South African airlines will soon implement hand baggage guidelines with stricter control in accordance with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations.

A need was identified by domestic carriers to implement uniform controls on hand baggage on all flights departing from Airports Company South Africa airports. The international airlines agreed with the necessity of ensuring consistency across all flights and will also implement these controls. These principles are deemed necessary not only in the interest of ensuring compliance with legislation and airline hand baggage policies, but also in the interests of cabin and flight safety.

As of 2 February 2015, passengers travelling domestically on economy class on any airline, will be permitted carry-on baggage of one (1) bag of up to 7 kg in addition to one (1) slimline laptop bag. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines as some carriers may further restrict the hand baggage allowance due to the size and type of aircraft.

For passengers flying business class, the carry-on baggage allowance is two (2) bags of up to 7 kg each in addition to one (1) slimline laptop bag. Slimline laptop bags must be of a size and thickness specifically designed to carry a laptop and charger.

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.

“This policy has been initiated by airlines themselves, supported by Airports Company South Africa, the SACAA and Industry Associations to control the number of pieces of hand baggage carried on board aircraft from a space availability and safety perspective,” said Chris Zweigenthal, Chief Executive, Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA).

No bag should exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (total dimensions of 115cm) or weigh more than 7kg. Bag weight may vary according to airline specifications.

“For some time, the Airline and Handling Agent Management through the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) have been working towards the implementation of the Hand Baggage Policy. At the request of the domestic carriers, a policy was put in place and consultations have taken place with all airlines,” said Board of Airline Representatives South Africa (BARSA) CEO June Crawford.

Airports Company South Africa has reiterated its support to airlines in enforcing the programme. The company has advised passengers to adhere to the airline restrictions when using any of its network of nine airports namely; O.R. Tambo International, Cape Town International, King Shaka International, Port Elizabeth International, Upington International and Bram Fischer International Airports as well as George Airport, East London Airport and Kimberley Airport.

For media related inquiries, please contact:

June Crawford     
BARSA CEO 
Tel: (011) 305-2300                 
E-mail: info@barsa.co.za

Chris Zweigenthal
AASA CEO
Tel: (011) 609-0050
Mobile: 082 851 8706
E-mail: chris@aasa.za.net

Unathi Batyashe-Fillis
Airports Company South Africa Group Spokesperson
Tel: (011) 723-1400
Mobile: 079 882 7307
E-mail: unathi.batyashe-fillis@airports.co.za