SANSA Airlines (Servicios Aéreos Nacionales S.A.) is Costa Rica's primary domestic airline, connecting San José to regional airstrips across the country. Operating a fleet of Cessna Grand Caravan 208B turboprop aircraft, SANSA flies into smaller airfields with strict takeoff and landing weight limits. Because regional aircraft have tighter payload constraints than international jets, baggage allowances are strictly enforced at the airport scale.
SANSA Airlines baggage limits depend strictly on your fare class, typically allowing one personal item up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg) and one checked bag up to 30 lbs (14 kg) on standard fares. Because SANSA operates small Cessna turboprop aircraft without overhead bins, larger bags are stowed in external cargo pods, and excess baggage is accepted only on a space-available basis.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
SANSA Airlines baggage allowances are strictly bounded by small turboprop aircraft payload limits. Checked weight inclusions depend on ticket tier, while all excess items fly on a standby basis.
What can change: Ticket fare tier (Promo vs. Regular vs. Premium), route payload limitations, seasonal weather restrictions, and total passenger weight on specific flights.
Baggage Size Visual
Use SANSA's maximum weight and linear size caps when packing. Linear dimensions equal the sum of outside length, width, and height.
Personal Item
Published limit: 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
Small backpack, purse, or camera bag stowed in passenger cabin
Checked Bag
Published limit: 30 lbs (14 kg) standard cap
Max 45 linear inches; stowed in external belly cargo pods
Visual guide - not to scale. Use the published numerical limit as the controlling rule.
Official Source Verification
Baggage rules can vary by fare, cabin, route, operating carrier, traveler status, and purchase channel. BaggageBase separates published rules from practical guidance.
How BaggageBase Checks This Information
BaggageBase reviews official carrier tariff documentation, domestic Costa Rican aviation notices, and regional airport check-in guidelines. Because SANSA operates small turboprop aircraft where aircraft center of gravity is calculated for every flight, rules are verified against real-world payload operational caps. Specific excess weight fee rates or seasonal changes should always be verified on the official booking engine prior to travel.
SANSA Airlines Baggage Allowances by Fare Type
SANSA structures its baggage inclusions around distinct fare categories. Low-cost promotional fares keep base prices lower by excluding or restricting checked luggage, whereas higher-tier flexible fares include higher weight caps.
Because payload calculations on small regional turboprops depend on exact passenger and cargo weights, your ticket tier dictates how much weight you can check guaranteed before extra space charges apply.
| Fare Tier | Included Personal Item | Included Checked Weight | Linear Size Limit | Excess Baggage Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Promo / Basic | 1 item up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | 0 lbs / Add-on required | 45 linear in (114 cm) | Fee applies per lb/kg; Space available |
| Regular | 1 item up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | 1 bag up to 30 lbs (14 kg) | 45 linear in (114 cm) | Fee applies per lb/kg; Space available |
| Premium / Flexible | 1 item up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | 1 bag up to 40 lbs (18 kg) | 45 linear in (114 cm) | Fee applies per lb/kg; Space available |
SANSA Personal Item and Cabin Luggage Guidelines
Flying on a regional turboprop is fundamentally different from flying on a commercial jetliner. The Cessna Grand Caravan 208B aircraft used by SANSA does not feature overhead storage bins in the passenger cabin.
Every passenger is allowed one small personal item in the cabin. This item must fit under the seat in front of you or rest in a designated cabin storage niche. Recommended personal items include:
- Small backpacks or daypacks
- Purses or small shoulder bags
- Camera bags or compact laptop sleeves
If your personal item exceeds 10 lbs (4.5 kg) or cannot sit safely beneath the seat, agents will transfer it to the external cargo pod at the check-in counter or boarding gate.
Comparing Regional Cabin Limits to Mainline Standards
Standard international carry-on luggage (such as 22" x 14" x 9" hard-shell suitcases) cannot enter the cabin on SANSA flights. Hard-shell rolling bags must be checked into the cargo pods regardless of standard carry-on labels.
To see how SANSA's tight cabin allowances contrast with main-fleet commercial carriers, review our airline personal item size comparison, check our airline carry-on size comparison, and consult our international carry-on size guide.
Checked Baggage Rules and Dimensions
Checked luggage on SANSA is stowed in cargo compartments located underneath the passenger cabin fuselage or in the aft cargo section. These compartments have narrow access doors and curved interior walls.
Maximum Weight and Dimensional Thresholds
- Maximum Linear Dimensions: 45 linear inches (114 cm), measured as Length + Width + Height.
- Standard Allowance: 30 lbs (14 kg) per paying passenger on Regular fares.
- Premium Allowance: Up to 40 lbs (18 kg) per paying passenger on Premium fares.
