El Al Israel Airlines (LY) determines passenger baggage allowances using a branded fare structure in Economy Class, alongside dedicated allowances for Premium and Business Class cabins. Under the El Al baggage policy, Economy Classic and Flex fares include one free checked bag up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs), while Economy Lite includes only cabin baggage. All travelers may bring one full-size carry-on bag and one personal item onboard, subject to strict weight and size limitations.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
El Al includes carry-on luggage for all passengers, but checked baggage depends entirely on your fare family and ticket class. Economy Lite passengers must pay extra to check luggage, while Classic, Flex, Premium, and Business fares include checked bags.
What can change: Allowances vary based on branded fare selection (Lite vs. Classic/Flex), cabin upgrades, Matmid Frequent Flyer status, and whether your flight is operated by a codeshare partner carrier.
Baggage Size Visual
El Al measures cabin luggage including all handles, wheels, exterior pockets, and trim. Ensure your bags conform to these external measurements before arriving at the airport.
Main Cabin Bag
Published limit: 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in); 8 kg to 16 kg depending on cabin class
All ticketed passengers across Economy, Premium, and Business classes
Small Personal Item
Published limit: 38 × 30 × 18 cm (15 × 11.8 × 7 in); must fit under seat
All cabin classes; handbag, laptop bag, or small pack
Visual guide - not to scale. Use the published numerical limit as the controlling rule.
Official Source Verification
Baggage rules can vary by fare, cabin, route, operating carrier, traveler status, and purchase channel. BaggageBase separates published rules from practical guidance.
El Al Carry-On & Personal Item Regulations
El Al applies distinct cabin baggage policies based on your ticketed class of travel. Unlike some low-cost carriers, El Al provides every passenger-including those on its lowest Economy Lite fares-with at least one main carry-on bag plus a personal item. However, the airline enforces strict weight limits at check-in desks and departure gates.
Cabin Bag Limits by Class
The physical size ceiling for standard cabin baggage is 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in) across all cabins. This includes side pockets, wheels, and retractable handles. The allowable weight, however, changes by service class:
- Economy Class (Lite, Classic, and Flex): You are permitted 1 piece weighing up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs). If your carry-on exceeds 8 kg, airport staff will require you to check the bag, which may trigger excess baggage fees if your fare does not include a hold allowance.
- Premium Class: You may carry 2 pieces onboard with a combined total weight of 12 kg (26.4 lbs). To protect overhead bin space, no single piece may weigh more than 8 kg, and both items must meet the 56 × 45 × 25 cm dimension rule.
- Business Class: You receive an allowance of 2 pieces with a maximum combined weight of 20 kg (44 lbs). El Al specifies that the primary bag can weigh up to 16 kg (35.2 lbs), while the second piece (such as a laptop bag, garment sleeve, or small duffel) can weigh up to 4 kg (8.8 lbs).
To see how these size and weight limits compare against other worldwide airlines, review our international carry-on size guide. If you are flying across multiple European or North American carriers, check our broader airline carry-on size comparison to avoid repackaging along your route.
Personal Item Requirements
Every passenger is allowed 1 personal item in addition to their carry-on trolley or duffel.
- Approved items: Handbag, small briefcase, slim laptop sleeve, compact backpack, or camera bag.
- Dimensions: The published practical dimension standard is 38 × 30 × 18 cm (15 × 11.8 × 7 in).
- Stowage: The personal item must fit underneath the passenger seat in front of you. It cannot be placed in the overhead bins on full flights if those bins are required for primary carry-on luggage.
- Additional free items: Passengers may also carry an overcoat, an umbrella, a walking cane, and required medical devices (such as crutches or CPAP machines). Sealed duty-free shopping bags purchased at the airport are permitted within reason, provided they fit comfortably at your feet or in remaining overhead space.
El Al Checked Baggage Allowances by Fare Family
El Al operates on a piece-concept system for checked baggage across all routes. The allowance on your ticket is directly tied to the fare family you selected when booking your flight.
| Cabin / Fare Class | Included Checked Bags | Max Weight Per Bag | Max Dimensions (L + W + H) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Lite | 0 pieces | Extra fee applies | 158 cm (62 in) |
| Economy Classic | 1 piece | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) | 158 cm (62 in) |
| Economy Flex | 1 piece | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) | 158 cm (62 in) |
| Premium Class | 2 pieces | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) each | 158 cm (62 in) |
| Business Class | 2 pieces | 32 kg (70.5 lbs) each | 158 cm (62 in) |
Economy Fare Differences: Lite, Classic, and Flex
- Economy Lite: This fare includes hand luggage only. If you decide to check a bag, you must purchase an allowance separately. Purchasing your bag online before arriving at the airport delivers substantial savings over paying at the check-in desk.
- Economy Classic: This is El Al's standard economy product. It includes 1 checked bag up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) and 158 linear cm, along with standard seat selection options.
- Economy Flex: Offers the same checked baggage allowance as Economy Classic (1 bag up to 23 kg), but includes greater ticket flexibility, lower change penalties, and enhanced refundability.
