LIFT Airlines offers three baggage tiers: Economy No-Bag (cabin bag only), Economy Bag (1 x 23 kg checked bag), and Premium (2 x 23 kg checked bags + sporting equipment). Extra bags cost R200–R750 when pre-booked online, or R300 per bag at the airport. A heavy bag fee of R200 applies to bags between 23–32 kg.

Getting caught off guard by baggage fees at check-in is one of the most avoidable travel frustrations. LIFT Airlines has a straightforward policy but the details matter. Pre-booking an extra bag online can save you R100 per bag compared to paying at the airport. Knowing the exact weight limits, dimension rules, and fee tiers before you pack means no surprises on departure day.

How Much Luggage Is Allowed on LIFT Airlines?

LIFT Airlines offers different baggage allowances depending on the fare you purchase. Every passenger receives at least one free cabin bag plus one personal item, regardless of fare type. Checked bag allowances vary significantly across the three fare tiers.

Your personal item either a slimline laptop bag or a handbag (not both) must fit under the seat in front of you and may not exceed 40 x 15 x 20 cm.

What Are the LIFT Airlines Carry-On Bag Rules?

Every LIFT passenger can bring one cabin bag free of charge on every flight. This allowance applies regardless of fare type. The cabin bag must not exceed 7 kg in weight and must fit within the dimensions of 56 x 36 x 23 cm.

Key carry-on rules to note:

• Economy and Economy No-Bag passengers get one cabin bag
• Premium passengers get two cabin bags (both up to 7 kg each)
• Lithium batteries and power banks must travel in your cabin bag they are not permitted in checked luggage
• Each lithium battery or power bank may not exceed 100 Wh per item
• If your cabin bag is oversized or overweight at the airport, it will be checked in and a fee may apply (see below)

Oversized cabin bag fees at the airport:

What Is the LIFT Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance for Economy?

Economy No-Bag passengers have no checked baggage included only the cabin bag and personal item. Economy Bag passengers receive one checked bag up to 23 kg, sized within 90 x 75 x 43 cm. This is the standard allowance for most domestic LIFT travelers booking the mid-tier fare.

If you are traveling light (a short business trip with just a laptop), Economy No-Bag is the cost-efficient choice. For a weekend getaway or holiday requiring a full suitcase, Economy Bag is the practical default.

What Size Is a 23 kg Checked Bag?

A 23 kg checked bag is classified as a large suitcase typically around 75–78 cm tall. LIFT’s checked bag dimension limit of 90 x 75 x 43 cm (totalling 208 cm in linear measurement) accommodates most standard large hard-shell and soft-shell suitcases sold at major retailers.

A useful real-world check: if you can lift the bag comfortably with one hand, it probably weighs under 23 kg. Most large suitcases, when packed with a week’s worth of clothing, fall between 18–22 kg. Shoes, toiletries, and books add up quickly use a luggage scale before leaving home to avoid the R200 heavy bag fee at check-in.

What Is the LIFT Airlines Extra Baggage Cost?

LIFT Airlines offers two ways to purchase extra checked baggage, and the price depends on when you buy. Pre-booking online is always cheaper than paying at the airport.

Pre-booking online (during booking or up to 24 hours before departure):

Prices are per flight (one-way). You can purchase up to 3 bags online.

Purchasing at the airport or via Manage Booking:

• R300 per bag per flight (up to 23 kg each)
• If you need more than 3 bags, airport purchase at R300 per bag is the only option

Practical example: A family of four (two adults, two children) on a return trip, each needing one extra bag, would pay R1,600 total if pre-booked online (8 x R200), versus R2,400 if purchased at the airport (8 x R300). Pre-booking saves R800 on the same trip.

What Is the LIFT Airlines Overweight Baggage Fee?

LIFT charges a R200 heavy bag fee per item for any checked bag weighing between 23 kg and 32 kg. This fee is charged at the airport at check-in it cannot be pre-paid online.

Bags exceeding 32 kg are not accepted at check-in under any circumstances due to health and safety regulations. Items over this limit must be sent via cargo at the passenger’s own expense. The same restriction applies to bags larger than 200 x 80 x 75 cm.

Heavy bag fee summary:

• 23–32 kg: R200 additional fee per bag, charged at airport
• Over 32 kg: Not accepted cargo shipment required
• Over 200 x 80 x 75 cm: Not accepted cargo shipment required

How Does LIFT Airlines Baggage Check-In Work?

LIFT Airlines offers two check-in methods, both free of charge. Understanding the timing helps avoid last-minute stress especially if you have checked bags to drop off.

Online check-in:

• Available from 24 hours before departure at lift.co.za or checkin.lift.co.za
• If you have no checked bags, proceed directly to security after online check-in
• LIFT does not currently offer a mobile app for check-in

Airport check-in:

• Opens 2 hours before departure
• Closes 45 minutes before departure late arrivals may not be accepted
• Boarding passes are printed free of charge at the airport

If you added extra baggage after your original booking, you can do so through the Manage Booking portal up to one hour before departure at R300 per bag per flight.

What Are the Rules for Sporting Equipment and Musical Instruments on LIFT?

Sporting and musical equipment can be added to your booking at R250 per item, either during the booking process or later via Manage Booking. The size limit is 200 x 80 x 75 cm and weight limit is 23 kg per item.

• Premium fare passengers receive one sporting equipment item as part of their included allowance (no additional fee)
• If the item exceeds size or weight limits, heavy bag fees or cargo charges may apply
• Equipment with lithium batteries (e.g., e-bikes) or pressurized gas canisters are generally not accepted as checked baggage check with LIFT before traveling
• Allow extra time at check-in for screening; you may collect your item from the oversized baggage area on arrival

What Is LIFT’s Baggage Policy for Children and Infants?

