A little planning before departure can save time at bag drop and reduce surprises at the gate. Use this guide as a sensible starting point, then confirm the rules for your exact flight.
Start here
Your first check: what does your fare include?
Before packing, open your booking confirmation and check both the cabin-bag and checked-baggage allowance. A low fare may include a different allowance from a flexible or premium fare, even on the same route.
Cabin allowance
Confirm the permitted number of bags, maximum dimensions and weight limit for the cabin.
Checked allowance
Check whether a hold bag is included, and whether the airline uses weight or piece limits.
Extra-bag options
If you need more space, check the price and deadline for adding baggage before the airport.
Keep close
Pack your cabin bag with intention
Your cabin bag is the right place for the items you may need during the journey, as well as items that would be difficult to replace if a checked bag is delayed. Keep it within the dimensions and weight shown on your booking.
Good items to keep with you
- Identification, passport and travel documents
- Medication and essential medical items
- Wallet, keys and valuables
- Phone, charger and essential electronics
- A light layer for the flight and a change of essentials where useful
Before security
- Check current liquid and gel restrictions at your departure airport
- Keep batteries and power banks packed according to airline rules
- Make sure any sharp, pressurised or restricted item is not in your cabin bag
- Leave enough room in case you need to place the bag under the seat in front of you
For the hold
Make checked baggage easy to identify
Use a durable, clearly marked bag and add contact details inside as well as on the outside. If your allowance is weight-based, weigh the bag at home rather than relying on an airport scale at the last minute.
- Use a secure luggage tag with up-to-date contact details.
- Take a quick photo of the bag and its contents before travel.
- Keep the baggage receipt issued at bag drop until your journey is complete.
- Confirm whether sports equipment, musical instruments, baby items or oversized bags require advance approval.
- Check the airline’s rules before travelling with fragile or unusual items.
Know before you pack
Restricted and regulated items
Airlines and airport security agencies have rules for hazardous, restricted and regulated goods. These commonly include batteries, power banks, e-cigarettes, aerosols, flammable products, sharp items, certain tools and large quantities of liquids.
Rules can change and can differ between airlines and countries. If an item matters to your trip, check directly with your airline before packing it. Do not assume an item is permitted simply because you travelled with it before.
Departure day
A calmer airport-day checklist
- Review your booking. Confirm your departure airport, check-in time and bag-drop deadline.
- Weigh and label your bags. Do this at home, then keep the cabin bag easy to open for security.
- Arrive with time to spare. Bag drop, security and boarding queues can all take longer than expected.
- Keep your receipts. Store bag-drop receipts and any proof of extra-baggage payment until the trip is complete.
At CPT
After landing in Cape Town
Once you arrive at Cape Town International Airport, follow the baggage-reclaim signs and check the screens for your flight’s carousel. Before leaving the reclaim area, check that you have collected every item. If a checked bag is missing or damaged, report it to the airline or its handling representative before you leave the airport.
Read our Cape Town International Airport guide for arrival and onward-journey planning.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is checked baggage included with every flight fare?
No. Allowances depend on the airline, route and fare you choose. Check the baggage details before paying and again in your final booking confirmation.
Can I add baggage after booking?
Many airlines allow this, but pricing and cut-off times vary. It is usually best to check the airline’s options as soon as you know you need more baggage.
What should I do if my bag does not arrive in Cape Town?
Report the issue to the airline or its ground-handling desk before leaving the airport. Keep your bag-drop receipt and booking details available.
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