.png&w=3840&q=75)
Arkia and Israir Baggage Size and Weight: The Complete Guide for Domestic and International Flights
October 23, 2026
On Arkia and Israir international flights, the maximum carry-on trolley weight is 8 kg, with dimensions of up to 55x40x20 cm. On domestic flights to Eilat, trolley dimensions are sometimes more limited (50x40x20 cm on Arkia) because of the smaller aircraft. Checked baggage (a large suitcase in the hold) is limited to 23 kg on international flights, and to just 20 kg on domestic flights.
Arkia's baggage rules: international vs domestic flights
Arkia, one of Israel's oldest and best-known airlines, operates a varied fleet that includes wide-body Airbus aircraft for international flights and smaller Embraer aircraft used mainly on the route between Ben Gurion Airport and Ramon Airport in Eilat. These aircraft differences directly affect the size of the overhead bins, so the airline enforces a different baggage policy depending on your destination.
On international flights, basic tickets (like Lite tickets) usually don't include a large suitcase in the hold, only a hand bag or trolley. If you bought a ticket that includes checked baggage, or added it for a fee, the allowed weight is up to 23 kg. On domestic flights to Eilat, the policy is a little more lenient about including baggage in the ticket (depending on the ticket type), but very strict about the weight and physical dimensions of the trolley because of the space limits on the small aircraft.
| Type of baggage (Arkia) | International flights | Domestic flights (Eilat) | Notes and key points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small personal bag | Up to 40x30x18 cm | Up to 40x30x18 cm | Must fit under the seat in front of you. |
| Trolley / carry-on bag | Up to 8 kg, 55x40x20 cm | Up to 8 kg, 50x40x20 cm | Note the difference in trolley length on Eilat flights (only 50 cm!). |
| Checked baggage (hold) | Up to 23 kg, total dimensions up to 158 cm | Up to 20 kg, total dimensions up to 158 cm | Excess weight will be charged at a high rate at the check-in counter. |
Israir's baggage rules: what can you take on board and what goes in the hold?
Israir uses a pricing model very similar to European low-cost airlines. This means that every item of baggage beyond a small backpack that fits under the seat requires careful attention to the details of the ticket you bought. On Israir's international flights, the large suitcase that goes in the hold is limited to 23 kg, in line with the accepted international (IATA) standard.
As for hand bags and trolleys, Israir lets you bring a trolley of up to 8 kg on board. However, it's important to know that on full flights the ground staff may ask you to send the trolley to the hold at no extra charge because there's no room in the overhead bins. If you're flying to Eilat, the weight limit for a large suitcase drops to just 20 kg, and keeping to the trolley dimensions becomes even more critical because of the narrow ATR aircraft used.
| Type of baggage (Israir) | International flights | Domestic flights (Eilat) | Notes and key points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small personal bag | Up to 40x30x15 cm | Up to 40x30x15 cm | A small backpack, laptop bag or handbag. |
| Trolley / carry-on bag | Up to 8 kg, 55x40x20 cm | Up to 8 kg, 50x40x20 cm | The dimensions include wheels, handles and bulging pockets. |
| Checked baggage (hold) | Up to 23 kg, total dimensions up to 158 cm | Up to 20 kg, total dimensions up to 158 cm | Extra weight can be bought in advance on the airline's website at a discount. |
The critical differences between Eilat (domestic) and international flights
Many passengers tend to assume that the same suitcase they used on a flight to Rome or Greece will fit the short flight to Eilat in exactly the same way. It's a common mistake that can cost you dearly at the boarding gate. Why do these differences exist?
- Aircraft structure and size: flights to Eilat are usually operated with smaller aircraft than flights to Europe. The overhead bins on these aircraft are significantly narrower and lower. A hard-shell trolley in the standard 55 cm size simply won't physically fit in the bin, and will have to be sent to the hold at the last minute.
- Takeoff weight limits: small aircraft are much more sensitive to weight distribution and total takeoff weight. That's why airlines limit the large suitcase on domestic flights to just 20 kg, compared with 23 kg on international flights.
- Strict enforcement at the gate: because of the physical space limits on domestic aircraft, ground staff at Ben Gurion and Ramon tend to check hand bag sizes more rigorously using the sizers placed at the gates.
Practical tips for smart packing and avoiding fees at the airport
At Camel Mountain, a family business that has been accompanying travellers since 1975, we know there's nothing more frustrating than starting a vacation with arguments over excess weight or oversized bags at the airline counter. Here are a few tips to help you get through the checks easily and safely:
1. Measure the suitcase including the wheels and handles: airlines measure the suitcase from its lowest point (the wheels) to its highest point (the handle when closed). Don't rely on the bare dimensions printed on your old suitcase's label: take a tape measure and measure it yourself at home.
2. Use a portable digital scale: a small hand-held luggage scale is a lifesaver. Weigh the suitcases at home when they're full, and always leave a safety margin of half a kilogram for calibration differences between scales. Remember to weigh the trolley too: the 8 kg limit comes very quickly, especially if the suitcase itself is heavy.
3. Prefer lightweight suitcases: the lower the empty (own) weight of the suitcase, the more weight you have left for clothes and personal items. Modern suitcases made of advanced materials or flexible travel bags made of durable Cordura offer an excellent ratio of strength to minimal weight.
4. Organize the inside with packing cubes: a set of packing cubes doesn't just keep things tidy, it lets you compress clothes efficiently and make maximum use of the small trolley's volume without exceeding the suitcase's external dimensions.
Products to help you on your way
Products in this guide
Frequently asked questions
Are the suitcase wheels included in Arkia's and Israir's size measurements?
Yes, absolutely. Airlines measure the suitcase from the end of the wheels to the end of the top handle when it's folded down. If the wheels take it beyond 55 cm on international flights or 50 cm on flights to Eilat, the trolley may be refused as carry-on.
What happens if my trolley is over the weight or size limit on a flight to Eilat?
If the trolley is too big or too heavy, the ground staff will make you send it to the hold. If your ticket type doesn't include checked baggage, you'll have to pay a significant fee at the boarding gate.
Can I bring both a small backpack and a trolley on Israir flights?
Israir's policy allows a small personal bag (like a small backpack or laptop bag) that fits under the seat at no charge. A larger trolley (up to 8 kg) is allowed on board only if you bought a suitable ticket or added it in advance for a fee.
Can I take a laptop bag in addition to a trolley on Arkia?
Yes, Arkia lets you take a small personal bag (like a laptop bag or handbag) of up to 40x30x18 cm in addition to the trolley, provided the personal bag is placed under the seat in front of you during the flight.
