El Al Airlines Baggage Policy +1-866-666-0215

Flying El Al Airlines, Israel's flag carrier, offers a unique travel experience often characterized by a strong emphasis on security alongside its global network. For passengers planning their journey with El Al, understanding the El Al Airlines Baggage Policy is essential for a smooth trip, ensuring you arrive at the airport prepared and avoiding unexpected fees or last-minute adjustments. While known for its rigorous safety measures, El Al's baggage rules follow industry standards, particularly those common among international carriers, but with specific details crucial for travelers to know. This guide breaks down the key aspects of El Al's baggage policy, covering both carry-on and checked luggage, fees, allowances, and special items.

Core Principles: Beyond the Base Fare

Like many international airlines, El Al's baggage policy often ties allowances to the fare class purchased and the route being traveled (e.g., domestic within Israel vs. international flights). It's vital to remember that the base fare might not include generous baggage allowances, especially on international routes. Passengers should always check the specific baggage entitlement associated with their ticket during the booking process or by logging into their reservation on the El Al website. El Al operates with defined baggage categories (often referred to as "Baggage Modules"), and you select your desired allowance when booking or later via Manage My Booking, potentially incurring additional fees for higher allowances. Transparency is key, so reviewing the policy specific to your itinerary is highly recommended.

Carry-On Baggage: Your Accessible Essentials

El Al allows passengers to bring carry-on baggage on board, providing essential items within easy reach during the flight.

• Allowance: Typically, passengers are permitted one standard carry-on bag plus one personal item (like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack).
• Dimensions: The crucial factor for the main carry-on bag is its dimensions. It must not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 centimeters (approximately 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 inches). This measurement includes wheels, handles, and side pockets. El Al agents at the gate strictly enforce these dimensions, often using measuring guides. Bags exceeding these limits will be required to be checked (usually incurring a fee if you haven't pre-purchased checked baggage allowance).
• Weight: While the dimensions are the primary concern, it's advisable to keep your carry-on reasonably light, typically under 10-12 kg (22-26 lbs), to make it easier to stow and handle, although El Al doesn't usually publish a strict weight limit for the free carry-on.
• Content Restrictions: Standard international aviation rules apply. Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 100ml (3.4 oz) or less, all placed within a single, clear, quart-sized plastic bag (maximum 1 bag per passenger), and presented separately for screening. Medications, duty-free purchases, and essential electronics are allowed but must comply with security regulations.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Attempting to bring a bag larger than the allowed dimensions past the security checkpoint and onto the aircraft can result in it being denied as carry-on. You will then likely be required to check the bag at the gate, which may involve fees if you haven't purchased a checked baggage allowance in advance.

Checked Baggage: Planning is Key

Checked baggage is luggage that you hand over to the airline at check-in and is stored in the aircraft's cargo hold.

• Allowance Variation: This is where El Al's policy requires close attention. Allowance varies significantly based on:
  • Fare Class: Different fare classes (economy, premium economy, business) come with different default baggage allowances.
  • Route: Baggage rules differ between flights within Israel and international flights. Rules can also vary slightly depending on the destination region (e.g., Europe vs. North America vs. Asia).
  • Baggage Modules: El Al often allows you to select your checked baggage allowance (in units like 23kg or 32kg bags) when booking or later via Manage My Booking, with higher allowances costing more.
• Common Allowances (Check Your Fare): For international flights in economy class, common allowances might start from zero bags included up to potentially two 23kg bags, depending heavily on the specific fare purchased. It's critical to verify the allowance tied to your ticket. Premium cabin passengers usually enjoy more generous, often included, allowances.
• Weight Limits: Checked bags are typically limited to either 23kg (50 lbs) or 32kg (70 lbs) per bag, depending on the fare class and module selected. Exceeding the weight limit results in overweight baggage fees.
• Booking Checked Baggage: To avoid hefty gate check fees, always pre-purchase your desired checked baggage allowance online before your flight. This is usually significantly cheaper than paying at the airport or gate.

Baggage Fees: Budgeting Wisely

El Al's baggage fees can add up if not managed proactively.

• Pre-Purchase vs. Gate Check: Fees for checked baggage are substantially lower when purchased online in advance (during booking or up to a certain time before departure) compared to purchasing the allowance or checking a bag at the airport/gate.
• Excess Baggage: Fees apply for bags exceeding the allowed weight (overweight) or number of bags permitted by your fare. These fees can be quite high and are typically assessed at the airport.
• Oversized/Overweight Carry-On: If your carry-on is too large and must be checked at the gate without a pre-purchased allowance, expect a significant fee.
• Always Check: The exact fee structure can vary, so refer to the El Al website or contact customer service for the most current fee information based on your specific route and fare.

Special Items: Rules for Unique Belongings

El Al has specific rules for items that don't fit standard baggage categories:

• Sports Equipment: Items like skis, golf clubs, surfboards, and bicycles are generally considered excess baggage. They usually require special packaging and often incur additional fees, frequently based on weight and dimensions. Advance booking and declaration are mandatory.
• Musical Instruments: Depending on size, smaller instruments might fit within carry-on or checked baggage limits. Larger instruments often require special handling and fees, potentially traveling as checked baggage or even in a special compartment (subject to availability and rules). Advance arrangement is essential.
• Car Seats and Strollers: These are generally permitted either as checked baggage (often free of charge for infants/toddlers, but check specific policy) or sometimes allowed as carry-on if they meet size/weight requirements. They might need to be stowed at the gate or placed in an overhead bin.
• Pets: El Al allows pets to travel, but it's a complex process with strict regulations for health certificates, documentation, and specific travel requirements. Pets typically travel in the hold in approved carriers, not in the cabin (except for certified service animals). This requires advance booking and adherence to specific guidelines.
• Valuables and Fragile Items: El Al, like most airlines, advises against carrying valuable items (cash, jewelry, electronics) or fragile items in checked baggage due to potential loss, damage, or theft. These items are best kept in your carry-on.

Tips for a Smooth Experience with El Al

1. Check Your Fare: The most critical step. Immediately after booking, confirm the specific baggage allowance included with your fare class for your exact route.
2. Pre-Purchase Baggage: If you need checked bags, purchase the allowance online well in advance to secure the lowest rates.
3. Measure Your Carry-On: Measure your bag before leaving home to ensure it meets the 55x40x23 cm limit. Gate agents enforce this strictly.
4. Weigh Your Bags: Know the weight of your checked bags to avoid overweight fees.
5. Use Manage My Booking: If your fare allows adding baggage later, use the El Al website's "Manage My Booking" feature before your trip.
6. Arrive Early: Especially on international flights, allow ample time for check-in, security (El Al's process can be thorough), and baggage drop-off.
7. Know Security Rules: Be familiar with liquid restrictions and have necessary documents ready.

By familiarizing yourself with the and planning accordingly, you can ensure that your focus remains on your journey, confident that your luggage is handled according to the airline's rules, allowing you to experience the unique service and security standards that define flying with Israel's national airline. Always refer to the official El Al website or contact customer service for the most up-to-date and route-specific information.