1st timer/frequent travellers

Hi,

I've never flown SAA but I know that the stroller doesn't count as hand luggage. You can push him through in it and just before you board, you hand it over and they'll put it in the aircraft for you.

Sorry , I can't help with the car seat info. We've only flown once with the car seat and it was when our lg girl was 18 months. After that we never bothered to take it.

You'll see, he'll sprawl out quite nicely on his chair and onto yours - he'll be in 'first class'. I'm sure he'll sleep fine, our 2 always do. Its us who are like zombies.
If you really want his car seat and SAA have these rules, then pack all the things into one bag - it will be easier for you anyway- and let him take his car seat. If they give you any hassle, which I don't see why they should, tell them that you paid almost, if not full fare for the lo and ask to speak to management .

If you're renting a car, they also rent the car seats.

Yes, do the full leg compression stockings and try to move around.

Good luck and enjoy your holiday to the UK.

I'm flying to the UK on Monday. Previously Ive just done the whole lap thing and have hired a car seat when at destination, but this time James is over 2 and has his own seat. I'm getting conflicting information from South African Airways - no one can actually answer me. Apparently after 2 the "free car seat and stroller" rule no longer applies, and are included in a normal adult luggage allowance (1 peice handluggage, 20kg hold allowance) I really feel that James will sleep much better in his carseat on the plane and it will save the hassle of organising one the other end.
1) Have you flown SAA and have they allowed you to take a carseat on board.
2) did the car seat "take up" one hand luggage space or was it in addition (eg if James and I are flying will I be allowed 2 pieces hand luggage plus the car seat, or must I pack a large backpack with all our travel docs, toys for James, food for James together and allow his car seat as James "allowance"

3) if I take a stroller will this impact on the hold luggage I am allowed ie will I only be allowed one other peice of baggage (which is what I have been very vaguely told by saa)

Sigh I dont know what I was thinking....only 2 weeks "short" of 3rd trimester and being allowed to fly, with a toddler in tow. Am definitely getting compression stockings for this flight .... and a crap load of rescue remedy:(