I am leaving on Sunday via SAA(Dulles) and was wondering about my carry-on limits. I got pinched last year leaving JoBerg and the forced me to check my back-pack b/c it weighed too much. I avoid checking bags at all cost, but also pack very light. Has anyone been challenged on their carry-on due to weight? The size is not the issue.

Also, can I carry on a back-pack and a small bag (purse size)? I have tried to review the SAA regs, but a 4 yr old wrote them, and I am having trouble following them.

While I am at it, what about checked luggage? I have a double storm case with 2 rifles and a storm luggage case for ammo and items am forced to check. Am I going to be hit with any extra charges?

Thanks for the help. I am as excited a puppy with 2 peters.....

I carry a backpack and a americase with camera, sat phone, etc; heavy jacket on my arm and Glenda carries her backpack and all kinds of junk dangling off her: SAA has never even blinked

STGS,

This is from the SAA FAQ's:

quote:

For safety reasons South African Airways will accept only one piece of cabin baggage for economy class and two pieces
for business class passengers. The maximum dimensions should not exceed: Length: 115cm (Length + Height + Width)
and not weighing more than 8 Kg. Kindly try to limit cabin baggage as it may be removed from the cabin due to space constraints.

Please ensure that all valuables are placed in your cabin baggage. This would include items such as laptops, cell phones,
camera’s, jewellery, money etc.

I have recently [March/April] caried on a properly sized wheeled backpack and another briefcase looking bag - which DID seem to be the rules previously. The wheeled bag was over 15 lbs but not too much [and certainly did not "appear" as heavy as it was!].

The check bags [2] were previously required to be under 50 lbs. each - but I can't find that at the SAA site either.

international flights get two bags 50 pounds or less as per gracy advice. In the cabin its one bag and a personal item, ie purse, laptop etc.

I've done 12 flights on SAA in the past three years, and on every one I've checked 2 50 lb bags and carried a backpack plus a "carryon" bag.

What cracks me up are the people carrying on the 5-foot wooden giraffes they bought at Joberg duty free.

I always use my Patagonia MLC [Maximum Legal Carryon]. I have been using it for several years.

It has never raised any peoblems. It has weighed as much as 49 lbs a time or two,
as I carry my extra scopes, binos, camera, flashlights etc.

I also carry a Filson over the shoulder bag.

I have never been given any problems.

I traveled SAA in June and called them prior to departure to ask this same question. I was told that they allowed one carry on bag and one personal item such as a purse, laptop, or briefcase. I packed camera gear, electronics, optics, flashlights, batteries, books and meds in a briefcase and had no problems. This was in addition to a ReddOx max sized carry on.