EL AL has just added an unusual restriction on its cheapest fares, and I can’t help but wonder what the motive is for this change…
In this post:
New EL AL carry-on policy for economy “Lite” fares
The concept of basic economy has become increasingly popular with airlines over the years. Airlines like to market it as a way to offer customers lower fares, so that they only pay for the services that they need. In reality, it’s a way to create punitive policies that make people buy-up to more expensive fares.
For example, many airlines have basic economy fares that restrict passengers from taking carry-on bags onboard aircraft. Along those lines, EL AL has just made its basic economy fares (marketed as “Lite”) more restrictive, but not in a traditional way.
As of today (May 21, 2025), passengers traveling on EL AL’s “Lite” fares to or from Europe or the United Arab Emirates are required to check their carry-on bags, either at the check-in counter, or at the gate. The only exception is for elite members of EL AL’s Matmid frequent flyer program, as they are allowed to take their carry-on onboard the aircraft.
Let me emphasize that this doesn’t apply to Classic and Flex fares, and it also doesn’t apply on flights to and from the United States. The carry-on allowance for “Lite” fares remains unchanged, as passengers can take one bag weighing up to 8kg.
What’s EL AL’s motive for this carry-on policy change?
Airlines generally offer basic economy and add restrictions to these fares because they want to make it unpleasant to travel on these fares, so that passengers consider booking a more expensive fare.
In the case of EL AL, the airline is taking a different approach than most other carriers. Most airlines offer passengers less of a baggage allowance on basic economy fares, while EL AL is simply requiring that passengers check these bags. The way I view, there could be three potential motives:
- Does EL AL think that passengers will view it as a huge inconvenience to check bags, and therefore hopes they’ll buy-up to a higher fare?
- EL AL has a very low carry-on allowance (8kg), so is the idea that when passengers check their carry-on, they’ll be charged extra, given that they’re often going to be overweight?
- Does the airline have a major issue with too many carry-on bags in the cabin, so it believes restricting cabin baggage in this way will improve operational reliability?
EL AL has been raking in record profits in recent years. So of course we can’t blame any for-profit company for trying to maximize its bottom line. At the same time, the airline is adding a hurdle for “Lite” passengers, without actually offering anything extra.
Bottom line
EL AL has added a new restriction on its cheapest economy fares, marketed as “Lite.” For flights to and from Europe and the UAE, carry-on bags now have to be checked, either at the check-in counter or at the gate. There’s no actual change to the carry-on allowance, but instead, this just applies to how you can transport your bags.
I’m not 100% sure what EL AL’s motive here is, but I’m sure many passengers won’t be happy about this.
What do you make of EL AL’s new restrictions on “Lite” fares?
Before boarding an El Al flight, there is generally a luggage/baggage security check at the gate, supplemental to the regular security check that all airline passengers go through. My guess is by implementing this policy and encouraging more flyers to have their luggage checked at the counter, they can speed up the security checks, which very often compound delays.
I personally wish other airlines would do this, to an extent. If I could check my...
Before boarding an El Al flight, there is generally a luggage/baggage security check at the gate, supplemental to the regular security check that all airline passengers go through. My guess is by implementing this policy and encouraging more flyers to have their luggage checked at the counter, they can speed up the security checks, which very often compound delays.
I personally wish other airlines would do this, to an extent. If I could check my carry-on sized roll-a-board for free at the check in counter, I probably would most of the time, especially at larger airports. To not have to lug it around, through security, to a lounge, to the gate, in the bathroom, etc.? That's a very nice benefit. And usually win-win since airlines are always running out of space on the plane.
To all the people on this blog who constantly bash Israel ask yourself this question, why does an Islamic country like Egypt maintain a full blockade on its entire border with Gaza?!?!?!?!?!?! Is it because they hate Muslims, are doing ethnic cleansing, or whatever other garbage anti-Israel people post on this blog?!?!?!?! NO, it's because Israel and Egypt both share a border with a jihadi ISIS-style terrorist group in Hamas. This is not a regular...
