SAA Baggage Allowance 2026: Domestic, Africa and Cabin Bag Rules
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SAA baggage at a glance
- Domestic Economy: one checked bag up to 23 kg (maximum 158 cm in total dimensions).
- Domestic Business: two bags up to 32 kg each.
- Within Africa: Economy gets two 23 kg bags; Business two 32 kg bags.
- Cabin bag (Economy): one piece up to 8 kg (56 × 36 × 23 cm) plus a small handbag or slim laptop bag (30 × 40 × 10 cm).
- SAA counts baggage by pieces, with a weight limit per piece. Always check the allowance printed on your booking.
SAA baggage allowance by route
| Route | Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic (within South Africa) | 1 × 23 kg | 2 × 32 kg |
| Within Africa | 2 × 23 kg | 2 × 32 kg |
| Cabin bag | 1 × 8 kg + small bag | — |
Bags larger than 158 cm in total (length + width + height) are not accepted as standard checked baggage. Sports equipment, musical instruments and fragile items have their own rules on SAA's site.
SAA vs low-cost fares once you have a bag
SAA's 23 kg allowance is the most generous standard domestic Economy allowance in South Africa, and it often makes SAA the cheapest choice for travellers with luggage. On our live checks on 7 October 2026, SAA had the cheapest fare on Johannesburg–Durban at R779 (with a 23 kg bag) for October dates, and matched LIFT's R1,949 on Johannesburg–Cape Town for 28 October, before LIFT added R205 for a bag.
See SAA routes and live fares and SAA check-in times.
Related: baggage cost calculator · every SA airline's baggage rules compared · FlySafair fuel surcharge by route · live fares we checked.
Sources: SAA checked baggage and hand baggage, checked 9 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SAA baggage allowance on domestic flights?
One checked bag up to 23 kg in Economy and two bags up to 32 kg each in Business, within South Africa.
Is SAA domestic baggage 20 kg or 23 kg?
23 kg. SAA's domestic Economy allowance is one piece of up to 23 kg.
What is the SAA hand luggage allowance?
In Economy, one cabin bag up to 8 kg (56 × 36 × 23 cm) plus a small handbag or slim laptop bag up to 30 × 40 × 10 cm.