Baggage rules in South Africa catch travellers out constantly — especially on budget carriers where checked bags cost extra and airport fees are punishing. This guide covers every major South African domestic airline, what is included in your base fare, current checked bag fees in rands, hand luggage dimensions, and what to do about sports equipment, medical devices, and travelling with infants. Updated June 2026.
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Quick comparison — all airlines
| Airline | Hand luggage | Checked bag (base fare) | Extra checked bag fee (pre-booked) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlySafair | 1 × 7 kg + small personal item | Not included | ~R220–R370 per 20 kg bag |
| Lift | 1 × 7 kg + small personal item | Not included (standard fare) | ~R200–R350 per 20 kg bag |
| SAA | 1 × 8 kg | 1 × 23 kg included | ~R400–R600 per extra bag |
| Airlink | 1 × 7 kg | 1 × 20–23 kg included (most fares) | ~R350–R550 per extra bag |
| CemAir | 1 × 7 kg | 1 × 20 kg included | Varies by route |
FlySafair baggage allowance
FlySafair is South Africa's most popular domestic airline and operates a strict low-cost model — the base fare includes carry-on only. Checked baggage is a paid extra at every tier.
| Bag type | Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hand luggage | 1 × 7 kg max, 56 × 36 × 23 cm | Must fit in overhead bin. Wheels and handles included in dimensions. |
| Personal item | 1 small item (handbag, laptop bag) | Must fit under seat in front. No weight limit but must be small. |
| Checked bag (pre-booked) | 20 kg — R220–R370 depending on route/timing | Add at booking for cheapest rate. Prices increase closer to departure. |
| Checked bag (airport) | 20 kg — R650+ | Significantly more expensive. Avoid at all costs. |
| Excess weight | R55–R75 per kg over limit | Charged per kg above your purchased allowance. |
FlySafair enforces weight limits strictly. Staff at boarding gates regularly weigh carry-on bags and will make you check a bag if it is over 7 kg, at the much higher airport rate. Weigh your bag at home before you leave.
Lift baggage allowance
Lift operates between Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban with a similar model to FlySafair — carry-on only in the base fare, with checked bags as a paid add-on. Lift occasionally runs promotional fares that include a checked bag.
| Bag type | Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hand luggage | 1 × 7 kg max, 56 × 36 × 23 cm | Standard carry-on dimensions. |
| Personal item | 1 small item under seat | Laptop bag, small backpack. |
| Checked bag (pre-booked) | 20 kg — R200–R350 depending on route | Add at booking. Check fare conditions — some promotional fares include a bag. |
| Checked bag (airport) | 20 kg — R550+ | Airport rates are substantially higher. |
Lift's check-in process is slightly more relaxed than FlySafair on carry-on enforcement, but do not rely on this — rules can be enforced at any time especially on busy routes during peak periods.
SAA (South African Airways) baggage allowance
SAA is the most generous domestic airline for included baggage — standard fares include one checked bag of 23 kg plus 8 kg hand luggage. This makes SAA the better choice when you are travelling with luggage, even if the headline fare appears higher than FlySafair or Lift.
| Bag type | Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hand luggage | 1 × 8 kg, standard carry-on dimensions | Slightly more generous than low-cost carriers. |
| Checked bag (included) | 1 × 23 kg in standard fares | Included — no extra charge on most domestic routes. |
| Extra checked bag | ~R400–R600 | Pre-book if you need a second bag. |
| Excess weight | Charged per kg over 23 kg | Rates vary — always stay within the limit. |
Always calculate total flight cost including bags when comparing SAA vs FlySafair. A FlySafair base fare of R800 + R350 checked bag = R1,150 may cost more than an SAA fare of R1,050 that includes the bag.
Airlink baggage allowance
Airlink serves regional and some domestic routes, including Gqeberha, George, Hoedspruit, and Nelspruit/Kruger. Most Airlink standard fares include a checked bag, making it a good choice for routes to smaller airports where FlySafair does not operate.
| Bag type | Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hand luggage | 1 × 7 kg, 56 × 36 × 23 cm | Standard carry-on. |
| Checked bag (included) | 1 × 20–23 kg on most fares | Confirm at booking — some promotional fares are carry-on only. |
| Extra bag | ~R350–R550 pre-booked | Second bag charges vary by route. |
CemAir baggage allowance
CemAir operates regional routes including George, Margate, and some Kruger-area airports. Standard CemAir fares include one checked bag of 20 kg, which is more inclusive than the big low-cost carriers for their regional routes.
