African Airline Carry-On Rules (2026)

Africa's airline landscape ranges from major international carriers to regional operators serving remote safari airstrips. Carry-on rules vary more widely here than on any other continent — from EgyptAir's extraordinary 20 kg allowance to Air Mauritius' strict 5 kg limit in economy. Understanding the rules before you fly is especially important for safari travelers who carry camera gear, binoculars, and boots.

Carry-On Rules by Airline

Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines is Africa's largest carrier by passengers and a Star Alliance member.

Class	Size Limit	Weight
Economy	55 × 40 × 20 cm	7 kg
Business	55 × 40 × 20 cm	7 kg

The 20 cm depth limit is shallower than many international standards. Popular 22-inch rolling suitcases that are 23–25 cm deep will not meet Ethiopian's size limit. A personal item is also permitted in addition to the carry-on.

Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways is the flag carrier of Kenya and a SkyTeam alliance member.

Class	Size Limit	Weight
Economy	56 × 45 × 25 cm	12 kg
Business	56 × 45 × 25 cm	12 kg

Kenya Airways' 12 kg allowance is the most generous among Africa's major carriers for full-service economy. The dimensional limit is also notably large at 56 × 45 × 25 cm. A personal item is permitted in addition.

EgyptAir

EgyptAir stands out globally for its carry-on weight allowance.

Class	Weight	Notes
Economy	20 kg	Exceptional — no separate size enforcement reported
Business	20 kg	Same allowance

EgyptAir's 20 kg carry-on allowance is among the highest of any airline in the world. This makes it an excellent option if you need to fly with heavy camera gear, medical equipment, or items you cannot check. Confirm with EgyptAir directly before booking, as policies can change.

South African Airways

South African Airways (SAA) resumed operations after restructuring and serves routes across Africa and intercontinentally.

Class	Size Limit	Weight
Economy	56 × 36 × 23 cm	7 kg
Business	56 × 36 × 23 cm	10 kg

SAA's 7 kg economy limit is tight. One personal item under the seat is permitted. For safari travelers connecting to South African destinations, SAA's regional network includes JNB and CPT hubs.

RwandAir

RwandAir is Rwanda's fast-growing national carrier operating across Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Class	Size Limit	Weight
Economy	55 × 38 × 20 cm	7 kg
Business	55 × 38 × 20 cm	10 kg

RwandAir's 7 kg economy limit mirrors SAA's. The airline enforces weight limits consistently at its Kigali hub (KGL). One personal item is also allowed.

Royal Air Maroc

Royal Air Maroc is the flag carrier of Morocco and a oneworld alliance member.

Class	Size Limit	Weight
Economy	55 × 35 × 25 cm	10 kg
Business	55 × 35 × 25 cm	12 kg

Royal Air Maroc's 10 kg economy allowance is mid-range for Africa. As a oneworld member, elite frequent flyers may qualify for additional allowances. CMN Casablanca is its main hub.

Air Mauritius

Air Mauritius has one of the strictest economy carry-on limits of any airline operating in Africa or globally.

Class	Weight	Notes
Economy	5 kg	Very strictly enforced
Premium Economy	8 kg
Business	12 kg

Air Mauritius' 5 kg economy carry-on limit is not a soft guideline — it is enforced at check-in and the gate at MRU Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Travelers used to 10 kg or 12 kg standards will need to rethink what they carry on board.

Airport Security at Major African Hubs

JNB — O.R. Tambo, Johannesburg, South Africa

O.R. Tambo is the busiest airport in Africa. International departures involve thorough security screening with a 100 ml liquids rule. Carry-on bags are X-rayed and travelers may face secondary checks. Allow at least 3 hours for international departures from JNB.

NBO — JKIA, Nairobi, Kenya

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has a reputation for multi-layer security. You'll pass through at least two separate screening points. A separate check may apply for the US-bound pre-clearance process. Arrive early and ensure carry-on bags meet your airline's size requirements — agents occasionally check at check-in.

ADD — Bole International, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ethiopian Airlines' hub. Security is efficient for a major African hub, with standard electronics-out and 100 ml liquids rules. Ethiopian's own weight limits (7 kg) are often checked at the gate for flights departing ADD.

CAI — Cairo International, Egypt

CAI operates multiple terminals. Security screening is thorough, and political security concerns can lead to additional questioning or screening. EgyptAir's generous 20 kg allowance means weight is rarely a gate issue, but size remains relevant.

Tips for Safari Travelers

Wear your heaviest gear on the plane. Safari boots, a fleece, and a safari jacket can add 2–3 kg. Wearing them eliminates that weight from your bag check — critical on 7 kg limit carriers like Ethiopian or RwandAir.

Bush plane legs have their own strict limits. Many safari lodges are accessible only by small charter planes (Cessna 208, Pilatus PC-12) that impose 10–15 kg total baggage limits including carry-on. Soft-sided duffel bags are often mandatory. Confirm with your safari operator.

Pack camera bodies in your carry-on, not your checked bag. Camera equipment is expensive and fragile. With EgyptAir's 20 kg allowance, you can carry an extensive kit. On 7 kg carriers, use jacket pockets and a dedicated camera bag as your personal item.

Binoculars fly as carry-on with no restrictions. They are not subject to any airline or security restrictions. Pack them in your carry-on where you can access them during connecting flights.

Book Kenya Airways if you're carrying serious camera gear on budget. Its 12 kg economy allowance offers the most carry-on capacity of any major African carrier without an EgyptAir flight.