If you are searching for LIFT Airline cargo because a bag or shipment will not fit normal passenger travel rules, confirm a separate freight arrangement before going to the airport. LIFT’s passenger baggage policy explains when an item needs cargo or courier transport, but it does not provide automatic cargo acceptance or a freight reservation.
When LIFT baggage becomes a freight enquiry
The official LIFT baggage policy says bags above 32 kg or larger than 200 × 80 × 75 cm must be sent as cargo at the traveller’s expense. Its checked baggage support guidance also directs bags above the single-piece weight limit to a courier arrangement.
Those instructions describe an alternative to passenger check-in. They do not establish a public LIFT freight tariff, a cargo terminal address or permission to load your item on the same flight as you. Get the provider and actual transport method confirmed in writing.
How to ask about LIFT cargo booking
LIFT publishes support@lift.co.za in its customer terms. Use the current official support channels to clarify baggage eligibility or request direction to an appropriate freight service. Do not assume a passenger support email is a dedicated cargo reservations desk.
Tell the adviser whether you are travelling with the item or sending it unaccompanied. Include your route, date, packed weight and dimensions, and describe the contents. Ask whether you should repack, use a courier, arrange airport freight through an agent or consider another carrier.
Compare three practical shipping options
- Repacking for passenger travel: ask whether your contents can be divided into compliant bags under the fare and baggage rules that apply to your booking.
- Separate courier or road delivery: compare collection, transit time and delivery to the final address, especially if the journey is domestic and the contents are suitable.
- Airfreight through a cargo provider: request acceptance and a quotation for the shipment itself, including airport handover and release.
Buying more checked baggage is not a workaround for a prohibited item or a single-piece limit. Ask the relevant provider about batteries, liquids, machinery, tools and fragile equipment before deciding how to pack.
What a complete freight quote should include
Send dimensions as well as gross weight. An oversized box occupies space even when it is relatively light, and the provider may price it using volumetric or chargeable weight. Ask for the calculation and minimum charge used for your consignment.
Compare the same service endpoints. A door delivery quote and an airport collection quote are different products. Request details of packing, pickup, freight, screening, handling, storage, insurance options and final delivery. Ask who pays if an item cannot be accepted in its proposed packaging.
Plan around your arrival without assuming the cargo arrives with you
If you need equipment at a meeting or event, set the required delivery time rather than simply naming your passenger flight. A separately transported shipment may depart later, travel by road or need additional release time. Give the receiver’s opening hours and a reachable contact.
At collection, ask for the shipment reference, handover receipt and tracking method. Keep photographs showing the sealed packaging and labels. Agree what evidence is required for delivery and how a discrepancy should be reported. For international goods, identify the party handling customs before the consignment leaves its origin.
Frequently asked questions
Does LIFT’s website baggage purchase book cargo?
It purchases passenger baggage under the airline’s terms. Get a separate confirmation for goods moving as freight or by courier.
Can I pay a heavy-bag fee for any weight?
No. The published single-piece limit still matters. Check whether repacking is allowed or book another transport arrangement.
Can Travo quote delivery connected with my trip?
Send the actual addresses and goods details. Travo can assess its relevant services and any partner coordination required for a Nigeria-linked shipment.
Turn your enquiry into a workable shipping plan
Consider a traveller carrying exhibition samples in one very heavy case. Splitting the case may solve the piece-weight problem, but only if the contents and resulting bags meet the applicable rules. If the samples must move as freight, check whether the venue accepts deliveries before the traveller arrives and whether there is someone authorised to sign. Compare a courier quote with airport freight on the total cost and delivery time. Keep the essential presentation materials separate where permitted so a shipment delay does not stop the event.
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 separately booked freight, read our FlySafair cargo enquiry guide and BidAir Cargo booking guide. These explain the distinction between passenger reservations and cargo acceptance.
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.
