South African Airways Baggage Policy (2026) — Fees, Limits & Rules
South African Airways allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item for free. Economy class includes 1 free checked bag up to 23 kg, while Business class includes 2 free checked bags up to 32 kg each.
Baggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | South African Airways (SA) |
|---|---|
| Carry-On | 56x36x23 cm, 8 kg max |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item: 30x40x10 cm. Includes small handbag or slimline laptop bag. |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Economy: 1 bag (23 kg). Business: 2 bags (32 kg each). |
| First Bag Fee | Free for standard allowance |
| Second Bag Fee | Varies by route for excess baggage, e.g., ZAR 292.55 domestic, USD 45-60 within Africa, USD 150-200 for intercontinental flights. |
| Overweight Fee | Overweight bags (up to 32 kg) incur excess baggage fees varying by route, e.g., ZAR 292.55 domestic, USD 45-60 within Africa, USD 150-200 for intercontinental flights. Bags over 32 kg must be shipped as cargo. |
| Oversized Fee | Oversized bags (up to 203 cm) incur excess baggage fees varying by route, e.g., ZAR 292.55 domestic, USD 45-60 within Africa, USD 150-200 for intercontinental flights. |
| Max Weight | 32 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 158 cm linear (L+W+H) |
| Free Bag in Economy | Yes |
Special Items
Sports Equipment
Many sports items (e.g., golf clubs, diving gear, surfboards under 200 cm) are accepted as a free additional piece up to 23 kg on SAA-operated flights. Excess weight or size incurs standard excess baggage fees. Items over 200 cm must be shipped as cargo.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments (e.g., violin, flute) allowed as carry-on if within 115 cm and 8 kg. Large instruments (e.g., cello, guitar) require a purchased extra seat or must be checked as additional baggage subject to excess fees.
International Rules
Standard allowance applies to most international flights. Exceptions include flights within Africa (2 bags up to 23 kg each in Economy, 2 bags up to 32 kg each in Business) and flights to/from the US, Canada, and Australia (2 bags up to 23 kg each in Economy, 2 bags up to 32 kg each in Business).
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Join SAA Voyager frequent flyer program for extra baggage allowance. 2. Pack within the 23 kg limit for Economy to avoid overweight fees. 3. Ensure your carry-on meets the strict 8 kg limit and dimensions. 4. Take advantage of the free additional piece allowance for sporting equipment.
Unique Nuances
SAA offers a free additional piece of checked baggage up to 23 kg for many types of sporting equipment. Students traveling on specific routes (e.g., South Africa to Harare, Lusaka) get up to 3 free checked bags. Bags over 32 kg are strictly prohibited as checked baggage and must be shipped as cargo.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does South African Airways charge for checked bags?
- South African Airways charges Free for standard allowance for the first checked bag and Varies by route for excess baggage, e.g., ZAR 292.55 domestic, USD 45-60 within Africa, USD 150-200 for intercontinental flights. for the second bag.
- What is South African Airways's carry-on bag size limit?
- South African Airways carry-on allowance: 56x36x23 cm, 8 kg max. 1 personal item: 30x40x10 cm. Includes small handbag or slimline laptop bag.
- Does South African Airways include free checked bags in economy?
- Yes, South African Airways includes at least one free checked bag in economy class. Economy: 1 bag (23 kg). Business: 2 bags (32 kg each).
- What is South African Airways's overweight baggage fee?
- Overweight bags (up to 32 kg) incur excess baggage fees varying by route, e.g., ZAR 292.55 domestic, USD 45-60 within Africa, USD 150-200 for intercontinental flights. Bags over 32 kg must be shipped as cargo.
- Can I bring sports equipment on South African Airways?
- Many sports items (e.g., golf clubs, diving gear, surfboards under 200 cm) are accepted as a free additional piece up to 23 kg on SAA-operated flights. Excess weight or size incurs standard excess baggage fees. Items over 200 cm must be shipped as cargo.
- What are South African Airways baggage fees?
- South African Airways baggage fees are Free for standard allowance for the first checked bag and Varies by route for excess baggage, e.g., ZAR 292.55 domestic, USD 45-60 within Africa, USD 150-200 for intercontinental flights. for the second. Overweight bags (over 50 lbs) incur an additional fee of Overweight bags (up to 32 kg) incur excess baggage fees varying by route, e.g., ZAR 292.55 domestic, USD 45-60 within Africa, USD 150-200 for intercontinental flights. Bags over 32 kg must be shipped as cargo.. Standard allowance applies to most international flights. Exceptions include flights within Africa (2 bags up to 23 kg each in Economy, 2 bags up to 32 kg each in Business) and flights to/from the US, Canada, and Australia (2 bags up to 23 kg each in Economy, 2 bags up to 32 kg each in Business).