To all the people on this blog who constantly bash Israel ask yourself this question, why does an Islamic country like Egypt maintain a full blockade on its entire border with Gaza?!?!?!?!?!?! Is it because they hate Muslims, are doing ethnic cleansing, or whatever other garbage anti-Israel people post on this blog?!?!?!?! NO, it's because Israel and Egypt both share a border with a jihadi ISIS-style terrorist group in Hamas. This is not a regular peaceful Islamic country/territory and as they behave like animals in Gaza this is how they will be treated by their neighbors. Do you guys think Israel wants to spend billions of dollars in this war? To have their soldiers die in enemy territory??? To risk losing relationships with other western countries??? Israel doesn't want this war at all, they just have no other choice but to dismantle Hamas, a terrorist state sworn to Israel's destruction.
How much did Smortich or AIPAC pay you today for this nonsensical inhumane drivel?
I've been told that the IDF control the Egyptian territory around the Rafah border. I don't have any direct knowledge of the area so I cannot vouch for the accuracy of that information. If it's true, the Egyptian state is still somewhat culpable because it's supposed to be sovereign and shouldn't be allowing foreign powers to control parts of its land, but the situation may well be more complex than what it looks like.
probably for security. raise the initial capital barrier to bring a carry-on, the theory being that someone up to no good (even if nonviolent) would be more likely to buy a cheap ticket and would have extra friction in the process.
checked bags at ben gurion go through invasive hell, mostly out of the public's eye. great way to funnel more content to the back-stage security folks where they have time and space to do their thing.
Please allow me to better state your comment.
Checked bags at Ben Gurion Airport go through strict security to help assure no bombs arrive onboard. In recent history a bomb was found planned to go on a flight feparting LONDON TO tlv.
"So of course we can’t blame any for-profit company for trying to maximize its bottom line."
Yes actually we can. Businesses are allowed to operate by human societies as a benefit to society, not as a detriment. The number one priority of any business should be to operate fairly and to benefit society, otherwise why would humanity allow it to exist? Making money is reasonable and necessary but also secondary to their primary mission.
Also...
"So of course we can’t blame any for-profit company for trying to maximize its bottom line."
Yes actually we can. Businesses are allowed to operate by human societies as a benefit to society, not as a detriment. The number one priority of any business should be to operate fairly and to benefit society, otherwise why would humanity allow it to exist? Making money is reasonable and necessary but also secondary to their primary mission.
Also whatever clown at the airline made up that webpage needs to learn common sense, since there's no such thing as "checked" carry-on baggage. It's either checked or carry-on, not both.
I assume the reference was to checked bags of carry on size which previously were permitted onboard.
I wonder would like to renounce my comments from the article yesterday. I am against Genocide.
I support the people of Gaza. Prove me wrong.
*I would like*
oh bother...
Great, then I guess you support Hamas Islamic terrorists and the 80% of Gazans that support Hamas's barbarity on October 7, 2023! Shame on you and all the others bashing Israel when you fail to understand who started this entire war in the first place. Hamas steals the vast majority of aid that enters Gaza. The more aid that comes in the more Hamas steals and is able to stay in power = prolonging the war. Anti-semites are out in full force on this blog.
Who knows... Talk to my Diamond/Guest presence. We can't seem to decide what we believe. but we do know the Diamond "aero" can't seem to figure out whether he supports his own stated beliefs.
Daniel, you are being goaded by the imposter Plane Jane who has hijacked my login. Believe whatever you like but remember that Plane Jane’s Aero doesn’t have “Diamond” status only “Guest”.
But again. "diamond"
as you claim to be (ignoring your own guest comments yesterday that you always claimed to be you before)
What do you believe?
you seemed to be fully pro-genocide yesterday before I jumped in to prod your actual username to respond to the topic.
the amazing thing is how many times "Aero" has been asked to confirm or deny his genocidal comments from yesterday.
