8KG Hand Luggage Limits
Dec 2, 2010, 10:29 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 18
8KG Hand Luggage Limits
I hadn't flown El Al in a while so was surprised to read on their web site that hand luggage in economy was limited to just 1 bag of 8kg or less. This was enforced at TLV even tho the plane (747 flying to JFK) was not full. I walked up to the check-in counter with a carryon bag and backpack and they asked to weigh my carryon which came in at 11kg. I was required to check it.
Dec 3, 2010, 3:16 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
They've had a limit for quite a while, and they also allow only 1 piece of carry-on luggage for non Matmid Gold/Plat/TPL in Y. That being said, I've gotten away with 2, and the weight is never an issue. Usually, they'll complain at the gate, not at check-in. And there, they'll gate-check for free. Just try and keep carry-on out of the check-in agent's eyes.. 
Dec 4, 2010, 4:03 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton ♦ , Hyatt Carbonado, Wyndham ♦, Marriott PE, "Stinking Bum" elsewhere.
Posts: 5,000
These limits are so stupid! Buy a fishing/photographer's vest and watch them steam!
With these cabins designed to safely accommodate large quantities of carry-on, bags up to 20+ Kg should be allowed. On my last flight into the EU in NOV (not on UA), I had to deal with this situation. I was requested to weigh my carry-on and was, of course, over the limit at 14 kg. They requested that I check the bag at the gate, but I had wisely purchased a new fishing-vest from Bass Pro Shops which I was wearing in anticipation of trouble (thanks to warnings that I read here on FT), and removed my camera equipment, drugs and sundries, ipod, flashlights, etc., etc. and placed the items in my vest pockets. I then asked them to reweigh my bag and it came-in at exactly 8 kg. I asked them if it was OK and they said yes, but boy were they steamed at my little show!!!
Seriously people, this is one of those issues that are worth switching carriers over. It is a ridiculous restriction with most computers weighing 2-3kg and the bag itself 4-5Kg, they are essentially allowing you no useful carry-on allowance!!!!
Move to BA or another more reasonable carrier.
Seriously people, this is one of those issues that are worth switching carriers over. It is a ridiculous restriction with most computers weighing 2-3kg and the bag itself 4-5Kg, they are essentially allowing you no useful carry-on allowance!!!!
Move to BA or another more reasonable carrier.
Dec 7, 2010, 1:04 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: UK, TLV, USA
Programs: LY Plat, BMI DC Gold, VS Gold, Hertz #1 Club Gold, Sixt Plat
Posts: 345
I remember hanging my backpack off the hook on the back of the baggage trolley, so that they didn't notice it...of course, that was back in the days when I didn't check in on the far right lane 
But I remember one time that I had a wheelie case, and a backpack (and a coat!), and the wheelie must have weighed at least 25kg by itself - thankfully they didn't ask to weigh it when I checked in!
But I remember one time that I had a wheelie case, and a backpack (and a coat!), and the wheelie must have weighed at least 25kg by itself - thankfully they didn't ask to weigh it when I checked in!
Dec 7, 2010, 2:22 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London uk
Programs: *A Gold, BA Silver, Avis President, Hertz President circle
Posts: 2,804
Dec 8, 2010, 3:10 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2009
Location: FRA / YEG
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With these cabins designed to safely accommodate large quantities of carry-on, bags up to 20+ Kg should be allowed. On my last flight into the EU in NOV (not on UA), I had to deal with this situation. I was requested to weigh my carry-on and was, of course, over the limit at 14 kg. They requested that I check the bag at the gate, but I had wisely purchased a new fishing-vest from Bass Pro Shops which I was wearing in anticipation of trouble (thanks to warnings that I read here on FT), and removed my camera equipment, drugs and sundries, ipod, flashlights, etc., etc. and placed the items in my vest pockets. I then asked them to reweigh my bag and it came-in at exactly 8 kg. I asked them if it was OK and they said yes, but boy were they steamed at my little show!!!
Excellent!Your story reminds of a witch-like gate agent who insisted that I put my trolley on the scale. I politely told her I as flying in intīl F and that only 2 out of 8 seats were taken.
She furiously replied something like "the rules apply to everyone", "donīt expect to be treated differently just because youīre flying in F" bla bla bla
I ignored her, wished her a good day and quickly walked down the jetway with the GA shouting at me from behind.