Soft-Sided Duffels vs. Rigid Suitcases
SANSA strongly recommends packing in soft-sided duffel bags rather than rigid, hard-shell suitcases. Cargo loaders must fit multiple bags tightly inside small belly pods. Soft duffel bags compress easily around structural bulkheads, ensuring your luggage fits without risking damage or forcing offloads due to rigid dimensional limits.
Linear Dimensions Formula: Length + Width + Height = Total Linear Inches / Centimeters Example: 20 in + 15 in + 10 in = 45 linear inches (114 cm)
Overweight Fees and Space-Available Excess Baggage
When your total luggage exceeds your ticketed weight entitlement, SANSA assesses excess baggage charges at airport check-in. However, paying an overweight fee does not guarantee your excess items will depart on the same aircraft.
The "Space Available" Clause
Small turboprop operations are governed by Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) rules set by aviation authorities. If a flight reaches its maximum payload limit due to fuel, high temperatures, or total passenger weight, excess baggage is placed on standby status. Standby baggage travels on the next available flight with unused weight capacity.
| Baggage Condition | Weight/Size Threshold | Fee Structure (USD / CRC) | Acceptance Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Included Bag | Up to ticket limit (30–40 lbs / 14–18 kg) | Included in fare | Guaranteed on booked flight |
| Excess Weight (Per lb) | Weight over ticket allowance | ~$1.00 – $3.00 USD per lb ($2.20 – $6.60 USD per kg) | Space-available / Standby basis |
| Second / Extra Bag | Additional physical piece | Fixed fee + per lb excess charge | Space-available / Standby basis |
| Oversized Piece | Exceeds 45 linear in (114 cm) | Flat excess size surcharge | Subject to pod door clearances |
Note: Per-pound fee rates are set by SANSA and subject to change based on route fuel surcharges and seasonal operational costs. Check exact live rates upon check-in.
Transporting Sports Equipment on SANSA Flights
Costa Rica is a premier destination for surfing, sport fishing, and golf. SANSA accommodates sports equipment within strict physical limits imposed by cargo pod dimensions.
Surfboard Acceptance Rules
Surfboards are among the most frequently checked special items on domestic Costa Rican routes, but aircraft pod dimensions limit board size:
- Maximum Length: Boards must generally not exceed 6.7 feet (2.0 meters) to clear cargo pod curves. Longboards exceeding 7 feet cannot be transported on Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft.
- Fin Removal: All fins must be removed and packed securely in protective sleeves or accessory pockets.
- Packaging: Boards must be enclosed in a padded surfboard bag or travel sock.
- Reservation Notice: Surfboard slots are limited to 2–3 board bags per flight. Travelers must notify SANSA during online booking or via telephone prior to departure.
- Fees: Surfboards incur a flat special equipment fee per direction in addition to any excess weight charges.
Fishing Gear, Golf Bags, and Scuba Equipment
- Fishing Gear: Fishing rods must be encased in rigid plastic or PVC rod tubes. Tackle boxes count toward your total checked weight allowance.
- Golf Bags: Standard golf bags are accepted if weight permits, but hard-shell travel cases can be difficult to load into pods. Soft travel covers are strongly advised.
- Scuba Gear: Scuba tanks must be completely empty with valves open. BCDs, regulators, and fins count toward checked luggage allowances.
Traveling with Infants, Medical Devices, and Mobility Aids
SANSA maintains dedicated exceptions and policies for essential family gear and medical equipment.
Infant Equipment
- Lap Infants: Infants under 2 years old fly as lap infants without a separate seat entitlement.
- Strollers and Car Seats: One stroller or one infant car seat can be checked at the counter or gate-checked free of extra transport charges.
- Baby Bags: Diaper bags count toward the accompanying adult's personal item entitlement unless otherwise specified by local check-in agents.
Medical Devices and Mobility Equipment
- Manual Wheelchairs: Collapsible manual wheelchairs are checked at the aircraft boarding door free of charge and stowed in cargo compartments.
- Electric Wheelchairs & Batteries: Power-driven mobility aids require advance notification at least 48 hours prior to flight departure. Non-spillable dry-cell batteries are permitted. Wet-cell or lithium-ion powered chairs are evaluated based on watt-hour ratings and international dangerous goods regulations.
- Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) & CPAPs: Approved POCs and CPAP machines used for personal medical needs are permitted without counting toward personal item weight limits. Contact SANSA customer service in advance to verify battery compliance for in-flight medical equipment.
Airport Check-In Realities at San José (SJO) and Domestic Airstrips
Checking in for a domestic flight in Costa Rica involves procedural steps that differ from major international airports.
The Mandatory Scales Test
Whether checking in at San José's Juan Santamaría Domestic Terminal (SJO) or regional airstrips like Tamarindo, Nosara, Quepos (Manuel Antonio), Drake Bay, or Puerto Jiménez, all items are weighed.
