El Al Israel Airlines Baggage and Carry-on

What is EL AL policy on hand baggage?

On flights operated by EL AL, passengers are allowed to carry on some unchecked baggage, without charge, which is limited by number, weight, and dimensions. The weight and size of the suitcases that are carried into the passenger cabin affect the comfort and safety of the flight. For this reason, the size and weight of hand luggage must conform to the measurements that are permitted according to the cabin class that appears on the passenger’s reservation.

What is EL AL policy on checked baggage?

All passengers, except passengers who have purchased an Economy Lite ticket, are entitled to a free checked baggage allowance. The checked baggage allowance may vary depending on the class of travel. Baggage benefits may be offered for members of the Matmid Club.

On all EL AL flights, the maximum allowed size for a piece of baggage is 277 cm. The maximum allowed weight for any piece of baggage is 32 kg. Up to 5 pieces of baggage per passenger are permitted. The sixth piece of baggage and up, as well as any piece of baggage weighing over 32 kg and/or exceeding 277 cm, will be handled by the EL AL Cargo Department.

Hand Baggage

Passengers are entitled to take one or two pieces of hand luggage with them into the aircraft cabin (at no additional charge), in addition to the baggage in the hold. Hand luggage should be stored in the bins above the seats or in the space below the seat in front of you. Storage in the passenger cabin may be limited in certain cases, and hand luggage will then be stored in the hold of the aircraft.

The permitted size for carry-on baggage on EL AL flights is:

• 56 cm length, 45 cm width, 25 cm depth (22 x 18 x 10 inches).
• Total dimension – no more than 115 cm or 45 inches.

The permitted weight for carry-on baggage depends on the travel class:

• Economy Lite & Classic:
  • Passengers can take up to one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 8 kg (17 lbs). In case of taking a laptop into the cabin, it will have to be packed within the hand luggage.
  • Only one personal item may be taken in the passenger cabin on top of the carry-on allowance (purse, diaper bag, briefcase, camera bag, or laptop). The personal item should not exceed the maximum dimensions of 30 x 38​ x 18 cm.
• Economy Flex & Premium Class:
  • Passengers can take up to two pieces of hand luggage weighing a total of 12 kg (26 lbs), each piece not exceeding 8 kg (17 lbs).
• Business Class:
  • Passengers can take up to two pieces of hand luggage weighing a total of 20 kg (44 lbs), one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 16 kg (35 lbs) and another weighing up to 4 kg for a portable computer or attaché case.

If the hand luggage exceeds the permitted weight or size limits for carry-on, the case will be tagged as a regular suitcase and will be sent to the aircraft hold.

Duty-free items purchased at the airport before the flight will be considered part of either the personal item or the carry-on allowance, any exceedance resulting in additional charges.​

Checked Baggage

Passengers with baggage should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours and 15 minutes before the planned departure time. Passengers should go through the security check and to the check-in desks, if already in possession of the boarding pass, to have baggage sent to the plane.

Free Baggage Allowance

For all classes, the maximum size allowed for a piece of checked baggage is 158 cm. When exceeding these measurements, the passenger must pay an oversized baggage fee. Baggage allowances depend on the service and flight class that appears on the reservation:

Excess Baggage

Up to 6 hours before the flight, excess baggage (up to three pieces of checked baggage, including the free baggage allowance) can be pre-purchased at a lower rate than at the airport, through EL AL’s website or Call Center (a handling fee of $10 per person applies) or your travel agent.

Sports Equipment

You can add to your baggage – free of charge and above the regular baggage allowance – one set of skiing or snowboarding equipment (does not apply for the Economy Lite fare). Sports equipment can be considered part of the baggage allowance ​(does not apply for the Economy Lite fare ). If you want to replace one free piece of checked baggage with one set of sporting equipment, the sporting equipment must have 30 kg (66 lbs) maximum weight and regular size in Economy & Premium Class and 32 kg (70 lbs) maximum weight and 190 cm in Business Class.

Sports equipment transported as checked baggage may weigh up to 32 kg (70 pounds) and measure up to 277 cm (110 inches); sports equipment over these limits must be transported as cargo. Sports equipment in addition to the free baggage allowance will incur the following fee:

• $70 – EL AL short-haul flights (up to 5.5 hours).
• $150 – EL AL long-haul flights (over 5.5 hours).

Baggage Services

If your baggage is delayed, damaged, or lost, you must fill out a report at the airport (Property Irregularity Report and/or Damage Report) and submit a claim in writing within the following timeframes:

• Within 7 days of receiving the baggage for missing items or damage to your baggage.
• Within 21 days of receiving the baggage for delayed baggage.
• After 21 days have elapsed for lost baggage.

You can track the status of your lost baggage online.

More information here >>