South African Airways Baggage Policy

Below is the baggage policy for South African Airways (SAA) for 2025, covering carry-on and checked baggage allowances, fees, and restrictions. SAA operates under the piece concept for baggage allowances, with variations by route, class, and Voyager frequent flyer status. Policies may differ for codeshare flights (e.g., SA Express, Airlink) or interline partners, where the first marketing carrier’s rules typically apply.

Carry-On Baggage

All passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item, subject to strict size and weight limits. Non-compliant bags may be denied at the departure gate or checked with fees.

Economy Class:
- 1 carry-on bag: Max 8 kg (17.6 lbs), dimensions up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 in, including handles/wheels).
- 1 personal item (e.g., purse, small laptop bag): Must fit under the seat, no specific size limit but typically 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in).
Business Class:
- 2 carry-on bags: Each max 8 kg (17.6 lbs), total 16 kg (35.2 lbs), dimensions up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm per bag.
- 1 personal item: Same as Economy.
Infants (Under 2 Years, No Seat):
- 1 carry-on bag (e.g., bedding, napkins, feeding bottles, food): Max 8 kg (17.6 lbs), free of charge.
- 1 collapsible pram/buggy or car seat: Free, may be gate-checked at some airports.
Star Alliance Gold/Voyager Members:
- Same carry-on allowance as ticket class; no additional carry-on benefits.
Notes:
- Bags must fit under the seat or in overhead lockers. Emergency exits and aisles must remain clear.
- Larger laptop bags or bulkier briefcases count as carry-on, not personal items.
- Liquids/gels: Max 100 ml per container in a 1-liter resealable bag, per international security rules.
- Prohibited items: E-cigarettes, hoverboards, Christmas crackers (except one packet of 12 in checked baggage), and dangerous goods (e.g., explosives, flammable liquids). Lithium batteries (e.g., power banks) up to 100Wh allowed in carry-on only, individually packed to prevent short circuits.
- Duty-free items (liquor, cigarettes, perfume) allowed in reasonable quantities, subject to connecting flight restrictions.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage allowances are based on the piece concept, with weight limits per piece. No single bag may exceed 32 kg (70 lbs) or 158 cm (62 in) in total dimensions (length + width + height) without being shipped as cargo.

Class/Route	Standard Allowance	Voyager Silver	Voyager Gold/Platinum	Star Alliance Gold
First Class	2 pieces, each 40 kg (88 lbs)	3 pieces, each 40 kg	3 pieces, each 40 kg	3 pieces, each 40 kg
Business Class	2 pieces, each 32 kg (70 lbs)	3 pieces, each 32 kg	3 pieces, each 32 kg	3 pieces, each 32 kg
Economy Class	1 piece, 23 kg (50 lbs)	2 pieces, each 23 kg	2 pieces, each 23 kg	2 pieces, each 23 kg
Infants (No Seat)	1 piece, 23 kg (50 lbs) + 1 pram/car seat	No extra allowance

Exceptions by Route:

From Sao Paulo: Max 10 pieces total per passenger.
Between Johannesburg and Accra/Lagos: Max 50 pieces total per passenger.
Codeshare/Interline Flights: For US routes, the first carrier’s policy applies for the entire itinerary. For non-US routes, check the operating carrier’s policy (e.g., SA Express, Airlink).
Children (Paying ≥50% Adult Fare): Same allowance as adults.
Same-Day Connections: Uniform allowance applies. After a stopover, each leg may have different allowances.

Notes:

Fragile/valuable items (e.g., electronics, jewelry, passports) should not be checked; SAA is not liable for damage to these items. Use carry-on instead.
Bags over 32 kg or 203 cm (80 in) must be shipped as cargo at SAA Cargo rates.
Johannesburg Airport: No irregularly shaped bags with long hanging straps; bags must have one flat surface. Soft-sided bags (e.g., canvas safari bags) are acceptable.

Excess Baggage Fees

Fees apply for additional pieces, overweight, or oversized baggage (per piece, one-way). Up to 3 extra pieces are allowed per passenger, payable online (up to 3 hours before departure) or at the airport. Fees vary by route; check SAA’s website for exact rates.

Additional Piece: $50–$200 USD (varies by route, e.g., higher for US routes).
Overweight (23–32 kg): $50–$100 USD per piece.
Oversized (158–203 cm): $50–$100 USD per piece.
Multiple Restrictions: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, two fees apply per piece.
Notes:
- Pre-pay online via “Manage My Booking” for potential discounts.
- Non-refundable, non-transferable unless due to flight cancellation, illness, or SAA schedule changes. Refunds issued in original payment form.
- For codeshare flights, the operating carrier’s fees apply.

Special Items

Sports Equipment:
- Items like golf clubs, surfboards, or bicycles count as one checked piece if within 23 kg (Economy) or 32 kg (Business/First) and 200 cm. Excess fees apply if over allowance.
- Canoes, kayaks, windsurfing boards, and hang gliders must be shipped as cargo.
- Requires prior request via SSR SPEQ in booking; free if within allowance.
Musical Instruments:
- Within carry-on limits (56 x 36 x 23 cm, 8 kg): Counts as one carry-on item. Economy passengers cannot bring additional carry-on; Business allows one more.
- Checked: Subject to excess fees if over allowance; must be in a custom-built case.
- Extra Seat: Book via SAA Call Centre at a discounted base fare (excluding taxes). Provide size/weight details; instruments cannot occupy unpaid seats. Max 115 cm total dimensions.
Firearms/Ammunition:
- Max 5 kg ammunition, separate from firearms, with prior approval. Secure transportation provided for hunters/bodyguards. Contact SAA for fees and permits.
Pets:
- Domestic: Pets in carriers (max 1 x 1 m, 23 kg) accepted as checked baggage, charged as excess baggage (e.g., $50–$200 USD).
- International/Regional: Pets travel as manifested cargo; contact SAA Cargo. Requires permits, vaccinations, and microchips; submit paperwork 1 week before travel.
- Service animals: Free in cabin with prior approval.
Cremated Remains:
- Accepted as checked or carry-on in a sealed container/plastic bag with death/crematorium certificates. Contact destination country for import rules.
Mobility Equipment: Wheelchairs and assistive devices are free, no weight limit, with prior notification.

Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Baggage

Report at the airport’s Baggage Enquiries Desk to obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Track via SAA’s WorldTracer system.
Claims: Within 7 days for damage, 21 days for delay, up to 1,131 SDRs (approx. $1,800 USD) for loss, per Montreal/Warsaw Convention.
Interim Expenses: For delayed baggage, SAA reimburses essential items (with receipts) up to $75 USD/day (Economy) or $100 USD/day (Business) for 5 days, for non-residents of the arrival country.
Recommendations: Tag bags with colorful ribbons/name tags, use locks, and consider airport wrapping services (SAA not liable for wrapping costs).

Additional Notes

Codeshare/Interline Flights: The first marketing carrier’s policy applies for US routes; otherwise, check the operating carrier (e.g., Airlink: 20 kg Economy, 30 kg Business).
Light Aircraft (e.g., Safaris): For connecting flights within Africa, allowances may be 15–23 kg in soft bags (e.g., duffels) with no rigid frames or long straps. Max dimensions vary (e.g., 60 x 30 x 25 cm for Air Excel).
Valuables: Pack electronics, cameras, jewelry, and documents in carry-on; SAA is not liable for these in checked baggage.
Check-In: Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure, closes 90 minutes (domestic) or 120 minutes (international) before. Airport check-in: 90 minutes (domestic), 2.5 hours (international), or 3 hours (US flights from Johannesburg).