"From September 5, 2012, SAA will move to a checked baggage policy that restricts the number of pieces of baggage a passenger may check in, rather than the total weight of the passenger's checked baggage," said spokesman Kabelo Ledwaba in a statement.

"Each of these pieces will be subject to weight and size restrictions."

He said the new policy describes the number of baggage pieces a passenger may check in, as well as the weight restrictions for each piece, according to the route and class of travel.

Excess baggage, or where the baggage exceeds the weight or size allowance, would be charged at a flat rate per piece of luggage.

"This is a change from the current policy, where excess baggage is charged per kilogram."

He said to comply with airport loading equipment limits, SAA cannot accept any check-in items weighing more than 32kg.

"Any items exceeding this limit will either have to be repacked into separate bags, or checked in at the SAA cargo counter and flown at cargo rates."

The new policy, which contains simple explanations and identifies routes where variations were applicable, may be viewed online at www.flysaa.com (at the time of publication these were not visible to Times LIVE).

He said passenger with tickets purchased from SAA for a flight with an SA flight number, but operated by another airline, should check with the other airlines to see which baggage policy was applicable.

For tickets involving joint international transport services (code share) provided by SAA and foreign airlines, the free baggage and excess baggage charge policy have been adjusted and would be based on the policies of the predominant carrier for the trip.