Africa Travel Question on size limits

[Lwing]

I read with great interest the thread in regard to weight limiits for the flights within Africa.

What kind of size limits are there for carry on bags on the in country flights in Kenya and Tanzania? Should I be concerned about too large a backpack for camera gear when I go to East Africa?

[pete.rush]

Originally Posted by Lwing

I read with great interest the thread in regard to weight limiits for the flights within Africa.

What kind of size limits are there for carry on bags on the in country flights in Kenya and Tanzania? Should I be concerned about too large a backpack for camera gear when I go to East Africa?

It depends what airline you're flying with? When I flew from London to Jo'Burg using BA, then internal flight using SAA, the bag restrictions were on weight and size, with the internal flight weight and bag size being smaller than the main airline. BA was 55x45x25 (HxWxD) and lift into overhead lockers, where as SAA was max dimension 115cm (45in) and 8KG.

No problems with BA, could have taken more kit, but did buy myself a Thinktank backpack because it was half the weight empty of my Lowepro. They didn't check my bag for size or weight on the SAA flight, but it wasn't a full flight. Its a risk as to what you take, especially if your travelling with one of the smaller airlines.

Personally, I would check the size limits and keep to them bag wise, as for weight, be sensible and not go too overboard, just in case they do check, because that could cost you extra $$$.... Definitely check the airlines website..

[simonjs]

I flew to Kenya with BA where the bag has to be carry on size, the weight limit is over 20Kg I believe, once in Kenya I flew with Safari Link where the total luggage weight is 15Kg however on both occassions I have been they didn't see the camera bag at check-in for the flights in Nairobi and no one seemed interested when boarding. The airstips gernerally don't have 'check-in' for return flights, your name is checked off on a list.

[Lwing]

Thanks guys!

[robinpow]

Just got back a few weeks ago! I did 3 flights on SAA, using everything from the little puddle hopper to the 737.

First off SAA reminded much of what flying in the states was 40 years ago, they treat people like customers not cattle. While the limits are lighter than here, there were a lot of photographers flying and all of us were over weight. Nothing was said to anyone.

On the downside, just like here... on the little aircraft full size carry on bags are gate checked.

[Youngback]

For anyone else referencing this post, generally inter-Africa flights have more restrictive carry on baggage limits as the overhead baggage compartments are not very big. I had to disassemble my camera bag on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Entebbe as the Embraer 170 overhead racks would only fit an elementary school students backpack. BA, SAA, Emirates, all the major international carriers were no problem. The more regional airlines I have to get creative.

[desperoadie]

I have been taking 600 (and lately 500F4) lens and have had only one problem once on my trip back to Europe. If you bag is too big to go in the over-head compartment, talk to the crew, smile and compliment them on the beauty of their country. They will stow it somewhere safely. That usually does the trick