Johannesburg - Boarding a plane next week? Then be aware that a new hand luggage policy comes into effect from February 2.
Airports Company South Africa announced earlier this month that it - and airlines - would be rolling out a campaign from February 2 at all SA airports to enforce hand luggage regulations.
That press release said:
The hand luggage allowance is as follows:
* Economy-class passengers are allowed one bag plus one slimline laptop bag. Business/ first-class passengers are allowed two bags plus one slimline laptop bag. Handbags are considered part of a woman’s wardrobe and not as hand luggage.
* Slimline laptop bags must be of a size and thickness specifically designed to carry a laptop and charger. Bags capable of carrying other items such as documents and clothes are not permitted.
* No bag should exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (total dimensions of 115cm) or weigh more than 7kg per bag. Bag weight may vary according to airline specifications.
* If hand baggage does not comply, the passenger will be referred back to the check-in counters to check in the baggage as hold baggage. Extra fees may apply, as per each airline’s guidelines.
Low cost airline Mango said on Thursday that it would be implementing the regulations.
Mango spokesman Hein Kaiser said: “The airline will not be penalising travellers for additional bags that have to be checked in as a consequence of the new regulation as it does not charge per piece of baggage within its 20kg allowance,” he said.
“The regulations are effective at all airports that Mango operates in and out of and impact all airlines and travellers equally,” he said - Sapa