- Bag Weighing: Agents weigh every personal item, soft duffel, surfboard bag, and box on calibrated electronic scales.
- Passenger Weighing: Passengers may be asked to step onto the scale with their personal item or provide their current body weight. This process is required for the pilot to calculate precise weight and balance distribution across the aircraft's center of gravity.
- Weight Allowance Enforcers: Scale figures are strict. A bag weighing 31 lbs against a 30 lb limit will trigger an overweight entry in the departure software.
Baggage Delays, Standby Cargo, and Denied Items
Because maximum takeoff weights are non-negotiable safety limits, luggage can occasionally be delayed when aircraft reach capacity limits.
Protocols for Offloaded Luggage
If weather, high ambient air temperatures, or heavy passenger loads require SANSA to reduce cargo weight:
- Priority is given to primary checked bags included in ticket fares.
- Excess bags, extra pieces, and unreserved surfboards are placed on standby.
- Standby items are placed on the next scheduled SANSA flight to that destination.
- Upon arrival at the destination airport, SANSA ground staff coordinate onward courier or hotel delivery where road connections permit.
Packing Survival Tips
To minimize inconvenience if your checked duffel is delayed to a later flight:
- Keep all critical daily medications, passports, cash, key travel documents, and valuable electronics in your 10 lb personal item.
- Pack a swim suit and lightweight change of clothes inside your personal item bag.
- Never check essential prescription medication, lithium power banks, or high-value jewelry in belly cargo pods.
SANSA Packing and Airport Checklist
Follow these practical steps to avoid unexpected excess weight fees and baggage delays on domestic Costa Rican flights.
- Use soft-sided duffle bags. Flexible duffels fit into curved belly pods far better than hard-shell suitcases.
- Weigh your bags at home or hotel. Use a handheld digital scale to keep checked pieces strictly under 30 lbs (14 kg).
- Reserve surfboard space in advance. Pod length is limited; notify SANSA during booking if carrying boards under 6.7 feet.
- Keep essentials in your personal item. Pack medications, valuables, and a change of clothes in your 10 lb cabin bag.
- Remove all surfboard fins. Unplug fins and store them in padded pockets to prevent board damage inside cargo pods.
- Arrive 60 minutes before domestic departure. Airport scale verification and passenger weighing require early counter check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions About SANSA Baggage Policy
How much baggage is included in a standard SANSA ticket?
Standard Regular fare tickets on SANSA include one personal item up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg) and one checked bag up to 30 lbs (14 kg). Premium fares increase checked allowance to 40 lbs (18 kg), while basic Promo fares exclude checked baggage.
Can I bring a hard-shell rolling carry-on on SANSA?
No, standard hard-shell rolling suitcases cannot be brought into the cabin because Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft lack overhead storage bins. Hard-shell rolling bags must be checked into cargo pods at the counter or gate.
What is the maximum surfboard length allowed on SANSA Airlines?
Surfboards must generally measure under 6.7 feet (2.0 meters) in total length to fit through the cargo pod doors. Board space must be reserved prior to travel, and all fins must be removed before check-in.
Is excess baggage guaranteed to fly on the same plane?
No, excess weight above your ticket entitlement is transported on a space-available basis. If the aircraft reaches maximum takeoff weight limits, excess bags will travel on subsequent scheduled flights.
How much does SANSA charge for overweight baggage?
Overweight fees typically range between $1.00 USD and $3.00 USD per excess pound ($2.20 to $6.60 USD per kg) depending on route and fuel variables. Fees are collected at the airport check-in counter.
Are personal items weighed at airport check-in?
Yes, SANSA agents weigh every piece of luggage, including personal items, at check-in. Total passenger and baggage weights are used to compute aircraft weight and balance safety requirements.
Can travel companions combine or pool baggage weight?
SANSA generally allows passengers traveling on the same reservation confirmation code to combine their total checked weight allowances at check-in.
Key Takeaways for SANSA Passengers
Navigating SANSA Airlines baggage limits requires preparing for regional turboprop realities. Unlike mainline commercial carriers operating widebody or narrowbody jets, domestic flights across Costa Rica depend on strict aircraft payload limits. Soft-sided duffel bags, disciplined packing under 30 lbs (14 kg), and early reservation of surfboard slots ensure a smooth transition through San José and regional airstrips.
Always select a ticket tier that matches your expected luggage weight, keep essential items inside your 10 lb personal bag, and double-check board lengths before heading to the domestic terminal.
Airline baggage rules and fees can change by route, fare, cabin, operating carrier, traveler status, purchase channel, and departure date. Check the airline's official baggage policy or calculator before booking, paying, or traveling. BaggageBase reviews information for 2026 where possible, but the airline's published terms remain the final authority.
