South African Airways (SAA) is to introduce a new check-in baggage policy that will restrict the number of pieces of baggage a passenger may check in, the company said on Wednesday.
From 5 September 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. Each of these pieces will be subject to weight and size restrictions.
“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 route and class of travel,” the carrier said.
Where the baggage exceeds the weight and or size allowance, a fee will be charged at a flat rate per piece of luggage changing from the current policy where excess baggage is charged per kilogram.
SAA said any check-in items weighing over 32kg could not be accepted and items exceeding this limit would have to be repacked into separate bags or checked in at the SAA Cargo counter where they will be flown at cargo rates.
“The policy will apply on tickets for all flights operated by SAA, i.e. flown using an SAA aircraft and crew. For tickets involving joint international transport services provided by SAA and foreign airlines, the free baggage and excess baggage charge policy have been adjusted and will be based on the policies of the predominant carrier for the trip,” said SAA.
According to SAA, the policy is aligned with most of the larger Star Alliance member carriers ensuring a transparent and consistent set of rules across the SAA and other Star Alliance network.
The new policy, which contains simple explanations and identifies routes where variations are applicable, can be viewed online at www.flysaa.com. – SAnews.gov.za