Were they from "aero" or did the "guest" Aero believe in genocide then change their mind this morning and be against it?
This is not tough. The only tough thing here is your time zone which has never stopped you to drunk text at 1am EST before (weirdly like someone else
Tell...
the amazing thing is how many times "Aero" has been asked to confirm or deny his genocidal comments from yesterday.
Were they from "aero" or did the "guest" Aero believe in genocide then change their mind this morning and be against it?
This is not tough. The only tough thing here is your time zone which has never stopped you to drunk text at 1am EST before (weirdly like someone else
Tell us. What do you believe about Israel, Aero? You keep dodging the questi
The only strangeness is that you don't seem capable of replying unless Tim signs you up to do so.
As a brit, you're weirdly on Tim's side and VERY pro Israel. Even into the WEE hours of GMT.
But you fool no one.
Don't skip bedtime, "aero"
This started long before Oct 7. Also lets not talk about the percentage of Israelis who support the genocide and ethnic cleansing, not just of Gaza, but the of the West Bank as well. Hamas is not stealing the majority of aid that is entering Gaza. We need to end this asinine narrative that being sympathetic towards Palestinians and/or criticizing Israel makes one antisemitic (just as criticizing the Chinese government doesn’t make one anti Chinese).
There was no war in Gaza prior to October 7, 2023.............................Israelis just want to live in peace with their Islamic neighbors, including Jordan, Egypt, UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, etc. They just won't tolerate jihadists next door lobbing rockets, slaughtering babies, taking hostages, etc. Clearly you have no idea what the root of the conflict is. Jihadists whose blood is to detest Jews.
Tell Aero “diamond”
After posting all day yesterday as “guest” as the only brit that supports genocide and delta (a strangely unique duo unique to another poster), he no longer seems to believe his genocidal remarks or to claim them when asked to
But let’s let “diamond” tell us what he believes.
He’s been prompted all day yet seems ashamed of his own comments (despite saying he’s the guest user for weeks now)
It’s...
Tell Aero “diamond”
After posting all day yesterday as “guest” as the only brit that supports genocide and delta (a strangely unique duo unique to another poster), he no longer seems to believe his genocidal remarks or to claim them when asked to
But let’s let “diamond” tell us what he believes.
He’s been prompted all day yet seems ashamed of his own comments (despite saying he’s the guest user for weeks now)
It’s almost like Tim has an alter ego
Am I the only one that notices they rarely reply to each other and their “logged in” vs guest seems to correlate between their logins?
Regardless
“Diamond” aero is a delta schill or employee that only posts on est (or if you you tim, late when he’s wasted)
Easy to check
Ben,
The highest court in the world, along with every major human rights organization, has recognized that Israel is committing genocide. Its political leaders openly speak of ethnic cleansing, and for the past three months, they’ve imposed starvation as a weapon against the population of Gaza. Given this reality, how can you post about this country’s airline as if none of that matters?
Ben, neutrality is not an option here. You can’t hide behind...
Ben,
The highest court in the world, along with every major human rights organization, has recognized that Israel is committing genocide. Its political leaders openly speak of ethnic cleansing, and for the past three months, they’ve imposed starvation as a weapon against the population of Gaza. Given this reality, how can you post about this country’s airline as if none of that matters?
Ben, neutrality is not an option here. You can’t hide behind the excuse of "just running a travel blog" to avoid politics. When you use your platform to speak—even neutrally—about Israel or its airline, you’re participating in the normalization and whitewashing of ongoing atrocities. You have a moral and ethical responsibility to uphold a basic standard of integrity.
If you're afraid of the backlash that might come from speaking the truth (as many are), then at the very least, refrain from posting anything that indirectly promotes this pariah state or its airline. Silence is better than complicity.
