Quick Comparison — Domestic Economy
At a glance: what each airline includes in a standard domestic economy fare.
Baggage policies are updated regularly. Always confirm the latest allowance on your airline's website when booking. The figures above are accurate as of early 2025.
Checked Baggage Explained
Checked bags go into the aircraft hold. You drop them off at the counter or bag-drop belt before security and collect them at your destination's baggage carousel.
Standard Size Limits
Most airlines follow a standard maximum of 158 cm total (length + width + height). Anything larger is classed as oversized and may attract an additional fee.
What Counts as a Checked Bag?
- Suitcases and duffel bags
- Sports equipment in bags (golf, skis)
- Boxes securely taped and labelled
- Backpacking packs (if too large for overhead)
- Baby strollers and car seats (often free)
Carry-On Baggage Explained
Carry-on bags stay with you in the cabin, stored in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. They must meet size and weight limits to fit safely.
Typical Carry-On Dimensions
Includes handles and wheels. Dimensions vary slightly by airline — always check.
✅ What Usually Fits
- Small cabin-sized suitcase
- Backpack (day-pack style)
- Laptop bag / briefcase
- Soft tote bag
❌ Won't Fit — Must Be Checked
- Medium/large suitcases
- Sports equipment
- Oversized backpacking packs
- Musical instruments (large)
Airline-by-Airline Breakdown
Detailed baggage rules for each major domestic carrier from OR Tambo.
South African Airways (SAA)
Domestic Economy
- Checked: 1 bag × 23 kg (included)
- Carry-on: 1 bag × 8 kg + 1 personal item
- Extra bag: ~R400 per bag
Business Class
- Checked: 2 bags × 32 kg each
- Carry-on: 2 bags × 8 kg each
- Priority baggage handling
Voyager frequent-flyer members may receive additional baggage benefits depending on tier status.
FlySafair
Lite Fare
- Checked: not included (add from ~R99)
- Carry-on: 1 bag × 7 kg
- 1 personal item under seat
Full / Flex Fare
- Checked: 1 bag × 20 kg included
- Carry-on: 1 bag × 7 kg
- 1 personal item under seat
Adding checked baggage online during booking is always cheaper than buying it at the airport counter.
Kulula
Value Fare
- Checked: not included (add from ~R99)
- Carry-on: 1 bag × 8 kg
- 1 personal item
Smart / Flex Fare
- Checked: 1 bag × 20 kg included
- Carry-on: 1 bag × 8 kg
- 1 personal item
Airlink
Economy
- Checked: 1 bag × 20 kg included
- Carry-on: 1 bag × 7 kg
- 1 personal item under seat
Business
- Checked: 2 bags × 20 kg each
- Carry-on: 1 bag × 7 kg
- Priority handling
Airlink operates smaller regional aircraft (Embraer). Overhead bins are smaller than on Boeing 737s — pack accordingly.
LIFT
Standard Fare
- Checked: 1 bag × 20 kg included
- Carry-on: 1 bag × 7 kg
- 1 personal item
Notes
- Currently operates JNB–CPT only
- Premium snacks and drinks included
Special & Oversized Items
Sports gear, musical instruments and other unusual items need advance planning and sometimes incur extra charges.
International vs Domestic Baggage
🇿🇦 Domestic Flights
- Typically 1 checked bag at 20–23 kg
- Low-cost carriers may not include checked bag
- Carry-on limited to 7–8 kg
- Excess fees charged per kg over the limit
🌍 International Flights
- Usually more generous: 1–2 bags × 23–32 kg
- Business/First class: 2–3 bags × 32 kg
- Carry-on often 1 × 8–10 kg + personal item
- Excess fees are higher (R500+ per extra bag)
Connecting Flights
If you're connecting from a domestic to an international flight (or vice versa), your baggage allowance is typically governed by the most restrictive leg of your journey. Check your booking confirmation carefully — it should state the allowance for each segment.
Tips to Save on Baggage Fees
Buy Baggage at Booking
Low-cost carriers charge less for checked baggage when you add it during the booking process. At the airport counter, the same bag can cost 2–3× more.
Weigh Before You Go
A cheap luggage scale (R100–R200) pays for itself the first time it saves you an excess fee. Weigh bags at home and redistribute weight if needed.
Carry-On Only
For a 1–2 night trip, a well-packed carry-on saves time (no waiting at the carousel) and money (no checked bag fee on low-cost airlines).
Loyalty Programmes
SAA Voyager, British Airways Avios and other programmes offer extra baggage allowance at higher membership tiers. If you fly frequently, the benefits add up quickly.
Baggage Protection at OR Tambo
🛡 Baggage Wrapping
Plastic wrapping services are available in the departures hall near the check-in counters. Wrapping costs approximately R80–R120 per bag and protects against tampering, dirt, and minor damage during handling.
📋 If Your Bag Is Lost or Damaged
Report the issue immediately at the airline's baggage service desk in the arrivals hall before leaving the airport. You'll need your boarding pass and baggage tag receipt. Airlines typically trace lost bags within 24–48 hours and deliver them to your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll be asked to either remove items to bring it under the limit or pay an excess fee (typically R100–R150 per kilogram over). Some airlines offer a flat-rate excess bag purchase. You can also move items into your carry-on if it has capacity.
Most domestic airlines allow one checked bag only in economy. If you need a second bag, you'll pay an extra-bag fee. On international flights or in business class, two bags may be included — and yes, you can distribute weight between them as long as neither exceeds the per-bag limit.
Usually yes. Most airlines allow one stroller and one car seat per child free of charge, in addition to your normal baggage allowance. You can often gate-check the stroller so you have it right up until boarding.
For domestic flights, yes. Dry food, biltong, rusk, and packaged snacks are fine. For international flights, restrictions apply — many countries prohibit importing fresh produce, meat and dairy. Check your destination's customs rules before packing food.
Know What to Pack
Check prohibited items before you pack, or review the check-in process step by step.