South African Airways Baggage Allowance 2026, Carry-on & Checked Bag Rules
South African Airways economy class includes one cabin bag of 8 kg at 56 × 36 × 23 cm plus a personal item of 30 × 40 × 10 cm such as a small handbag or slim laptop bag. Standard checked baggage is one piece of 23 kg or 50 lbs at 158 cm or 62 inches linear. Flights within Africa include two checked bags in economy. Business class offers two cabin bags of 8 kg each plus two checked bags of 32 kg or 70 lbs on all routes.
Published on July 9, 2026 · Last verified on July 30, 2026 by Luggage Validator
5/10
South African Airways Baggage Policy Strictness
Moderate
Overview
Standard baggage allowance for your selected route and fare class. All dimensions include wheels and handles.
Carry-on Bag
56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in)
Overhead bin · 8 kg (18 lbs)
Personal Item
30 × 40 × 10 cm (11.8 × 15.7 × 3.9 in)
Under seat ·Not specified
Checked Baggage
≤ 158 cm (62 in)
1 free pc · 23 kg (50 lbs)/pc
Free Special Items
Items you can bring for free that do not count toward your standard baggage allowance on South African Airways.
Collapsible stroller for infants
Infant car seat
Standard Economy Allowance
Quick reference for your selected route type. See below for full cabin class comparison.
| Baggage Type | Free | Max Size | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag Overhead bin · per piece | 1 pc | 56×36×23cm 22×14.2×9.1in | 8 kg 18 lbs |
| Personal Item Under seat · per piece | 1 pc | 30×40×10cm 11.8×15.7×3.9in | Not specified |
| Checked Baggage Cargo hold · piece system | 1 pc free | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | 23 kg 50 lbs |
Full Cabin Class Comparison
Compare allowances across all fare types and cabin classes for your selected route.
| Item | Saver | Flex | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item Under seat | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Personal Item Size L × W × H | 30×40×10cm 11.8×15.7×3.9in | 30×40×10cm 11.8×15.7×3.9in | 30×40×10cm 11.8×15.7×3.9in |
| Carry-on Pieces Overhead bin access | 1 pc | 1 pc | 2 pc |
| Carry-on Size L × W × H | 56×36×23cm 22×14.2×9.1in | 56×36×23cm 22×14.2×9.1in | 56×36×23cm 22×14.2×9.1in |
| Carry-on Weight Per piece | 8 kg 18 lbs | 8 kg 18 lbs | 8 kg 18 lbs |
| Free Checked Bags Piece system | 1 pc | 1 pc | 2 pc |
| Checked Bag Size Max per piece | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in |
| Checked Bag Weight Per piece max | 23 kg 50 lbs | 23 kg 50 lbs | 32 kg 70 lbs |
Recent Traveller Feedback
Flew South African Airways economy from Johannesburg to Cape Town with one checked bag at 22 kg. The 23 kg limit was just right for my week long trip. My 8 kg cabin roller and small laptop bag both fit easily in the overhead bin and under the seat. Check in at JNB took five minutes and nobody weighed my carry on.
Upgraded to SAA business class from Durban to Johannesburg. Had two cabin bags of 7.5 kg each plus a slim laptop case. Priority boarding meant plenty of overhead space. The extra cabin bag made a real difference for my work trip with files and a second device.
Flew SAA business class from Johannesburg to London Heathrow. Two checked bags at 30 kg and 28 kg both well under the 32 kg per piece limit. The 62 inch linear measurement was no problem for my large suitcases. Both bags arrived at LHR on the belt within twenty minutes. The lounge at JNB made the wait much nicer.
Travelled SAA from Johannesburg to Lagos with my one year old. Checked a full size stroller and a car seat at no charge. The check in agent told me infants who do not have a seat still get one checked bag up to 23 kg plus the stroller and car seat. We also carried on a baby bag with food and nappies up to 8 kg. Everything arrived in Lagos with no damage.
Common Luggage Compatibility
Based on South African Airways · Economy class · Domestic routes. Compare luggage compatibility across all fare types and cabin classes using the filters above.
| Luggage | Personal Item | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
Regular Backpack | Over Limit | OK | OK |
16" Under-seat Briefcase | Over Limit | OK | OK |
18" Cabin Suitcase | Over Limit | OK | OK |
Standard 20" Carry-on | Over Limit | OK | OK |
22" North American Carry-on | Over Limit | OK | OK |
24" Medium Checked Suitcase | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
26" Mid-size Checked Suitcase | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
28" Large Checked Suitcase (IATA Standard) | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carry-on allowance for economy class on South African Airways?
Economy passengers can bring one cabin bag weighing up to 8 kg with maximum dimensions of 56 × 36 × 23 cm including wheels and handles.
You also get one small handbag or slim laptop bag as a personal item measuring up to 30 × 40 × 10 cm that must fit under the seat in front of you.
Larger laptop bags and standard briefcases do not count as personal items and take the place of your main cabin bag.
How many free checked bags do you get on SAA flights within Africa?
Flights within Africa include two free checked bags in economy class at 23 kg or 50 pounds per piece.
Domestic flights within South Africa include one free checked bag in economy at the same 23 kg limit.
Business class gets two checked bags of 32 kg or 70 pounds each on all routes including domestic and within Africa.
What is the checked baggage allowance for SAA business class?
Business class passengers get two checked bags weighing up to 32 kg or 70 pounds per piece on all routes.
Each bag must stay within 158 cm or 62 inches in total linear dimensions measured by adding length plus width plus height.
Business class also includes two cabin bags of up to 8 kg each plus the same small personal item, so you have plenty of room for work or travel gear.
What free baggage do infants get on South African Airways?
Infants who do not have their own seat are allowed one checked bag weighing up to 23 kg plus one collapsible stroller and one car seat free of charge.
You can also bring one cabin bag of up to 8 kg for the baby with bedding, nappies, feeding bottles and food.
Children and infants paying at least half of the adult fare receive the same baggage allowance as an adult passenger.
How strict is SAA about carry on size and weight at the gate?
SAA states that hand baggage which does not conform to the specified size may be denied entry into the departure area or directed back to the check-in desks.
All hand baggage must fit either under the seat in front of you or in one of the overhead lockers.
The published cabin bag limit is 8 kg and 56 × 36 × 23 cm, and the airline uses baggage sizers at check-in areas to verify both size and weight.
All baggage rules on this page are from the official South African Airways website. Last updated July 30, 2026. Before you fly, please check the official site again to make sure nothing has changed.
Help keep this data accurate. If you spot outdated baggage rules or have recent experience flying with South African Airways contribute your update