Personal item
11.8 x 15.7 x 3.9 in
- Applies to:
- Fare: Standard fares
- Last reviewed:
- 2026-05-29
Small handbag or slimline laptop bag; larger laptop bags/briefcases count as standard hand baggage.
Reviewed baggage rules
South African Airways personal item and carry-on size rules
Start with the reviewed outside limit, then keep fare, route, aircraft, and enforcement caveats beside the rule they qualify.
Carry-on
22 x 14.2 x 9.1 in
- Applies to:
- Fare: Business
- Last reviewed:
- 2026-05-29
Other published variants
- 22 x 14.2 x 9.1 in · Fare: Economy (reviewed 2026-05-29)
2 items in this context; 1 personal item allowed: 30x40x10cm.
Bags ranked for South African Airways's personal item rule
Each card shows the calculated fit, tightest margin, and useful product facts.
1
Osprey Daylite Expandable Travel Pack 26+6
17 x 13 x 6 in
5.2 in over against this rule. Not recommended for this rule: length by 5.2 in, depth by 2.1 in.
- Capacity
- 26 L
- Weight
- 1.85 lb
- Laptop
- up to 16"
2
CabinZero Classic Cabin Backpack 28L
15.4 x 11.6 x 7.9 in
4 in over against this rule. Not recommended for this rule: length by 3.6 in, depth by 4.0 in.
- Capacity
- 28 L
- Weight
- 1.3 lb
- Laptop
- up to 15.6"
3
CALPAK Luka 15 inch Laptop Backpack
16 x 12 x 7 in
4.2 in over against this rule. Not recommended for this rule: length by 4.2 in, depth by 3.1 in.
- Capacity
- 22 L
- Weight
- 1.8 lb
- Laptop
- up to 15"
4
Samsonite Mother Lode Jr Travel Backpack
19.8 x 13.3 x 7.5 in
8 in over against this rule. Not recommended for this rule: length by 8.0 in, depth by 3.6 in.
- Capacity
- 32 L
- Weight
- 3.2 lb
- Laptop
- up to 15"
5
Topo Rover Pack Classic
11 x 17 x 4.5 in
1.3 in over against this rule. Not recommended for this rule: width by 1.3 in, depth by 0.6 in.
- Capacity
- 20 L
- Weight
- 1.5 lb
- Laptop
- up to 16"
6
Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack
18.9 x 11.8 x 9.1 in
7.1 in over against this rule. Not recommended for this rule: length by 7.1 in, depth by 5.2 in.
- Capacity
- 28 L
- Weight
- 2.62 lb
- Laptop
- up to 15"
Dimensions summary
- Personal item
- Personal item: 11.8 x 15.7 x 3.9 in (published; high confidence).
- Carry-on
- Carry-on: 22 x 14.2 x 9.1 in (published; high confidence).
Useful next checks
FAQ
What size personal item does South African Airways allow?
South African Airways's reviewed published personal-item rule lists 11.8 x 15.7 x 3.9 in. Small handbag or slimline laptop bag; larger laptop bags/briefcases count as standard hand baggage. Source last checked 2026-05-29.
What carry-on size is listed for South African Airways?
South African Airways's reviewed published carry-on rule lists 22 x 14.2 x 9.1 in. 2 items in this context; 1 personal item allowed: 30x40x10cm. Source last checked 2026-05-29.
Are South African Airways fit results guaranteed at the gate?
No. This page compares reviewed bag dimensions against reviewed airline rules and does not guarantee gate acceptance. Bulk-reviewed official airline policy snapshot; verify edge cases before adding fare-specific UI copy.