EL AL Baggage Policy Fees & Allowance. There is a tight weight and size limit for all El Al passengers, regardless of their seat class and ticket costs.
If your carry-on exceeds this size and weight limit, you won’t be permitted to board the plane.
EL AL has a fairly standard baggage policy when it comes to allowances for checked luggage (1 in economy (excluding the Lite Fare), 2 in premium economy, and 2 in business).
However, you’ll pay above-average fees for each piece over your included allowance. For the majority of EL AL’s routes, these fees are time sensitive, so you’ll want to purchase these extra bags as soon as you know you’re bringing them.
That being said, EL AL is a bit more generous than most when it comes to carry-on luggage for customers flying in business.
EL AL Carry-on Allowance policy
When flying with El Al, you are only allowed to bring one piece of carry-on baggage.
Because travellers will need to pack their daily needs in carry-on luggage, this limit is essential to their safety.
Even if a carry-on fits the weight requirements, that does not guarantee entrance.
Your carry-on must fit in the overhead compartment that you get on the airlines, which is an important rule.
For El Al Israel Airlines’ Carry-on baggage policy, you should remember that the number of checked bags included in your ticket depends on the individual cost you choose.
Economy Class
EL AL Israel Airlines offers three distinct ticket categories for its economy class passengers: Lite, Classic, and Economy Flex.
All of these rates apply to all their flights, including those within Europe and to South Africa, but not to those to and from the United States or Canada.
Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting for your money before buying a ticket for the economy section of a plane.
- Carry-on baggage must not exceed the following dimensions: 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
- The carry-on bag’s maximum weight should not exceed 8 kg.
- All Lite and Classic Economy prices include one piece of hand baggage.
- Two parts are supplied with the improved Economy Flex, with a total weight of no more than 12kg (one hand baggage should not exceed 8kg).
- Also, one personal item measuring up to 30 x 38 x 18 cm is allowed.
Business Class
There is a huge difference in luggage allowance between business class and economy class if you choose to upgrade to the higher class.
EL AL Israel Airlines considers business class to be the first-class rate, and these criteria are different from those of economy class.
- A maximum length in dimensions is 56 x 45 x 25 cm. The allowance for the smaller bag is 30 x 38 x 18 cm.
- Two Hand luggage with a total weight of 12 kilograms is allowed in Premium Class (one hand baggage should not exceed 8kg).
- One piece suitcase for Business Class at a maximum of 16kg in weight, and another to a maximum of 4kg
First Class
There is no doubt that first-class passengers enjoy more baggage allowance than business-class customers.
For First Class prices, the total weight allowance of carry-ons rises to 24 kg.
- Same as before, a maximum length in dimensions of baggage is 56 x 45 x 25 cm. The allowance for the smaller bag is 30 x 38 x 18 cm.
- Two items of standard carry-on items can be carried at a maximum of 24kg total (one hand baggage should not exceed 16kg).
| Tickets Class | Number of bags allowed | Weight | Dimensions (Personal) | Dimensions (Standard) |
| Economy Class: Lite | 1 | 8 kg | 30 x 38 x 18 cm | 56 x 45 x 25 cm |
| Economy Class: Classic | 1 | 8 kg | 30 x 38 x 18 cm | 56 x 45 x 25 cm |
| Economy Class: Economy Flex | 2 | 12 kg; 8kg max individual | 30 x 38 x 18 cm | 56 x 45 x 25 cm |
| Business Class: Premium Class | 2 | 20kg; 16kg max individual | 30 x 38 x 18 cm | 56 x 45 x 25 cm |
| Business Class: Business Class | 2 | 20kg; 16kg max individual | 30 x 38 x 18 cm | 56 x 45 x 25 cm |
| First Class | 2 | 24 kg; 16kg max individual | 30 x 38 x 18 cm | 56 x 45 x 25 cm |
This covers the bag itself, as well as any handles, wheels, or other attachments.
Too large or too heavy bags will be sent to the airport with the rest of the checked luggage and will charge an additional cost.
El Al Checked Baggage Allowance
According to your seat booking, the quantity of free checked baggage you get with each ticket can differ from ticket to ticket.
A Lite ticket does not let you get free checked bags on most flights, and you will just have to pay more money for each item you wish to check-in.
When flying at an economy rate, you’re expected to check one baggage up to 23 kilograms.
Each luggage in the Premium and Business classes may weigh up to 32 kg.
In First Class, passengers can have up to three checked baggage at 32 kgs each.
It’s also necessary to know that certain routes feature more luggage limits for Economy tickets.