He's posting about the airline, not about the country. Even if your imaginary genocide did exist (ICJ did not rule so, and it's also not "the highest court in the world"), it would be irrelevant to this topic. This is a blog about aviation, go spamming your propaganda elsewhere.
I wish it were just propaganda—but unfortunately, Israel’s crimes are a documented reality the world has witnessed for over seven decades. What's even more infuriating is the shamelessness; they don’t even bother to hide it anymore. This isn’t some fringe narrative—it’s history, it's happening, and the world is watching.
Samo, El Al has ownership by the government of Israel. And transports foreigners to Israel to serve in the IDF terrorist organisations ongoing genocide of the Palestine people.
As per El Al’s own slogan, it is not just an airline. It is Israel.
Why would anyone ever take this airline? Aside from a few entitled and delusional minority, this country's reputation is in the toilet. The airline historically has had a piss poor reputation. I wonder Do they starve their passengers like they're starving the innocents in Gaza?
I suspect if Hamas hijacked the plane, LY would pause the in-flight service, yes.
Are you questioning the Country or the airline?
The airline changed ownership with major consumer positive policies implemented within the last few years.
I always take a soft bag that fits under the seat in front.
It has a change of clothes, shoes, some toiletries and my valuables, although I always keep my wallet, phone and passport on me.
It’s actually a very well made inexpensive Italian bag which u a capacity of upto 15kg and much easier than worrying about a hard shell spinner potentially being refused. I’ve generally never exceeded 8kg.
Much...
I always take a soft bag that fits under the seat in front.
It has a change of clothes, shoes, some toiletries and my valuables, although I always keep my wallet, phone and passport on me.
It’s actually a very well made inexpensive Italian bag which u a capacity of upto 15kg and much easier than worrying about a hard shell spinner potentially being refused. I’ve generally never exceeded 8kg.
Much simpler than watching some try to take everything on board which they really don’t need. Then you see people struggling with an expectation the crew will help them.
As others mentioned, a number of airlines encourage you to check in a bag rather than carry it onboard. For example, Spirit carry-on fees can be higher than checked bag fees. And while 8 kg is a (rarely enforced) industry standard restriction, it is quite low for a packed max size carry-on bag. Mine is usually around 13 kg.
8kg isn't 'very low'. @SeanM has previously pasted the relevant IATA recommendation within these comments, and that's a kilo less than LY's allowance- their neighbours RJ have just that.
LHG airlines, TK, A3, LOT, TAROM, SAS, Egyptair are all at 8kg, so El Al are offering exactly as much as most of the competition.
It really is surprising that someone who literally reviews airlines for a living can have so little interest in...
8kg isn't 'very low'. @SeanM has previously pasted the relevant IATA recommendation within these comments, and that's a kilo less than LY's allowance- their neighbours RJ have just that.
LHG airlines, TK, A3, LOT, TAROM, SAS, Egyptair are all at 8kg, so El Al are offering exactly as much as most of the competition.
It really is surprising that someone who literally reviews airlines for a living can have so little interest in this sort of thing- I would never write a post about e.g. travelling light (or not so light) without having researched something as basic as that.
Pity my friend you dont make your own blog where you astonish your readers with great content and instead you spit totaly unnecessary insults on someone, who is for years running one of the best blogs out there.
And yes, 8kg is pretty standard in EU, but it except for LCC, where it is in general higer but paid, I have never experienced it being enforced.
@ Honza , I'm not interested in making my own blog. Coincidentally, I do write for a living, but I certainly have no way of selling credit cards to US residents, so a travel blog wouldn't be a viable business and I have to keep writing stuff that's probably less interesting and exotic.
The fact is that there's some good content on this website, but there's also plenty of room for improvement.
Improvement, of...
@ Honza , I'm not interested in making my own blog. Coincidentally, I do write for a living, but I certainly have no way of selling credit cards to US residents, so a travel blog wouldn't be a viable business and I have to keep writing stuff that's probably less interesting and exotic.
