El Al baggage and seating rules depend on your ticket type, so it pays to know the difference before you book. When booking a flight with El Al, the difference between a great deal and an unexpected expense at the airport starts with understanding the fine print of the ticket type. In the past, everyone received a suitcase by default, but today El Al’s model is similar to low-cost airlines: chose the Lite route? You paid only for the seat. Opted for the Classic or Flex route? You bought yourself peace of mind with luggage included in the price.
Decoding El Al’s Model: Which Ticket is Really Worth It for You?
El Al divides the economy class into three different price levels. From our field experience, the most common mistake is purchasing the cheapest Lite ticket and then getting carried away with adding services that end up costing much more than an upgraded ticket upfront.
Comparing El Al Ticket Types: Making Sense of the Chaos
To know exactly what the price you paid includes and which ticket is most beneficial for your needs, we have compiled a breakdown of services by route type: Lite Ticket (Basic Route):
- Personal bag under the seat: Included in the price.
- Trolley for the overhead compartment up to 8 kg: Additional charge only.
- Suitcase for the aircraft hold up to 23 kg: Additional charge only.
- Seat selection: Additional charge only.
Classic Ticket (Standard Route):
- Personal bag under the seat: Included in the price.
- Trolley for the overhead compartment up to 8 kg: Included in the price.
- Suitcase for the aircraft hold up to 23 kg: Included in the price.
- Seat selection: Included for basic seats.
Flex Ticket (Flexible Route):
- Personal bag under the seat: Included in the price.
- Trolley for the overhead compartment up to 8 kg: Included in the price.
- Suitcase for the aircraft hold up to 23 kg: Included in the price.
- Seat selection: Included in a wide and flexible range of seats.
El Al Baggage: The Small Traps and Big Money Savers
On El Al flights, weight is sacred. Your hand luggage, known as a trolley, is limited to a weight of only 8 kg, which is one of the lowest in the aviation industry. What happens if you break the rules?
- The Lite Trap: With the cheapest ticket, you are only allowed to carry a small bag that fits under the seat in front of you. Do not try to sneak a trolley beyond that. The crew at the boarding gate often conducts thorough checks, and the payment there is much more expensive than purchasing in advance on the website.
- Addition Costs: Adding a suitcase weighing 23 kg will cost you between $35 and $70 per direction if purchased in advance. If you wait for the airport counter, the price may soar to $100 or more for the same suitcase.
- Golden Tip from the Field: If you are flying as a couple, upgrade only one passenger to a Classic ticket. They will receive a suitcase and trolley, and the second passenger with a Lite ticket can manage with a backpack. This solution saves tens of dollars without sacrificing basic comfort.
Seating: How Not to Find Yourself Next to the Toilets
In the world of flight hunting, seating is a game of precise timing. If you haven’t paid for the seat in advance, the system will automatically assign you, and often it won’t be next to your partner or family members.
- The 24-Hour Opportunity Window: Once online check-in opens about 24 hours before the scheduled departure, available seats open for free or at a reduced cost. This is the exact time to rush to the site and grab a seat.
- Surprises in Front Seats: El Al defines the front rows in economy class as Front seats. It’s important to understand that they do not offer more legroom, only a quick exit from the plane upon landing, yet they require an additional payment.
- Note: Even if you purchased a Classic ticket, free selection is limited to regular seats only. If you want to sit by the window or in a preferred location, you will need to pay for it separately.
Before you rush to book the next deal we found for you, it’s important to close all the small corners that might increase the vacation cost at the last minute. To avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport, we have gathered the answers to the most burning questions El Al passengers regularly ask us.
Questions and Answers
Am I allowed to bring both a backpack and a trolley on an El Al flight? This is only possible if you purchased a Classic or Flex ticket. With a Lite ticket, the trolley is always an additional charge. If you arrive with both bags on a Lite ticket, you will be asked to pay a penalty and transfer the trolley to the aircraft hold. How much does it cost to add a suitcase at the last minute? If you remember on the day of the flight, the price on the website will still be cheaper than at the check-in counter at the airport. At the airport, the price starts at a range of $90 to $100 for the first suitcase, while on the website you can find it for about half the price depending on the flight destination. Will a family with children always sit together? Not automatically. Although ground crews make an effort to help, the official policy states that seating is guaranteed only for those who paid for it in advance or chose seats during check-in. On full flights, you may find yourselves scattered throughout the plane if you did not prepare for it in time.
Bottom Line: How Not to Get Ripped Off with El Al?
The secret of true flight hunters is not just finding the cheapest price in the initial search, but understanding the final price after all necessary additions. If you plan on doing massive shopping in Europe or flying with heavy equipment, don’t be tempted by the Lite ticket. Upgrading to a Classic ticket at the time of booking will almost always be more worthwhile than paying for a suitcase separately at a later stage. <span style="