Premium and Business Cabins
Travelers booked in Premium Class receive 2 free checked bags, each with a maximum weight of 23 kg (50.7 lbs).
Business Class passengers receive 2 free checked bags with an increased weight allowance of 32 kg (70.5 lbs) per bag. This higher weight limit is standard across long-haul routes operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 777 aircraft, as well as regional European flights.
Matmid Frequent Flyer Club Baggage Privileges
El Al's frequent flyer loyalty program, the Matmid Club, provides elite tier members with extra baggage entitlements. These perks apply when the member's loyalty number is linked to the booking prior to check-in.
- Silver (SL): On Economy Classic and Flex fares, members receive their standard 1 bag. On select routes, promotional tier perks may apply, but Silver members do not generally receive free checked luggage on Economy Lite tickets.
- Gold (GL): Members traveling on Economy Lite tickets receive 1 free bag (23 kg). On Economy Classic, Flex, or Premium tickets, Gold members receive 1 additional bag (23 kg) beyond the ticketed allowance.
- Platinum (PL): Members receive 1 complimentary checked bag on Lite fares and 1 additional bag (23 kg) on standard economy and premium fares.
- Top Platinum (TPL): Members receive highest-tier baggage priority. On tickets with an included allowance, Top Platinum flyers receive 1 extra piece up to 32 kg (70.5 lbs), regardless of cabin class.
Elite baggage entitlements are personal to the frequent flyer member and do not automatically transfer to non-status travel companions booked on separate confirmation codes.
Overweight, Oversized, and Excess Luggage Fees
When your luggage exceeds the standard number of pieces, weight limits, or dimensional allowances, El Al levies excess baggage fees. Charges depend on your route category (short-haul European destinations versus long-haul flights to North America, South Africa, or Asia) and whether you purchase your extra luggage in advance online or at the departure desk.
Excess Baggage Fee Estimates
The table below provides general operational fee ranges for standard excess items. Exact costs fluctuate based on departure point and currency exchange rates.
| Route Distance / Region | First Bag on Lite Fare (Online Pre-paid) | First Bag on Lite Fare (Airport Counter) | Additional Standard Bag (2nd or 3rd Piece) | Overweight Fee (23.1 to 32 kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Haul (e.g., Athens, Larnaca) | $35 – $50 | $70 – $85 | $70 – $90 | $70 – $100 |
| Medium-Haul (e.g., London, Paris, Rome) | $45 – $65 | $85 – $105 | $90 – $120 | $85 – $115 |
| Long-Haul (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, Bangkok) | $75 – $95 | $130 – $160 | $150 – $200 | $100 – $150 |
To see how El Al's ancillary pricing compares to other international airlines, consult our checked baggage fee comparison.
Overweight Baggage Limits
If a bag on an Economy or Premium ticket weighs between 23.1 kg and 32 kg (50.8 to 70.5 lbs), it is classified as overweight. You will be assessed a flat overweight surcharge at check-in.
Important safety ceiling: El Al will not accept any piece of passenger baggage weighing more than 32 kg (70.5 lbs). Any item heavier than 32 kg must be repacked into separate suitcases or shipped through El Al Cargo.
Oversized Baggage Limits
Standard checked bags must measure 158 linear cm (62 inches) or less (Length + Width + Height).
- Bags measuring between 159 cm and 277 cm (62.5 to 109 inches) are classified as oversized and incur an out-of-gauge handling fee.
- Items exceeding 277 linear cm (109 inches) cannot be checked as regular luggage and must be transported via cargo.
Traveling with Children and Infants
El Al provides specific allowances for families traveling with infants (children under 2 years old) and young children.
Infants Without a Seat (Lap Infants)
If your infant travels on an adult's lap, the ticket includes:
- Checked Bag: 1 checked bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs) with maximum linear dimensions of 115 cm (45 inches).
- Stroller or Car Seat: 1 fully collapsible stroller, buggy, or car seat checked free of charge. You can push the stroller to the boarding gate, where staff will tag it and place it in the hold.
- Cabin Diaper Bag: 1 small diaper bag containing infant formula, baby food, and changing supplies up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), stowed under the seat in front of you.
Children with a Booked Seat (Ages 2 to 11)
Children occupying their own seat receive the full baggage allowance of the purchased fare family (Lite, Classic, Flex, Premium, or Business). Additionally, parents may check one collapsible stroller or car seat at no extra cost.
Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments & Special Items
Specialized luggage requires careful packing and adherence to specific transport limits.
Sports Equipment
El Al allows certain sports gear to be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance, provided it fits within the weight and linear limits of your fare:
- Golf equipment and ski/snowboard bags: Can count as your standard checked bag on Economy Classic, Flex, Premium, and Business tickets, as long as the weight remains within the 23 kg (or 32 kg) limit.
- Bicycles: Non-motorized bicycles must be packed in a rigid bicycle box or durable case. Handlebars must be aligned with the frame, pedals removed, and tires deflated. Bicycles generally exceed 158 linear cm and are subject to special sports equipment handling fees.
