Under the seat
Personal Item
40×30×10 cm
15.7×11.8×3.9 in
One small handbag or slimline laptop bag, published as 30×40×10 cm, in both classes. Large laptop bags/briefcases count as a main bag. No separate personal-item weight is published.
Included
Overhead cabin bag
cabin bag
56×36×23 cm
22×14.2×9.1 in
Weight limit: 8 kg (17.6 lb)
Each main bag is limited to 56×36×23 cm and 8 kg. Economy: one; Business: two. The source does not explicitly state a wheels/handles convention; measure the packed exterior conservatively.
The source does not say whether wheels and handles are included, so measure the full external size to be safe.
Fares & cabin classes
Economy
1 cabin bag
56×36×23 cmUp to 8 kg
One main bag up to 8 kg plus the small personal item.
Business
2 cabin bags
56×36×23 cmUp to 8 kg
Two main bags up to 8 kg EACH, plus the small personal item. The checker assesses one bag, not a pooled 16 kg allowance.
Baggage fees
No reliable fixed price is listed here. Check your booking for the cost of adding a bag; an unlisted price does not mean it is free.
Official baggage policyHow to use this policy
Check cabin bag dimensions, weight and personal-item limits separately. A bag has to pass every published limit at once; being under the length and width limit does not help if the depth, weight, or fare-specific allowance is tighter.
Editorial signal only. Measure the packed bag and verify the operating carrier's rule.
South African Airways liquids policy
SAA explicitly scopes LAG restrictions to international flights: containers no larger than 100 ml, one transparent resealable 20×20 cm bag. Medicine, baby products and special dietary needs have exceptions. Check all departure/transit airport rules; do not apply this as a universal domestic 100 ml rule.
Family & Infants
Infant (under 2)
Infants may carry one cabin bag up to 8 kg and 56×36×23 cm for bedding, nappies and feeding needs.
Stroller
One collapsible pram/buggy is free; gate handover depends on the airport. Return may be at the aircraft or baggage carousel.
Car seat
An infant car seat is free in the hold. Cabin use requires an eligible approved seat, an independently booked aircraft seat and SAA conditions; arrange in advance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the South African Airways cabin bag size?
Does South African Airways have a weight limit for carry-on?
Does South African Airways allow a personal item?
How strict is South African Airways about bag size?
Additional notes
Sources and scope
Source-based research; no hands-on test or specialist review claimed.
Economy 1×8 kg, Business 2×8 kg, each 56×36×23 cm; both personal item 30×40×10 cm; infant one 8 kg bag.
SAA-operated flights; no pooled Business weight or invented personal-item weight.
Hand baggage table; personal items; infant baggageSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Infant cabin bag; free collapsible pram/buggy and car seat; airport-dependent gate service and return; cabin car-seat conditions.
Retained family fields only; no assumed infant fare percentage or guaranteed door return.
Baggage; prams and car seatsSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
International-only 100 ml and 20×20 cm bag; exceptions. Power banks max 100 Wh, cabin only, protected, storage/use restrictions.
Expanded live official page; no 100–160 Wh power-bank approval exception.
Expanded Transporting Liquids; Power BanksSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Oversized or overweight bags may require return to check-in and hold carriage; no universal cabin penalty is quoted here. Confirm the operating carrier for connections. SAA power banks must be at most 100 Wh, protected individually and kept in the cabin, not checked baggage or overhead bins. Do not recharge them from aircraft power; do not use them to power devices during taxi, take-off or landing.
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Rules can change. Always verify with South African Airways before flying.