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South African Airways Carry-On Rules

South African Airways carry-on rules at a glance: cabin bag up to 56×36×23 cm, 8 kg, and personal item status: Included.

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cabin bag: 56×36×23 cm
weight: 8 kg
personal item: Included

Medium caution editorial signal

Carry-on allowance

Cabin bag size: 56×36×23 cm
Cabin bag weight: 8 kg
Bags allowed: 1
Personal Item: Included

How to use this policy

Start with the cabin bag row, then check the weight and personal-item rows 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.

South African Airways cabin bag size & weight

South African Airways cabin bag specifications
Dimensions	56×36×23 cm(22×14.2×9.1 in) Measure the full external bag size, including wheels and handles.
Weight limit	8 kg (17.6 lb)
Bags allowed	1 cabin bag
Includes wheels/handles	Yes
Personal Item	Allowed (size not specified)

South African Airways allowances by cabin class

Economy

56×36×23 cm

Up to 8 kg

Business

56×36×23 cm

Up to 10 kg

2 cabin bags

South African Airways baggage fees

South African Airways baggage fee structure
Fee type	Pre-paid online	At the gate
Extra checked bag	20 USD	40 USD

South African Airways liquids policy

SACAA rules: 100 ml containers in a 1L transparent resealable bag. One bag per passenger.

Family & Infants

Infant (under 2)

Lap infant at 10% of adult fare on international routes. One small bag for the infant.

Stroller

Free gate-check. Returned at aircraft door on arrival.

Car seat

Free in hold.

Children's allowance

Children 2+ same carry-on allowance as adults.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the South African Airways cabin bag size?

South African Airways allows a cabin bag up to 56×36×23 cm (22×14.2×9.1 in). Dimensions include wheels and handles.

Does South African Airways have a weight limit for carry-on?

Yes — the maximum carry-on weight on South African Airways is 8 kg (17.6 lb).

Does South African Airways allow a personal item?

Yes. South African Airways allows a personal item. It must fit under the seat in front of you.

How strict is South African Airways about bag size?

South African Airways has medium caution enforcement. Editorial signal only. Measure the packed bag and verify the operating carrier's rule.

Additional notes

South African Airways was relaunched in April 2021 following a restructuring process. Policy details should be verified before flying as the airline continues to evolve its offering.

Rules can change. Always verify with South African Airways before flying.