Domestic pets accompanying passengers may be accepted as checked baggage or as cargo for stowage in the cargo compart-ment of the aircraft. In instances when they are carried as excess baggage, the applicable excess baggage charges will apply. Note this does not form part of your free baggage allowance.

The only exception to the above ruling is dogs to lead the blind or deaf, in which case they may travel with you in the cabin of the aircraft free of charge. The dog, when properly harnessed, may be permitted to accompany you in the aircraft cabin, but shall not be permitted to occupy a seat.

Due to infrastructure problems at OR Tambo International Airport, live animals will no longer be accepted as excess baggage on all international flights with immediate effect.

Should passengers wish to travel with their pets, they need to make arrangements with our cargo department on +27 11 978 3366.

The following countries do not permit live animals to be conveyed as checked baggage (manifested cargo only):

• Hong Kong - Hong Kong
• London - United Kingdom
• Manchester - United Kingdom
• Lusaka - Zambia
• Maputo - Mozambique
• Perth - Australia
• Luanda - Angola

In terms of existing legislation, all animals destined for the Republic of South Africa on an international flight must
be carried as manifested cargo. All domestic pets and livestock must be loaded in the cargo compartment of the
aircraft.

From 01 July 2005 all dogs, cats, reptiles and primates imported into South Africa need to have microchip implants for
identification. The Health Certificate for AVI imports have been altered to include a clause requiring a microchip
number and the location of the microchip for identification of the animal. If animals arrive in South Africa without the
microchip they will be placed under quarantine at the port of entry.

Other countries may have similar requirements and it is therefore strongly recommended that the Embassy or Consulate of that specific country be approached for the information pertaining to that country. Pets may be accepted for carriage to these destina-tions as manifested cargo in the cargo compartment of the air-craft.
You will, however, be responsible to obtain the necessary permits, forms, container, as applicable, and must also be aware of the import regulations at destination.

Departure (Inclusive of International departures)
Firearms may NOT be packed inside checked luggage and must therefore be packed in an appropriate lockable firearm container or case, separate from checked luggage.

Ammunition must be separated from weapons and may be packed within checked luggage, but must be properly secured in an ammunition case or solid box. No ammunition may be packed loosely in checked baggage or within the same case as firearms.

We strongly recommend that ammunition be packed in lockable cases, which can be handed in as loose items at the firearm counters to avoid possible delays during checked baggage screening.

All firearms and ammunition must be declared to the airline check-in agent at the time of check-in. Undeclared firearms and ammunition within checked luggage will result in such baggage being rejected during mandatory checked baggage screening, and will result in the passenger being required to open such baggage for further inspection and safe handling, or the confiscation of such items for further processing and forwarding on a subsequent flight.

Check-in agents will issue the relevant baggage tags and will then direct firearm owners to the appropriate firearm desk for inspection and processing of firearms and ammunition for secure handling to the aircraft.

During the acceptance process at the appropriate firearm desk, the following will be conducted:

A R100 handling fee is raised for the carriage of handguns. Payment will only be accepted in the form of credit cards or cash at the firearm desk or allocated firearms acceptance area. These firearms will be processed at the firearm desk for safe carriage in the hold of the aircraft. There will be no charge for handguns carried with hunting equipment if packed in the same case as hunting rifles.

Rifles (in gun case / rifle bags)
Rifles must be processed via the firearm desk for safe carriage and may form part of your free baggage allowance. Thereafter the excess baggage allowance will be raised as applicable

Ammunition
A maximum of 5kg securely boxed ammunition per passenger will be permitted for carriage either as a separate piece of baggage or within checked baggage in the hold of the aircraft. Screening authorities may however delay baggage containing ammunition, if such ammunition was not declared at check-in and is therefore not marked with an appropriate tag indicating that such ammunition was already security inspected.

Arrival
Upon arrival, passengers are required to proceed to the allocated firearm desk to collect firearms. Checked baggage containing ammunition may be collected at the normal airport baggage carousel. Ammunition handed in separately may be collected at the firearm desk.

International (All SAA flights departing from outside the Republic of South Africa, arriving in South Africa)

Standard legislation pertaining to the carriage of weapons and ammunition for each destination will apply. It is therefore the traveller’s responsibility to verify and ensure compliance with local laws on the possession and carriage of weapons.

Passengers should not pack any firearms within checked baggage. Firearms must be packed in suitable lockable firearm cases or bags.

