per kg for excess weight at airport. No additional fee for extra bags if total weight is within allowance.
• International Flights (e.g., Zanzibar): ~ZAR 100–200 (~$5–$11 USD) per kg, route-dependent.
• Prepaid Baggage: Available for purchase >24 hours before departure. Rates ~ZAR 80–100 (~$4–$5 USD) per kg, offering up to 20% savings compared to airport rates. Non-refundable unless flight canceled.
• Notes: Fees apply per kg above allowance; no extra bag fee if within weight limit. X posts and blogs highlight high airport fees and recommend prepaying to save costs. Example: A passenger overpaid $37.65 USD for 25 kg prepaid baggage, unaware of the 20 kg free allowance. Always verify allowance before prepaying.

Special Baggage

• Sports Equipment (e.g., golf clubs, bicycles, diving equipment): Counts toward free allowance (20 kg Standard, 30 kg Mango Plus) if properly packed. Specifics:
  • Golf Clubs: Max 20 kg, incurs handling fee (~ZAR 100/~$5 USD).
  • Bicycles: Must be in shipping boxes (not provided by Mango), handling fee (~ZAR 100/~$5 USD).
  • Diving Equipment: Includes mask, fins, snorkel, regulator, BCD, wetsuit, empty tank (valve open 24h prior). Counts toward allowance; excess fees apply.
  • Bowling Gear: One ball, bag, and shoes; within allowance.
  Requires Limited Liability Release Tag at check-in. Excess fees ~ZAR 100–200 (~$5–$11 USD) per kg if over allowance.
• Musical Instruments: Within carry-on limits (≤7 kg, 115 cm) or checked (≤32 kg) with Limited Release Tag. Oversized instruments may require cargo service or extra seat purchase (same fare, max 75 kg). Pre-book >24h.
• Pets: Not permitted in cabin or hold. Assistance dogs allowed free with >48h notice, documentation, and compliance with IATA regulations.
• Wheelchairs/Mobility Devices: Free, no weight limit, with >24h notice. Batteries in carry-on, terminals protected.
• Strollers/Car Seats/Carrycots: Free for infants, tagged at check-in, not counted in allowance.
• Notes: Fragile items (e.g., diving gear, musical instruments) require sturdy, padded packaging; Mango not liable for damage. Pre-book special baggage via call center (+27-86-100-1234). Solid dry ice (≤2.5 kg) allowed in ventilated containers, declared at check-in. Firearms and shooting equipment prohibited.

Prohibited Items

• Checked Baggage: Explosives, flammable liquids/gases, corrosives, e-cigarettes, lithium batteries >160 Wh, hoverboards, firearms, shooting equipment, incubators.
• Carry-On Baggage: Toy guns, cutlery, knives, scissors, syringes, nail clippers, blades, or any sharp objects that could be used as weapons. Liquids >100 ml prohibited unless in LAGs bag.
• Notes: Drones allowed in checked baggage (batteries ≤100 Wh in carry-on). Check destination restrictions (e.g., South Africa, Zanzibar). Food (e.g., sandwiches) allowed in carry-on, but fresh produce may be restricted by destination customs.

Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Baggage

• Reporting: File Property Irregularity Report (PIR) immediately at airport before leaving or within 7 days (damage/loss) or 21 days (delay). Retain claim tags, receipts, photos.
• Liability: Max 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (~$1,800 USD) unless higher value declared. No liability for fragile, valuable, or perishable items.