News from The Departure Lounge

1 May 2010

4 February 2010

Austrian VISA applications

20 January 2010

ACSA announces hand luggage restrictions on domestic flights

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 | 00:00

As part of preparing for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), in conjunction with domestic airlines, have agreed to implement hand luggage restrictions. The purpose is to ensure a reduction in unnecessary flight delays.

“With passengers now being able to check-in at home or though the self-service kiosks, we have seen a huge increase in hand luggage. In many instances the hand luggage cannot fit into the cabin, meaning it has to be manually loaded into the hold of the aircraft, resulting in flight delays.

“During the World Cup especially, we cannot afford to have flights departing late. ACSA and the airlines are of the view that introducing the hand luggage restrictions will significantly improve flight operations. ACSA will make additional resources available to assist the airlines. We fully understand that this will require an adjustment in passenger behaviour, however, we are confident that passengers will cooperate and give us the necessary support,” said Solomon Makgale, ACSA’s Group Manager: Communication.

Implementation of these restrictions at O.R. Tambo International Airport will be with effect from 20 January 2010, with implementation at Cape Town and Durban international airports from 6 February 2010.

The restrictions are as follows:

1 bag + laptop for economy class passengers

2 bags + laptop for business/ first class passengers

Weight of each bag may not exceed 7kg

Total dimensions of each bag may not exceed 115cm (56cm + 36cm + 23cm).
Compliance with these requirements will be verified at security checkpoints at O.R. Tambo, Cape Town and Durban international airports.

“In recent surveys, done locally and abroad, passengers indicated that on-time performance by airlines was one of the most important considerations when travelling. Compliance with the above restrictions will enable the processing of passengers to be done more efficiently so that flights can depart on time. In this way, the airports and airlines will operate more effectively for the benefit of passengers, with improved adherence to schedules. The ultimate goal is to provide an improved and predictable experience for passengers using our airports,” Makgale concluded.

For inquiries, contact: Solomon Makgale, Group Manager: Communication, 082 781 8863 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

18 January 2010

27 December 2009

New regulations for travelers to the USA

The United States Transport Security Administration has implemented the following rules with immediate effect following an incident with fireworks on board an aircraft travelling to the USA.

Before Flight Boarding

· A physical search (“pat-down”) by a security or police officer prior to passenger boarding for ALL of the passengers

· ALL carry-on baggage must be physically searched prior to passenger boarding

· All passenger communications systems (email, satcom telephone and SMS) must be disabled prior to boarding and remain disabled the entire flight


During Flight Within US Airspace

· No passenger announcement can be made indicating the aircraft’s flight path or location over US cities/landmarks.

· Any system displaying aircraft position or time to destination cannot be operated in flight. Therefore, the Airshow system and both forward and  downward cameras will have to be disabled on passenger screens.


Within 1 Hour Prior to Landing

· All passengers must be seated and remain seated until deplaning at the gate

· No passenger can have access to his carry-on baggage.

· Passengers may not have any article of personal belongings, pillows or blankets (bedding items for First and Business Classes)

1 September 2009

Please note that South African passport holders now require a Schengen visa to visit Switzerland.

28 July 2009

Plastic Bags in Rwanda

As of 2nd June 2009 it has been prohibited to use or enter into Rwanda with any type of plastic bag, even Duty Free bags.