A Luggage Primer
Provided by Ariel Tours
Official El Al Regulations Regarding Luggage Size & Weight
The
Dimensions		 Measure the length, the width & the height of the suitcase add the three numbers together.
Do the same for the other suitcase(s).
You are allowed 2 pieces of luggage of 62 inches each.

For those who have pre-paid for an extra piece of luggage: The third piece can also be a maximum of 62 inches.

All the above apply to duffle bags and boxes as well.
The Weight Maximum weight is 50 pounds per piece of luggage.
Carry
On		 In addition to the luggage that you check in, you are permitted One (1) (uno) (echad) carry-on piece, with a maximum size of 50 inches as follows: 22 length, 18 width & 10 depth,
and a maximum weight of 17 lb. (This is in addition to a personal item such as a purse).
Please note:El Al can be very strict about these rules.

Things to Keep in Mind When Packing

When you check in for the flight, the lovely El Al person will weigh & measure your luggage.
If any individual piece of your luggage is over the size or the weight limit,
El Al will charge you as follows (credit cards accepted):
Weight in Lbs
NYC or
MIA or ORD
LAX
less than 50lbs
Free
50-70.4 lbs
$25
$25
Charge (at airport) for additional piece of luggage < 50lbs $230 $240
  • This is strictly enforced by El Al. Our advice; avoid hassles measure & weigh all of your bags
  • If you have paid for a third bag and see that you still need more luggage space, it may be worth it for you to pay for a fourth bag at the airport for an additional $230 ($240 from LAX) each way. We cannot guarantee that El Al will allow this, but it may be an option for you if you're really running tight
  • Although we do not anticipate any problems, please keep in mind that El Al will be transporting many pieces of luggage for many students. Occasionally, a suitcase is delayed temporarily in transit. It is advised to intersperse various types of clothing and neccesities amongst your luggage in case you do not have access to any of them for a short period of time. It is recommended to pack some essentials in your carry-on bag as well.
  • Israel DOES presently have a steady supply of tuna fish cans, cereal & toilet paper.

Connecting to New York on a Domestic Flight
Please note that ALL the luggage rules and regulations listed here (including pre-payment for a third piece of luggage) apply ONLY to your El Al flights and not to any connecting domestic flights on other airlines.

  • Does EL AL count my hockey stick or guitar as one of my 3 pieces of luggage ?
    Unfortunately, EL AL does not have a policy on hockey sticks or guitars, or similar items. Therefore, we can not tell you what WILL happen at check-in. However, we can give you the possibilities of what may happen. EL AL may....

  • allow you to check in your hockey stick or guitar & not charge you for an extra bag.
  • allow you to check it in, but charge you for an extra piece of luggage
  • allow you to take it on the plane with you, but count that as your carry-on.
  • allow you to take it on the plane with you in addition to your carry-on.
  • allow you to take it until the plane & then they will take it from you and check it in with the luggage.

Whether the staff checking you in will allow you to check-in your hockey stick or guitar or not depends on the person checking in YOUR luggage. If you are planning to check in one of these items, we recommend that you arrive at the airport real early, before the “mad rush,” while the EL AL personnel are still in a good mood !!!