Take note, future visitors to the Cape and locals wanting to travel the country or abroad: Since 2 February 2015, ACSA (Airports Company South Africa) implemented the latest set of South African Civil Aviation Authority regulations regarding hand luggage at airports. These current regulations, bringing the conditions of restrictions in South Africa to an international standard, are worth noting if you’re planning to visit Cape Town soon, since you will experience this when you leave, especially if you’re coming for business purposes. No one would want the surprise of discovering that they cannot carry their laptop aboard or an expensive piece of equipment, clothing or anything of value since it would add delays, meaning they could miss their flights.

The new set of rules is aimed at bringing the standard of regulations among all airlines to the same level, and also improving comfort and safety in the cabin, since previously travellers would have to sit several rows away from their luggage or even face the danger of luggage falling out of the compartments during turbulent flights.

What has changed?

Economy class changes to hand luggage restrictions

Passengers in the economy class are allowed 1 bag with 1 slimline laptop bag per passenger. The main bag is limited to a total dimension of 115 cm i.e. 23cm + 36cm + 56cm. These dimensions include the handles and wheels. The weight of these bags is limited to 7 kilograms.

Business/First class changes to hand luggage restrictions

In this class, passengers are permitted to carry 2 bags with 1 slimline laptop bag. The two main bags are limited to the same dimensions and weight as that in the economy class: 23cm + 36cm + 56cm, at a total of 115cm, including the handles and wheels, at a weight of 7 kilograms.

The classification of a slimline laptop bag

The aviation authorities classify a slimline laptop bag as one that carries a laptop and a charger. A passenger should be able to carry the bag by hand or over the shoulder. A slimline laptop bag does not feature any wheels.

What happens if your luggage is beyond the weight and total dimension?

If the luggage you want to carry into the cabin is too large or too heavy, it will have to be checked in. This process would take time and could mean missing a flight if you didn’t come early enough. It would be best not to take any chances because it could mean a rather unpleasant travelling experience. Not what you would want, especially since a trip to the Cape should be a delightful experience and a costly mistake at the airport could add an unpleasant memory to your time in South Africa.

 Now that you know…

You can avoid a nasty surprise before boarding an airline in South Africa, so come prepared the next time you pay the gorgeous Cape a visit!