South African Airways Baggage Allowance, Fees & How to Add Extra Baggage

SA / SAA · South Africa

Purchase extra baggage through South African Airways Manage Booking or at the airport. Pricing varies by route zone, cabin class, and seasonal periods. Use the official links below to review baggage rules, booking access, and related airline services.

Baggage Policy Official website

Updated Aug 28, 2026

South African Airways Baggage Allowance

Free checked and carry-on baggage allowances by cabin class and route. Allowances vary by route, ticket type, and frequent flyer status — always confirm with the official baggage policy before you fly.

Checked baggage

Piece concept; weight per piece depends on route and sales date; max dimensions 158 cm (62 in) per piece; standard is 1 × 23 kg; several intercontinental routes include 2 pieces.

Label	Amount	Notes
Standard (most routes including Domestic within South Africa)	1 × 23 kg	Original Standard free baggage allowance table on /manage-fly/baggage/checked-baggage: "Economy Class — 1 piece not exceeding 23kg or (50lb) per piece". Domestic exception row also states "1 piece at 23kg (50lb) & maximum dimension of 158cm(62inches) per piece" for Economy.
Within Africa only	2 × 23 kg	Original Exceptions table row "Within Africa only": Economy "2 pieces up to 23kg per piece (50lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) per piece".
Student Fares — Between South Africa and Harare, Lusaka, Windhoek, Mauritius	3 × 23 kg	Original Exceptions table row "Student Fares / Between South Africa and Harare, Lusaka, Windhoek, Mauritius": Economy "3 pieces up to 23kg per piece (50lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) per piece".
Between South Africa and Brazil — For sales until 01 June 2026	2 × 32 kg	Original Exceptions table row "Between Brazil and Africa / For sales until 01 June 2026": Economy "2 pieces up to 32kg per piece (70lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) per piece" (note label says 32kg). Same row Business is also 2 × 32 kg.
Between South Africa and Brazil — Only for sales from 02 June 2026	2 × 23 kg	Original Exceptions table row "Between Brazil and Africa / Only for sales from 02 June 2026": Economy "2 pieces up to 23kg per piece (70lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) per piece" (weight text shows 23kg on site). Business remains 2 × 32 kg.
Between Australia and Africa	2 × 23 kg	Original Exceptions table row "Between Australia and Africa": Economy "2 pieces up to 23kg per piece (50lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) per piece"; Business "2 pieces up to 32kg per piece (70lb)".
Between Brazil and Australia via Africa — For sales until 01 June 2026	2 × 32 kg	Original Exceptions table row "Between Brazil and Australia via Africa / For sales until 01 June 2026": Economy "2 pieces up to 32kg per piece (70lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) per piece".
Between Brazil and Australia via Africa — Only for sales from 02 June 2026	2 × 23 kg	Original Exceptions table row "Between Brazil and Australia via Africa / Only for sales from 02 June 2026": Economy "2 pieces up to 23kg per piece (70lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) per piece".
Codeshare — Africa–Middle East (SA marketing, EK operating JNB–Dubai)	Operating carrier allowance applies	Original Exceptions table row "Between Africa and Middle East / When SA is the marketing carrier on EK operating flights between Johannesburg and Dubai": both classes "The baggage allowance of the operating carrier will apply".
Codeshare — South Africa–Ethiopia (SA marketing, ET operating JNB/CPT/DUR–Addis Ababa)	Operating carrier allowance applies	Original Exceptions table row "Between South Africa and Ethiopia / When SA is the marketing carrier on ET operating flights between Johannesburg/Cape Town/Durban and Addis Ababa": "The baggage allowance of the operating carrier will apply".
Codeshare — South Africa–Seychelles	Operating carrier allowance applies	Original Exceptions table row "Between South Africa and Seychelles": "The baggage allowance of the operating carrier will apply".
Children (paying at least 50% adult fare)	Same as adult	Original text from Child and infant baggage allowance accordion on /checked-baggage: "Children and infants paying at least 50% of the adult fare are entitled to the same baggage allowance as adults."
Infants without own seat	1 × 23 kg	Original text from same accordion: "Infants who do not have their own seat are allowed 1 piece of baggage weighing up to 23kg & one collapsible pram or buggy and a car seat, free of charge." Also includes collapsible pram/buggy and car seat free.

Piece concept; standard and most exception routes 2 × 32 kg; student fares 3 × 32 kg; max dimensions 158 cm (62 in) per piece; codeshare routes use operating carrier allowance.

