South African Airways’ (SAA) new baggage policy has kicked in. The policy restricts the number of bags passengers are allowed to check in.
The policy aligns with most Star Alliance members who use the baggage concept policy rather than the weight concept where passengers can check in more bags as long as they weigh a certain amount.
Excess baggage, additional items or extra weight are charged at a flat rate, per rule broken and per piece of luggage. Previously extra weight was charged per kilogram.
The policy applies to all flights operated by SAA, for codeshare flights the baggage policy is based on the policies of the predominant carrier for the trip.
Passengers flying within South Africa are allowed one suitcase of 23kg in economy class and business class passengers are allowed one bag at 32kg. For those flying between Africa and Europe and Africa and Australia/New Zealand economy class passengers are allowed one piece at 23kg and business class are allowed two pieces at 32kg. Between Africa and Asia and to the USA/Canada from worldwide cities, business class has the same limit and economy class passengers are allowed two bags of 23kg each. Within Africa, both classes are allowed two pieces each, business class weighing 32kg and economy 23kg. The exceptions are between Africa and Libreville/Douala where only one bag is permitted for each class, flying to Lagos, each class is allowed to check in three bags each. Between South America and Australia/New Zealand and Africa/Asia business and economy class can check in two bags each.
The full policy can be viewed online at www.flysaa.com
