Your Essential Travel Guide

Your Safety and Security: A Traveler’s Priority

Your safety is paramount. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth and secure journey.

• Restricted Items: To ensure the safety of everyone on board, please refrain from packing any sharp or dangerous objects in your carry-on luggage. This includes items such as knives, toy weapons, pepper spray, razor blades, and tools like screwdrivers or corkscrews.
• Baggage Awareness: Always keep your hand luggage with you. Never leave your bags unattended, and be cautious about carrying items for others. If you see any suspicious packages or unattended baggage, please report it immediately to airport security or a police officer.
• Traveling with Gifts: If you’re carrying gifts, it’s best to leave them unwrapped. Security personnel may need to inspect them, and this will save you the trouble of having to unwrap them at the checkpoint.

Navigating the Airport: Porters and Special Assistance

We’re here to make your airport experience as seamless as possible.

• Porter Services: At OR Tambo International Airport, you can find porters in bright orange uniforms in all terminals and at the drop-off zones. They are self-employed, so a tip of around R20 per luggage item is a recommended way to show your appreciation for their service.
• Special Needs: If you or a travel companion requires special assistance due to mobility restrictions, please contact your airline or the airport’s Information Desk. It’s recommended to make these arrangements at least 48 hours before your flight. For assistance at the airport, you can also call the Landside hotline at +27 (0) 21 935 3737.

Luggage Logistics: What to Pack and Where

Understanding baggage rules is key to a hassle-free check-in and boarding process.

General Restrictions

Certain items are not allowed in either checked or carry-on baggage due to safety regulations. These include anything that could endanger the aircraft, its passengers, or property, as outlined in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Checked Baggage

It’s best to avoid packing fragile, perishable, or valuable items in your checked luggage. This includes money, jewelry, computers, personal electronics, important documents, and any essential medication or medical equipment. House and car keys, as well as car parts, should also be kept with you.

Carry-On Baggage

For your carry-on, be mindful of the following restrictions: explosives (like fireworks), knives of any kind, metal cutlery, razor blades, tools, darts, scissors, and sporting equipment like bats and clubs are not permitted. Knitting needles and hypodermic needles (unless for medical use with a doctor’s note) are also prohibited.

Carry-On Luggage Dimensions

While exact dimensions can vary by airline, a general guideline for carry-on luggage is around 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Many airlines also allow for a smaller personal item, such as a laptop bag or handbag. Always check with your specific airline for their current regulations to avoid any surprises at the airport.

International Flights: Liquids and Medication

• Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs): When flying internationally, all liquids, aerosols, and gels in your carry-on must be in containers of 100ml or less. These containers should be placed in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag with a total capacity of no more than one liter. Each passenger is allowed one of these bags.
• Medication: If you’re traveling with medication, keep it in its original packaging and bring a copy of your prescription. This will help with a smooth security screening process.