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El Al
The national airline of Israel, flying from Tel Aviv
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IsraelCountry
- LYIATA Code
- ELYICAO Code
- IndependentAlliance
- Full-ServiceAirline Type
Guide reviewed
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About El Al
El Al is the national airline of Israel, flying from Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv to Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. Lite fares include cabin baggage only, Classic and Flex add a 23 kg bag, and all meals are kosher. This guide covers power bank rules, security at check-in, Shabbat schedules and how it compares with Aegean Airlines and British Airways.
The airline was founded in 1948 and flies Boeing 787 Dreamliners on long-haul routes and Boeing 737s in Europe. It is known for its strict security procedures.
Contents
Power Bank Rules on El Al
El Al follows the ICAO power bank rules in force worldwide since 27 March 2026:
- Carry power banks in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
- Up to 100 Wh is allowed without approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline.
- A maximum of two power banks per passenger, kept within reach; no charging them, or devices from them, during the flight.
Security and Check-In
Security interviews and bag checks take longer than at most airports, so arrive at least three hours before departure, both in Tel Aviv and abroad. Online check-in is available, but you may still need to pass a security check before dropping your bags.
Families and Special Assistance
Lap infants get one 23 kg checked bag but no carry-on. Bassinets can be requested on long-haul flights. Wheelchairs and other special assistance should be requested at least 48 hours in advance.
Shabbat and Holiday Schedules
The airline does not operate scheduled flights on Shabbat, from Friday evening to Saturday evening, or on major Jewish holidays. Plan around these days, especially for return flights.
How to Find Cheap El Al Flights
- Compare Lite with Classic if you need a checked bag.
- Avoid Jewish holiday peaks such as Passover and the autumn holidays.
- Prepay extra bags online, which costs less than at the airport.
- Check Matmid offers for members.
- Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Aegean, British Airways and others.
El Al vs Aegean Airlines vs British Airways
Three airlines on routes between Israel and Europe.
| El Al | Aegean Airlines | British Airways | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hub | Tel Aviv | Athens | London Heathrow |
| Alliance | None | Star Alliance | oneworld |
| Checked bag on cheapest fare | None | None | None |
| Meals | Kosher on all flights | Included | Included on long-haul |
See our Aegean Airlines guide and British Airways guide to compare.
Arriving in Tel Aviv
Ben Gurion Airport is about 20 km southeast of Tel Aviv. Trains run to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, except on Shabbat, and taxis are available at all times.
Check the latest travel advice before you book, as the security situation in the region can change quickly and some foreign airlines suspend flights at short notice. El Al has usually kept flying when other airlines paused services.
You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.
Is El Al a Good Airline?
Yes. It offers non-stop flights from Israel to major cities, kosher meals, Dreamliner comfort on long-haul routes and strong security, though fares and baggage rules on Lite are strict.
Its sister airline Sundor flies leisure routes to Europe under the El Al brand, so check which airline operates your flight, as service and baggage rules can differ slightly.
For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.
Facts checked in October 2026 against Upgraded Points on baggage fees. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.
Airline Partnerships
The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance, but it has codeshare agreements with several airlines.
Codeshare & Interline Partnerships
It has codeshare agreements with several airlines on selected routes, and its sister airline Sundor flies leisure routes.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv is the airline's hub.
Popular El Al Routes
The busiest routes link Tel Aviv with New York, London, Paris, Bangkok, Athens, Rome and Los Angeles. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.
Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.
El Al Reschedule & Cancellation Policy
Economy is sold as Lite, Classic and Flex fares, alongside Premium and Business. Lite is the cheapest and least flexible.
When you change a booking, you pay any fare difference plus a change fee for your fare. Flex fares have the most flexibility.
- Lite Cabin baggage only; the strictest rules.
- Classic One 23 kg checked bag; changes for a fee.
- Flex More flexibility and a larger cabin allowance.
- Premium and Business Two or more checked bags and flexible fares.
- How to change or cancel Use My Booking on the website or app.
El Al Seat Selection & Additional Services
Kosher meals are served on all flights. Seat selection is paid on the cheaper fares.
Business passengers get lounge access at Ben Gurion and priority services.
- Meals Kosher meals on all flights.
- Seats Paid on Lite and Classic.
- Business King David Lounges and priority services.
- Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.
El Al Baggage Allowance
Every passenger can bring a personal item of up to 30 × 38 × 18 cm. Lite and Classic include one 8 kg carry-on (56 × 45 × 25 cm), while Flex and Premium allow two bags totalling 12 kg.
Lite fares don't include a checked bag. Classic and Flex include one 23 kg bag, Premium two bags of 23 kg and Business two bags of 32 kg.
- Personal item Up to 30 × 38 × 18 cm.
- Lite and Classic One 8 kg carry-on.
- Flex and Premium Two carry-ons, 12 kg in total.
- Lite No checked bag.
- Classic and Flex 1 × 23 kg.
- Premium 2 × 23 kg.
- Business 2 × 32 kg.
- Extra bag to North America About USD 105 prepaid.
Matmid: El Al Loyalty Programme
Matmid is the airline's loyalty programme. Members earn points on its flights, and higher tiers get extra baggage and more cabin allowance.
Points can be spent on award flights and upgrades.
- Programme Matmid.
- Earn Points on flights and with partners.
- Perks Extra baggage for Silver and above.
- Redeem Award flights and upgrades.
El Al: Frequently Asked Questions
01What are El Al’s IATA and ICAO codes?
The airline's two-character IATA code is LY. It appears in flight numbers (for example LY 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is ELY, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.
02Which airline alliance is El Al part of?
It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.
03Where is El Al headquartered?
The airline is headquartered in Lod, Israel.
04When was El Al founded?
The airline was founded in 1948.
05What are El Al’s main hubs?
Its main hubs and focus cities are: Tel Aviv (TLV) – Main Hub.
06What is the El Al cabin baggage allowance?
A personal item plus one 8 kg carry-on on Lite and Classic, or two bags totalling 12 kg on Flex and Premium.
07Does the El Al Lite fare include checked baggage?
No. Classic and Flex include one 23 kg bag.
08Does El Al fly on Shabbat?
No. The airline does not operate scheduled flights on the Jewish Sabbath.
09How early should I arrive for an El Al flight?
At least three hours before departure, as security checks take longer than usual.
10Can I take a power bank on El Al?
On El Al you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval), but you cannot charge them, or charge devices from them, during the flight. They are never allowed in checked bags.
11What is the El Al loyalty programme?
Matmid is El Al's frequent flyer club. Members earn points on flights, and Silver members and above usually get an extra checked bag.
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El Al, its logo and trademarks are the property of El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by El Al unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.