South African Airways is introducing a new check-in baggage policy on September 5, 2012, and it restricts the number of pieces of baggage a passenger may check in, rather than the total weight of the passenger’s checked baggage.

SAA spokesman Kabelo Ledwaba said in a statement:

From September 5, 2012, SAA will move to a checked baggage policy that restricts the number of pieces of baggage a passenger may check in, rather than the total weight of the passenger’s checked baggage. Each of these pieces will be subject to weight and size restrictions.

The new policy will apply to the route and class of travel.

With respect to excess baggage, or where the baggage exceeds the weight or size allowance, a passenger would be charged at a flat rate per piece of luggage.

This is a change from the current policy, where excess baggage is charged per kilogram. Any items exceeding this limit will either have to be repacked into separate bags, or checked in at the SAA cargo counter and flown at cargo rates.

This, he explained, was to comply with airport loading equipment limits, and that the national carrier cannot accept any check-in items weighing more than 32kg.

Further to this he explained:

The policy will apply on tickets for all flights operated by SAA, that is, flown using an SAA aircraft and crew. For tickets involving joint international transport services provided by SAA and foreign airlines, the free baggage and excess baggage charge policy have been adjusted and will be based on the policies of the predominant carrier for the trip.

Still, there was no word on when SAA would be looking into acquiring Airbus’ fat seats for fat people, who weigh a lot more than excess baggage.

Check out the new restrictions HERE.

[Source: Sapa via IOL]