Label	Amount	Notes
Standard (most routes including Domestic within South Africa)	2 × 32 kg	Original Standard free baggage allowance table: "Business Class — 2 pieces not exceeding 32kg or (70lb) per piece". Domestic exception row also states "2 pieces not exceeding 32kg per piece (70lb) & maximum dimensions of 158cm (62inches)" for Business.
Within Africa only	2 × 32 kg	Original Exceptions table row "Within Africa only": Business "2 pieces up to 32kg per piece (70lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) per piece".
Student Fares — Between South Africa and Harare, Lusaka, Windhoek, Mauritius	3 × 32 kg	Original Exceptions table row "Student Fares / Between South Africa and Harare, Lusaka, Windhoek, Mauritius": Business "3 pieces up to 32kg per piece (70lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) per piece".
Between South Africa and Brazil — For sales until 01 June 2026	2 × 32 kg	Original Exceptions table row "Between Brazil and Africa / For sales until 01 June 2026": Business "2 pieces up to 32kg per piece (70lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) per piece".
Between South Africa and Brazil — Only for sales from 02 June 2026	2 × 32 kg	Original Exceptions table row "Between Brazil and Africa / Only for sales from 02 June 2026": Business "2 pieces up to 32kg per piece (70lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) per piece".
Between Australia and Africa	2 × 32 kg	Original Exceptions table row "Between Australia and Africa": Business "2 pieces up to 32kg per piece (70lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) per piece".
Between Brazil and Australia via Africa — For sales until 01 June 2026	2 × 32 kg	Original Exceptions table row "Between Brazil and Australia via Africa / For sales until 01 June 2026": Business "2 pieces up to 32kg per piece (70lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) per piece".
Between Brazil and Australia via Africa — Only for sales from 02 June 2026	2 × 32 kg	Original Exceptions table row "Between Brazil and Australia via Africa / Only for sales from 02 June 2026": Business "2 pieces up to 32kg per piece (70lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) per piece".
Codeshare — Africa–Middle East (SA marketing, EK operating JNB–Dubai)	Operating carrier allowance applies	Original Exceptions table row "Between Africa and Middle East / When SA is the marketing carrier on EK operating flights between Johannesburg and Dubai": "The baggage allowance of the operating carrier will apply".
Codeshare — South Africa–Ethiopia (SA marketing, ET operating JNB/CPT/DUR–Addis Ababa)	Operating carrier allowance applies	Original Exceptions table row "Between South Africa and Ethiopia / When SA is the marketing carrier on ET operating flights between Johannesburg/Cape Town/Durban and Addis Ababa": "The baggage allowance of the operating carrier will apply".
Codeshare — South Africa–Seychelles	Operating carrier allowance applies	Original Exceptions table row "Between South Africa and Seychelles": "The baggage allowance of the operating carrier will apply".
Children (paying at least 50% adult fare)	Same as adult	Original text from Child and infant baggage allowance accordion: "Children and infants paying at least 50% of the adult fare are entitled to the same baggage allowance as adults."
Infants without own seat	1 × 23 kg	Original text: "Infants who do not have their own seat are allowed 1 piece of baggage weighing up to 23kg & one collapsible pram or buggy and a car seat, free of charge."

Carry-on baggage

Cabin baggage piece concept; plus 1 personal item; max dimensions 56×36×23 cm per main bag and 30×40×10 cm for personal item; Star Alliance Gold members entitled to same on SAA/Star Alliance flights.

Label	Amount	Notes
Main cabin bag	2 × 8 kg	Original table on /manage-fly/baggage/hand-baggage: Business Class row — "2 pieces not exceeding 8kg each" with "56cm (l) 36cm (w) 23cm (h)" per piece. Caption: "Your hand baggage allowance depends on the class you are flying in, so please be aware of the restrictions." If hand baggage does not conform to size, may be denied entry to departure area or directed back to check-in.
Personal item	1 personal item	Original table same row: Business Personal item column — "1 small handbag or small slimline laptop bag not exceeding dimensions of 30cm x 40cm x 10cm". Notes below table: "Larger laptop bags and standard/bulkier briefcases are not considered a personal item and count towards your standard hand baggage allowance." and "All hand baggage must fit either under the seat in front of you or in one of the overhead lockers. Hand baggage must not obstruct emergency exits or aisles."
Infants	1 × 8 kg	Original accordion "Hand Baggage for Infants" on /hand-baggage: "Infants are entitled to 1 carry-on bag including bedding, napkins, feeding bottles and food. This baggage is free of charge provided that the total mass does not exceed 8kg." PLUS "passengers travelling with infants are permitted to bring one collapsible pram or collapsible buggy up to the boarding gates where the items will be removed and loaded in the hold" (gate delivery, some airports may require check-in). Star Alliance note also: "Star Alliance Gold members on either SAA or any Star Alliance partner operated flights will also be entitled to the above carry-on items."

Cabin baggage piece concept; plus 1 personal item; max dimensions 56×36×23 cm per main bag and 30×40×10 cm for personal item.

