We will by flying South Africa Airlines from Dulles to JBerg in about two weeks. How strict are they about their 18lb weight limit on carry on bags? Does anyone have any recent experience with them at Dulles or JBerg. Are they weighing carry on bags or just checking size?

Thanks

I've flown SAA out of Dulles on three occasions and have never had a carry on bag weighed. I have heard of their being checked on return trips from Jo'burg but I have not experienced that.

If a problem you can carry a loaded briefcase or laptop bag (cameras and such) and wear a travel vest with stuff in the pockets.

+ 1 on what Oday said.

I've got a Kelty backpack that my kids gave me years ago; bigger than a kid's school back pack, but smaller than a full-size backpack. I load it to the gills, don't make pro-longed eye contact with the flight attendants, take it off my back and carry it in front of me as if it's as light as a feather. 'Never had a problem in 4 trips to Zim. That said, I do carry some sort of sack in it, in case they ever demand I check it, and I will put the binocs, binos, GPS, ipod, meds etc. in that. I'd rather look like a bag lady than let the devils check (and steal) the valuables.

Made the trip x3 with SAA. No weighing of any carryons that I've seen on SAA or any other carrier for that matter.

I go over 2-3 times a year and I've never had my carry-ons weighed until last week in Johannesburg. When I told the guy it was all TV gear, he let me pass without a problem. Like everything in Africa, I think you could get around it for a few bucks if it ever pops up.

The last few times, I keep some rand in a pocket and give the guy a nice handshake. It's worked multiple times...got to love Africa!

Flew SAA in October from IAD to JNB and HRE. Carryons were weighed by feel and checked for size at IAD at a special table prior to boarding. No issue on the return flight though. Merely took out the heavy items, left them on a chair in the departure lounge,had carryon weighed and checked for size, got tag which said it was ok and then went back and reloaded the heavy items!