Travel with Gear on South African Airways

[nkflyers2005]

Has anyone ever traveled with their gear on South African Airways? I'm going on a trip later this year and they claim to weigh your carry on and be strict on their weight limits. Has anyone had issues with this and if so how did you end up getting your gear onboard? I don't have tons of gear, but by the time you have a netbook, 1 body, and a few lenses in a backpack, I'm sure it would probably be over their weight limits. Thanks.

[kuvahmagh]

That depends on just what their limits are, I took a quick look through their policies and they just say they set a weight but not what it is. What Body and lenses are you talking about, if it is all entry level kit it probably won't be a problem, I would avoid an external frame bag since those always seem attract the attention of the airline and generally are overweight/oversize because of the frame. The netbook probably won't add that much though. If however your carrying a 1Ds, 24-70 & 70-200 or a 600 2.8 etc you could have a problem.

Edit: I've never flown on this airline but they generally say they are strict on things in the hopes it will deter people from trying.

[nkflyers2005]

Yea, all my stuff is entry level type equipment. Xsi with kit lens, a sigma ultra-wide and a yet to be determined telephoto lens. Just seems that by the time I put everything in there plus cords, headphones, kindle, etc it weighs a ton. I think the limit is 8kg so about 18 lbs. I guess I'll wing it and worse case, I can try to move some of the stuff into my wife's bag or something.

[gturner]

I live in SA and use SAA extensively. They are no different to other airlines when it comes to weight, and like all of them they have become tougher over the last year.

I strongly suggest that you do not store camera kit in the hold, take it as carry on, there is every chance of losing it through theft at one airport or another.

If you are coming here on safari, you may find it a lot easier to rent a lens on this side. PM me if you want some help/ ideas