Check your luggage against South African Airways' baggage requirements instantly. Our free tool helps you avoid excess baggage fees and ensure smooth travel on SAA flights across Africa and international destinations.
✈️ Updated for 2025 baggage policies
📏 Instant size and weight verification
Check if your carry on size meets airline requirements instantly with our free carryonsize tool
Economy: 1×8kg
Business: 2×8kg
Max size: 56×36×23 cm
Economy: 23kg
Business: 32kg
Premium Business: 32kg
1 item allowed
Max: 34×19×16 cm
Counts toward weight limit
South African Airways (SAA), the flag carrier of South Africa and a founding member of the Star Alliance, has been connecting Africa to the world since 1934. Despite facing operational challenges in recent years, SAA continues to serve as a vital link between South Africa and major international destinations across six continents. The airline's baggage policies are designed to accommodate the diverse needs of passengers traveling on both domestic routes within South Africa and international long-haul flights. Understanding SAA's baggage allowance helps ensure smooth travel whether you're exploring the Rainbow Nation or connecting to global destinations. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about South African Airways' baggage policies for 2025.
South African Airways' carry-on baggage policy provides clear weight and size restrictions to ensure safe storage in aircraft overhead compartments. The airline allows 8kg carry-on allowance for all passengers, with Business Class passengers permitted to bring two pieces. SAA operates various aircraft types including Airbus A330s and A320s on different routes, with overhead compartments designed to accommodate standard international carry-on dimensions efficiently.
South African Airways operates a weight concept system for most routes, with specific allowances varying based on your destination and cabin class. The airline's baggage policy covers domestic flights within South Africa, regional African routes, and international long-haul destinations. Your SAA baggage allowance depends on factors including your ticket type, destination, and frequent flyer status, with Business Class passengers enjoying significantly higher weight limits.
Understanding South African Airways' excess baggage fee structure helps you plan your travel budget effectively. The airline charges for both additional weight and extra pieces, with fees varying by route category. SAA uses a zone-based pricing system where destinations are grouped into different categories, affecting both ticket prices and ancillary service fees including baggage.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider purchasing additional baggage allowance online when booking your ticket or through SAA's website before departure. While pre-purchase options may not always be available, when offered, they typically provide savings compared to airport excess baggage fees.
| Fare Type | Carry-On | Checked Baggage | Changes/Refunds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Value | 1×8kg | 20kg (domestic) 23kg (international) | Restricted changes, fees apply |
| Economy Standard | 1×8kg | 20kg (domestic) 23kg (international) | Changes permitted with fees |
| Economy Flex | 1×8kg | 23kg (domestic) 23kg (international) | Flexible changes |
| Business Class | 2×8kg | 30kg (domestic) 32kg (international) | Free changes |
| Premium Business | 2×8kg | 32kg (domestic) 32kg (international) | Free changes and refunds |
* Baggage allowances may vary for specific routes and promotional fares. Always verify your specific allowance on your booking confirmation.
South African Airways accepts various sports equipment with special consideration for travelers heading to game reserves, beaches, or adventure destinations across Africa and beyond.
SAA provides special handling for African art, crafts, and cultural items, understanding their significance and value for travelers exploring the continent's rich heritage.
South African Airways allows carry-on luggage with maximum dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Economy Class passengers can bring 1 piece up to 8kg, while Business Class passengers can bring 2 pieces up to 8kg each. The bag must fit in the overhead compartment and comply with international aviation safety standards.
South African Airways' excess baggage fees vary by route and destination. For domestic South Africa flights, fees range from ZAR 150-300 per kg. For international flights, fees typically range from USD 25-75 per kg depending on the destination zone. Regional African flights have moderate fees between ZAR 200-500 per kg.
Yes, South African Airways allows one personal item in addition to your carry-on baggage. This can be a small handbag, laptop bag, or camera bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. The personal item should not exceed 34 x 19 x 16 cm and is included in your total carry-on weight allowance of 8kg.
South African Airways' checked baggage allowance varies by route and class. For most international routes, Economy allows 23kg (1 piece), Business Class allows 32kg (2 pieces), and Premium Business allows 32kg (2 pieces). Domestic routes within South Africa typically allow 20kg in Economy and 30kg in Business Class.
Yes, South African Airways' Voyager elite members receive additional baggage benefits. Silver members get an extra 5kg, Gold members receive 10kg extra, and Platinum members enjoy 15kg extra baggage allowance. Elite members also receive priority baggage handling and Star Alliance benefits on partner airlines.
South African Airways prohibits dangerous goods including explosives, flammable materials, toxic substances, and radioactive materials. Smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries cannot be checked. Power banks must be in carry-on only with maximum 32,000mAh capacity. Certain traditional medicines and animal products require special permits.
Yes, South African Airways allows baggage pooling for passengers traveling together on the same booking. The total weight can be distributed among different bags, but each individual piece must not exceed 32kg for safety and handling reasons. This benefit is particularly useful for families and group travelers.
South African Airways recommends arriving at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights. Check-in counters typically close 60 minutes before international departure and 45 minutes before domestic flights. Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before departure time.
Use our free baggage checker above to ensure your luggage meets SAA's requirements. Travel with confidence knowing your bags comply with all policies!