So I will be flying Air Canada from Calgary to Frankfurt and then fly SAA to Jo berg. Air Canada allows us to bring 2 carry on luggage, on the normal size everyone else gets and one personal bag, like a purse or laptop cumputer bag size carry on. Does SAA allow the second personal bag? and have you ever had your carry ons checked for weight?

I called SAA last June and asked this very question. They stated that one carry on bag that would fit in the overhead and 18 lbs or less - Plus one under the seat item such as a briefcase. I put reading materials, electronics, binoculars, meds, etc.in a briefcase and had no issues at all.

Things may have changed - I'd suggest calling or checking their web site and if still unclear sending them an email.

Just returned and flew SAA Dulles/Dakar/Joburg/Bulawayo. Only problem was from Jo to bulawayo at least with carry on's. I had a couple and one was too large to fit in overhead but on the small plane on this leg. I told them it contained fragile camera/binos etc and thanks to a man behind me telling me "Do not let them have that bag" in a not so quiet voice I managed to get it on board in both directions. Yes, they weighed all luggage carefully.

Incidently neither my double rifle or clothes checked bags made it from Dulles to Jo and it took four days to get them to me in the bush in Bulawayo.

Best of luck.

Here is South African Airways information as posted on their website : www.flysaa.com

HAND LUGGAGE INFORMATION



Hand baggage means baggage of which you have custody and is allowed in the cabin of the aircraft. To ensure your safety and comfort on the flight we restrict the number of pieces and dimensions of your cabin or hand baggage.

Following recent events involving the potential use of Liquid Explosives to commit attacks against International Civil Aviation Operations and the associated security threat identified against Civil Aviation Operations in certain countries, a number of security restrictions have been imposed on our passengers travelling to and from various international destinations.

The Department for Transport (DFT) has announced new security regulations, which are allied with the current security procedures across the European Union (EU). This alignment process means that in South Africa, across Europe, and most of the world, airport security remains consistent.

The regulations apply to both passenger and staff search areas.

To facilitate your travel, kindly refer to the documents below in identifying specific security restrictions imposed on flights you are booked to travel on.

May I travel with this?
Rules for taking liquids through security
For safety reasons, cabin baggage must fit into approved stowage spaces, either the overhead luggage bin or under the seat. In order to ensure compliance to the foregoing legislative requirements, the following procedures will apply:

Business class

South African Airways will accept two pieces of cabin baggage, each not exceeding a total dimension of 115 cm and 8 kg in weight.

Economy class

South African Airways will accept one piece of cabin baggage not exceeding 115 cm and 8 kg in weight.