New rules for checking in bags of irregular shape and size have been applied at OR Tambo International Airport.
The aim is to prevent blockages and breakdowns in the baggage handling system caused by bags that do not have any flat surfaces or that have long straps or grips as per the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines.
Bags that are round or do not have a flat surface of any kind are the largest source of jams in the baggage handling system.
These jams can shut down sections of the baggage handling system, delay baggage delivery to aircraft and inconvenience passengers and airlines.
The new baggage rules are:
- Only regular-shaped bags will be allowed at check-in counters;
- This means that the bags must have at least one flat surface to be accepted on the check-in system;
- Round or irregular-shaped bags will not be allowed at check-in counters; and
- Bags with longs straps will not be allowed at check-in counters.
Passengers trying to check in bags that do not conform to these rules will be offered the option of having their baggage wrapped with one flat side at airport approved baggage wrapping stations.