The fact is that there's some good content on this website, but there's also plenty of room for improvement.
Improvement, of course, is less likely to materialise unless readers provide feedback!
I'm more direct in the tone of the feedback than I might otherwise have been precisely because it's a professional website and not someone's hobby (e.g. I might have been gentler on Live and Let's Fly which retains a clear personal angle).
Saying that you have high expectations of someone by no means has to be intended as an insult. Whether people consider that tone rude likely depends on the cultural norms to which they're used - it may well be too direct for a face-saving culture like Japan while much more on point in a Dutch context.
And you had to rude, why?
I hope the result is that it’s the last time you read this blog. We’ll be fine without you.
Yes it’s shocking Mr Schleppig doesn’t know this.
Plus it’s also the same weight limit for Lufthansa First Class and Swiss First Class a generous 8kg, except they get 2x 8kg though obviously ex-US one of those needs to be a checked. The same weight limit we Eco Light.
It’s something I remind gate staff of when entitled HON’s and pax in F seem to think the rules don’t apply to them.
@ Throwawayname -- I hear, you, and maybe I didn't express that correctly. I'm not saying 8kg is lower than on other airlines, my point is simply to say that a majority of non-ULCC airlines don't strictly enforce carry-on bag weight limits, so a lot of passengers probably carry more weight than that. This becomes an issue if passengers have to check those bags, and the bags end up being weighed.
@Ben, you're absolutely right in terms of that. I have been flying Lufthansa in both classes within Europe more often than I would like for a period of well over 15 years, I can't remember whether they've ever weighed my hand luggage at check in but they've definitely never done it at the gate.
In fact, in the five years since the beginning of the pandemic I've taken only had my hand luggage weighed...
@Ben, you're absolutely right in terms of that. I have been flying Lufthansa in both classes within Europe more often than I would like for a period of well over 15 years, I can't remember whether they've ever weighed my hand luggage at check in but they've definitely never done it at the gate.
In fact, in the five years since the beginning of the pandemic I've taken only had my hand luggage weighed once (A3@SKG), so, despite the lowish limits across Europe, it really isn't a common occurrence for anyone not flying on the likes of Ryanair.
I suppose that my main issue with your phrasing was that, because of the American focus of the blog, it came across as implying something like 'US/Canadian airlines allow passengers to carry super heavy hand luggage, and anyone that doesn't allow as much is simply failing to align with the market', which obviously wouldn't be a credible assumption about an airline based in the Eastern Mediterranean.
I have had LH weigh my bags at an outstation. It happens. This was policy driven, by the way. Not any bias involved.
Will the fake AeroB13a stand up and be outed …. Plain Jane. Your “Syntax” has made your identity available for all to see darlink.
A woman scorned can be a very dangerous creature, therefore, El Al security will always neutralise a female potential attacker before her male co-conspirator.
Thank you for the opportunity to ‘out’ you as the imitator and sad individual who posts under the fake AeroB13a (Guest) login.
For your...
Will the fake AeroB13a stand up and be outed …. Plain Jane. Your “Syntax” has made your identity available for all to see darlink.
A woman scorned can be a very dangerous creature, therefore, El Al security will always neutralise a female potential attacker before her male co-conspirator.
Thank you for the opportunity to ‘out’ you as the imitator and sad individual who posts under the fake AeroB13a (Guest) login.
For your further information Plain Jane, you posted your fake comments whilst I was enjoying an interlude at the Opera …. :-)
We were not at an early afternoon (or morning if you were actually awake) opera.
We are not poor nor does almighty England debase itself with an early afternoon opera performances. One thinks you aren't English? Or simply has no idea when opera performances are performed?
One thinks we are infatuated with this 'Plain Jane' Character yet I know not who she is. Enchanting, though she sounds.
Yet it seems clear our dual personality...
We were not at an early afternoon (or morning if you were actually awake) opera.