Label	Amount	Notes
Main cabin bag	1 × 8 kg	Original table on /hand-baggage: Economy Class row — "1 piece not exceeding 8kg" with "56cm (l) 36cm (w) 23cm (h)". Same caption and size-conformance note as Business.
Personal item	1 personal item	Original table same row: Economy Personal item column — "1 small handbag or small slimline laptop bag not exceeding dimensions of 30cm x 40cm x 10cm". Same notes about larger laptop bags counting toward allowance and fit requirements (under seat or overhead, not obstructing exits/aisles).
Infants	1 × 8 kg	Original accordion "Hand Baggage for Infants": "Infants are entitled to 1 carry-on bag including bedding, napkins, feeding bottles and food. This baggage is free of charge provided that the total mass does not exceed 8kg." PLUS one collapsible pram or buggy to the gate (same as Business). Duty free purchases (liquor, cigarettes, perfume) are also permitted in reasonable quantities per separate accordion, subject to liquid restrictions on connecting flights.

How to Add Extra Baggage & Prices on South African Airways

Buy Baggage

Go to flysaa.com and navigate to 'Manage Booking' in the main menu
Enter your booking reference number and surname to retrieve your reservation
Select 'Extra Baggage' or 'Add Services' from your booking management options
Choose the number of extra bags needed
Complete payment using credit card or alternative payment method

Prices

Additional baggage rates vary by route zone, cabin class, and travel dates. Maximum 3 extra bags allowed.

Label	Amount	Notes
Within South Africa	ZAR 300-400 per piece	Economy Class: ZAR 300 per piece (VAT inclusive) Business Class: ZAR 400 per piece (VAT inclusive) Charges apply per bag exceeding free allowance
South Africa to Harare, Maputo, Mauritius, Lusaka, Victoria Falls, Windhoek, Gaborone	USD 50-80 or ZAR 750-1,200 per piece	Economy Class: USD 50 or ZAR 750 per piece Business Class: USD 80 or ZAR 1,200 per piece Peak season (Dec 1-Jan 15): USD 60-90 or ZAR 855-1,375 per piece
South Africa to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Dar es Salaam	USD 90-110 or ZAR 1,400-1,700 per piece	Economy Class: USD 90 or ZAR 1,400 per piece Business Class: USD 110 or ZAR 1,700 per piece Peak season (Dec 1-Jan 15): USD 105-125 or ZAR 1,600-1,900 per piece
South Africa to Accra	USD 130-180 or ZAR 2,160-2,900 per piece	Economy Class: USD 130 or ZAR 2,160 per piece Business Class: USD 180 or ZAR 2,900 per piece Peak season (Dec 1-Jan 15): USD 150-205 or ZAR 2,350-3,200 per piece
South Africa to Abidjan	USD 130-180 or ZAR 2,160-2,900 per piece	Economy Class: USD 130 or ZAR 2,160 per piece Business Class: USD 180 or ZAR 2,900 per piece
Abidjan to Accra	USD 35-65 per piece	Economy Class: USD 35 per piece Business Class: USD 65 per piece Local currency pricing not available
South Africa to Nigeria	USD 120-150 or ZAR 1,900-2,500 per piece	Economy Class: USD 120 or ZAR 1,900 per piece Business Class: USD 150 or ZAR 2,500 per piece Peak season (Dec 1-Jan 15): USD 135-173 or ZAR 2,100-2,800 per piece
Australia routes	ZAR 2,300-3,300 per piece	Economy Class: ZAR 2,300 per piece Business Class: ZAR 3,300 per piece Pricing in ZAR only, convert to local currency as needed
Brazil and other intercontinental routes	USD 80-200 per piece	Pricing varies by specific route and cabin class USD pricing applies, convert to local currency as needed

FAQ

Can I buy extra baggage online after booking?

Yes. Purchase extra baggage through Manage Booking on flysaa.com or via the SAA mobile app after retrieving your reservation with booking reference and surname.

Where can I purchase extra baggage?

Buy online through Manage Booking on flysaa.com, SAA mobile app, or at the airport check-in counter. Online purchase is recommended for better rates.

How does South African Airways calculate extra baggage charges?

Pricing varies by destination zone (domestic, regional Africa, intercontinental), cabin class (Economy/Business), and travel dates. Peak season rates (Dec 1-Jan 15) are higher for some African routes. Charges are per piece of baggage.

How many extra bags can I purchase?

Maximum 3 pieces of excess baggage above your free allowance. Any additional pieces beyond this must be sent as cargo at applicable SAA Cargo rates.

Is it cheaper to buy extra baggage online vs at the airport?

Online pre-purchase through Manage Booking is recommended for potentially better rates compared to airport purchase. Airport pricing may differ.

What are the overweight and oversized baggage rules?

Maximum weight per bag is 32kg. Bags exceeding 23kg (Economy) incur overweight charges. Maximum size is 203cm (length + width + height); bags exceeding 158cm incur oversized charges. Multiple charges apply if violating multiple limits.

Do codeshare or partner flights have different baggage rules?

For codeshare flights, the operating carrier's additional baggage rules and charges apply. For sectors where SAA is not the carrier, check with the operating airline for their charges.

When is the deadline to purchase extra baggage?

Extra baggage must be purchased before boarding. Can be bought online anytime before check-in or at the airport check-in counter. Recommend purchasing in advance for better rates.

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