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El Al Baggage: How Many Suitcases, How Much Weight and What About the Trolley
October 23, 2026
On El Al flights, the number of suitcases and the allowed weight depend on the type of ticket and the cabin: in economy (Classic and Flex tickets) you can check one suitcase of up to 23 kg, and in business class two suitcases of up to 32 kg each. Lite tickets do not include checked baggage without an extra fee.
El Al's baggage rules: who is entitled to a suitcase and at what weight?
Since El Al switched to a pricing model based on ticket types (Lite, Classic, Flex), checked baggage is no longer automatic for every economy passenger. So you aren't surprised at the check-in counter at Ben Gurion Airport, it is important to understand exactly what your ticket includes.
Passengers who buy a Lite ticket can board with carry-on only (a small backpack and a trolley, according to the rules), but are not entitled to check a suitcase into the hold. If you want to add a suitcase, you will have to pay an extra fee that can range from $35 to $90 each way, depending on the destination and when you buy it (it is always best to add it in advance on the website rather than at the airport).
Classic and Flex tickets in economy include one suitcase of up to 23 kg. In Premium the allowance is upgraded to two suitcases, each of up to 23 kg. Passengers in business class enjoy a much higher limit: two suitcases of up to 32 kg each. Note that weights cannot be combined: if you are two passengers with Classic tickets, you can't bring one 30 kg suitcase and a second 16 kg suitcase, since each suitcase is weighed separately and must stay within the 23 kg limit.
Comparison table: El Al baggage weight and dimensions by cabin
To make life easy for you, we have gathered all the hard facts in one clear, organized table, so you can pack exactly by the book:
| Ticket type or cabin | Checked baggage (suitcase) | Maximum weight per suitcase | Allowed carry-on (cabin) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Lite | None (for an extra fee) | Not applicable | Personal item + trolley (up to 8 kg) |
| Economy Classic | One suitcase | Up to 23 kg | Personal item + trolley (up to 8 kg) |
| Economy Flex | One suitcase | Up to 23 kg | Personal item + trolley (up to 8 kg) |
| Premium | Two suitcases | Up to 23 kg per suitcase | Personal item + 2 carry-on bags (up to 12 kg combined) |
| Business | Two suitcases | Up to 32 kg per suitcase | Personal item + 2 carry-on bags (up to 16 kg combined) |
Allowed suitcase dimensions on El Al
Beyond weight, airlines also pay close attention to suitcase volume and dimensions. On El Al, the maximum size for a checked suitcase is 158 cm in total (length + width + height, including wheels, handles and outside pockets). Standard suitcases from 24 to 28 inches usually meet this limit easily, but giant 30 to 32 inch suitcases may exceed the dimensions and incur oversized baggage charges.
For carry-on baggage that boards with you, El Al's official dimensions are 56 cm long, 45 cm wide and 25 cm deep. Note that your trolley must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. In addition to the trolley, El Al lets you bring a small personal item (such as a laptop backpack, a shoulder bag or a diaper bag) of no more than 38x30x18 cm, which must be placed under the seat in front of you during the flight.
Practical tips for avoiding overweight fees at the airport
There is no more frustrating feeling than reaching the check-in counter, putting your suitcase on the scale and finding it reads 24.5 kg instead of 23 kg. At moments like these you have to open the suitcase in front of everyone, move clothes to your backpack or pay a hefty overweight fee. Here are some winning tips to help you get past the scale in one piece:
- Get a portable digital scale: it is an essential tool for every traveler. Weigh your suitcases at home before you leave, and weigh them again in the hotel room before the flight back (after all the shopping and gifts).
- Use packing cubes: packing cubes not only keep the suitcase perfectly organized, they also help you spread the weight smartly between the big suitcase and the backpack that boards with you.
- Wear the heavy items: the big coat, the thick jeans and the heavy hiking boots should be on you during the flight, not in the suitcase. That can easily save you 2 to 3 precious kilos.
- Choose lightweight suitcases: old or low-quality hard-shell suitcases can weigh 5 to 6 kg on their own before you have put a single sock inside. Investing in a modern, light suitcase made of advanced materials gives you more kilos of actual packing.
Frequent flyer members and baggage benefits on El Al
If you fly El Al often and hold a high status in its frequent flyer club, you are entitled to significant baggage benefits that can save you hundreds of dollars a year. Members with Gold, Platinum and Top Platinum status are entitled to one extra suitcase beyond their ticket's original allowance, at no extra cost. This benefit applies on El Al flights and some of the airline's codeshare flights, and lets you fly with peace of mind even when you are planning a major shopping trip abroad.
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Frequently asked questions
What happens if my suitcase weighs 24 kg instead of 23 kg on El Al?
El Al is very strict about baggage weight. Going even one kilo over 23 kg in economy can mean paying an overweight fee. Move small but heavy items to your carry-on to avoid it.
Can I bring both a backpack and a trolley on board with El Al?
Yes, with most ticket types (including Classic and Flex) you can bring both a standard trolley into the cabin (up to 8 kg) and an additional small personal item, such as a laptop backpack or handbag, placed under the seat in front of you.
How much does it cost to add an extra suitcase on El Al?
The cost of adding a suitcase varies by destination (Europe, the US or the East) and when you buy it. Buying in advance on the El Al website is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport counter, and can save you tens of dollars.
Is an infant entitled to a suitcase on an El Al flight?
An infant (under two) who doesn't have their own seat is entitled to check one suitcase of up to 10 kg, in addition to a stroller or car seat that can be brought to the aircraft door free of charge.
Do El Al's dimensions include wheels and handles?
Yes, absolutely. All airlines, El Al included, measure the suitcase from the floor to its top edge. The measurement includes the wheels, feet, the top and side carry handles when folded, and any protruding outside pocket.
How do I measure the 158 cm for a checked suitcase?
Add up the suitcase's three dimensions: height + width + depth (including wheels, handles and protruding pockets). Most medium (24 inch) and large (28 inch) suitcases made today meet this standard, but measure at home if you have any doubt.
What happens if my trolley weighs 9 kg instead of 8 kg?
It depends on how strict the ground staff are on the day of the flight, but officially you are over the rules. If the flight is full, there is a good chance the bag will be weighed and you will be asked to check it into the hold, sometimes for an extra fee. It is always best to stay safely within 8 kg.