We are not poor nor does almighty England debase itself with an early afternoon opera performances. One thinks you aren't English? Or simply has no idea when opera performances are performed?
One thinks we are infatuated with this 'Plain Jane' Character yet I know not who she is. Enchanting, though she sounds.
Yet it seems clear our dual personality has no concept of timezones if we were at an opera on an early Wednesday afternoon.
code-switching, My darlink. Look it up. You're incredibly bad at it, my dear.
Thank you imposter, your rants must be so embarrassing for you whenever you calm down and join the human race …. :-)
We luv you Plain Jane xxxx.
Keep guessing, my love.
Your horrible syntax and inability to keep to a dialect betrays you.
You aren't English. You aren't anything but a Delta schill, my love.
Did you decide you're now against genocide? Your guest account is very in favor of it.
We both love how much our dear friend Tim never replies to us. Strangely, when he does, we both reply as a guest...
Although, as one reads past messages, I understand now your ignorance of the term "syntax". It means you change your dialect constantly and are not English or live in the 19th century.
Code-switching
If one wants to be outed, one thinks the ATL-based Delta-Employee American behind the Delta-savvy "brit", should probably out themselves.
One notices the complete lack of attempt to live on GMT.
Plain Jane …. just for you darlink ….
يا ابن الشرموطة طز فيك
My dear dual personality, you use chatGPT... how unsurprising. One knows upon reading that you speak no Arabic. How quaint that you try to use an app to reply to us.
For one of us that actually speaks Arabic, you clearly don't know what that means. Stop using ChatGPT or Google Translate. You'll stop being a laughing stock ;)
Welcome back to your hometown of Atlanta, dear Aero
and you still don't acknowledge your...
My dear dual personality, you use chatGPT... how unsurprising. One knows upon reading that you speak no Arabic. How quaint that you try to use an app to reply to us.
For one of us that actually speaks Arabic, you clearly don't know what that means. Stop using ChatGPT or Google Translate. You'll stop being a laughing stock ;)
Welcome back to your hometown of Atlanta, dear Aero
and you still don't acknowledge your own genocidal comments about Gaza yesterday? My dear fellow, was it not us?
Also, My dear dual personality that can't decide if he's pro-genocide or anti-semitic.
Let's translate your poor "arabic" for others. I used Google Translate since it's what you used.
"you son of a bitch. Fuck you".
(exact translation from our lovely 'Diamond' user)
was not me. was you. Once again, your classy English boundaries know no ends. Because you're not English. Stop pretending. This is quite old, old friend. Responding to others with...
Also, My dear dual personality that can't decide if he's pro-genocide or anti-semitic.
Let's translate your poor "arabic" for others. I used Google Translate since it's what you used.
"you son of a bitch. Fuck you".
(exact translation from our lovely 'Diamond' user)
was not me. was you. Once again, your classy English boundaries know no ends. Because you're not English. Stop pretending. This is quite old, old friend. Responding to others with that language is not classy, but also not English syntax, darlink.
If you want to have Ben "moderate", perhaps work on your horrible Google translate language. And speak in any language with class.
And my dear friend responds with foul language couched in arabic.
little surprise. Your Google translate works but suggests you're just as foul as your temperament
Try not to use terms like b*tch or f*ck in google translate. You don't seem to know how it translates
Though humorous.
Make sure you get some pimento cheese dip tonight, my dear darlink. You fool no one.
Proof, if proof were ever needed, how desperate you are impersonator
Plain Jane.
My dear Aero (us),
perhaps one should own up to their own genocidal comments (was it you?) and then comment on US time. Or perhaps own up to the actual fact that any normal Brit does not care about Delta the way you do.
Wake up on London time more often or stop commenting, my love.
We are excited to see us commenting more often between 1am-4am if we are this committed to this...
My dear Aero (us),
perhaps one should own up to their own genocidal comments (was it you?) and then comment on US time. Or perhaps own up to the actual fact that any normal Brit does not care about Delta the way you do.