Where possible, declare firearms and request the airline to place a firearm identification tag on such items, as this will assist in the correct loading and delivery handling on SAA flights arriving in South Africa.

Where passengers originate their journey on South African Airways, we request that you declare the firearms and any checked baggage containing ammunition to check-in staff for appropriate handling and labelling.

Ammunition may be carried within checked luggage, provided that it is securely packed in a lockable or secure container, and that the total weight does not exceed 5kg’s of ammunition per passenger carrying a firearm. (In general, most airlines allow the carriage of ammunition in terms of the dictums of ICAO Dangerous Goods Standards and associated airline processes followed in terms of IATA requirements/guidance).

Upon arrival in South Africa, all declared or identified firearms may be collected directly from the firearm office just after immigration. Any firearms either not declared upon departure, or not identified by an appropriate label will be delivered to the normal baggage carousal for collection.

After collection of checked baggage containing ammunition, you are required to proceed to the SA Police Firearm Office, where all necessary import permits and other documentation will be finalised.

Passengers with onward domestic flights:
Passengers with onward domestic flights must clear firearms and ammunition at the SA Police firearm office before proceeding through customs and will then be required to follow the process as described for Domestic flights above for onward and return journeys

Passengers with onward international flights:
Passengers with onward international flights may have their firearms and ammunition through checked to the final destination. Do however note that such firearms and ammunition may be blocked by airport baggage screening staff for inspection, which will require the airline to page each passenger to proceed to a designated baggage reconciliation area, where you will be required to open any bags containing ammunition for inspection.

We urge passengers to declare baggage containing ammunition to the SAA handling agents at the point where you originally join SAA flights to avoid delays during the transfer process.

Passengers with onward international flights who have not through checked firearms and ammunition will be required to clear all firearms and ammunition through the SA Police firearm office, before proceeding to International check-in for onward connection check-in. The requirements for domestic flight departures as documented above will apply to all firearms and ammunition carried in this manner.

General information and assistance:
Strict legislation on the carriage / importation of hand held firearms exist in almost all countries and heavy fines could be imposed on the passenger and the carrier should such items be landed without the necessary documentation (e.g. import permits / license etc.) It is the RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PASSENGER to consult with the local consulate of the country to which he / she will be traveling (including transit / stopovers where applicable) to establish and comply with all entry requirements of the countries concerned.

RSA citizens and residents require RSA firearm license. Visitors require a Temporary Import Permit. Temporary import permits will only be issued for foreign hunters and participants in an organized sport shooting event. Temporary import permits can be obtained:

CARRIAGE OF FIREARMS ON SA AIRLINK
Due to changes in legislation, very stringent measures are in place to control ownership, handling, use & transportation of firearms. In brief; persons, other than the licensed owner of a firearm, must undergo statutory training & certification before they may handle & transport firearms. (Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000). Airlink does not have personnel who may legally handle firearms at all their stations. They have also not been able to obtain the services of certified security companies who can carry out this function for them. As result of the above-mentioned, Airlink has been forced to re-evaluate its policy regarding the transportation of firearms. They have decided that it is not viable to continue with the full-scale transportation of firearms to & from all their destinations. With effect from 1 Nov 2007, Airlink will no longer transport firearms other than hunting rifles and shotguns. Hunting rifles shall only be transported to & from the following destinations:

In the interim, until 31 October, Airlink will continue to transport handguns, shotguns & rifles to all destinations except the following, where we no longer have the legal ability to do so:

CARRIAGE OF FIREARMS ON SOUTH AFRICAN EXPRESS
Hunting rifles and shotguns may be transported on South African Express Airways flights.
Only law enforcement agents may be allowed to transport their hand guns on South African Express Airways flights. They must produce some form of official identification e.g appointment certificate. They shall be liable for the stipulated cost for the transportation of the firearm.
NB.No firearms may be transported to George Airport.
Firearms may be accepted on all South African Express Airways destinations listed below :

Other Weapons and Harmful articles:
Any other weapons or dangerous items such as:

May be transported via the firearm desk to any South African Express Airways destination.

Can I send baggage as unaccompanied?

Personal effects and household goods are both classed as unaccompanied baggage. Passengers are not required to
hold airline tickets.

To send baggage unaccompanied kindly make contact with Cargo Reservations on:

SAA Cargo at Johannesburg International Airport on +27 11 978 1119

or

Cargo Reservations on +27 11 978 3366

What are Dangerous Goods?

Dangerous Goods are items that may endanger the safety of an aircraft or persons on board the aircraft.

