SA Domestic Flight Baggage Allowance — Everything You Need to Know
FlySafair, Airlink, Lift, CemAir, SAA baggage allowances compared. Carry-on rules, checked bag fees, and how to avoid expensive airport charges.
South African Airline Baggage — Quick Comparison
Understanding baggage allowances before you book can save you significant money. Here's a quick breakdown across SA's main domestic carriers.
FlySafair Baggage Allowance
FlySafair includes a 7 kg cabin bag in all base fares. No checked baggage is included. Checked bag options:
- 20 kg checked bag — add at booking
- 23 kg checked bag — add at booking
Important: The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin (max dimensions approximately 56 × 36 × 23 cm). Personal items like small backpacks or handbags must fit under the seat in front. No separate personal item allowance — your 7 kg is your total cabin allowance.
Sporting equipment, prams, and oversized items require booking in advance via FlySafair's contact centre.
Full FlySafair guide → | FlySafair vs Lift →
Airlink Baggage Allowance
Airlink is the most generous carrier for baggage. Most Airlink fares include one checked bag of 20–23 kg plus a 7 kg cabin bag. This makes Airlink the better choice when you're travelling with luggage, even if the base fare is slightly higher.
- Cabin bag: 7 kg included
- Checked bag: typically one 20–23 kg bag included
- Business class: higher allowances apply
Confirm your specific fare class at booking as allowances can vary. Airlink's included-bag policy makes it competitive on total price vs. LCCs once you factor in bag fees.
Lift Baggage Allowance
Lift's base (Lite) fare includes a 7 kg cabin bag only. Checked baggage is a paid add-on. Higher fare tiers (Standard, Flex) may include checked baggage — always check the fare inclusions at booking.
- Lite fare: 7 kg carry-on only
- Standard/Flex fare: may include checked bag — confirm at booking
CemAir Baggage Allowance
CemAir's allowance varies by route and aircraft type. As a general rule, expect a 7 kg carry-on included, with checked baggage as a paid option. Confirm the specific allowance for your route at booking — regional routes on smaller aircraft may have tighter restrictions.
South African Airways Baggage
SAA typically includes one checked bag of 23 kg plus a 7 kg cabin bag on domestic routes. This is one of the most generous domestic allowances among SA carriers. Confirm at booking as fare class affects the allowance.
Baggage Money-Saving Tips
- Always add bags at booking — airport bag fees are substantially higher than pre-booking rates on all SA LCCs
- Weigh before you go — excess weight fees are charged per kg and add up fast
- Consider total cost — a FlySafair fare + R300 bag fee may cost more than a slightly pricier Airlink fare that includes the bag
- Pack a personal item inside your cabin bag — SA LCCs typically only allow one cabin item total (not a bag + personal item like US carriers)
- Use a digital luggage scale — weighing at home saves airport surcharge stress
- Book sporting equipment early — surf boards, golf clubs, and bikes must be declared at booking on all carriers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is checked baggage on FlySafair?
FlySafair does not include checked baggage in the base fare. You need to add a 20 kg or 23 kg checked bag at booking. Adding baggage after booking or at the airport costs significantly more. Always add bags when you first purchase your ticket.
Does Airlink include checked baggage?
Yes. Most Airlink fares include one checked bag (typically 20–23 kg) plus a 7 kg carry-on. This makes Airlink's total cost competitive with low-cost carriers once you factor in bag fees on LCC routes.
What is the cabin bag size limit for South African flights?
Most South African carriers allow a 7 kg cabin bag. The maximum dimensions are approximately 56 × 36 × 23 cm for overhead bin bags. Always confirm the exact dimensions on your specific carrier's website as limits can vary slightly.
Can I take a pram or pushchair on SA domestic flights?
Prams and pushchairs are generally allowed as checked items on South African domestic flights. Most carriers accept them at no extra charge if they fit within normal checked baggage size/weight limits. Contact your airline directly to confirm for your specific booking.
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