El Al flights and airline information

El Al is the flagship national carrier of Israel and the largest airline in the country. Founded in 1948, it connects its main hub in Tel Aviv with key metropolises in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. The airline adheres to high standards of safety and service, providing reliable air travel on a global level.

As a network carrier, El Al operates a modern fleet consisting primarily of long-haul and narrow-body Boeing aircraft. Although the company is not officially part of the world's major aviation alliances, it maintains partnerships with several leading international carriers, offering passengers flexibility in planning routes worldwide.

Among the key features of El Al is its unique approach to security and hospitality, reflecting national traditions. Passengers value the airline for its punctuality, quality onboard catering, and attentive staff. Special attention is paid to comfort during long flights, as evidenced by the regular updates to Business and First Class cabins.

The airline is actively developing digital services to make the booking and check-in process as simple as possible. Loyalty programs and special offers for frequent flyers make flying with El Al not only comfortable but also cost-effective. The continuous expansion of the route network allows for the opening of new horizons for tourists and business travelers alike.

Thanks to its long history and commitment to quality, El Al remains a symbol of Israeli aviation. By choosing this carrier, travelers can expect professional crew service and an atmosphere of genuine hospitality from the moment they step on board.

You can contact El Al representatives through official communication channels and customer support:

• Official website — www.elal.com
• Support phone (hotline) — +972 3 977 1111
• Email (corporate) — corporate@elal.co.il
• Social media — ELALGlobal (Facebook), @elalisrael (Instagram), El Al Israel (YouTube)
• Mobile app — available for download on the App Store and Google Play
• Emergency support — for questions regarding flight delays or lost baggage, it is recommended to visit airport check-in counters or use the Customer Care section on the website.

Office Addresses:

• Head office — 27 Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv, Israel
• Legal address — Ben Gurion International Airport, P.O.B 41, 7015001 Israel

We recommend checking the current contact information and office hours of local branches directly on the airline's official website before reaching out.

Baggage rules at El Al are designed to meet the needs of various passenger categories and depend directly on the selected fare, service class, and route. As a standard for hand luggage, one item weighing up to 8 kg is usually allowed for Economy Class, while limits may be increased in Business Class. It is important that the bag's dimensions allow it to be placed in the overhead bin or under the seat. In addition to the main carry-on, a small personal item, such as a handbag or laptop, can be taken into the cabin.

For checked baggage, El Al uses a piece concept. Economy Class passengers can most often check one suitcase weighing up to 23 kg for free. In premium classes (Business and First), the allowance is expanded to 2 or 3 pieces weighing 32 kg each. We recommend checking the exact conditions in your ticket, as baggage may be charged separately on some promotional fares.

If your baggage exceeds the established limits, El Al offers an option to pay for excess weight. Rates depend on the destination and the type of excess (weight or dimensions). It is most cost-effective to pay for extra baggage in advance via the airline's official website or mobile app, as airport fees are significantly higher.

Special rules for packing and transportation apply to special items such as sports equipment (skis, surfboards) or musical instruments. Most such items require prior coordination. Strollers and car seats for those traveling with infants are usually transported free of charge beyond the established baggage allowance.

Please note the list of prohibited items: explosive, flammable, and toxic substances are not allowed for transport. Standard restrictions on liquids (containers up to 100 ml in a transparent bag) apply to hand luggage. Before the flight, ensure all fragile items are securely packed and that baggage tags with your contact details are attached.

Pet Travel in the Cabin

El Al airline allows the transport of small pets (dogs, cats, and exotic birds) directly in the aircraft cabin under the following conditions:

• The maximum weight of the pet including the carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
• The container dimensions must allow it to be placed under the seat in front of you.
• The pet must remain inside the carrier throughout the entire flight.

Transportation in the Cargo Hold

If the pet weighs more than 8 kg, it must be transported in a specially equipped, heated cargo compartment:

• The container must comply with IATA standards, be durable, ventilated, and have a secure lock.
• The cage size must allow the animal to stand at full height, turn around, and lie in a natural position.
• A water bowl must be provided and attached to the container door.

Required Documents

To travel with a pet, the owner must prepare a set of documents:

• An international veterinary passport.
• A health certificate and current vaccinations (including rabies).
• Export/import permits matching the requirements of the destination country.

Transportation Costs

The pet transportation service is paid and is not included in the free baggage allowance. Rates vary depending on the pet's weight and the route. It is recommended to book and pay for the pet's space well in advance, as the number of animals per flight is limited.

Restrictions and Safety

There are restrictions on transporting brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced), such as pugs or Persian cats, due to the risk of breathing problems during pressure changes. Seasonal restrictions on cargo hold transportation may also apply during extreme temperatures. Before planning your trip, be sure to contact El Al support to clarify the current rules and receive confirmation for transportation.

Introduction to the Matmid Program

The loyalty program of El Al is called the Matmid Club. It is an effective tool for frequent flyers, allowing them to accumulate points for every flight and exchange them for various privileges, making every journey more comfortable and rewarding.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

The Matmid program includes several status levels, each providing access to unique services:

• Matmid (Basic) — the entry level that allows you to start accumulating points.
• Silver — grants the right to extra baggage allowance and priority check-in.
• Gold — includes access to King David business lounges and priority boarding.
• Platinum and Top Platinum — the highest levels with maximum privileges, including free upgrades and personalized service.

