South African Airways baggage allowance

As a guide we have provided our standard checked baggage allowances, although there are exceptions based upon certain routes and ticket class. We therefore advise you to also check the SAA baggage allowance exceptions below and, above all, take note of the baggage allowance attached to your booking on flysaa.com

SAA assesses baggage by number of pieces rather than their weight, although weight restrictions do apply.

Standard Baggage System

Free Baggage Allowance

Extra Bag Fees

South African Airways

Piece System -

Business Class	2 Pieces (maximum 32 kg per piece)
Economy Class	1 Piece (maximum 23 kg per)
Star Alliance Gold customers	additional 20 kg (44 lb)
SAA Voyager Lifetime Platinum	2 extra pieces of 32 kg, irrespective of class of travel
SAA Voyager Platinum	1 extra piece of 32 kg, irrespective of class of travel
SAA Voyager Gold Card	1 extra piece based on the allowance of the booked cabin class
SAA Voyager Silver Card	1 extra piece of 23 kg, irrespective of class of travel
SAA Voyager Blue card	No additional baggage allowance
SAA operated flights with Star Alliance operated flights - SAA Voytager Platinum, Platinum Elect & Lifetime Platinum & SAA Gold, GOld Elect & Star Alliance Gold	1 extra piece based on the allowance of the respective class (weight or piece)

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

Please click here to view the additional baggage rates

EXCEPTIONS TO FREE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Domestic travel only (within South Africa)

Business Class	1 Piece (maximum 32 kg)
Economy Class	Standard baggage policy

Within Africa only
Worldwide to USA/Canada
Malawi/Mozambique/Zambia/Zimbabwe to Europe
Africa to Asia/Japan
Africa to Australia
Africa to South America (excluding Brazil & Argentina to Asia/Japan

Business Class	Standard baggage policy
Economy Class	2 Pieces (maximum 23 kg per piece)

South Africa to Lagos / Abuja

Business Class	3 Pieces (maximum 32 kg per piece)
Economy Class	3 Pieces (maximum 23 kg per piece)

Argentina to Asia/Japan
Brazil to Africa/Asia/Japan/Australia/Europe/USA
Australia to Middle East

Business Class	Standard baggage policy
Economy Class	2 Pieces (maximum 32 kg per piece)

Note: The airline may have partnerships with other airlines and your flight may be operated by another airline. For journeys to/from the U.S., the baggage allowances of the airline that ticketed the first segment of your travel should apply throughout your travel. For travel that does not involve the U.S., you should check with the operating airline for information about their baggage allowances; the other airline's baggage allowances may be more restrictive and you could be charged for extra baggage by the other airline.

Carry-on/Cabin Baggage Allowance

Business Class: Two pieces max 8 kg (18 lb) each with max total dimensions of 115 cm (45 in) = length + width + height
Economy Class: One piece max 8 kg with max total dimensions of 115 cm (45 in) = length + width + height
All carry-on luggage must be of a size that fits under the seat in front of you or in one of the overhead lockers.
Carry-on luggage must not obstruct emergency exits or aisles.

Checked Baggage Dimensions

Baggage exceeding in size, the sum of the 3 dimensions (length + width + height) in excess of 62 inches or 158 centimeters, cannot be treated as carry-on baggage and will have to be checked in.

The maximum weight permissible for a single piece of baggage is 32 kgs.

If a bag weighs more than 32 kg it must be checked-in as cargo and you'll be charged the applicable SAA Cargo rate.

Sporting Equipment and Musical Instruments

The airline may have specific requirements and fees for transporting sporting equipment and musical instruments. Please check with the airline for limitations, transportation requirements and fee information.