South African Airlines Baggage Fees 2012

South African Airlines Carry On 2012 - Cabin Bag Size & Weight Limit

South African Airlines Baggage Report Card

Carry-On Allowance8 / 10
Checked Bag Allowance8 / 10
Excess Baggage Fees6 / 10
Overall Grade7.3 / 10

For your own safety and comfort, it is important to be aware of what you can and cannot bring on board before you check in.

Hand luggage allowance
The amount of hand luggage you may carry depends on which service class you are flying. [AMZ asins='B00LB7REFK,B082K8ZNQ1,B07ZWLQF9T,B00NW62PCA']

Business Class:
Two pieces: 8kg (18lb) each
Max Dimensions Per Piece: 115 cm (45 inches)

Economy Class:
One piece not exceeding 8kg (18lb)
Max Dimensions Per Piece: 115 cm (45 inches)

Please note: If your hand luggage does not conform to the size specified, airport security will prohibit entry into the departure area. You will then have to return to the check-in counter.

All hand luggage must be of a size that fits under the seat in front of you or in one of the overhead lockers.
Hand luggage must not obstruct emergency exits or aisles.

Sports equipment & musical instruments
Sports equipment and musical instruments are subject to the same size and weight limitations as other hand luggage. However, certain items can be carried on board if you purchase an extra seat to accommodate it.

Restricted items
Security items, such as a pair of scissors, knives, blades or any sharp and/or pointed objects, must be removed from hand luggage and packed in checked baggage. To facilitate your travel, kindly refer to the documents below identifying specific security restrictions:

South African Airlines Checked Baggage Fees 2012 - Checked Bag Weight & Size Limits

Maximum Baggage Weight per Piece for the Passenger (Weight and Piece Concept) is 32kg.

NEW BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE FOR TICKETS PURCHASE ON/AFTER SEPTEMBER 5 2012
Piece concept now applies on all SA Airways operating and services

Business class – 2 pieces with 32kg (70lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62inches) per piece

Economy class – 1 piece with 23kg (50lb) and maximum dimension of 158cm (62inches)

Children and Infants paying at least 50% of the adult fare are entitled to the same baggage allowance as adults.
Infants not entitled to a seat shall only be permitted to 1PC at 10kg and one or collapsible buggy or car seat

The following exceptions will apply:

Baggage Rules for Tickets purchase before September 5 2012
Free Checked Baggage Allowances (Via Johannesburg)

When flying with South African Airways via Johannesburg, you can benefit from the following free baggage allowance:

Free Checked Baggage Allowance - Weight Concept

Applies worldwide except for flight routings where the Piece Concept (PC) applies.

First Class: 40kg (88lb)

Business Class: 30kg (66lb)

Economy Class: 23kg (50lb)

Children and Infants paying at least 50% of the adult fare are entitled to the same allowance as adults.
Infants not entitled to a seat shall only be permitted 10 kg (22lb) and one collapsible buggy.

Maximum Baggage Weight per Piece for the Passenger (Weight and Piece Concept): Please note, that more than 32kg (70lb) per piece is not accepted as excess baggage. If exceeding 32kg (70lb) where required, the piece of baggage must be checked as air cargo at specified cargo rates. Total excess baggage of more than 100 kg (218lb) per passenger and per flight must be requested at time of creating the reservation and or prior to departure (approx. 24 hrs.).

Exceptions:

Star Alliance gold customers on Star-operated flights: additional 20kg (44lb)

South African Airways Voyager card holders on SA operated flights:

Platinum & Platinum elect: additional 30kg (66lb)

Gold & Gold elect: additional 20kg (44lb)

Silver & Silver elect: additional 10kg (22lb)

Blue: No additional

Exceptions on SA flights to/from Australia (including the SA Airways - SYD code-share flight)

Between South Africa and Australia.


First Class: 40kg (88lb)

Business Class: 30kg (66lb)

Economy Class: 23kg (50lb)

Applicable on SA flights ONLY and all flight series SA1000;7000;8000 are excluded:

Between South Africa and destinations in Africa (SA ONLY)
Bonafide Students traveling on Student tickets (SD Fares): Baggage Allowance - 40kg

Between Africa and South Africa / between Africa and Mumbai (BOM)/ Hong Kong via Johannesburg - except for travel originating **Lagos to Hong Kong / between Africa to other Africa points via Johannesburg and *** Lagos - Between South Africa and Lagos via Johannesburg.

