South Africa Airways Cuts Check-In Baggage Allowance
South African Airways is introducing a new check-in baggage policy as from September 5. The policy will allow passengers on most international routes to check in two piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 23kg each in economy and 32 kg in business class.
Domestic travelers will be restricted to one piece of luggage.
The policy aligns with most of the larger Star Alliance member carriers ensuring a transparent and consistent set of rules across SAA and other Star Alliance network.
Each of these pieces will be subject to weight and size restrictions .The new policy describes the number of baggage pieces a passenger may check-in ,as well as the weight restrictions for each piece, according to route and class of travel.
Execess baggage, ie, additional items, or where the baggage exceeds the weight and/or size allowance, will be charged at a flat rate per piece of luggage per rule broken. This is a change from the current policy where excess baggage is charged per kilogram. An excess baggage charge will apply for each piece of baggage that exceeds the maximum dimensions as stipulated in SAAs baggage policy.
The maximum dimensions are 80cm by 60cm by 18cm =158cm ( 62 inches).
In addition and to comply with airport loading equipment limits.
SAA cannot accept any check-in items weighing more than 32kg. Any items exceeding this limit with either have to be repacked into separate bags or checked in at the SAA Cargo counter and flown at cargo rates.
The new policy, which contains simple explanations and identifies routes where variations are applicable, may be viewed online at www.flysaa.com<http://www.flysaa.com/>.It also forms an important part of the Terms & Conditions of all SAA tickets ,including flights purchased online.
Passengers traveling on multi-sector/multi-carrier tickets and SAA code-share partner flights,ie .tickets purchased from SAA for a flight with an SA flight number ,but operated by another airline, should check with the other airlines to see which baggage policy is applicable.
The policy will apply on tickets for all flights operated by SAA ,(flown using an SAA aircraft and crew) .For tickets involving joint international transport services (code share) provided by SAA and foreign airlines and free baggage and excess baggage charge policy have been adjusted and will be based on the policies of the predominant carrier for the trip.
It is not only SAA airlines that are putting restrictions on baggage allowance but all airlines as the passengers do no adhere to the policy but instead take the risk of carrying more. This excess baggage if not watched can cause overload on the aircraft thus resulting in accident. Airlines are therefore becoming tough and ensuring the payload of the aircraft is accurate for safety aspects and passenger comfort.
Especially travelers are advised if they reckon they are going for long holidays they should consult their travel consultant well advance for advance booking of their excess baggage to avoid last minute disappointments. Passengers traveling on domestic flights are advices to have soft bags as the aircraft used are utility and can't accommodate big suitcases.
Domestic travelers will be restricted to one piece of luggage.
The policy aligns with most of the larger Star Alliance member carriers ensuring a transparent and consistent set of rules across SAA and other Star Alliance network.
Each of these pieces will be subject to weight and size restrictions .The new policy describes the number of baggage pieces a passenger may check-in ,as well as the weight restrictions for each piece, according to route and class of travel.
Execess baggage, ie, additional items, or where the baggage exceeds the weight and/or size allowance, will be charged at a flat rate per piece of luggage per rule broken. This is a change from the current policy where excess baggage is charged per kilogram. An excess baggage charge will apply for each piece of baggage that exceeds the maximum dimensions as stipulated in SAAs baggage policy.
The maximum dimensions are 80cm by 60cm by 18cm =158cm ( 62 inches).
In addition and to comply with airport loading equipment limits.
SAA cannot accept any check-in items weighing more than 32kg. Any items exceeding this limit with either have to be repacked into separate bags or checked in at the SAA Cargo counter and flown at cargo rates.
The new policy, which contains simple explanations and identifies routes where variations are applicable, may be viewed online at www.flysaa.com<http://www.flysaa.com/>.It also forms an important part of the Terms & Conditions of all SAA tickets ,including flights purchased online.
Passengers traveling on multi-sector/multi-carrier tickets and SAA code-share partner flights,ie .tickets purchased from SAA for a flight with an SA flight number ,but operated by another airline, should check with the other airlines to see which baggage policy is applicable.
The policy will apply on tickets for all flights operated by SAA ,(flown using an SAA aircraft and crew) .For tickets involving joint international transport services (code share) provided by SAA and foreign airlines and free baggage and excess baggage charge policy have been adjusted and will be based on the policies of the predominant carrier for the trip.
It is not only SAA airlines that are putting restrictions on baggage allowance but all airlines as the passengers do no adhere to the policy but instead take the risk of carrying more. This excess baggage if not watched can cause overload on the aircraft thus resulting in accident. Airlines are therefore becoming tough and ensuring the payload of the aircraft is accurate for safety aspects and passenger comfort.
Especially travelers are advised if they reckon they are going for long holidays they should consult their travel consultant well advance for advance booking of their excess baggage to avoid last minute disappointments. Passengers traveling on domestic flights are advices to have soft bags as the aircraft used are utility and can't accommodate big suitcases.
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