| Bag type | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Hand luggage | 1 × 7 kg, standard dimensions |
| Checked bag | 1 × 20 kg included on most fares |
| Extra bag | Book via CemAir directly — rates vary |
CemAir uses smaller regional aircraft on some routes, so bag handling can differ from mainline carriers. Confirm your allowance directly with CemAir for routes to Margate or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Hand luggage rules in detail
All South African domestic airlines enforce the following standard hand luggage rules, with minor variations:
- Maximum weight: 7 kg (SAA allows 8 kg)
- Maximum dimensions: 56 × 36 × 23 cm including wheels and handles — this is the standard domestic overhead bin size
- Personal item: Most airlines allow one additional small personal item (handbag, laptop bag, small backpack) that fits under the seat in front
- Liquids: Domestic flights follow the same 100ml/1L clear bag rule as international flights through security — this is a South African airport security rule, not an airline rule
- Lithium batteries / power banks: Must be in hand luggage — not allowed in checked bags per aviation safety rules. Spare lithium batteries must also be in carry-on.
Sports equipment on SA domestic flights
All major South African airlines carry sports equipment as checked baggage, but you must declare it at booking and fees apply. Key rules:
| Equipment | How it travels | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|
| Golf clubs | Checked as oversized item in a golf bag cover | R300–R600 depending on airline/route |
| Surfboard / kiteboard | Checked oversized — must be in a bag or hard case | R400–R800 — check with airline |
| Bicycle | Checked, must be boxed or in a bike bag, pedals removed | R400–R900 depending on airline |
| Camping / hiking gear | Checked as normal luggage if within weight limit | Standard checked bag fee |
| Fishing rods | Checked — hooks must be secured and covered | Standard oversized rate |
Always book sports equipment in advance — airports can refuse to load unbooked oversized items, especially on busy routes during peak periods. Call the airline directly or add it via their website at booking.
Travelling with infants and children
South African domestic airlines have consistent rules for infant and child travel:
- Infants under 2: Travel on a parent's lap, typically at 10% of the adult fare or free on some carriers. No separate seat or baggage allowance, but a reasonable amount of nappy-changing supplies are usually permitted as a personal item.
- Prams and pushchairs: Most airlines allow one collapsible pram or pushchair per infant as an additional free item. It is gate-checked and returned to you at the aircraft door on arrival.
- Car seats: Can typically be checked as an additional free item for an infant/child booking. Confirm with your airline.
- Children 2 and over: Require their own seat and have the same baggage allowance as adults.
- Unaccompanied minors: Each airline has a separate unaccompanied minor policy with specific age limits and fees — contact the airline directly for this.
How to avoid excess baggage fees — 8 rules
- Add checked bags at booking — never at the airport. The price difference is enormous, often R300–R400 more per bag at check-in.
- Weigh your carry-on before leaving home — a cheap luggage scale (R100–R150 at Checkers or Pick n Pay) pays for itself on the first trip.
- Wear your heaviest items on the plane — heavy boots, jackets, and dense hoodies worn onto the plane reduce your checked bag weight.
- Buy a compressible bag or packing cubes — they do not reduce weight but help you fit more within the dimensional limits.
- Compare total cost including bags — a R700 FlySafair fare + R350 bag is R1,050. A R1,000 SAA fare with a bag included is cheaper. Always calculate the full price.
- Use a comparison site that shows baggage add-on costs — this saves the manual calculation above.
- Pool allowances on group bookings — on a family booking of 4, you can distribute luggage weight across 4 checked bags to avoid anyone going over the 20 kg limit.
- Ship items separately for long stays — for holidays of 2+ weeks, sending a parcel via the Post Office or a courier can cost less than multiple excess baggage fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FlySafair include checked baggage?
No. FlySafair base fares include a 7 kg carry-on only. Checked baggage must be added at booking — it costs R220–R370 pre-booked vs R650+ at the airport.
Which SA airline includes the most free baggage?
SAA is the most generous on domestic routes, including 23 kg checked baggage in standard fares. Airlink includes 20–23 kg on most fares. FlySafair and Lift are carry-on-only base fares.
How do I avoid excess baggage fees?
Always add checked bags at booking, weigh carry-on bags before leaving home, wear your heaviest clothing on the plane, and compare total fare cost including bags across airlines before booking.
What is the hand luggage size limit for FlySafair?
One cabin bag not exceeding 7 kg and 56 × 36 × 23 cm (including wheels and handles), plus one small personal item that fits under the seat.
Can I take a pram on a South African domestic flight?
Yes. Most SA airlines allow one collapsible pram as a free extra item for infant passengers. It is gate-checked and returned at the aircraft door on arrival.
Are power banks allowed on South African flights?
Power banks must be in your hand luggage — never in checked bags. This is a South African aviation safety rule. They will be confiscated from checked bags at security screening.