Johannesburg - South African Airways (SAA) is
introducing a new check-in baggage policy, an official said on Wednesday.
"From September 5, 2012, SAA will move to a checked
baggage policy that restricts the number of pieces of baggage a passenger may
check in, rather than the total weight of the passenger's checked
baggage," said spokesperson Kabelo Ledwaba in a statement.
"Each of these pieces will be subject to weight and
size restrictions."
He said 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 the route and class of travel.
Excess baggage, or where the baggage exceeds the weight or
size allowance, would be charged at a flat rate per piece of luggage.
"This is a change from the current policy, where excess
baggage is charged per kilogram."
He said to comply with airport loading equipment limits, SAA
cannot accept any check-in items weighing more than 32kg.
"Any items exceeding this limit will 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 were applicable, may be viewed online at
www.flysaa.com.
He said passenger with 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 was applicable.
For tickets involving joint international transport services (code share) provided by SAA and foreign airlines, the free baggage and excess baggage charge policy have been adjusted and would be based on the policies of the predominant carrier for the trip.