**Denotes:

**Lagos - Journey originating Lagos for travel Lagos to Johannesburg OR Lagos to Hong Kong via Johannesburg only


***Denotes:

*** Lagos between South Africa and Lagos via Johannesburg


Between Dubai and South Africa and between South Africa and Jeddah(applicable on SA Code-share Flights)

Between South Africa and Mumbai and between South Africa and Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad (applicable on SA code-share flights)

Between Dakar and Mumbai and between Dakar and Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad (applicable on SA code-share flights)


AI Code-share flights numbers between Mumbai Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town (valid on SA operated flights)

Blantyre & Lilongwe - journeys originating in Blantyre & Lilongwe for travel to London via Johannesburg


Free Checked Baggage Allowance - Piece Concept

First & Business Class:

2 pieces with 32 kg (70lb) each and maximum dimensions of 158 cm (62 inches)

Economy Class:

2 pieces with 23 kg (50lb) each and maximum dimensions of 158 cm (62 inches) each;

Maximum Baggage Weight per Piece for the Passenger (Weight and Piece Concept): Please note, that more than 32kg (70lb) per piece is not accepted as excess baggage. If exceeding 32kg (70lb) where required, the piece of baggage must be checked as air cargo at specified cargo rates. Total excess baggage of more than 100 kg (218lb) per passenger and per flight must be requested at time of creating the reservation and or prior to departure (approx. 24 hrs)

Exception:

Journeys to/from South America (where piece concept is applicable as specified above) the weight per piece in economy class equals 32 kg (70lb) each and maximum dimensions of 158 cm (62inches).

Children and Infants paying at least 50% of the adult fare are entitled to the same allowance as adults
Infants not entitled to a seat shall only be permitted 1 checked piece (maximum dimensions of 115cm) and up to 10 kg (22lb) and one collapsible buggy

NOTE: EXCESS WEIGHT CHARGES FOR FREE PIECE CONCEPT ALLOWANCE:

In case of excess weight per piece up to a total of 32kg (70lb), a flat rate of EUR/USD 100 will be charged;
Baggage heavier than 32kg must be shipped as cargo

Exceptions:

SA Airways Platinum and Gold Members and Star Alliance Gold Members on SA operated flights plus any Star Alliance operated flights: 1 extra piece based on the allowance for the respective class, as part of the free allowance

Government Reservations


UNITED STATES (Order 95-2-7)

Approval is subject to the conditions regularly imposed on this type of baggage system. These conditions preclude the appli-cation of weight-related baggage systems to any passengers whose ultimate ticketed origin or destination is a point in the United States. For these passengers, only piece-related bag-gage system shall apply, including any travel beyond the U.S.-foreign gateway legs of the journeys

BRAZIL

Weight system will not apply from Brazil to the Republic of South Africa and from Brazil to Thailand/Hong Kong SAR via SA routing (23.6.98)

The excess baggage charge per kg is 1% of the lowest normal direct adult one way economy class fare (23.6.98)

For transportation originating or terminating in the USA/US Territories, Canada where piece concept applies, piece concept regulations apply for the entire journey, irrespective if a stopover is taken or not.

To qualify for PC when a journey includes countries that the weight concept is the actually baggage allowance, the ticket must be issued all on one ticket (one contract).

Example: if a passenger purchased a NYC LON NYC - PC would apply for this applicable ticket and the new ticket (contract) LON Johannesburg LON - the applicable weight concept would apply.

For transportation originating or terminating in countries other than USA/US Territories, Canada where the piece concept is Government approved, and SA has implemented exception between these countries the piece concept regulations apply for the entire journey, irrespective if a stopover is taken or not as long as the applicable through fare has been collected.

Example: NYC-FRA-Johannesburg-FRA-NYC for all sectors PC applies. If a passenger with PC allowance checks-in baggage after a stopover is made for a route where weight concept applies, the free baggage allowance will remain PC, but the charge for excess baggage must be paid according to weight concept rates.

