Pretoria - As of next week South African Airways will implement new hand luggage regulations.
“SAA would like to advise customers that hand luggage regulations as dictated by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and supported by the airport authority in Johannesburg will be enforced from next week,” said the airline on Thursday.
The regulations will be implemented on 2 February 2015.
Although other airline customers may take only 7kg on board as hand luggage, SAA has an exemption from SACAA and SAA customers may take cabin baggage weighing up to 8kg.
According to SAA, no bag should exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (total dimensions of 115cm) or weigh more than R8 kg per bag.
Economy class customers are allowed one bag plus one slim-line laptop bag, while in business class, customers are allowed two bags plus one slim-line laptop bag.
“Handbags are considered part of a customer’s wardrobe and not as hand baggage.
Baggage capable of carrying other items such as documents and clothes are considered as cabin baggage and would therefore not be allowed if the customer is exceeding the allowance.
If hand luggage does not comply, the customer will be referred back to the check-in counters to check in the baggage as hold baggage. Extra fees may apply, as per SAA guidelines.
“Customers are also advised that the enforcement of these regulations may result in some delays at security check points. SAA urges all customers to check in well in advance and to stick to the cabin baggage regulations,” said the airline. - SAnews.gov.za
