When preparing for a flight, one of the most common questions travelers ask is whether a handbag is included in the 7kg carry-on allowance. If you’re flying from South Africa or planning to board a domestic or international flight, it’s important to understand how airlines manage baggage policies and what is included in your carry-on.
Understanding Carry-On and Personal Item Allowances
Carry-On Bag:
A carry-on bag refers to the main bag you are allowed to take on board with you. This bag typically has specific weight and size restrictions and is intended to fit in the overhead bin. Most airlines worldwide, including South African carriers, allow a 7kg carry-on bag. This weight limit may vary depending on the airline, but 7kg is the standard for many budget and full-service airlines.
Personal Item:
A personal item, on the other hand, is smaller than your carry-on bag and is intended to fit under the seat in front of you. Personal items include things like a handbag, a laptop bag, a small backpack, or even an airport purchase like a duty-free bag. While the size and weight limits for a personal item are usually more relaxed, they still need to meet the airline’s guidelines.
Does the 7kg Carry-On Allowance Include a Handbag?
Yes, in many cases, a 7kg carry-on allowance includes a small personal item like a handbag. However, it is important to note that personal items like handbags are typically not counted toward the total weight of your 7kg carry-on. This means that you can bring both a carry-on bag weighing up to 7kg plus a handbag or similar small personal item, provided it fits under the seat.
Airline Examples in South Africa
To give you a clearer understanding, let’s look at some popular South African airlines and their baggage policies:
1. FlySafair
FlySafair allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag that weighs no more than 7kg, along with one personal item like a handbag or laptop bag. The personal item is not included in the 7kg limit and can be placed under the seat in front of you.
2. Kulula
Kulula also follows a similar policy. You can bring one carry-on bag that weighs up to 7kg and a small personal item like a handbag or laptop bag. The personal item does not count toward the 7kg weight allowance.
3. South African Airways
South African Airways, being the national carrier, typically allows a carry-on bag up to 7kg and an additional personal item such as a handbag, laptop bag, or duty-free shopping. Again, the personal item does not count against your carry-on weight.
International Airlines and Their Carry-On Policies
Many international airlines have similar baggage policies to those of South African carriers. Here are a couple of examples:
- Aer Lingus allows a 7kg carry-on bag and a small personal item like a handbag or laptop bag.
- Jet2 also follows the same approach, where you are allowed to bring a small personal item like a handbag, laptop bag, or airport purchase in addition to your main carry-on.
Tips for Packing Your Carry-On and Personal Item
While your handbag is generally not included in your 7kg carry-on allowance, it’s still important to pack smartly to ensure compliance with airline policies. Here are a few packing tips:
- Weigh your carry-on bag: Always double-check the weight of your carry-on before heading to the airport to avoid surprises. Most airports have weight scales at the check-in counters.
- Be mindful of size limits: Even though the handbag isn’t included in the 7kg limit, airlines usually have strict size restrictions. Make sure your handbag fits under the seat in front of you.
- Pack essentials in your personal item: Your personal item should ideally hold the things you’ll need during the flight, like your phone, passport, medication, or a book.
- Check with your airline: If you’re flying with a low-cost or international airline, always check the latest baggage policy online or with customer support to avoid confusion.