What is the baggage allowance on FlySafair domestic flights?

FlySafair allows one piece of hand luggage up to 7kg (no size restriction beyond fitting in the overhead bin) included in all fares. Checked luggage is not included in the base fare — you purchase 20kg or 25kg add-ons. One personal item (handbag, laptop bag) under the seat is also permitted.

Can I take 23kg checked baggage on domestic SA flights?

23kg checked baggage is the standard on Airlink and SAA for most fare classes. FlySafair and Lift use 20kg or 25kg tiers. CemAir varies by route. Always check at booking — each airline has different included allowances depending on the fare class purchased.

What happens if my bag is overweight at a South African airport?

Excess baggage fees in South Africa are charged per kilogram over the allowance. These fees are significantly more expensive than pre-purchasing extra baggage at booking. Always buy the baggage allowance you need at the time of booking — it's typically 50-70% cheaper than paying at the airport.

Can I take liquids in my hand luggage on SA domestic flights?

Yes, the same 100ml rule applies on SA domestic flights as internationally. Liquids, aerosols, and gels must be in containers of 100ml or less, placed in a single clear resealable bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm. This is required by all SA airports regardless of airline.

What is prohibited in hand luggage on South African flights?

Prohibited items in SA hand luggage include: sharp objects (knives, scissors over 6cm), liquids over 100ml, firearms and ammunition (must be declared and checked), flammable liquids, explosives, and certain sports equipment. Check ACSA guidelines and your airline's specific rules before packing.

How do I measure my hand luggage for SA flights?

Most SA airlines don't publish strict cabin bag dimensions but the bag must fit in the overhead locker or under the seat. A soft bag of approximately 55cm x 40cm x 20cm is safe for all SA domestic airlines. Use VistaVoyage's Carry-On Size Checker in the toolkit to verify before you fly.

Is sports equipment allowed on SA domestic flights?

Yes, but it must usually be checked in and declared. Surfboards, golf clubs, bicycles, fishing equipment, and similar items are accepted by most SA airlines but may incur additional fees. Contact your airline directly for specific sports equipment policies and fees.

What is the maximum weight per checked bag on SA flights?

Most SA airlines allow a maximum of 32kg per individual checked bag regardless of your total allowance. A bag heavier than 32kg may be refused or charged as oversized freight. If you need to check heavy items, split them across multiple bags.

Can I carry a car seat or pushchair on SA domestic flights?

Pushchairs (prams) are typically accepted as a check-in item at no extra charge on most SA domestic airlines. Car seats are also generally accepted. Both should be wrapped or bagged to prevent damage. Confirm with your airline at booking.

Do budget airlines charge for hand luggage in South Africa?

FlySafair and Lift include one cabin bag in all fares. They don't charge separately for hand luggage — only for checked bags that aren't included in your fare. Always verify what's included when comparing prices, as base fares on budget airlines often exclude checked baggage.

SA Flight Baggage Rules 2026 — Full Guide to Hand Luggage, Checked Bags & What's Allowed

Last updated: June 2026 · VistaVoyage Editorial Team

✅ Real prices via Travelstart 🔒 Secure booking ✈️ 5 SA airlines compared 📅 Updated June 2026

        Key rule: Buy your checked baggage allowance at booking — it's 50–70% cheaper than paying at the airport. The bag fee avoidance alone often justifies booking early.
      

SA Domestic Airline Baggage Allowances — 2026 Comparison

Airline	Hand Luggage	Checked Baggage	Additional Bags
FlySafair	1 × 7kg + 1 personal item	Not included — purchase 20kg or 25kg	Yes, pre-purchase at booking
Lift	1 × 7kg + 1 personal item	Not included in cheapest fare — varies by class	Yes, pre-purchase at booking
Airlink	1 × 7kg	1 × 23kg included in most fares	Additional bags charged
SAA	1 × 7kg + 1 personal item	1 × 23kg included	Additional bags charged
CemAir	1 × 7kg	1 × 20kg included on most routes	Check per route

Policies change — always verify on your airline's website or at booking. Use VistaVoyage's Baggage Checker tool for a quick summary.