Accumulating and Using Points

Points are awarded for each flight segment on El Al flights depending on the distance and booking class. Additionally, members can earn points through numerous program partners, including hotels, car rental companies, and banks. Accumulated points can be spent on:

• Award tickets for El Al flights.
• Service class upgrades from Economy to Business or First Class.
• Payment for additional services, such as seat selection or excess baggage.

How to Become a Member

Anyone can join the Matmid club by completing a simple registration process on the official El Al website. Participation in the program opens a world of exclusive offers and allows you to get the most benefit from every flight. We recommend always providing your membership number when booking tickets so that points are credited automatically.

Onboard service at El Al is focused on creating an atmosphere of home comfort and safety. Passengers are offered several service classes. In Economy Class, travelers can expect ergonomic seats and access to entertainment systems. In Business Class, comfort standards are significantly higher: spacious lie-flat seats, an expanded menu from a chef, and access to exclusive departure lounges. Some long-haul Boeing 777 aircraft feature First Class, where service reaches the level of a personalized approach with private cabins.

Dining on El Al flights is a point of special pride for the company. All dishes meet high-quality standards, and a wide menu of special meals is available upon request: vegetarian, child-friendly, gluten-free, and, of course, strictly kosher. Special meals must be ordered no later than 24–48 hours before departure through the booking management section on the website.

The entertainment system on modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners includes personal touchscreens with a rich selection of movies, music, and games. Paid Wi-Fi is available on many international routes, allowing you to stay connected even at an altitude of 10,000 meters. For passengers with children, special kits and the option to use bassinets (on long-haul flights with advance booking) are provided.

El Al also pays great attention to passengers with limited mobility, providing necessary assistance at the airport and special devices on board. If you are traveling with an unaccompanied minor, the airline offers a dedicated escort service, ensuring the child's safety at all stages of the journey — from check-in to meeting at the destination.

El Al offers an extensive route network connecting the Middle East with major cities around the world. The main link for all flights is the modern hub in Tel Aviv, from where the carrier's aircraft depart to dozens of destinations.

The flight geography covers key destinations in Europe, such as Paris, Rome, Budapest, Munich, and Milan. For those planning a trip across the ocean, El Al operates regular flights to New York and Toronto. The airline is also actively developing eastern routes, including flights to Bangkok, and regional routes to Tbilisi, Athens, and Larnaca.

To purchase El Al tickets at the most favorable fares, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance — ideally 2-3 months before departure. Prices are often lower midweek and during periods that do not coincide with major national holidays. It is easiest to track current discounts and seasonal sales through the official website elal.com or by subscribing to the airline's newsletter.

Online check-in opens 24 hours before the flight and allows you not only to save time at the airport but also to choose the most comfortable seat in the cabin. Passengers who prefer more legroom should look for seats at the front of the cabin or at emergency exits, which may be available for selection for an additional fee depending on the fare type.

Using the El Al mobile app significantly simplifies the booking management process. In the app, you can save boarding passes, track flight status in real-time, and receive exclusive offers not available through other sales channels. Also, don't forget to arrange travel insurance, which will ensure your peace of mind in case of unforeseen changes to plans or delays.

When booking, always carefully study the conditions of the selected fare. El Al offers flexible exchange and refund options for higher-tier fares, which can be critical with an unstable schedule. If you plan to carry excess baggage or sports equipment, paying for these services through your personal account on the website will be much cheaper than at the airport check-in counter.

The history of El Al began in 1948, coinciding with the creation of the State of Israel. The airline was founded as a national symbol and strategic asset intended to provide reliable air links between the country and the outside world. Its name, which translates from Hebrew as "To the Heights," was chosen through a competition and quickly became recognizable worldwide.

As early as 1949, El Al began operating its first regular international flights, connecting the young Israel with Rome and Paris. These routes laid the foundation for the rapid expansion of the network into Europe and later across the Atlantic. In the 1950s, the company acquired its first modern liners, which allowed for a significant increase in flight range and passenger comfort levels.

The development of the El Al fleet has always kept pace with technical progress. The airline was one of the first in the region to switch to jet aircraft, betting on products from the Boeing concern. Iconic models included the Boeing 707 and the legendary "Jumbo Jet" Boeing 747, which for decades were the face of the carrier on transatlantic routes. Today, the core of the fleet consists of innovative Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Over decades of operation, El Al has secured its status as one of the world's safest airlines. Despite the challenges of the times, the carrier continued to develop, introducing new technologies and expanding its flight geography to all inhabited continents. Its role as a flagship carrier is confirmed not only by the scale of its activities but also by its participation in important humanitarian and state missions.

In its modern history, El Al focuses on sustainable development and digital transformation. The company is actively renewing its fleet with more environmentally friendly vessels and improving loyalty programs such as the Matmid Club. Remaining true to its roots, the airline continues to be the main air bridge connecting Tel Aviv with the global community.