2026 carry-on & personal item rules
El Al carry-on size
El Al's carry-on baggage size limit is 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in), with a 8 kg (17.6 lb) weight limit. On flights to and from North America, every Economy fare includes an 8 kg carry-on. Since May 2025, Lite fares on European and UAE routes must check the carry-on.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in
17.6 lb
15 × 11.8 × 7.1 in
Lite can be personal-item only
Quick answer
El Al allows a carry-on up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in) and 8 kg, plus a personal item up to 38 × 30 × 18 cm. Lite can be personal-item only, so check your fare.
- Carry-on
- 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in)
- Weight limit
- 8 kg (17.6 lb)
- Personal item
- 38 × 30 × 18 cm (15 × 11.8 × 7.1 in)
- Cheapest fare
- Not on some basic fares
- Standard 22 × 14 × 9 in bag
- Fits
El Al bag sizes, drawn to scale
Will my bag fit on El Al?
Measure your packed bag, including wheels and handles.
Fits, but some basic fares don't include it
Limit: 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in), 8 kg (17.6 lb)
7 in too long, 2.2 in too wide, 1.9 in too deep
Limit: 38 × 30 × 18 cm (15 × 11.8 × 7.1 in)
Will my bag fit as a personal item on El Al?
Typical sizes of everyday bags, checked against El Al's 38 × 30 × 18 cm personal item limit. Measure your own bag, or use the checker above.
- Small backpack or daypack41 × 30 × 15 cmToo big: 3 cm too long
- Under-seat rolling bag41 × 33 × 20 cmToo big: 3 cm too long, 3 cm too wide, 2 cm too deep
- Laptop backpack46 × 30 × 20 cmToo big: 8 cm too long, 2 cm too deep
- Large tote46 × 36 × 15 cmToo big: 8 cm too long, 6 cm too wide
- Weekender duffel51 × 28 × 25 cmToo big: 13 cm too long, 7 cm too deep
El Al carry-on rules by fare
Lite
Lite fares to and from the U.S. include the 8 kg carry-on but no checked bag. On European and UAE routes, Lite passengers have to check their carry-on.
Higher fares
Standard and premium fares include a carry-on and a personal item.
Tips for flying El Al
- •Measure your packed bag, wheels and handles included; many suitcases sold as "22-inch" are taller with the wheels.
- •El Al's personal item limit is on the small side, so a typical laptop backpack may be too deep.
- •Weigh your bag at home: El Al has a 8 kg (17.6 lb) carry-on limit.
- •Check your fare before you pack: Lite can be personal-item only.
How El Al compares
Carry-on rules at other Middle East airlines.
| Airline | Carry-on | Weight | Personal item | Carry-on on cheapest fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Al | 56 × 45 × 25 cm22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in | 8 kg | 38 × 30 × 18 cm | Not on some basic fares |
| Emirates | 55 × 38 × 20 cm21.7 × 15 × 7.9 in | 7 kg | Must fit under seat | Included |
| Qatar Airways | 50 × 37 × 25 cm19.7 × 14.6 × 9.8 in | 7 kg | Must fit under seat | Included |
| Etihad Airways | 56 × 36 × 23 cm22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in | 7 kg | Must fit under seat | Included |
| flydubai | 55 × 38 × 20 cm21.7 × 15 × 7.9 in | 7 kg | 33 × 25 × 20 cm | Included |
| Saudia | 56 × 45 × 25 cm22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in | 7 kg | Must fit under seat | Included |
| Air Arabia | 55 × 40 × 20 cm21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in | 7 kg | 33 × 25 × 20 cm | Included |
- El Al
- Carry-on
- 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in)
- Weight
- 8 kg
- Personal item
- 38 × 30 × 18 cm
- Cheapest fare
- Not on some basic fares
- Emirates
- Carry-on
- 55 × 38 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15 × 7.9 in)
- Weight
- 7 kg
- Personal item
- Must fit under seat
- Cheapest fare
- Included
- Qatar Airways
- Carry-on
- 50 × 37 × 25 cm (19.7 × 14.6 × 9.8 in)
- Weight
- 7 kg
- Personal item
- Must fit under seat
- Cheapest fare
- Included
- Etihad Airways
- Carry-on
- 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in)
- Weight
- 7 kg
- Personal item
- Must fit under seat
- Cheapest fare
- Included
- flydubai
- Carry-on
- 55 × 38 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15 × 7.9 in)
- Weight
- 7 kg
- Personal item
- 33 × 25 × 20 cm
- Cheapest fare
- Included
- Saudia
- Carry-on
- 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in)
- Weight
- 7 kg
- Personal item
- Must fit under seat
- Cheapest fare
- Included
- Air Arabia
- Carry-on
- 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in)
- Weight
- 7 kg
- Personal item
- 33 × 25 × 20 cm
- Cheapest fare
- Included
Head-to-head comparisons
El Al carry-on FAQ
El Al allows a carry-on up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in). On flights to and from North America, every Economy fare includes an 8 kg carry-on. Since May 2025, Lite fares on European and UAE routes must check the carry-on.
Airports El Al flies from
Airport guides for the airports we cover: getting into town, terminals, lounges and parking.
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- El Al official baggage policy
- One Mile at a Time: El Al's carry-on rule for Economy Lite fares
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
Cheap flights on El Al and more
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