Carry-On Baggage:
Allowance:
- Economy Class (Lite Fare): One personal item (max 38 x 30 x 18 cm / 15 x 11.8 x 7 inches, e.g., laptop bag, small backpack, briefcase). No standard carry-on suitcase is allowed in the cabin; it must be checked at the gate (free of charge) for flights to/from Europe and the UAE
- Economy Class (Classic/Flex), Premium Economy: One carry-on bag (max 56 x 45 x 25 cm / 22 x 17.7 x 9.8 inches, 8 kg / 17.6 lbs) and one personal item.
- Business Class: Two carry-on bags (first bag max 16 kg / 35.2 lbs, second max 4 kg / 8.8 lbs, each 56 x 45 x 25 cm) and one personal item.
- Matmid Frequent Flyer (Gold, Platinum, Top Platinum): Two standard carry-on bags (total max 12 kg / 26.4 lbs, each 56 x 45 x 25 cm).
- Infants (under 2 years, no seat): One collapsible stroller, carrycot, or car seat (free, subject to space). No specific carry-on allowance.
- Children (2–11 years): Same allowance as adults based on fare class.
Size and Weight Restrictions:
- Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 17.7 x 9.8 inches, total 115 cm / 45 inches, including handles and wheels). Must fit in overhead bins or under the seat.
- Personal Item: Maximum dimensions 38 x 30 x 18 cm (15 x 11.8 x 7 inches). Must fit under the seat.
- Liquids, Gels, Aerosols: Containers up to 100 ml (3.4 oz) in a single, transparent, resealable 1-liter plastic bag, per TSA/EU regulations. Duty-free liquids in sealed tamper-evident bags (STEBs) are allowed with receipt.
Additional Notes:
- Oversized/overweight carry-on bags are gate-checked with fees ($40–$60, prepaid 36+ hours vs. at gate) unless covered by Lite fare gate-check policy.
- On smaller aircraft, carry-on bags may be gate-checked free due to limited cabin space, retrievable upon arrival.
- Prohibited items include sharp objects (e.g., knives, scissors), lighters, and self-balancing devices (e.g., hoverboards). Smart bags require removable lithium batteries carried separately (max two spares in protective cases).
- Small musical instruments (within 56 x 45 x 25 cm, 8 kg) can replace carry-on. Larger instruments require a purchased seat (max 20 kg, 135 x 49 x 35 cm) or must be checked.
Checked Baggage:
Size and Weight Limitations:
- Maximum dimensions: 158 cm (62 linear inches, L+W+H, including wheels and handles) for most routes; 277 cm (109 inches) for special baggage like sports equipment. Oversized bags (159–277 cm) incur fees ($100–$200). Bags over 277 cm must be shipped via El Al Cargo.
- Maximum weight: 23 kg (50 lbs) for Economy, 32 kg (70 lbs) for Business. Bags over 32 kg are not accepted and must be shipped as cargo.
Excess Baggage Fees (one-way, approximate):
- Extra Bags: $40–$60 (prepaid 36+ hours), $70–$100 (at airport, e.g., U.S./Canada/Europe/Israel to Far East/Africa). Third or more bags: $85–$285, depending on route.
- Overweight (23–32 kg): $70–$100 per bag.
- Oversized (159–277 cm): $100–$200 per bag.
- Maximum five bags per passenger at check-in; additional bags are handled by El Al Cargo.
Codeshare/Interline Flights:
- The MSC’s rules apply (typically the airline operating the longest leg). For example, Delta codeshares may allow two bags (70 lbs each) for Platinum Medallion members on El Al segments, but Delta’s rules apply for the first leg (e.g., ORD-JFK). Confirm with the operating carrier (e.g., American Airlines, JetBlue).
Special Items (Sporting Equipment, Musical Instruments, etc.):
- Allowance: Sporting equipment (e.g., skis, snowboards, bicycles up to 20 kg / 44 lbs) is carried free above the standard allowance, except for Economy Lite fares. Must be pre-registered 48 hours prior.
- Specific Rules:
- Sports Equipment: Includes golf bags, fishing equipment, and bikes (handlebars fixed, tires deflated). Fees ($70–$150) apply if exceeding allowance or for oversized items (159–277 cm). Tandem bikes and kayaks must be shipped as cargo.
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments (within 56 x 45 x 25 cm, 8 kg) can be carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked (fees apply) or booked as a seat (max 20 kg).
- Non-Accepted Items: Bags over 32 kg or 277 cm, hoverboards, and certain hazardous items (e.g., flammable liquids).
- Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, crutches, and prosthetic devices are free with 48-hour notification.
- Medical Equipment: Portable oxygen concentrators and CPAP machines are allowed as carry-on (not used during taxi, takeoff, landing) with a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) submitted 48 hours prior.
Pet Policy:
- Small pets (up to 8 kg / 17.6 lbs, including carrier) can travel in the cabin for Economy (max 41 x 38 x 19 cm / 16 x 15 x 7.5 inches) or Business (max 30 x 30 x 19 cm / 12 x 12 x 7.5 inches). Fees: $125 (domestic), $200 (international).
- Larger pets (9–100 kg) travel as checked baggage; over 100 kg via El Al Cargo. Fees: $200–$300. Advance booking required (48 hours).
- Assistance dogs travel free in the cabin with documentation.
Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage:
- Report at the airport’s El Al baggage tracing desk for a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Keep baggage claim tags and boarding passes. Report damage within 7 days, delays within 21 days.
- Use MYFLYRIGHT or El Al’s website for tracking and claims.
- Compensation follows the Montreal Convention; El Al is not liable for fragile items, electronics, or valuables in checked baggage. Consider travel insurance.