Children’s and infants’ baggage allowances mirror those of the accompanying adult who purchased the fare. A child traveling on an Economy Bag fare receives the same cabin bag and checked bag allowance as the adult.

Additional items permitted for infants:

• Up to two extra items such as a pram, stroller, carry cot, car seat, or carrier
• Standard checked baggage weight and dimension rules apply to these items

Additional items permitted for children:

• One additional item such as a pram, stroller, car seat, or booster seat
• Booster seats and car seats may not be used on board the aircraft

Can You Travel With a Dog on LIFT Airlines?

LIFT Airlines permits small dogs in the cabin. Dogs must be carried in an approved soft-case carrier bag that fits under the blocked window seat assigned to your booking. The carrier bag must not exceed 55 x 35 x 28 cm, and the dog (including carrier) must not exceed 8 kg.

• Submit a dog-in-cabin request form at least 7 days before travel
• Cost equals the accompanying adult’s fare (less taxes)
• Only one dog per adult passenger; dogs must be at least 10 weeks old
• Dogs must remain in the carrier bag at all times, from airport entry to airport exit

Do You Get Free Food on LIFT Airlines?

Yes. All onboard snacks and drinks are complimentary on every LIFT flight. Morning travelers receive tea, hot chocolate, juice, water, and fresh coffee from Vida e Caffè. Afternoon travelers are offered wine, hot beverages, juice, water, and a light snack. There is no separate meal purchase required.

Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees on LIFT Airlines

A few simple habits before departure can eliminate unnecessary charges:

• Weigh your bag at home using a handheld luggage scale (widely available for under R100) scales at the airport are not accessible before check-in
• Pre-book extra bags online during your booking you’ll pay R200 instead of R300 at the airport
• Wear heavier items (boots, jackets) through the airport if your bag is close to the limit
• Use vacuum compression bags to reduce bulk without adding weight
• Separate lithium batteries and power banks into your cabin bag before check-in to avoid delays
• Book Premium if you regularly travel with two large bags and sporting equipment the included allowance may offset the higher fare cost over multiple trips

What You Need to Know Before You Fly with LIFT

LIFT Airlines’ baggage policy is structured, transparent, and genuinely rewarding if you plan ahead. The difference between pre-booking and airport pricing is material especially on return trips or family travel. Knowing your fare type, weighing bags before arrival, and booking extras online are the three habits that will consistently keep your travel costs predictable.

For the most current fees and booking options, refer to LIFT’s official baggage policy page at lift.co.za, or access the Manage Booking portal to add extras up to one hour before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many kg of luggage is allowed on LIFT Airlines?
Economy No-Bag passengers are allowed one 7 kg cabin bag only. Economy Bag passengers get one 7 kg cabin bag plus one 23 kg checked bag. Premium passengers receive two 7 kg cabin bags and two 23 kg checked bags. Every passenger also gets one personal item (max 40 x 15 x 20 cm).

What does LIFT Airlines charge for an extra checked bag if booked online?
One extra bag costs R200 per flight when pre-booked online. Two extra bags cost R450 per flight, and three cost R750 per flight. All prices are one-way and are cheaper than the R300-per-bag airport rate.

Can I add extra baggage after I’ve already booked my LIFT flight?
Yes. You can add extra checked baggage via the Manage Booking portal or at the airport up to one hour before departure. The cost is R300 per bag per flight when added after booking, compared to R200 for the first bag when added during the original booking.

What happens if my checked bag weighs between 23 kg and 32 kg on LIFT?
LIFT charges a R200 heavy bag fee per item at the airport check-in desk. This fee applies to each bag in the 23–32 kg range and cannot be pre-paid online. Bags over 32 kg are refused at check-in entirely.

Is the personal item (laptop bag or handbag) truly free on all LIFT fares?
Yes. Every LIFT passenger regardless of fare type can bring one personal item free of charge. It must be either a slimline laptop bag or a handbag (not both), and must not exceed 40 x 15 x 20 cm to fit under the seat in front.

How much does it cost to bring sporting equipment on LIFT Airlines?
Sporting or musical equipment can be pre-booked for R250 per item, subject to a 23 kg weight limit and 200 x 80 x 75 cm size limit. Premium fare passengers receive one sporting equipment item included in their allowance at no additional charge.

Can I bring a power bank or lithium battery in my checked bag on LIFT?
No. Lithium batteries and power banks are strictly prohibited in checked baggage on all LIFT flights. They must travel in your cabin bag only and may not exceed 100 Wh per item. Non-compliance can result in the item being confiscated at check-in.

What is LIFT’s online check-in window, and when does check-in close at the airport?
Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure at lift.co.za. Airport check-in opens 2 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before departure. Passengers who arrive after check-in closes may not be accepted onto the flight.

Do children get the same baggage allowance as adults on LIFT Airlines?
Yes, children receive the same baggage allowance as the accompanying adult based on the fare purchased. Infants are permitted up to two additional items (pram, stroller, carry cot, car seat, or carrier), while children may bring one additional item such as a pram, car seat, or stroller.

What is the maximum bag size LIFT will accept at check-in?
Checked bags must not exceed 90 x 75 x 43 cm in dimensions and 32 kg in weight. Bags larger than 200 x 80 x 75 cm or heavier than 32 kg cannot be checked in under any circumstances and must be sent via cargo at the passenger’s own expense.