Acsa says it has started to crack down on non-compliant hand luggage at all of its airports.

This is with the intention of aligning passengers’ hand luggage carried onboard flights with aviation safety and compliance standards. This applies to domestic, regional and international flights.

Acsa now aims to identify passengers with non-compliant items before they reach the security checkpoint. Non-compliant passengers will be directed back to check-in counters to transfer their baggage to checked-in baggage.

Hand luggage is to be weighed before the security check counter.

Regulations

According to the regulations in force at Acsa airports, the hand baggage allowance is as follows:

• Economy-class passengers: one bag plus one slimline laptop bag or handbag.
• Premium-class passengers: two bags plus a slimline laptop bag. (A slimline laptop bag means a bag of a size and thickness specifically designed to carry a laptop and charger and does not include bags capable of carrying items such as documents, clothes and other items.)
• Bags may not exceed the total dimensions of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm.
• Weight limit per bag: 7kg.
• Passengers who exceed the hand luggage limit will be subject to the specific airline’s excess baggage rules.

Acsa says where an exception to the regulations is granted by an airline to a passenger, the passenger will be accompanied to the security point by uniformed airline staff who will confirm such exception to the security officer or official manning the hand baggage control point.

The regulations are not new, but with the usual seasonal increase in traffic at, Acsa has simply reiterated them and said it intended to enforce them.  

The airport operator says the objective is twofold – not only will enforcement of regulations help the airport to manage the surge in travellers but it will also bolster Acsa’s efforts in combating criminal activities. The regulations serve as a pre-emptive measure, flagging potentially illegal or hazardous items in hand baggage. 

“The safety of our passengers is of utmost importance to Acsa. As such, the hand baggage regulations are in place to ensure that we can provide the safest possible environment for our visitors and to ensure that they have a seamless experience at our airports,” says Laurene Less, Group Executive: Corporate Services at Acsa.

“The implementation of these regulations stems from a recognised necessity, expressed by domestic airlines, to establish consistent controls for the carriage of hand baggage on flights departing from Acsa airports. This initiative is supported by international airlines, emphasising the collective advantage of a standardised policy applicable to all flights. 

According to George Mothema, CEO ofairline association, Barsa, this approach ensures a uniform and fair application of policies for all passengers.

These regulations are considered essential, not only to uphold hand baggage policies but also to prioritise cabin and flight safety and are in alignment with global best practices.

Aaron Munetsi, CEO of regional airline association, AASA, emphasises the safety perspective: “From a passenger safety perspective, the hand baggage regulations aim to identify overweight luggage that could pose risks to both aircraft and passengers. We strongly encourage compliance with these regulations, as failure to adhere will necessitate redirecting passengers to check-in counters for luggage check-in. Hand luggage weight checks will be conducted at security points before passengers access the boarding gates.”

Acsa requests that passengers arrive at the airport early to allow sufficient time to check in their baggage.