New hand luggage regulations will not impact on Mango

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The new hand luggage regulations restrict economy class carry-ons to a single piece with a maximum weight of 7kg and within specified dimensions (36cm x 23cm x 56cm) along with either a handbag or a slim-line laptop bag. Regulations require that all hand luggage exceeding the specifications will have to be checked in.

Mango is the only low-cost airline in South Africa that still allows 20kg of check-in luggage per traveler sans penalties on the number of bags that make up the total weight.

"Mango will not change its favourable checked bag policy and," says Mango spokesperson, Hein Kaiser, "it is anticipated that Guests will benefit from this policy substantially given the new hand luggage regulations."

The airline will not be penalising travellers for additional bags that have to be checked in as a consequence of the new regulation as it does not charge per piece of baggage within its 20kg allowance. The regulations are effective at all airports that Mango operates in and out of and impacts all airlines and travellers equally.

Kaiser also anticipates that during the initial implementation period, travellers may experience some delays in the check-in and security processes at all airports due to congestion.

"It is advisable that travellers arrive in good time for their flights as the first couple of weeks may see the process extended due to every piece of baggage (checked and carry-on) requiring weighing and checking prior to boarding a flight."

He adds that while Mango has put in place as many mitigating processes as possible to ease inconvenience, the airline appeals to its Guests to note the new regulations and pack accordingly.