- Surfboards and windsurfers: Equipment up to 277 cm in length can be transported subject to space availability and equipment fees. You must notify El Al at least 48 hours before departure, as small regional aircraft (such as the Boeing 737) have strict cargo compartment size limits.
Musical Instruments
- In the Cabin: Small instruments (violins, flutes, clarinets) may be brought aboard in place of your primary carry-on bag, provided the case does not exceed 56 × 45 × 25 cm and weighs under 8 kg.
- Extra Seat for Instruments: For larger, fragile instruments like cellos or acoustic guitars, you can purchase an extra adjacent passenger seat (known as a Cabin Baggage Seat). The instrument must be secured against the window seat and conform to cabin safety regulations.
- Checked Instruments: Large instruments (such as double basses or drum kits) must be packed in heavy-duty flight cases and checked into the hold. Standard overweight and oversized luggage fees apply if the case exceeds 23 kg or 158 linear cm.
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) Check-In Procedures
Checking luggage with El Al involves specific procedures, especially when departing from the airline's home hub at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV):
- Pre-Check Security Interview: Before you reach the check-in counters or bag drops, you and your travel party will complete an individual security interview. Have your passports, tickets, and baggage identification tags ready.
- Integrated Baggage Screening: Do not seal your luggage with non-TSA padlocks or plastic shrink-wrap before completing your security screening. Airport security personnel may require a manual inspection of your luggage contents.
- Arrival Times: El Al advises arriving at Ben Gurion Airport 3.5 to 4 hours before scheduled long-haul departures (such as flights to the United States or the Far East), and at least 3 hours prior to regional flights within Europe.
- Shabbat and Holiday Flight Schedules: El Al does not operate scheduled commercial passenger flights on the Jewish Sabbath (sunset Friday to nightfall Saturday) or on major Jewish religious holidays. Ensure any interline baggage transfers onto partner airlines reflect this operating window.
El Al Luggage Packing Checklist
Review this checklist before heading to the airport to avoid baggage delays, unexpected fees, or gate-check penalties.
- Verify your fare type. Check your booking confirmation to see if you have Economy Lite (no checked bag) or Classic/Flex (1 bag up to 23 kg included).
- Weigh your cabin bag. El Al strictly enforces an 8 kg limit for Economy carry-on bags at both check-in counters and boarding gates.
- Check personal item dimensions. Ensure your handbag, small backpack, or laptop sleeve measures within 38 × 30 × 18 cm so it fits under the seat.
- Purchase luggage online early. If you need extra checked bags, buy them at least 6 hours before departure on elal.com to get discounted pre-paid rates.
- Pack valuables in hand luggage. Keep all jewelry, medication, travel documents, keys, and lithium-ion power banks inside your cabin baggage.
- Prepare for security checks. At Ben Gurion Airport and overseas stations, keep your bags accessible for security personnel to inspect if requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does El Al Economy Lite include a free checked bag?
No, Economy Lite tickets do not include a free checked bag. Lite passengers receive one 8 kg carry-on bag and one small personal item, but any checked luggage must be purchased separately.
What is the carry-on weight limit on El Al flights?
In Economy Class, the carry-on bag limit is 8 kg (17.6 lbs). Premium Class passengers may bring 2 bags totaling up to 12 kg (no single bag over 8 kg), and Business Class passengers may bring 2 bags totaling up to 20 kg (one bag up to 16 kg and a second bag up to 4 kg).
What are the maximum dimensions for checked luggage on El Al?
The maximum size for any standard checked suitcase is 158 cm (62 linear inches), calculated by adding length, width, and height together. Bags between 159 cm and 277 cm incur an oversize fee, while bags over 277 cm must ship as cargo.
What is the fee for an overweight bag on El Al?
If your checked bag weighs between 23.1 kg and 32 kg (50.8 to 70.5 lbs), El Al charges a flat overweight fee. This surcharge typically ranges from $70 to $150 USD per piece depending on your destination and route length.
Can I bring a baby stroller on El Al without paying extra?
Yes, passengers traveling with an infant or small child may check one fully collapsible stroller, pram, or car seat free of charge. You can use the stroller through the airport up to the boarding door, where ground staff will load it into the cargo hold.
Does El Al accept bags heavier than 32 kg?
No, El Al will not accept any piece of passenger luggage that weighs more than 32 kg (70.5 lbs). Baggage exceeding this weight limit must be repacked into two separate bags or handled through El Al Cargo.
How does El Al handle baggage on partner or codeshare flights?
If your journey includes a connection operated by a partner airline (such as Delta or Air France), baggage allowances are governed by the operating carrier's policy or IATA Resolution 302 rules. Always verify the baggage allowance listed on your electronic ticket receipt.
Baggage rules, excess fees, and cabin limits can vary depending on your specific route, fare rules, and operating aircraft. Always consult your booking confirmation and the operating airline's official regulations before travel.