Wake up on London time more often or stop commenting, my love.
We are excited to see us commenting more often between 1am-4am if we are this committed to this fake username as an ATL-based fanboy.
Also, Obscenities uttered to another user in another language are still obscenities. You have zero class, my darlink.
Get a grip
One does note how you were not at an opera after confronted about the start times for such. How bad are you at this fake game, my darlink?
you are not AeroB13a plane Jane is
Plane Jane if you are not AeroB13a who is?
lol. I love the attempt to be plain, Aero. How stupid yet predictable from a Tim Dunn wannabe based in ATL
What a predictable response from someone that refuses to acknowledge whether his genocidal comments from yesterday were from him while also trying to ignore the obvious that one "aero" does not live on London time, but rather Delta-HQ time.
Wake up earlier if you want to be cute about it, Aero.
I confess to being the AeroB13a impersonator, who else but me is so obsessed with Tim Dunn.
this is pathetic even for you, Tim/Aero to bring up poor sweet Jane like this. She isn't even commenting/.
Stop showing your colors so obviously, darlings ;)
but also... how appropriate for Tim and Aero to admit to being the same person but by replying as Plane Jane as "obsessed with Tim Dunn".
Thank you for the confirmation, dear friends. You please all of us
But let's also acknowledge the obvious:
There are VERY few users on this website with the mental illness to respond within 20 minutes during work hours to comments.
Yet 'Diamond' Aero -- no word yet whether he supports his genocidal comments from yesterday
was that you, darlink? You should be proud to support the killing of thousands if it was you, dear Aero 'Diamond'. You seemed to be quite supportive of it yesterday...
But let's also acknowledge the obvious:
There are VERY few users on this website with the mental illness to respond within 20 minutes during work hours to comments.
Yet 'Diamond' Aero -- no word yet whether he supports his genocidal comments from yesterday
was that you, darlink? You should be proud to support the killing of thousands if it was you, dear Aero 'Diamond'. You seemed to be quite supportive of it yesterday yet then replied to your own same guest account to say it was not you?
Pardon us if we are confused. Using your actual username, make clear your position, darlink.
We know you aren't British, but let us know where you stand, dear.
For me this makes sense. Currently (in Europe) it takes for ever to board planes as they are always completely booked and everyone has their luggage with them - storing it takes a lot of time. Checking baggage costs extra and I always thought it would make sense to have cheaper fares check their baggage and only allow more expensive fares the nice benefit of bringing it on the plane.
Also regarding "EL AL...
For me this makes sense. Currently (in Europe) it takes for ever to board planes as they are always completely booked and everyone has their luggage with them - storing it takes a lot of time. Checking baggage costs extra and I always thought it would make sense to have cheaper fares check their baggage and only allow more expensive fares the nice benefit of bringing it on the plane.
Also regarding "EL AL has a very low carry-on allowance (8kg)" - I had my hand luggage actually weight at Austrian Airlines to ensure its below 8kg. For me 8kg seems to be standard - though I mostly fly *A so it could be their thing.
It was never an issue until the European airlines started charging for checked bags. There used to be plenty of space in the overhead bins. Guest used to be able to lay their coats flat.
I totally agree with this and agree it would be nicer to go back to the old times. But I prefer EL ALs approach about the European one.
I'll maybe take a contrarian or unpopular opinion around "Basic Economy" tickets but the point of basic economy is not to offer perks at a lower price. The point is to offer a cheaper option, only for someone who really just needs to go Point A to B and is willing to put up with all of the restrictions of that ticket. Anyone else should by a regular Economy ticket. I would never purchase basic...
I'll maybe take a contrarian or unpopular opinion around "Basic Economy" tickets but the point of basic economy is not to offer perks at a lower price. The point is to offer a cheaper option, only for someone who really just needs to go Point A to B and is willing to put up with all of the restrictions of that ticket. Anyone else should by a regular Economy ticket. I would never purchase basic economy.
