PASSENGERS travelling with South African Airways (SAA) have been warned that new travel regulations regarding hand luggage may result in some delays at security checkpoints. As of next week the national carrier, as well as some other airlines, will implement the new hand luggage regulations. The ruling also means that multiple hand luggage bags are no longer allowed.
According to the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) the new regulations are in the interests of cabin and flight safety.
Although other airline customers may take only 7kg on board as hand luggage, SAA has an exemption and customers may take cabin baggage weighing up to 8kg.
Passengers travelling domestically on economy class on any airline, will be permitted carry-on baggage of one bag of up to 7 kg in addition to one 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.
According to SAA, no bag should exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (total dimensions of 115cm) or weigh more than 8 kg per bag. 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,” the airline said in a statement on Thursday.
