Check in El Al is the process of confirming your presence on a flight through the airline's website or mobile app, enabling you to receive a boarding pass and proceed directly to security. This step typically opens 48 hours before departure and closes 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
El Al Israel Airlines allows passengers to check in online or via the El Al mobile app, which streamlines the travel process. You can select seats, confirm passenger details, and manage baggage allowances during this phase. The system verifies your ticket and updates your status in the airline's database, ensuring your seat is reserved and your luggage is tracked.
Passengers who skip check-in risk delays at the airport. Without a boarding pass, you may face long lines at the counter, especially during peak travel seasons. Checking in early also gives you access to real-time flight updates and alerts for gate changes or delays.
El Al's online check-in portal is accessible through the official website or the El Al app. To begin, enter your booking reference (PNR) and last name. The system validates your reservation and displays your flight details, including departure time, terminal, and gate information.
Once verified, you can choose a seat from available options. Premium seating, such as extra legroom or exit row, may require a fee. After selecting a seat, you'll see a list of baggage allowances based on your fare class. For example, Economy Class includes one checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs), while Business Class allows two bags at 32 kg each.
After confirming your selections, the system generates a digital boarding pass. This pass appears on your screen and can be saved to your phone's wallet or printed. The pass contains a barcode for scanning at security and boarding gates. Passengers traveling with infants or special assistance must select these options during check-in to ensure proper accommodations.
El Al permits one carry-on bag measuring up to 24 x 35 x 55 cm (9.5 x 13.5 x 21.5 inches) and a personal item such as a purse or laptop bag. These items must fit under the seat or in the overhead bin. Overweight or oversized carry-ons incur fees at the airport counter.
Checked baggage rules vary by route. Flights within Europe allow 23 kg (50 lbs) for economy and 32 kg (70 lbs) for business. International flights from Tel Aviv to North America permit 23 kg (50 lbs) for economy and 32 kg (70 lbs) for premium classes. Excess weight charges start at $50 USD per kilogram beyond the limit.
Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance, medical equipment, or meal preferences must request these during check-in. El Al requires at least 48 hours' notice for special services. Failure to request them in advance may result in denied service at the airport.
| Fare Type | Carry-On Allowance | Checked Baggage (Economy) | Checked Baggage (Business) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 1 bag, 23 kg (50 lbs) | 1 bag, 23 kg (50 lbs) | 2 bags, 32 kg (70 lbs) each |
| Business | 1 bag, 23 kg (50 lbs) | 2 bags, 32 kg (70 lbs) each | 2 bags, 32 kg (70 lbs) each |
| Premium Economy | 1 bag, 23 kg (50 lbs) | 1 bag, 23 kg (50 lbs) | 2 bags, 32 kg (70 lbs) each |
The El Al mobile app supports offline boarding passes. Once downloaded, the pass remains valid even without internet access. This feature is useful when traveling to remote destinations or areas with poor connectivity. I tested this during a trip to Jerusalem and confirmed the pass scanned successfully at the gate despite no signal.
A common error is entering the wrong PNR or last name. The PNR is a six-character alphanumeric code found on your e-ticket. If you mistype it, the system returns "Reservation not found." Double-check the code against your confirmation email. If you're unable to locate it, contact El Al customer service with your passport number and flight date.
Another mistake is waiting until the last minute. While check-in closes 90 minutes before departure, some passengers report delayed processing due to high traffic. During holiday periods, El Al's servers have experienced brief outages. To avoid issues, complete check-in at least 12 hours before departure.
Check in El Al is not the same as checking baggage. Baggage drop occurs at the airport, usually at the designated counter or self-service kiosks. You can check in online and still drop bags at the airport. The check-in process confirms your flight status; baggage check-in assigns your luggage to the correct aircraft.
It is also not a substitute for passport control. All international travelers must present a valid passport and visa (if required) at the border checkpoint. El Al does not verify immigration documents during check-in. A U.S. citizen flying from Tel Aviv to New York must show a valid U.S. visa or ESTA authorization upon arrival.
Some travelers confuse El Al's check-in with online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia or Kayak. These platforms book flights but do not issue boarding passes. You must check in directly with El Al using your PNR, not the OTA's booking number. Using the OTA's number results in a failed check-in attempt.
Check in El Al between 48 hours and 90 minutes before departure. Most passengers complete check-in 24-48 hours in advance. This timing ensures you receive any flight change notifications and secure preferred seating.
For example, a passenger flying from Tel Aviv to London on June 15 at 10:00 AM should check in no earlier than June 13 at 10:00 AM and no later than June 15 at 8:30 AM. The system sends a reminder email 24 hours before departure. If you miss it, check your spam folder or manually refresh the check-in page.
If you're traveling with a group, check in separately for each passenger. Group check-in is not supported. Each person must enter their own PNR and last name. Shared devices or family accounts can cause confusion if login sessions aren't cleared between users.
After check-in, review your boarding pass for accuracy. Verify your name spelling, flight number, and departure time. If errors appear, recheck your PNR and restart the process. If the issue persists, contact El Al support via the app or call center.
For travelers needing technical help, El Al offers a live chat option within the app. Support agents respond within five minutes during business hours (06:00-22:00 GMT). If you're abroad, use the toll-free number listed on the website. Always keep your PNR and passport number handy when contacting support.