Not too long ago, tickets to Israel included 2 free checked bags. The US carriers reduced that to 1 free checked bag, with a $70 charge for a 2nd bag. That was eventually matched by El Al, and later with an increase to a $100 charge for a 2nd bag each way.
The US carriers then eliminated free checked bags with basic economy fares, though those were removed after 10/7/23 and haven’t yet returned.
This month, El Al quietly increased the cost of a 2nd checked bag from $105 to $120 when paid for online.
The airline only publishes the airport rate for a 2nd bag, which remains at $130.
More concerning is that the increase in bag fees applies to existing ticketholders, if they didn’t yet pay for a 2nd checked bag.
The DOT appears to prohibit airlines from post-purchase price increases on baggage fees.
We reached out to El Al for comment and they responded that,
“Ancillary charges are dynamic and updated periodically. These charges are transparently displayed during the purchase process on our website, ensuring that customers are fully informed before completing their transactions. EL AL operates in strict accordance with applicable laws and regulations. It is important to note that the DOT rule regarding ancillary charges has been suspended by the court and has not yet come into effect. If and when such requirements are approved, we will address them accordingly and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.”
We reached out to the DOT for comment on whether a prohibition on post-purchase price increases for baggage fees was in effect, but while the agency asked for a deadline for a response, they didn’t respond by the given deadline.
Delta and United charge $100 for a 2nd checked bag between the US and Israel. Several United cards come with a 2nd checked bag for free.
What do you think of this increase in bag fees? Do bag fees affect which airline you fly with?
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31 Comments On "El Al Quietly Raises 2nd Checked Bag Fee Between US And Israel"
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I guess the record profits weren’t enough for them. Hope the competition goes back to full schedule and breaks the monopoly
$545,000,000 ain’t enough !
For most day to day tourists 1 checked bag per person should be more than enough for all their personal stuff. Many places I travel to I need to schlep along a suitcase just with food so I have enough for the duration of my stay so 1 checked bag isn’t enough in those cases. However, Israel is one place I obviously do not have to do that so the 1 suitcase is sufficient and I’m more than happy to travel light anyway.
Now I understand that many traveling to/ from Israel are students or making aliyah or going for the first year or two post marriage and for them the second bag is very important and this additional charge hurts. Elal isn’t going to care much either way and won’t do anything about it.
Disgusting. With the record profits they have been making off the back of October 7th, they still feel the need to rape us even more!!! They should be ashamed of themselves!!!!
I think it’s due time we stop giving business to “our” airline when all they’ve done is capitalize on the war by pice gouging us, given sub part service, and overall are just unpleasant to deal with. They posted record high profits over the last 3 years yet suddenly they’re strapped for cash and need to charge exorbitant fees for bags. They probably heard Turkish airlines (and another I can’t recall) relinquished their TLV slots and said to themselves “perfect! Competition is dropping again, let’s squeeze some more out of our customers”. Greedy greedy greedy airline.
Couldn’t have said this better myself.
Money money it is a business they are a business to make money please don’t sympathize with them and don’t hate them they’re here to make money if you get it then you I will not get hurt personally. Always look what is good for you wallet and comfortability the only good thing from them are is they will fly when there is missiles flying around Israel the other airlines will stop anytime the war escalates
Being good at business does not require one to be a chazir.
Elal matmid silver members get second bag free
elal is still best airline for tlv in so many ways… 100 leg room seats vs ua 200.. never cancels a award mileage ticket like aa ua and dl.. most reliable to be flying and not cancel…. best system of waitlisting when sold out… and in pricing they are also good… many more to list
I posted on my status asking people for advise with an issue I was having with Elal and the replies all Told me that people absolutely hate the new Elal, their CS, prices and the seats got worse. No one cares for the trade off of a netilas yadayim cup or the live zmanim-
I wish they get ahold of themselves before it’s too late.
This is all Jules’ fault
I guess we should start using other airlines
I flew yesterday and they charged me at the airport (newark) $140 for the 2nd bag.
Did you try showing them the North America chart here?
https://www.elal.com/eng/baggage/baggage-allowance
I flew motzei Shabbos from LA and was told by the check in agent that the second bag is 130$ and then on the receipt it was 140$ seems like they have raised that too.
No. Thought their right and just paid it.
3rd bag is 185
I had no problem with their pricing when they had a monopoly but this is pure greedflation
You didn’t expect them to make a big announcement did you?
Flew with them this winter. One way economy, back business, booked with Alaska miles.
Flights were both an absolute pleasure, and I would fly again with Elal in a heartbeat.
Two 70-Lb. bags free!
Oh, those were the good old days!
Wow, all of that hating on El Al. I believe Dan has addressed most if not all of the issues being listed here. Personally, I prefer supply and demand to win out so that someone who truly needs a seat on an El Al flight can buy one – versus the lack of what people here are calling “price gauging” which simply results in NO SEATS TO BUY, not for medical emergencies, not for semachot or C”V the opposite… Which, by the way, was the case when the pricing was not dynamic. Book a connection flight for cheaper if you don’t want to pay what the flight is worth. Be careful, because El Al is a Jewish company owned by a frum person, and the laws of Loshon Hora and Motzi Shem Ra apply to their business decisions.
Definitely a deterrent
I flew United to Israel for years. Their service in both business and premium economy pales compared to El Al. Prices were generally similar but I had previously stayed with United for their FF points.
I now fly to Israel several times per year and El Al is amazing. No hassle with Kosher (often United ran out of Kosher or the stewardesses would disparagingly serve the foil wrapped semi edible meals with a look of disdain). Wines and desserts are all kosher and usually tasty.
Flights are generally on time or early. The flight crew will respond ‘B’Simcha’ when you ask for a tea in the middle of the night.
Flights are not cancelled every time a Houthi decides to send a missile.
Most important: your security is still their highest priority. You are paying for the extra screening and staff that are needed to fly as a Jew in a hostile world.
I will gladly pay a few more shekels for peace of mind, reliability and Kashrut.
I don’t begrudge El Al becoming profitable.
Similarly, as a member of the tribe you are entitled to complain about anything and everything!!
Only El Al for me….
I’ve also flown United and El Al. I don’t really have anything to complain about with United, but some of my El Al experiences have stood out. One example is when my family of 6 had to split up and take 2 different flights to attend a bar mitzvah. I was travelling alone with 3 children, ages 13, 9, 5. Was sitting waiting for the call for boarding. An El Al employee noticed me, came over from the desk, and asked me if I’d like to board the plane early since I was travelling with children. I did not expect that. I really enjoy the extra legroom seats which seem to always be available. Sure, United has extra legroom too, but without status, they can be more than 2x the price of what El Al charges. Besides, how many times do you actually need to bring 2 suitcases?
My kid is in school in Israel so second bag is a must.
Emirates gives 2 bags on a regular economy ticket.
Paid at ewr $150
Would crefit card refubd ?
It’s terrible how El Al taking advantage of Americans and elsewhere who have families and wanted to bring clothes for donation as well and over prroced as it is!! I am coming for my daughters wedding and have many kids new clothes for those who lose their homes and or families! El Al should be more considerate!!!!
Interesting. How did you catch that?
Odd that they just up the fees. Hoping Noone will notice.
I flew El-Al last year with 30 bags of supplies for soldiers, etc and was all brought free of charge. Try that on another airline. It’s painful to hear the vitriol against the airline that stands by us when we are in need.