But adding restrictions that customers don't like is kind of the point. In the case of El Al, not waiting at baggage claim would be a convenience afforded for regular economy tickets. Fare bundling is a marketing/commercial exercise - it has nothing to do with what is "fair" or what the operational costs are of delivering the services included.
Now I understand the pricing strategy of course so the marketing message that it allows airlines to offer cheap fares is not really true but in any case airlines would be raising prices so other than allowing for some psychological framing bias, if basic economy fares didn't exist, I don't think regular fares would be at the basic economy pricing. I think instead fares would just be higher. They've managed to raise fares materially in the last few years and I don't see that trend being different because of basic economy.
What a horrible airline.
This is clearly to try to force ppl to buy the more expensive ticket so they dont have to check in their bag.
What is their plan for ppl bringing laptops and powerbanks that cant be checked in?
Also anyone having to buy the more expensive ticket but who doesnt have a checkin bag, make sure you check in an empty box so the airline has to pay the extra baggage fees.
@frrp You can still bring a personal item on board, where pax usually store items as Laptops. Also El Al (like most airlines) allows Laptops both in Hand Luggage and in Checked Luggage. If you have batteries above 100 wh (which is rare) you can buy the higher fare - it is not like they don't tell you those restrictions before purchasing the ticket.
Of yourse the airline added these rules to increase their...
@frrp You can still bring a personal item on board, where pax usually store items as Laptops. Also El Al (like most airlines) allows Laptops both in Hand Luggage and in Checked Luggage. If you have batteries above 100 wh (which is rare) you can buy the higher fare - it is not like they don't tell you those restrictions before purchasing the ticket.
Of yourse the airline added these rules to increase their revenue, but I think they are not as bad as many make them seem.
Aer Lingus within Europe also (and for quite a long time already) does the same thing - the lowest 'Saver' fares include 10kg's that MUST be checked-in. Plus, Advantage and AerSpace on the other hand, all allow hand luggage.
I can only speak for that specifically, but EI's check-in area does get very swamped in Dublin, especially at peak times, and it is a big incentive to be able to pass over that whole...
Aer Lingus within Europe also (and for quite a long time already) does the same thing - the lowest 'Saver' fares include 10kg's that MUST be checked-in. Plus, Advantage and AerSpace on the other hand, all allow hand luggage.
I can only speak for that specifically, but EI's check-in area does get very swamped in Dublin, especially at peak times, and it is a big incentive to be able to pass over that whole area if possible and not have to wait for your bag at the other end.
I should add, similar to what you describe, any tiered AerClub member is allowed take their bag on-board including on Saver fares. So seems like an almost exact copy of EI's policy.
Aer Lingus in general has very annoying carry-on baggage policies. I used to connect on them frequently from LHR to DUB and was always trying to 'sneak' past the gate agents after my boarding pass was scanned because they have a very low weight limit for in-cabin luggage regardless of what fare class or ticket you have.
I have NO idea why they have these policies because there was always ample overhead space (unlike...
Aer Lingus in general has very annoying carry-on baggage policies. I used to connect on them frequently from LHR to DUB and was always trying to 'sneak' past the gate agents after my boarding pass was scanned because they have a very low weight limit for in-cabin luggage regardless of what fare class or ticket you have.
I have NO idea why they have these policies because there was always ample overhead space (unlike the US) and it seemed to slow boarding by having to check so many bags or at least is no faster than folks stowing their bags in the overhead bins.
What is the logic of having weight limits for cabin luggage??
The logic of having weight limits for cabin luggage might be safety related. There must be some safety limit to how heavy the overheads become. In addition, I do worry about getting slammed in the head by someone unable to control their carry-on while boarding or deplaning. Things happen. While cabin crew is not supposed to help lift, i have seen them move bags ab=nd assist to make boarding go faster.