For example, Economy Flex flights to/from the Far East & South Africa include a free baggage limit of 2 x 23kg.
| Number of bags allowed | Weight | |
| Economy Class: Lite | ||
| Economy Class: Classic | 1 | 23 kg |
| Economy Class: Economy Flex | 1 | 23 kg |
| Business Class: Premium Class | 2 | 32 kg |
| Business Class: Business Class | 2 | 32 kg |
| First Class | 3 | 32 kg |
When shopping at the airport, keep in mind that duty-free purchases you’ve made in addition to your carry-on baggage will count against your limit.
Otherwise, they will qualify as extra luggage and you’ll have to pay for them yourself.
Fees for extra baggage
El Al is quite strict about luggage that exceeds the permitted weight.
Even if the difference is just a few tenths of a per cent, you must still pay the surcharge.
After buying your EL AL ticket, you have to increase your baggage limit by calling the customer service number.
You can also visit the EL AL website after you’ve made your purchase.
Purchase of the added baggage is easy via the use of a credit card, and you have the choice of deciding how many more pieces of luggage you need.
| Route | Time before the flight | First Bag | Second Bag | Bags 3 – 10 |
| Within Europe & Middle East | Up to 3 Hours Before the Flight | $95 | $185 | $185 |
| Between Far East & Africa | Up to 3 Hours Before the Flight | $150 | $150 | $150 |
| All other routes | Up to 3 Hours Before the Flight | $95 | $185 | $185 |
| 3 Hours or Less Before the Flight | $110 | $200 | $200 |
Overweight and Oversized Piece of baggage
If your luggage is just marginally overweight, you don’t have to pay.
But if it exceeds the designated weight by a huge percentage, you will have to pay for it.
The added penalty price varies from location to location based on the route you choose.
Both economy and business class passengers pay the same amount.
| Type of service | Up to 3 Hours Before the Flight | 3 Hours or Less Before the Flight |
| 23-32 kilos overweight | $95 | $110 |
An oversized piece of baggage (158-277 cm) | $185 | $200 |
Exclusions & Waivers
Platinum, Gold, and Top Platinum Matmid Frequent Flyer members of EL AL Airlines are allowed two regular carry-on baggage weighing no more than 12 kg each (8kg max individual).
Moreover, members of the Platinum and Top Platinum tiers often have the choice of one extra checked bag.
This is highly dependent on the route and cabin class.
Plus, discounts of up to 50% are available to those who have the Fly Card and Fly Card Premium credit cards.
How can I avoid El Al Israel Airlines’ oversize and overweight luggage fees?
Weigh and measure your luggage before you leave for the airport to avoid these penalties.
If you want to know exactly how much your luggage weighs, just invest in a type of luggage scale.
If your checked suitcase is overweight, you might save money by unpacking or moving part of your belongings as your carry-on item.
How much will I pay for an added checked bag?
On average, you should plan to spend between $70 to $150 for each extra checked bag, depending on the route you’re taking.
If you’re trying to save money on baggage fees with El Al Israel Airlines, bear in mind that extra costs are lower if you pay three hours before departure time.
Is it okay to bring a personal item to El Al?
There is no restriction on the number of personal items that may be brought on board with the basic carry-on.
A purse or briefcase will qualify as a personal item, according to the company’s website.
What if I’m travelling with special equipment?
When flying with equipment, such as sporting goods or a musical instrument, you’ll definitely know a few restrictions and expenses.
Make sure to check the airline’s website or get in touch with them directly if you have any questions.
Does EL AL allow a personal item?
Yes, EL AL allows passengers to bring 1 personal item in addition to standard carry-on.
The size of the personal item is undisclosed but would generally cover an item such as a handbag or briefcase.
How much can a carry-on weigh on EL AL?
Flying EL AL, economy passengers can bring 1 item weighing up to 8 kg (17 lbs).
Premium economy passengers can bring 2 items weighing a combined total of 12 kg (26 lbs) with an individual item weighing no more than 8 kg (17 lbs).
Business passengers can bring 2 items weighing a combined total of 20 kg (44 lbs) with an individual item weighing no more than 16 kg (35 lbs).
How much is an extra suitcase on EL AL?
| Flights To/From | Up to 3 Hours Before the Flight | Less Than 3 Hours Before the Flight |
| Europe and the Middle East | The fee varies | $90 |
| The Far East and Africa | The fee varies | $140 |
| North America | $105 (1 bag) | $130 |
| $185 (2+ bags) | $200 |
Does EL AL charge for checked baggage?
Light Fare: 0 bags (for purchases only)
Economy (Classic and Flex): 1 bag (23 kg) included*
Premium: 2 bags (23 kg) included
Business: 2 bags (32 kg) included
*Economy Flex fares to/from Far East and South Africa have a free baggage allowance of 2 x 23 kg.