Arkia Israel AirlinesIZ

Arkia Israeli Airlines is Israel's second-largest airline and the country's oldest continuously operating carrier, founded in 1949 as Israel Inland Airlines. Headquartered near Tel Aviv, Arkia operates from its primary hub at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) and a secondary hub at Eilat Ramon Airport (ETM). The airline focuses on domestic connections between Tel Aviv and Eilat, European leisure destinations, and has recently expanded into transatlantic service.

Unlike El Al and other Israeli carriers, Arkia is the only Israeli airline that operates flights on Shabbat (Saturday), making it a practical option for travelers who need weekend flexibility. The airline serves kosher meals on all flights but does not maintain the same no-Saturday policy as Israel's flag carrier.

Arkia operates a fleet of Embraer E195 jets for regional routes and uses wet-lease partnerships with carriers like Iberojet and Neos Air for long-haul operations including the New York JFK route launched in February 2025. The airline is not a member of any airline alliance and currently does not operate a standalone frequent flyer program.

Carry-On Allowance

Fare Class	Personal Item	Trolley Bag	Weight Limit
Lite	1 bag	Not included ($20)	8 kg (18 lbs)
Classic	1 bag	1 bag included	8 kg (18 lbs)
Flex	1 bag	1 bag included	8 kg (18 lbs)
Business	1 bag	1 bag included	8 kg (18 lbs)

Personal Item:

• Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (16 x 12 x 8 in)
• Must fit under seat in front of you
• Examples: Backpack, laptop bag, purse

Trolley/Cabin Bag:

• Dimensions: 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 in) including handles and wheels
• Weight: 8 kg (18 lbs) maximum
• Not included on Lite fares; purchase online for $20 (vs $25 at airport)

Checked Baggage

Standard Size: 158 cm (62 in) linear maximum (length + width + height)

Fare Class	Bags Included	Weight Limit
Lite	0 bags	Purchase from $45
Classic	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Flex	2 bags	23 kg (50 lbs) each
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Where You Buy Matters:

Purchase Channel	1 Bag (20kg)	2 Bags
Online (advance)	$45 USD	$75 USD
Airport check-in	$90 USD	Higher

Always book bags online to avoid significantly higher airport fees.

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Overweight Bags:

Weight	Fee
Per kg over limit (non-EU airports)	$10 USD per kg
Per kg over limit (EU airports)	EUR 10 per kg
Over 32 kg (70 lbs)	Not accepted

Oversized Bags:

Size	Fee
159-203 cm (63-80 in) linear	$75 USD
Over 203 cm (80 in)	Not accepted

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag, max 23 kg
Skis/snowboards	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Bicycle	$100 USD	Must be boxed, tires deflated
Surfboard	$100 USD	Advance booking recommended
Car seat	FREE	Gate-check available
Stroller	FREE	Gate-check available
CPAP	FREE	Carry on, doesn't count toward allowance
Musical instruments	Standard if checked	Hard case required; seat purchase for large cabin instruments

Pets:

• Cabin: Up to 8 kg (17 lbs) including carrier, dimensions 40 x 30 x 20 cm
• Hold: Larger animals accepted with specific crate requirements
• Advance booking required

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at arkia.co.il/en/luggage-information before traveling.

Business Class

Business Class is available on select routes, particularly long-haul and premium European services.

Service includes:

• Enhanced seat pitch and recline
• Priority check-in and boarding
• 2 checked bags at 32 kg (70 lbs) each
• Full kosher meal service
• Complimentary beverages including wine

Economy Class

Embraer E195 (Regional/European routes):

• Pitch: 31-38 inches (79-97 cm) depending on seat location
• Width: 17 inches (43 cm)
• Recline: Up to 3 inches
• Configuration: Single-aisle, 122 seats single class
• Used for: Domestic (TLV-ETM), European leisure routes

Long-Haul Aircraft (wet-lease):

• Boeing 787-9 (Neos Air) and Airbus A330-900 (Iberojet) on JFK route
• Personal seatback entertainment screens
• Enhanced pitch for transatlantic comfort

Entertainment

• Embraer E195: No seatback screens; bring personal devices
• Long-haul (787/A330): Personal entertainment screens with movies, TV, music
• WiFi availability varies by aircraft/operator

Dining - All Kosher

Arkia serves kosher meals on all flights.

• Complimentary meals on long-haul routes
• Special dietary meals (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) available
• Pre-order special meals at least 48 hours before departure
• Complimentary beverages including wine and beer on international flights

Note: Kosher standard is regular kosher; Mehadrin (glatt kosher) meals should be pre-ordered if required.

Booking:

• Book directly on arkia.com for best service during disruptions
• Check fare types carefully: Lite has no checked bag or trolley bag
• Always buy bags online; airport fees are nearly double
• Arkia is the only Israeli airline flying on Saturdays if you need Shabbat travel

Security:

• Arrive 3 hours early for international flights
• Security interview is standard; answer honestly and directly
• Traveling to Israel for the first time? Expect additional questions
• Keep electronics charged for screening

Shabbat Advantage:

• Unlike El Al, Israir, and Sun d'Or, Arkia operates on Saturdays
• Useful for travelers who cannot avoid weekend travel
• Saturday night departures available on some routes

Domestic TLV-ETM:

• Essential route connecting Tel Aviv to Eilat
• Approximately 45-minute flight vs. 4+ hour drive
• Multiple daily frequencies
• Book early during Israeli holidays

New York JFK Route:

• Launched February 2025 using wet-lease partners
• Daily Boeing 787 service
• Two full kosher meals included
• Personal entertainment screens
• Alternative to El Al's JFK monopoly

At Ben Gurion (TLV):

• Arkia operates from Terminal 3 (main international)
• Train connects to Tel Aviv (20 min) and Jerusalem (30 min)
• Extensive duty-free shopping
• Allow time for security regardless of check-in status

At Eilat Ramon (ETM):

• Modern airport opened 2019
• Replaced both Eilat and Ovda airports
• Located 18 km north of Eilat city
• Taxi or bus to hotels

Baggage Tips:

• Weigh bags at home; per-kg overweight fees add up quickly
• Trolley bags on Lite fares cost $20 online vs $25 at airport
• Checked bags cost $45 online vs $90 at airport (double!)
• Gate-check strollers and car seats for free

Common Issues:

• No alliance means no partner earning/redemption
• No active frequent flyer program
• Wet-lease aircraft vary; experience differs by operator
• Some routes are seasonal; check schedule carefully
• WiFi and entertainment limited on Embraer E195 regional jets