New Hand Luggage Regulations at Airports from February
South African airlines will be implementing stricter hand baggage guidelines, which will come into effect across all the country’s airports from next month.
As of 2 February 2015, passengers travelling domestically on economy class on any airline, will be permitted carry-on baggage of only one bag of up to 7 kg, in addition to one slimline laptop bag.
For passengers flying business class, the carry-on baggage allowance is two bags of up to 7 kg each in addition to one slimline laptop bag. Slimline laptop bags must be of a size and thickness specifically designed to carry a laptop and charger. Handbags in both domestic and business class will not be considered as hand baggage but rather as wardrobe accessory.
Carry-on baggage will be checked at all Airports Company South Africa airports prior to proceeding through the security check point. If a passenger’s carry-on baggage does not comply with the prescribed allowance, they will be referred back to the check-in counter.
The new regulations were initiated by the airlines themselves, supported by Airports Company South Africa, the SACAA and Industry Associations. It is meant to control the number of pieces of hand baggage carried on board from a perspective of space availability and safety.
No bag should exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (total dimensions of 115cm) or weigh more than 7kg. However, bag weight may vary according to airline specifications therefore, passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines as some carriers may further restrict hand baggage.