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El Al Logo

El Al

In Compartment: Dogs, Cats, Birds In Cargo: Dogs, Cats, Birds Pet Shipping: yes Microchip: no Health Certificate: yes Vaccinations: Rabies Airline Pet Policy Link
Summary
Health
Restrictions
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Pet Policy Summary

EL AL Pet Policy (Summary)

  • Accepted species: dogs, cats, and birds.
  • Where pets fly: up to 8 kg (pet + carrier) in the cabin; 9–100 kg in the hold as checked baggage; over 100 kg or where required by authorities/routes via EL AL Cargo.
  • Booking: request in advance from EL AL and provide pet weight and carrier dimensions. Space is limited.
  • Documents: comply with transit/destination rules (health/vaccination certificates and permits). Import to Israel requires a veterinary import permit; Israel allows up to two pets per passenger to enter.
  • In-cabin carrier: must fit under seat, be leak‑proof and lined with absorbent material. Max size: Economy 41×38×19 cm; Business 30×30×19 cm. Up to two pets may share one carrier if within the 8 kg limit and safe to travel together.
  • Cabin class/aircraft limits: Pets may be carried in Business Class only on Boeing 737 and on the upper deck of Boeing 747‑400; not permitted in Business on 777/767. Carrier must remain closed for the entire flight.
  • Route restrictions: No pets in the cabin to/from London (UK rules). For London, Johannesburg, Hong Kong, and Australia, animals must be shipped as cargo with an airway bill (AWB), even if the owner travels on the same flight.
  • Hold/cargo crate: strong, EL AL‑approved crate with ventilation on all four sides and a secure door. For flights >12 hours, a water container is required (food container recommended). Two animals up to 14 kg each may share a crate; up to three young animals (≤6 months, each ≤14 kg) may share one crate.
  • Aircraft advisory: On Boeing 787 aircraft, the hold temperature may be about 5°C; consult a veterinarian to confirm suitability.
  • Fees (per direction, separate from baggage allowance): up to 8 kg USD 100; 9–50 kg USD 200; 51–100 kg USD 400; >100 kg via EL AL Cargo. Payment at EL AL airport ticket office or EL AL office; codeshares not eligible.
  • Breed notes: Snub‑nosed (brachycephalic) dog and cat breeds are not accepted as baggage or cargo. Local laws may restrict certain breeds.
  • Assistance/ESA dogs: Guide/service dogs and emotional support dogs accompanying passengers with special needs travel in the cabin free of charge, subject to conditions (notify EL AL at least 48 hours in advance; veterinary authorization that the dog is not dangerous; for flights >8 hours, a hygiene/no‑risk statement; muzzle/harness available if needed). For London, register 14 days in advance with Heathrow Animal Reception Centre. If safety requires, EL AL may transport the dog in the hold at no charge.
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Health Requirements

Microchip: no

Health Certificate: yes

Vaccinations: Rabies

Restrictions

Brachycephalic Breeds: No Specific list

Dangerous Breeds: Not specified.

Support Animals

Service Animals:

Service (Guide/Assistance) Dogs

  • Travel free of charge in the cabin in addition to baggage allowance, subject to conditions.
  • Notify EL AL at least 48 hours before departure.
  • Veterinary authorization confirming the dog is not dangerous is required; for flights over 8 hours, a veterinary statement that the dog poses no hygiene risk is required.
  • A muzzle and harness/leash should be available if needed. If safety requires, EL AL may transport the dog in the hold at no extra charge.
  • UK/London: register with the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre at least 14 days before the flight and comply with UK entry procedures. No pets are allowed in the cabin to/from London under UK rules (service dog carriage is subject to UK requirements).

Emotional Support: EL AL accepts emotional support dogs accompanying passengers with special needs to travel in the cabin free of charge, subject to the same advance notice and veterinary documentation required for guide/service dogs (including a statement the dog is not dangerous; for flights over 8 hours, a hygiene/no-risk statement). A muzzle and harness/leash should be available if needed. For London/UK, registration with Heathrow Animal Reception Centre at least 14 days in advance and compliance with UK rules are required; if there is a safety risk, EL AL may transport the dog in the hold at no extra charge.

Carrier Details

Compartment:

In-Cabin Pet Carrier Rules

  • Species: dogs, cats, and birds only.
  • Weight limit: pet + carrier up to 8 kg.
  • Carrier: soft or hard sided, leak-proof, lined with absorbent material, fits under the seat.
  • Max size: Economy 41 × 38 × 19 cm; Business 30 × 30 × 19 cm.
  • Up to two pets may share one carrier if within 8 kg total and safe together.
  • Carrier must remain closed for the entire flight; cannot be placed on lap during takeoff/landing.
  • Advance request required; provide pet weight and carrier dimensions.
  • Business Class: allowed only on Boeing 737 and the upper deck of Boeing 747-400; not permitted in Business on 777/767.
  • No pets in cabin to/from London Heathrow and Luton (UK rules). For London, Johannesburg, Hong Kong, and Australia, carriage is as cargo with an airway bill (AWB) even if the owner is on the same flight.

Cargo:

Checked Baggage and Cargo Pet Transport

  • Weight handling: 9–50 kg as checked baggage; 51–100 kg as checked baggage (subject to aircraft/space); >100 kg via EL AL Cargo.
  • Crate requirements: strong, EL AL-approved crate with ventilation on all four sides and a secure door; openings sized to prevent injury. For flights longer than 12 hours, a water container is required (food container recommended).
  • Multiple animals per crate: up to two animals (each ≤14 kg) may share; up to three young animals (≤6 months, each ≤14 kg) may share one crate.
  • Aircraft advisory: On Boeing 787 aircraft, hold temperature may be about 5°C; consult a veterinarian. EL AL is not liable for sensitivity to hold conditions.
  • Breed restrictions: Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog and cat breeds are not accepted as baggage or cargo. Dogs classified as dangerous must meet all legal/permit requirements.
  • Route requirements: For London (UK), Johannesburg, Hong Kong, and Australia, animals must be shipped as cargo with an AWB.
  • Fees (per direction; separate from baggage allowance): up to 8 kg USD 100; 9–50 kg USD 200; 51–100 kg USD 400; >100 kg via EL AL Cargo. Payment at EL AL airport ticket office or EL AL office. Codeshare sectors are not eligible; arrange payment with other airlines for onward segments.
  • Cargo process: Contact EL AL Cargo Direct Sales in advance (approx. two weeks). Provide shipper/consignee details, crate dimensions, and pet weight; present pet/crate and veterinary documents for checks and payment as instructed.

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