Israir6H

Israir Airlines is an Israeli airline founded in 1989, operating domestic and international scheduled and charter services. Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israir operates from dual hubs at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) and Eilat Ramon Airport (ETM). The airline is Israel's third-largest carrier after El Al and Arkia, focusing on the essential Tel Aviv-Eilat domestic route and European charter destinations.

Owned by IDB Tourism, Israir operates a fleet of ATR 72-500 turboprops, well-suited for the short domestic routes and regional flying that form the core of its operations. The airline serves both scheduled domestic flights and charter services to European leisure destinations, particularly popular with Israeli tourists.

Like El Al and most Israeli carriers, Israir does not operate on Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) and serves kosher meals on all flights. The airline is not a member of any airline alliance and does not operate a formal frequent flyer program. Israeli security procedures apply to all Israir flights.

Carry-On Allowance

Item	Dimensions	Weight	Notes
Personal Item	40 x 30 x 20 cm (16 x 12 x 8 in)	Part of 8 kg total	Must fit under seat
Cabin Bag	55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 in)	8 kg (18 lbs) total	Overhead bin

Note: The 8 kg weight limit is the combined total for all carry-on items. ATR 72 aircraft have smaller overhead bins than jet aircraft; pack accordingly.

Checked Baggage

Standard Size: 158 cm (62 in) linear maximum (length + width + height)

Domestic Flights (TLV-ETM):

Fare Type	Bags Included	Weight Limit
Economy	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)

International/Charter Flights:

Cabin Class	Bags Included	Weight Limit
Economy	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Note: Charter flight baggage may vary based on tour operator and package; confirm with your booking agent.

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Overweight Bags:

Weight	Fee
Per kg over limit	$10 USD per kg
Over 32 kg (70 lbs)	Not accepted

Oversized Bags:

Size	Fee
159-203 cm (63-80 in) linear	$75 USD
Over 203 cm (80 in)	Not accepted

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag, max 23 kg
Skis/snowboards	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Bicycle	$100 USD	Must be boxed, tires deflated
Car seat	FREE	Gate-check available
Stroller	FREE	Gate-check available
Wheelchair/mobility aids	FREE	Advance notification recommended

ATR 72 Considerations:

• Smaller cargo hold than jet aircraft
• Oversized items may require advance booking
• Contact Israir directly for special equipment transport

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at israirairlines.com before traveling.

Economy Class (ATR 72-500)

Israir operates ATR 72-500 turboprops on all routes.

Seat Specifications:

• Pitch: 30-31 inches (76-79 cm)
• Width: 17 inches (43 cm)
• Configuration: 2-2 seating
• Capacity: 68-72 passengers

Features:

• Single-aisle cabin
• Overhead bins (smaller than jet aircraft)
• Air conditioning
• Pressurized cabin

Entertainment

• No seatback entertainment (flights are typically under 1 hour domestic)
• Bring personal devices for longer charter flights
• Reading materials may be available

Dining - Kosher

Israir serves kosher food on all flights, in keeping with Israeli airline standards.

Domestic Flights (TLV-ETM):

• Complimentary beverages
• Snacks on request
• Flight time approximately 45 minutes

Charter/International Flights:

• Meal service varies by route length and charter arrangement
• Kosher meals included on longer flights
• Special dietary requirements should be arranged through tour operator

Note: Confirm meal arrangements with your tour operator for charter flights.

Booking:

• For scheduled domestic flights, book directly on israirairlines.com
• Charter flights are typically booked through tour operators
• Compare with Arkia for the TLV-ETM route
• No Shabbat flights; plan weekend travel accordingly

TLV-ETM Domestic Route:

• Multiple daily frequencies
• Flight time approximately 45 minutes vs 4+ hour drive
• Essential during summer heat and peak holiday seasons
• Book early during Israeli holidays (Passover, Sukkot, etc.)

Security:

• Arrive 2-3 hours early for international departures
• Standard Israeli security applies; answer questions honestly and directly
• Keep electronics charged for screening
• First-time visitors to Israel may face additional questions

ATR 72 Considerations:

• Smaller overhead bins; pack carry-on thoughtfully
• Turboprop aircraft; slightly noisier than jets
• Lower cruise altitude; more scenic views possible
• Comfortable for short domestic hops

At Ben Gurion (TLV):

• Israir operates from Terminal 3 (domestic and international)
• Train connects to Tel Aviv (20 min) and Jerusalem (30 min)
• Allow time for security regardless of check-in method

At Eilat Ramon (ETM):

• Modern airport opened 2019
• Replaced older Eilat city airport and Ovda airport
• Located 18 km north of Eilat city
• Taxi or bus to resort hotels

Charter Travel Tips:

• Baggage allowance may differ from standard; confirm with tour operator
• Meal arrangements vary by package
• Group check-in often available
• Keep tour operator contact handy for any changes

Comparison with Other Israeli Airlines:

• El Al: Flag carrier, more extensive network, Matmid loyalty program
• Arkia: Embraer jets, only Israeli carrier flying Shabbat, expanding long-haul
• Israir: ATR turboprops, focused on domestic and charter, smaller carrier

Common Issues:

• No frequent flyer program limits loyalty earning
• No alliance partnerships
• Charter flight details vary by tour operator
• ATR 72 has limited cargo space for large items
• Not available on Saturdays (Shabbat)