Example: Stopover in Johannesburg and FRA; check-in of 2 pc with 30kg each. The permitted baggage allowance is 2x23kg (2x50lb) => the difference 14kg have to be charged at 1,5% per kg of the Highest SA Airways normal direct one way economy class fare Johannesburg-FRA.

South African Airlines Overweight Baggage Fee 2012 - Extra Bag Fee - Oversize Baggage

Rates for Weight Concept:
Baggage in excess of the checked baggage allowance charges apply at 1,5% per kg of the highest SA Airways normal direct adult one way economy class fare.
In effect on the date of issuance of the excess baggage ticket In the direction of travel
From the point for which the checked baggage allowance is exceeded to the first point at which the baggage is collected.

Exceptions:

Rates for Weight Concept - DOMESTIC TRAVEL WITHIN SOUTH AFRICA:
Excess baggage Charge:
ZAR 26 plus ZAR 4 = Total ZAR 30.00 per kg

Rates for Piece Concept (PC):
If a passenger with Piece Concept (PC) allowance checks-in baggage after a stopover is made for a route where weight concept applies, the free baggage allowance will remain Piece concept (PC), but the charge for excess baggage must be paid according to the weight concept charges.

Excess Baggage Charges PIECE CONCEPT
For sectors not flown by SA, please check the operating airline.

THE CHARGE FOR EACH PIECE OF NORMAL SIZE EXCESS BAGGAGE OR EXCESS CHARGE WILL BE INDICATED BELOW:
Between New York/Washington and Africa - via Johannesburg Excess baggage charge for the 3rd piece when ≤ 50lbs (23kg):

Excess baggage charge for the 3rd piece when ≥ than to 51lb (24kg) and ≤ 70lb (32kg):

Excess baggage charges for the 3rd piece from Africa to the USA (except for Washington and New York):
When ≤ 50lbs (23kg): USD 300
When ≥ than to 51lb (24kg) and ≤ 70lb (32kg): USD 350

Excess Baggage Charges for Piece Concept (PC) between New York/Washington and Australia - via Johannesburg

Excess Baggage Charges for Piece Concept (PC) between Africa & Brazil/Argentina - via Johannesburg

Excess Baggage Charges for Piece Concept (PC) between Hong Kong & South America - via Johannesburg

Excess Baggage Charges for Piece Concept (PC) between India & Brazil - via Johannesburg

Excess Baggage Charges for Piece Concept (PC) between Perth & Sao Paulo - via JOHANNESBURG

One excess charge will apply for:
Each bag (piece) exceeding 2 checked bags
Each bag exceeding the dimensions of 158cm (62 inches), but not exceeding 203cm (80 inches)
2 bags exceeding total dimensions of 273cm (107 inches) but each bag not exceeding 158cm (62 inches)

Two excess charges will apply for:
Excess number plus oversized: for each bag exceeding 2 checked bags and exceeding the dimensions of 158cm (62inches), but not exceeding 203cm (80inches)

Three excess charges will apply for:
Business class - any bag the sum of three dimensions exceeds 203cm (80 inches) and the weight may not exceed 32kg (70lbs) of any bag;
Economy class - any bag the sum of three dimensions exceeds 203cm (80 inches) and/or the weight 23kg (50lbs0) for the first 32kg or fraction thereof;
Each additional 10 kg (22lb) or fraction thereof, 1 additional excess baggage charge shall be applied; such bag shall not be carried as accompanied baggage unless prior handling arrangements have been made with the carrier.

NOTE: EXCESS WEIGHT CHARGES FOR FREE PIECE CONCEPT ALLOWANCE:
In case of excess weight per piece up to a total of 32kg (70lb), a flat rate of EUR/USD 100 will be charged;
Baggage heavier than 32kg must be shipped as cargo

Person with Reduced Mobility
Persons with reduced mobility may carry free of charge one wheelchair and/or other assertive devices they are dependent on.

Exception: On flights to and from European Union destinations, (London and Frankfurt) one further mobility device may be carrier free of charge, (two in totals), over and above the free baggage allowance. (To satisfy requirement under EU regulation 1107/2006)

Musical Instruments
The carriage of certain musical instruments is permitted in the cabin of the aircraft and on extra seat(s). The musical instruments must not contain any equipment or article or substance, which is, classified as dangerous goods.