Dangerous Goods are also known as restricted articles, hazardous materials and dangerous cargo. Their carriage on
South African Airways aircraft is primarily governed by the Civil Aviation Authority Regulations.

Dangerous Goods must not be carried in (or as) passenger or crew-checked baggage or carry-on baggage, except as
indicated in the table below. Security type attaché cases incorporating Dangerous Goods, such as lithium batteries or
pyrotechnic devices, are totally forbidden.

Disabling devices such as mace, pepper spray, etc. containing an irritant or incapacitating substance is prohibited on
the person, in checked and carry-on baggage.

For more information kindly make contact with your local SAA office.

Items regarded as "Dangerous":

What is the maximum a piece of baggage may weigh?

To comply with Health & Safety requirements and in line with current practices, South African Airways has introduced
a maximum weight limit for single items of hold baggage.

South African Airways will no longer accept any single item of baggage that exceeds 32kg/70lbs in weight, except for
certain exceptions (see footnote i) below).

The new policy relates only to single items and does not affect your overall baggage allowance, as shown on your
ticket, which remains unchanged.

We no longer accept any item of hold baggage exceeding 32kg (70lbs) which has not been approved for carriage by
South African Airways at least 24 hours prior to travel. You will be asked to reduce the weight and size of the item by
re-packing.

If you cannot comply with this, the item will be refused carriage and you will be required to make alternative
arrangements.

To register items of baggage that may exceed 32kg/70lbs and which are listed as exceptions, please contact your
Travel Agent or local South African Airways office before you travel.

Please click here for a printable version of our Excess Baggage Charges

Footnotes
Exceptions include- musical instruments, electric wheelchairs, pets as baggage, sporting equipment, TV news cameras,
commercial spares and diplomatic baggage.

Can I take a musical instrument with me?

The carriage of certain musical instruments is permitted in the cabin of the aircraft and on extra seat(s). The musical
instruments must not contain any equipment or article or substance, which is, classified as dangerous goods.

As cabin baggage:

Portable musical instruments may be carried in the cabin of the aircraft as approved cabin baggage under the
following conditions. These apply to all classes except where specified:

Instrument	Method of Carriage
Bass tuba	Hold stowage
Bassoon (small)	Cabin baggage
Banjo	Hold stowage or extra seat
Bass trombone	Hold stowage
Cello	Hold stowage or extra seat
Contrabassoon	Hold stowage or extra seat
Clarinet	Cabin baggage
Double bass	Hold stowage
Flute	Cabin baggage
French horn	Hold stowage or extra seat
Guitar	Hold stowage or extra seat
Oboe	Cabin baggage
Saxophone	Hold stowage or extra seat
Trumpet	Cabin baggage
Viola (rectangular)	Hold stowage or extra seat
Violin (shaped)	Cabin baggage
Violin (rectangular)	Hold stowage or extra seat

What do I do when my baggage has been delayed, missing or damaged?

When baggage has been lost, passengers should follow this claims procedure:

How many pieces of carry on baggage can I take onboard the aircraft?

For safety reasons South African Airways will accept only one piece of cabin baggage for economy class and two pieces
for business class passengers. The maximum dimensions should not exceed: Length: 115cm (Length + Height + Width)
and not weighing more than 8 Kg. Kindly try to limit cabin baggage as it may be removed from the cabin due to space constraints.

Please ensure that all valuables are placed in your cabin baggage. This would include items such as laptops, cell phones,
camera’s, jewellery, money etc.

How do I change or cancel my on-line booking?

Changes and cancellations for domestic flights can be done conveniently around the clock via flysaa.com.
For changes and cancellations for international flights or further questions regarding your online booking dial 0861 FLYSAA/0861 359722 from within South Africa, or visit our Customer Care page for other SAA Office contacts. Calls will be charged at Standard Rates

For assistance of any other than above mentioned medical conditions, please contact the Call Centre on the following number: Tel: 27 (0)11 978 1111

After requesting your Tax Invoice online , a PDF document will be e-mailed to you within 72 Hours , to the e-mail address provided. If a Tax Invoice has been successfully generated from the South African Airways Tax Invoice System, the onus rests on the recipient to ensure that his/her mailbox has enough space to receive an e-mail - with a PDF attachment; and that his/her service provider or exchange server allows for delivery of such e-mails. South African Airways, can not take responsibility for undelivered e-mails due to any other reasons beyond our control including the above.

