A new set of luggage measures is applicable at the O.R. Tambo International Airport since 25 March 2019. This is the outcome of a long consultation process that was held, seeing as certain types of luggage previously caused the luggage delivery system to jam. According to the airport, the biggest cause of the jamming is luggage not having a flat surface, being round, consisting of sharp corners or containing belts that can get entangled.

The new luggage measures for unusual luggage are as follows:

• Only luggage with a flat surface will be able to be checked in.
• Luggage that is round or contains long belts that can get entangled will not be allowed.
• Alternatively passengers have the option to affix a flat surface to their luggage, which can be done by the designated wrapping stations.

Take note that the measures are only applicable to passengers departing from the O.R. Tambo International Airport. These measures are also an international standard and also apply for example at Terminal 1 of the Dubai International Airport. This airport is of the opinion that many passengers frequently have to wait a long time for their luggage due to the fact that the system is being jammed by luggage consisting of unusual forms and surfaces. Even though this will incur extra costs for certain passengers, it will most definitely also bring about faster delivery of luggage for most of the other passengers.

If you don’t regularly fly with unusual luggage, you are at least safe, but what are the weight restrictions that you need to comply with?

Luggage restrictions

According to research that was done by Skyscanner, one out of every four people pay additional fees due to exceeding luggage restrictions. A further problem is that every airline has its own set of measures. For example, with Kulula you can travel with up to 20 kg of checked-in luggage and 7 kg of hand luggage, while South African Airways (SAA) allows a maximum of 23 kg. International airlines allowing the most luggage are British Airways, EasyJet and Iberia, which has no weight restrictions. The best precaution is to confirm in advance with the airline of your choice the number of suitcases that you can check in, as well as the weight restrictions thereof. The dimension of your luggage that can be checked in usually switches between 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm and 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm.

Tips: What to pack where

When you are planning on flying, you don’t always think about everything that the airport can consider as being hazardous. For example, avoid carrying wrapped presents in your luggage, seeing as security will in all possibility have to open it. Also remember to remove the batteries of your e-cigarette, as well as to keep all other batteries in your hand luggage as opposed to your checked-in luggage. For normal cigarettes you can take your lighter with you, but not any matches, and ensure that the suitcase being checked in never stands higher than 158 cm.

Compile a list beforehand to be certain that you pack everything that is necessary and always start with the most important things – your wallet, prescribed medicine, passport or ID and cell phone charger! If it is a long flight, pack an extra pair of clothes and underwear for yourself and make sure you have a small tube of toothpaste, a small container facial cream and a bottle underarm spray close by to freshen up a bit. It is also wise to carry your laptop separately from your hand luggage, considering that you will in any case have to remove your laptop from your hand luggage when going through security. And also purchase a hand scale beforehand to enable you to weigh your suitcases; it also makes it easy to move luggage from one suitcase to the next in advance if necessary.

Enjoy your trip!