In June 2019, OR Tambo International Airport extended its irregular baggage rules to help prevent blockages and breakdowns in the baggage handling system. These luggage regulations at OR Tambo were initially introduced in March 2019 as a part of a soft launch, aligning with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines to ensure smoother processing of luggage.
The airport baggage policies in Johannesburg now prohibit round bags, bags with long hanging straps, and those without flat surfaces. According to Bongiwe Pityi, General Manager at OR Tambo International, “OR Tambo Airport handles around 35,000 bags daily. While irregular baggage accounts for only about 1% of these, sometimes a single bag can cause a jam in the system.”
For passengers carrying irregular baggage—such as duffel bags without a flat bottom or backpacks with long straps—several options are available. Passengers can have their bags wrapped at approved wrapping stations to add a flat surface, remove or tape down straps, or adjust the bag to meet the acceptable baggage standards.
Kris Reddy, Assistant General Manager at OR Tambo, acknowledged, “We understand these new baggage rules at OR Tambo may create inconvenience or additional costs for some passengers, but this step was not taken lightly.” The policy aims to follow global best practices, as other major international airports, including Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 1, have recently introduced similar restrictions.
Acceptable Baggage Rules
Only regular-shaped bags are accepted at check-in counters.
Bags must have at least one flat surface to be allowed for check-in.
Bags with long straps must have the straps removed or secured.
Round bags are not permitted for check-in.
To comply, passengers can visit a baggage-wrapping station at OR Tambo at a standard cost of R90 per bag, with the option of adding a flat base at no extra cost. All expenses required to make an irregular bag compliant are the responsibility of the passenger.
Please note: These luggage regulations at OR Tambo apply only to departing passengers. Hand luggage rules remain unchanged.
