Personal-item bag · 40 × 30 × 10 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 3.9 in)
Tight exactly at the limit on the length
South African Airways cabin bag and personal item size
Checked against South African Airways' baggage page on 5 October 2026
Personal item (under the seat)
40 × 30 × 10 cm15.7 × 11.8 × 3.9 in
Cabin bag (overhead locker)
56 × 36 × 23 cm22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in
Weight: 8 kg (18 lb)
Will your bag fit South African Airways?
Personal item. Free on every fare. Small handbag or slimline laptop bag. Larger laptop bags and briefcases count as the main hand baggage.
Cabin bag. Included on every fare listed below. Economy: 1 piece up to 8 kg.
What each South African Airways fare includes
| Fare | Personal item | Cabin bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Included | Included (8 kg) | 1 piece 56x36x23 cm, 8 kg, plus small handbag or slimline laptop bag. |
| Business | Included | Included (8 kg) | 2 pieces of 8 kg each, plus small handbag or slimline laptop bag. |
Will a standard carry-on fit South African Airways?
The most common US carry-on size is 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm, wheels included). On South African Airways it just fits, with under 1 cm to spare. The common European cabin size, 55 × 40 × 20 cm, doesn't fit (4 cm (1.6 in) too wide).
South African Airways' cabin bag allowance holds about 46 litres. 38 of the 151 airlines we track have a smaller one.
Bags that fit South African Airways
We checked 1,046 bags with published sizes. 0 fit the personal-item size with at least 1 cm to spare on every side, and another 7 are within a centimeter. 590 fit the cabin bag size comfortably.
Personal item
Personal-item bag · 40 × 30 × 10 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 3.9 in)
Tight exactly at the limit on the length
Personal-item bag · 40 × 28 × 11 cm (15.8 × 11 × 4.5 in)
Tight 1 cm (0.4 in) too deep; soft-sided, so it only goes in if it squeezes
Personal-item bag · 15.8 × 9.1 × 3.2 in (40.1 × 23.1 × 8.1 cm)
Tight 0.1 cm (0 in) too long; soft-sided, so it only goes in if it squeezes
Cabin bag
Carry-on suitcase · 19.1 × 12.8 × 8.9 in (48.5 × 32.5 × 22.6 cm)
Tight 0.4 cm (0.2 in) to spare on the depth; 5.1 kg left for packing
Carry-on suitcase · 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm (22 × 14 × 9 in)
Tight 0.1 cm (0 in) to spare on the length
Carry-on suitcase · 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm (22 × 14 × 9 in)
Tight 0.1 cm (0 in) to spare on the length
Carry-on suitcase · 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm (22 × 14 × 9 in)
Tight 0.1 cm (0 in) to spare on the length; 3.6 kg left for packing
All bags that fit South African Airways →
If your bag is too big at the gate
Non-conforming hand baggage may be refused entry to the departure area or sent back to check-in; no fee published. Source
Power banks on South African Airways
Use on board is restricted. Power banks up to 100 Wh go in the cabin. Never in checked bags. Power banks over 100Wh prohibited. Do not charge them from in-seat power or use them to power devices during taxi, take-off or landing. Keep under seat, not overhead bins.
Work out your power bank's watt-hours · Power bank rules on every airline
Worth knowing
- Power banks above 100Wh are banned outright, even with approval.
- Power banks must be individually protected against short circuits.
- Restricted-items page allows up to 20 spare batteries per person in general.
Airlines with similar limits
- Jetstar: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
- Virgin Australia: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
- Qantas: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
- Virgin Atlantic: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
South African Airways bag questions
What size is the South African Airways personal item?
South African Airways' free personal item can be up to 40 × 30 × 10 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 3.9 in). Small handbag or slimline laptop bag. Larger laptop bags and briefcases count as the main hand baggage.
How big can a South African Airways cabin bag be?
Up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), and no heavier than 8 kg (18 lb). The airline doesn’t say whether wheels and handles count, so measure them in.
Which bags fit South African Airways' limits?
Of the 1,046 bags we track, 0 fit the personal-item size with at least 1 cm to spare and 590 fit the cabin bag size. See the list.
Can I take a power bank on South African Airways?
Yes, in your cabin bag only. Use on board is restricted. Power banks up to 100 Wh go in the cabin. Never in checked bags.
Sources. hand baggage page · restricted items / dangerous goods page. Rules checked 5 October 2026. Some details the airline doesn’t publish are marked as such above. Airline staff have the final say at the gate. Spotted a change? Tell us.
Will This Bag Fit is independent and not affiliated with South African Airways.