EL AL Adds Unusual Carry-On Restriction For Economy “Lite” Fares

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…

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?