As part of preparing for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), in conjunction with domestic airlines, have agreed to implement hand luggage restrictions. The purpose is to ensure a reduction in unnecessary flight delays.

“With passengers now being able to check-in at home or though the self-service kiosks, we have seen a huge increase in hand luggage. In many instances the hand luggage cannot fit into the cabin, meaning it has to be manually loaded into the hold of the aircraft, resulting in flight delays.

“During the World Cup especially, we cannot afford to have flights departing late. ACSA and the airlines are of the view that introducing the hand luggage restrictions will significantly improve flight operations. ACSA will make additional resources available to assist the airlines. We fully understand that this will require an adjustment in passenger behaviour, however, we are confident that passengers will cooperate and give us the necessary support,” said Solomon Makgale, ACSA’s Group Manager: Communication.

Implementation of these restrictions at O.R. Tambo International Airport will be with effect from 20 January 2010, with implementation at Cape Town and Durban international airports from 6 February 2010.

The restrictions are as follows:

•         1 bag + laptop for economy class passengers

•         2 bags + laptop for business/ first class passengers

•         Weight of each bag may not exceed 7kg

•         Total dimensions of each bag may not exceed 115cm (56cm + 36cm +   23cm).

Compliance with these requirements will be verified at security checkpoints at O.R. Tambo, Cape Town and Durban international airports.

“In recent surveys, done locally and abroad, passengers indicated that on-time performance by airlines was one of the most important considerations when travelling. Compliance with the above restrictions will enable the processing of passengers to be done more efficiently so that flights can depart on time. In this way, the airports and airlines will operate more effectively for the benefit of passengers, with improved adherence to schedules. The ultimate goal is to provide an improved and predictable experience for passengers using our airports,” Makgale concluded.