Codeshare flights and checked baggage
 

I have a question about codeshare flights and checked baggage, in regards to whose fees I will have to pay.
I am flying on Lufthansa from Chicago O'Hare to Johannesburg, South Africa with a connecting flight in Frankfurt, Germany.
On the way back, I am flying on United from Johannesburg, South Africa to Chicago O'Hare with a connecting flight through London Heathrow.
Although my tickets are through Lufthansa and United respectively, the legs of the journey to and from Johannesburg (FRA-JNB and then JNB-LHR) are actually codeshare flights on South African Airways. Which airline fees do I pay?
For example, when I look up baggage allowances on South African Airways from JNB to LHR, I get one free checked bag.
When I look up the same route on United, I get 2 free checked bags.
My flight is booked through United, but is a codeshare with South African Airways being the operating airline. So which allowance and fees apply?
Thanks!

Going to Johannesburg, you'll check in with United and will almost certainly be allowed 2 free checked bags. Coming back, however, you'll be checking in with SAA, and in my experience, the rules regarding the actual carrier will more than likely apply. This is one reason why I hate codeshare flights.

My advice is to limit yourself to one checked bag of no more than 50 pounds and avoid all the problems.

Thanks for the solid advice -- I'm just trying to plan ahead and/or be prepared. :)

Airline fees are generally added into the bottom-line price of the ticket. That's what inflicts the pain. These days of course there are extra charges added on during the booking process but those you can choose or reject. Anyway, they all add up at the bottom. American operators are now required to state the basic cost, including fees and "surcharges" (although not such things as special seating charges) on their opening webpage and in their advertising.

Check your eticket receipt or email confirmation for info on your baggage allowance