Federal Air cargo searches often concern safari luggage, photographic equipment, lodge supplies or a private charter carrying extra items. Start by distinguishing passenger baggage from a standalone freight shipment. Federal Airlines, also called FedAir, publicly focuses on Southern African shuttle and private charter travel; its baggage provisions do not establish an unrestricted commercial cargo service.
What FedAir’s baggage information says
The airline’s 2026 official agent manual sets out standard and X-Class baggage options. Standard hold baggage is listed at 20 kg, including photographic equipment, with piece dimensions of 40 × 30 × 60 cm. Soft-sided bags are preferred.
The manual describes pre-arranged additional baggage and a freight-seat allowance in the passenger baggage context. These remain subject to operational weight-and-balance limits, and carriage is not guaranteed. They should not be treated as a general cargo tariff for parcels or lodge stock.
Check the current rules for your fare and every flight sector. If an item exceeds the applicable allowance, obtain an approved arrangement before travelling. Do not assume it can be carried on your lap or accepted by paying at the airstrip.
Federal Airlines contacts for the right enquiry
The official FedAir contact page lists shuttle@fedair.com for shuttle services and charters@fedair.com for private charter enquiries, with +27 11 395 9000 as the general number. Its private charter page describes tailored travel. Use the appropriate team and explain whether goods are accompanied or unaccompanied.
This guide concerns Federal Airlines in South Africa. Do not confuse it with similarly named cargo businesses in other countries. Identify the operator behind any proposal using official company channels.
Photographic equipment and extra safari luggage
Give the booking team the external measurements and gross weight of every case, including packing and accessories. Describe batteries and other special contents. Explain whether the equipment must travel with you, and list all booked sectors rather than asking about only the first flight.
Ask whether a different baggage option, approved additional allowance or separate transport is appropriate. Confirm the arrangement in writing and tell your lodge or travel organiser what has been accepted. Keep essential items with you only where the applicable rules permit.
Unaccompanied supplies and private charter enquiries
If you need lodge stock, replacement parts or other goods moved without passengers, ask whether FedAir can offer an accepted transport arrangement. Provide origin, destination, date, delivery deadline, package count, dimensions, weights and an exact contents description.
A passenger shuttle to a lodge does not automatically accept commercial supplies. For a charter assessment, ask about aircraft configuration, loading aperture, restraint and the receiving airstrip. Explain whether people travel with the shipment or a freight-only movement is required.
Compare the full price and delivery endpoint
Distinguish extra baggage charges from a charter quotation or independently booked freight. Ask which product is being quoted and what acceptance conditions apply. A freight-seat reference in a passenger manual does not mean a standalone cargo booking is available.
For a charter, request positioning, flying, handling, permits, waiting and any ground transport. Check cancellation and route-change terms. If another provider carries the goods, compare collection, delivery and handling responsibilities on the same basis.
Airstrip handover and onward movement
Give the receiving location and a lodge or site contact. Confirm who takes custody, unloads and transports the items from the strip. Ask what happens if the intended airstrip becomes unavailable and another receiving point is used.
For international equipment or supplies, appoint the parties handling export and import formalities. Keep goods-clearance arrangements separate from passenger entry requirements. Retain the accepted booking, package list and handover records so the receiver can follow up discrepancies.
Frequently asked questions
Is a FedAir freight seat a general cargo product?
The published reference appears in passenger baggage guidance. Ask about the actual approved arrangement for your shipment.
Can camera equipment ignore the baggage limit?
No. The standard guidance includes photographic equipment, and your applicable fare and approval still matter.
Can I send lodge supplies on a shuttle?
Request explicit acceptance for unaccompanied goods rather than relying on a passenger route listing.
Turn your enquiry into a workable shipping plan
A photographer may connect from a long-haul flight carrying a rigid equipment case that meets the first airline’s rules but exceeds the bush flight’s allowance. Send the case details to FedAir before finalising the itinerary and ask about every connecting sector. Compare an approved baggage option with storing non-essential items or arranging separate transport. For lodge supplies, have the lodge confirm receiving hours and onward collection at the airstrip. Planning those details early prevents a passenger booking from leaving the equipment movement unresolved.
Compare the complete quotation
Ask for the total payable for the same shipment and delivery endpoint. A lower flight charge can leave screening, storage, handling and road transport to be paid separately. Check the quotation’s expiry date, payment currency and what happens if the flight changes. Identify who will notify the receiver when the cargo is ready and who pays for a delay in collection. Keep written acceptance with the booking reference before releasing the goods.
For larger regional freight enquiries, see our Airlink cargo booking guide. For a remote charter assessment, read Angel Gabriel Aeronautics cargo.
How Travo can assist
For a consignment travelling into or out of Nigeria, Travo’s international shipping service offers freight coordination, supplier collection and consolidation, customs support through licensed clearing partners and onward delivery. If imported stock needs holding before distribution, ask about warehouse storage and fulfilment. Request the scope for your actual origin and destination, including any overseas partner arrangements and local delivery charges.
Request a shipment plan from Travo with your collection and delivery addresses, goods description, dimensions, weight and deadline. Ask which services are included, which need separate approval and what the delivery estimate depends on. This lets you coordinate the ground journey with the airline’s confirmed acceptance.