Hand Luggage Rules — What Every SA Airline Allows

✅ Always Permitted

1 cabin bag (up to 7kg)
1 personal item (laptop bag, handbag)
Liquids ≤100ml in clear resealable bag
Medication (keep in original packaging)
Laptop and electronics
Baby formula and food

❌ Never Permitted in Cabin

Sharp objects (scissors >6cm, knives)
Liquids >100ml
Firearms (must be declared, checked)
Flammable liquids
Power banks >160Wh
Drones (check airline policy)

Checked Baggage — What You Need to Know

Weight limits

Standard checked bag allowance: 20–23kg depending on airline and fare
Maximum single bag weight: 32kg on most SA airlines
If one bag exceeds 32kg, it may be refused or charged as freight
For families: splitting weight across multiple bags avoids excess charges

Excess baggage fees

Excess baggage at the airport is significantly more expensive than pre-purchasing:

Airline	Pre-purchase (per kg approx)	At airport (per kg approx)
FlySafair	~R50–R80/kg	~R150–R200/kg
Lift	~R60–R90/kg	~R150–R200/kg
Airlink	~R60–R100/kg	~R150–R250/kg

Indicative only. Always check at booking for your specific flight.

Sports Equipment

Golf clubs: Accepted as checked baggage by all SA domestic airlines. Pack in a hard case. Additional fee typically applies.
Surfboards: Accepted but count towards or exceed standard allowance. Contact airline for specific fees.
Bicycles: Must be in a bike bag or box. Contact airline at least 48 hours ahead.
Fishing equipment: Rods and tackle boxes accepted as checked. Knives must be checked in, not carry-on.
Camping gear: Most gear accepted as checked baggage. Gas canisters are prohibited — buy at destination.

Travelling with Children — Pushchairs and Car Seats

Pushchairs/prams: accepted free of charge at check-in on most SA airlines
Car seats: accepted as checked baggage, typically free
Baby formula and food: exempt from the 100ml liquid rule in cabin
Nappy bags: count as your personal item allowance

Check Your Bag Before You Fly

Use VistaVoyage's free baggage tools to verify your allowance:

Baggage Weight Checker — check against your airline's limit
Carry-On Size Checker — confirm your cabin bag fits

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the baggage allowance on FlySafair?

1 × 7kg hand luggage included. Checked baggage is not included in the base fare — add 20kg or 25kg at booking. Always pre-purchase to avoid airport surcharges.

Can I take 23kg on domestic SA flights?

Airlink and SAA include 23kg in most fare classes. FlySafair and Lift use 20kg or 25kg tiers. Check at booking — it depends on the airline and fare class.

What liquids can I take on SA domestic flights?

Same 100ml rule as international flights. All liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of 100ml or less, in a single clear resealable bag. Required at all SA airports.

Is it cheaper to add bags at the airport?

No — always more expensive at the airport. Pre-purchase at booking is typically 50–70% cheaper. Buy the baggage you need when you book.

Can I check a bag over 32kg?

Most SA airlines won't accept a single bag over 32kg. Split the weight across two bags. Very heavy items may need to be sent as freight.

Do budget airlines charge for hand luggage in SA?

No — FlySafair and Lift include one cabin bag in all fares. Only checked baggage is extra on budget fares.

What is prohibited in my hand luggage?

Sharp objects over 6cm, liquids over 100ml, firearms, flammable liquids, power banks over 160Wh. Full ACSA prohibited items list at airports.co.za.

Can I carry a pushchair on a SA domestic flight?

Yes — pushchairs are accepted as checked baggage at no extra charge by most SA domestic airlines. Wrap or bag it to prevent damage.

How do I measure my carry-on bag?

A soft bag around 55cm × 40cm × 20cm is safe for all SA domestic airlines. Use VistaVoyage's Carry-On Size Checker to verify before you fly.

Can I take sports equipment on SA domestic flights?

Yes — golf clubs, surfboards, bicycles, and fishing gear are all accepted as checked baggage. Additional fees apply. Contact your airline at least 48 hours before departure for oversized items.