Prescribed details required from the South African Revenue Service on a tax invoice

Where your ticket is not electronic, your ticket will be mailed to you within five days of completion of booking.

Want to collect your ticket before you travel? SAA has offices available for you to collect your ticket before your departure date. When making your booking on flysaa.com, please make your selection from the office details below.

What if I am an unaccompanied minor?

Reservations for Unaccompanied minors cannot be booked online. Please contact the Call Centre for more information

Children Travelling Alone
South African Airways (SAA) accepts a major responsibility when it undertakes the carriage of children travelling alone. These travellers are otherwise known as Unaccompanied Minors, (UMs) and it is most important to exercise the greatest care and discretion in the handling of these customers. It should therefore be noted that SAA has specific requirements for UMs. If your child or children will be travelling alone, the following information will guide you. The relevant ages and guidelines for children travelling alone are provided below. If the requirements for children travelling alone are not satisfied, SAA will be unable to board the child/children.

Before you fly
At the airport
In the Air
On Arrival

Before you fly

If a child is travelling without the supervision of a parent or guardian who is sixteen years or older, they are classified as an unaccompanied minor. To make a booking for an unaccompanied minor contact your local South African Airways Office. Bookings cannot be made online. Let us know of any allergies or special requirements your child might have.

Conditions of travel as an unaccompanied minor

Under 5 years: Children are not considered to be unaccompanied minors when they are accompanied by another passenger of 16 years of age, or older.

5 to 11 years(inclusive): Children who are five years old, but under 12 are regarded as unaccompanied minors (UM’s). Reservations for unaccompanied minors cannot be booked online. Please contact your local SAA Call Centre for more information. The child’s date of birth may be verified at time of check-in.

13 to 16 years (inclusive): Children who are at least 12 years old, but under 16, are regarded as young passengers (YP’s).

SAA considers a passenger aged between 12 and 16 as an adult, therefore no special handling is required unless requested by the parent. If this is the case the same procedure will apply as for unaccompanied minors.

Unaccompanied minors may travel on South Africa Airways flights if they:

Have prior authorisation from SAA. This can be obtained by contacting the call centre.
Reach their destination before 20h00.
In the event of a connecting flight.
Have booked through the central reservations office
Are in possession of written consent from their parents or guardians
Are escorted to the airport and checked-in by a responsible adult and met at destination by an authorised adult

Baggage Allowance
Children travelling alone are entitled to the full adult baggage allowance for the class of fare in which they are travelling if they are paying at least 50% of the adult fare.

Special Notes
Encourage your child to take a favourite small toy or doll on the flight, and charge them with the responsibility of looking after it throughout the journey. This will help your child feel more secure and 'at home'.

Travel Documents
On international flights the child must be in possession of the necessary documentation (a valid passport, visas and health documents).

At the Airport

Children not booked as unaccompanied minors can be denied travel. We therefore urge parents to ensure that the necessary arrangements are made with the call centre.

The child must be checked in at least one hour before departure for domestic flights and two hours for international flights, to ensure that the necessary documentation is completed and in order. The check-in agent will advise you at what time you should meet a South African Airways ground staff representative, who will escort your child through the necessary security and immigration (if applicable) processes to their departure gate. The parents should remain at the airport until the flight takes off.

In the Air

The cabin crew will be notified before the flight of your child's name, age and any special requirements they might have. They will regularly check that your child is comfortable and entertained throughout the flight.

On Arrival

On arrival at the final destination, your child will again be met at the aircraft by South African Airways ground staff, who will assist with arrival procedures before leaving your child in the care of the person nominated by you to meet them and who must carry proof of identification. Kindly ensure that the person is not late as this can cause unnecessary distress to the child.

Transit
At transit stops your child will at all times remain in the care of either cabin crew or ground staff.

Onward and Return Flights
Remember to let South African Airways know if your child needs to change their travel plans at any time before or during their trip as restrictions do apply to some tickets. It is important to check that any request for travel as an Unaccompanied Minor, or escort provision, is transferred to the new flight.

Make Your Child Aware
While we will do our best to ensure that your child's experience of travelling is an enjoyable one, there are a few extra things you can do to make it just that bit easier.

Make sure your child knows who is to meet them upon arrival at the final destination. Explain to your child how important their passport and tickets are, and ensure that they can recognise both. Children should at all times wear the Unaccompanied Minor identification lanyards. It is important for them to know not to remove these as it is a form of identification. Children must not leave the aircraft unattended and must wait for the cabin crew to assist before they leave the plane.