As cabin baggage
Portable musical instruments may be carried in the cabin of the aircraft as approved cabin baggage under the following conditions.

These apply to all classes except where specified:
The total of the three outside dimensions (L plus B plus H) of the instrument must not exceed 115cms. When a carrying case is used, the dimensions of the carrying case are to be considered. If the instrument or the case has an irregular shape, the largest dimension must be taken to arrive at the overall total.

The shape and size should fit under the seat in front of the passenger or in the overhead lockers. The weight of the instrument inclusive of the carrying case must not exceed 8kgs. Musical instruments, which conform to the above size and weight limitations, will be considered as one item of cabin baggage. Therefore, passengers travelling in Business class may carry only one more item of cabin baggage with dimensions not exceeding 52 x 40 x 23cms. Passengers travelling in Economy class will not be allowed to carry any other cabin bag.

It is highly recommended that the musical instrument be carried or packed in a custom built carrying case to protect it from damage. If it is not carried in a carrying case, the instrument must not have any sharp corners, which might damage other cabin bags or the aircraft panels.

On extra seat(s) in the cabin
Passengers may carry musical instruments in the cabin of the aircraft on a seat(s). Please notify your local South African Airways Reservations Office of your intention to carry a musical instrument on an extra seat at the time of reservation.

Information regarding size/weight must be provided and the extra seat must be booked and paid for. It is not acceptable for the instrument to occupy an empty seat, which has not been paid for. Your local South African Airways Office will inform you of the additional charges for the additional seat.

No more than 75kgs may be carried under this arrangement per seat blocked. The passenger will not receive any additional free checked baggage allowance for the purchase of the extra seat. If you do not wish to carry the musical instrument in the cabin, it can travel in the hold as checked baggage. Contact your local South African Airways Office for details.

Instruments & methods of carriage
The following guideline indicates how certain musical instruments can be transported. The final decision depends on the overall size and weight of the instrument.

Special Baggage Charges - (for International and Domestic Journeys valid to both the Weight and Piece Concept)
Special Baggage Regulations are applicable on SA operating flights only. (SA 1000; 7000; 8000 series excluded)

The following Sport equipment mentioned below will allow an additional 20kg free of charge per passenger - this is valid to both the Weight and Piece Concept. Please note that this is not applicable to special events such as the Argus.

Angling
Archery
Basketball
Bowls
Cricket
Cycling
Diving: (scuba equipment) - Please note that the tank must be empty
Fencing
Field hockey
Football/Soccer
Golf
Lacrosse
Netball
Motor-cycle gear - Protective riding gear and helmet; motor-cycle to be sent as cargo
Rugby
Shooting/hunting - Firearms and ammunition - subject to correct transport and safety procedures
Snow/water ski equipment
Tennis/squash
Ten pin bowling
Ice hockey
Surfboards/kite surfing/paragliding: smaller than 200cm
Volleyball

For interlining and through-check-in on routings where other carriers are involved, give the passenger the choice of checking-in the sport baggage for all the SA Airways 3-digit flight numbers free of charge and to check-in new for all non-SA Airways or do a thorough check-in and charge passenger for all sectors on the 1.5% per kg or applicable PC excess baggage rates. Confirmed SSR-reservation is mandatory, except for shooting or hunting equipment.

N.B For Sporting Equipment NOT specified above must be included in free baggage allowance; if exceeding, normal XBAG rate (1,5% of the SA Airways highest normal direct adult one way economy class fare) applies.

Paddle Ski Equipment
Included in free baggage allowance; if exceeding, normal XBAG rate applies.

Vaulting poles are not included in the free baggage allowance. WC+PC: In case of excess, EUR50/USD50/CAD70 for first and additional item.

Comments / Discussion / Questions

Let us know your personal experience or ask any questions here in the comments section below. You will need to login using your Emote or Google account. Be sure to upvote any helpful comments for other travellers preparing for their trip :-)

[AMZ asins='B00LB7REFK,B082K8ZNQ1,B07ZWLQF9T,B00NW62PCA']