El Al Israel AirlinesLY

El Al Israel Airlines is the flag carrier of Israel, founded in 1948, the same year Israel declared independence. Headquartered in Tel Aviv, El Al operates from its primary hub at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), connecting Israel to destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. The airline operates approximately 45 aircraft including Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Boeing 777s, and Boeing 737s.

El Al is not a member of any airline alliance but maintains codeshare agreements with partners including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and European carriers. The airline is renowned for its exceptional security measures, considered among the most stringent in commercial aviation. El Al is also unique in that it does not operate flights on Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) or Jewish holidays, and serves kosher meals on all flights.

The name "El Al" means "To the Skies" in Hebrew, reflecting the airline's aspirations since its founding. The airline has played a historic role in bringing Jewish immigrants to Israel from around the world.

Carry-On Allowance

Class	Cabin Bags	Dimensions	Weight
Economy	1 bag + 1 personal item	56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 in)	8 kg (18 lbs) total
Premium Economy	1 bag + 1 personal item	56 x 45 x 25 cm	8 kg (18 lbs) total
Business	2 bags + 1 personal item	56 x 45 x 25 cm each	16 kg (35 lbs) total

Personal Item:

• Dimensions: 37 x 27 x 23 cm (15 x 11 x 9 in)
• Must fit under seat in front of you
• Examples: Laptop bag, small backpack, purse

Important: The 8 kg weight limit is the combined total for all carry-on items in Economy and Premium Economy. Business Class passengers receive 16 kg combined for all carry-on items.

Checked Baggage

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

Fare Class	Bags Included	Weight Limit
Economy Lite	0 bags	Purchase separately
Economy Classic	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Economy Flex	2 bags	23 kg (50 lbs) each
Premium Economy	2 bags	23 kg (50 lbs) each
Business Class	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Overweight Bags:

Weight Range	Fee
24-32 kg (51-70 lbs)	$75 USD
Over 32 kg (70 lbs)	Not accepted

Oversized Bags:

Size	Fee
159-203 cm (63-80 in) linear	$125 USD
Over 203 cm (80 in)	Not accepted

Note: Fees are cumulative for bags that are both overweight AND oversized.

Route Variations

El Al uses the piece concept on all routes. Checked baggage allowances apply consistently across the network, including flights to:

• North America: USA (JFK, EWR, MIA, LAX, BOS, SFO), Canada (YYZ)
• Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Rome, Athens, and more
• Asia: Bangkok, Mumbai, Delhi
• Africa: Johannesburg

Matmid Status Benefits

Status	Additional Baggage
Matmid Silver	+5 kg to checked allowance
Matmid Gold	+1 checked bag (up to 23 kg)
Matmid Platinum	+2 checked bags (up to 23 kg each)

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Skis/snowboards	Standard bag fee	Oversize fee typically waived
Bicycle	$125 USD	Must be boxed, tires deflated
Surfboard	$125 USD	Up to 277 cm (109 in)
Car seat	FREE	Gate-check available
Stroller	FREE	Gate-check available
CPAP	FREE	Doesn't count as carry-on
Musical instruments	Standard if checked	Purchase seat for large instruments in cabin

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at elal.com/baggage before traveling.

Business Class

El Al's Business Class offers a premium transatlantic experience with lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner:

• Configuration: 1-2-1 (direct aisle access)
• Pitch: 60-78 inches
• Bed: Fully flat, 78 inches (198 cm)
• Screen: 15.4-inch personal entertainment
• Features: AC power, USB ports, mood lighting, noise-reducing cabin

Boeing 777-200ER:

• Configuration: 2-2-2
• Pitch: 60-75 inches
• Recline: Fully flat bed
• Features: Personal entertainment, power outlets

Business Class Amenities:

• Kosher multi-course dining with Israeli wines
• Amenity kit
• Lounge access at TLV
• Priority boarding and baggage
• Complimentary WiFi on equipped aircraft

Premium Economy (SELECT)

Available on: Boeing 787, Boeing 777

• Pitch: 38 inches (97 cm)
• Width: 18.5 inches (47 cm)
• Recline: Enhanced
• Screen: Personal entertainment with larger selection
• Features: Footrest, adjustable headrest, power outlets

Premium Economy Perks:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Upgraded meal service
• 2 checked bags included
• Dedicated cabin section

Economy Class

Boeing 787 Dreamliner:

• Pitch: 31-32 inches
• Width: 17-18 inches
• Screen: Personal seatback entertainment
• Features: USB power, reading light

Boeing 777-200ER:

• Pitch: 31-32 inches
• Width: 17 inches
• Screen: Personal entertainment at every seat

Boeing 737-800/900:

• Pitch: 30-31 inches
• Width: 17 inches
• Used for European and shorter routes

Entertainment

• Seatback screens on all long-haul aircraft
• Selection of Hollywood and Israeli films, TV shows, music
• Content available in Hebrew, English, and other languages
• Complimentary headphones provided

WiFi

• Available on most Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft
• Messaging packages from $8 USD
• Streaming packages from $19 USD
• Free for Business Class on select flights

Dining - All Kosher

El Al serves exclusively kosher food on all flights, supervised by the Israeli Rabbinate.

Business Class:

• Multi-course meals with Israeli wines
• Dishes feature Israeli and international cuisine
• Flexibility in meal timing

Economy Class:

• Complimentary hot meals on long-haul flights
• Complimentary snacks and beverages
• Kosher wine, beer, and spirits available

Special Meals:

• All meals are kosher by default
• Glatt kosher, vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options available
• Pre-order 24+ hours in advance through Manage My Booking

Booking:

• Book directly on elal.com for best service during disruptions
• Check fare types carefully: Lite has no checked bag
• Remember no flights on Shabbat or Jewish holidays when planning connections
• Use the Hebrew site for Israel-specific deals (elal.com/he)

Security:

• Arrive early: 3 hours minimum recommended
• Be prepared for security interview questions about your trip
• Answer honestly and directly
• Traveling with electronics? Charge them fully before the airport
• First-time visitors to Israel may face additional questions

Shabbat Considerations:

• No El Al flights Friday afternoon through Saturday evening
• Plan connections carefully around this schedule
• During Jewish holidays, schedules may also be affected
• Other airlines operate normally if you need Shabbat travel

At Ben Gurion (TLV):

• King David Lounge is excellent for Business Class and elite members
• Duty-free shopping is extensive
• Train connects to Tel Aviv (20 min) and Jerusalem (30 min)
• Terminal 3 is modern and well-equipped

Matmid Program:

• Points earning is generous on higher fare classes
• Elite status provides significant baggage benefits
• Lounge access at Gold tier is valuable for frequent travelers
• Consider status match offers if you have elite status elsewhere

Dining:

• All food is kosher; no need to special order kosher meals
• Wine and spirits are complimentary in all cabins
• Special dietary meals still available (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)

Upgrades:

• Same-day upgrade opportunities may be available at check-in
• Matmid Platinum members receive complimentary upgrade consideration
• Paid upgrades sometimes offered via email before departure

Common Issues:

• Security screening takes time; never underestimate it
• No Shabbat flights limits schedule flexibility
• Alliance partnerships are limited (no global alliance)
• Some airports have enhanced El Al security areas
• WiFi not available on all aircraft

Cultural Notes:

• Many passengers will be observant Jews; expect prayers during flight
• Crew speaks Hebrew and English
• Israeli newspapers and magazines available
• Flight attendants are known for friendly, direct service style