EL AL Baggage Compensation: Lost, Delayed & Damaged Claims
International Max
1519 SDR
Avg Response
30 days
Claim Types
3
To get EL AL baggage compensation, report the issue at the airport baggage office immediately and get a PIR (Property Irregularity Report). International compensation is capped at 1519 SDR (~$1,900). File online at EL AL's claims portal.
EL AL Baggage Claims & Compensation: What You Need to Know
EL AL is a Middle Eastern and African carrier headquartered in IL. Under applicable aviation regulations, passengers have defined rights when baggage is lost, damaged, or delayed.
When filing a claim with EL AL, time-sensitive actions are critical. The tightest deadline is 7 days from the incident; excluded items include jewelry, cash, electronics; typical response time is 30 days. Acting quickly and having your documentation ready significantly increases the likelihood of a successful claim.
For the best chance of resolving your claim: the the claims mailing address channel (rated 70% effective) tends to yield the best results; the escalation path with the highest success rate (75%) involves file suit (small claims / civil court). under the montreal convention any court action must be brought within 2 years of the date of arrival or expected arrival.; our data for EL AL has a confidence score of 85%; last verified in June 2026.
Compared to other airlines in our database: their international limit of ~$1,900 is slightly below the average. These figures are based on data from 83 airlines.
EL AL Claim Deadlines
Damaged Baggage
| Flight Type | Action | Deadline | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| domestic | File Claim Online | 7 days | — |
| international | File Claim Online | 7 days | Montreal Convention Art. 31 |
If missed: Carrier not liable for damage if complaint not made within 7 days
Delayed Baggage
| Flight Type | Action | Deadline | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| domestic | File Claim Online | 21 days | — |
| international | File Claim Online | 21 days | Montreal Convention Art. 31 |
If missed: Carrier not liable for delay if complaint not made within 21 days
Lost Baggage
| Flight Type | Action | Deadline | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| domestic | File Claim Online | 21 days | — |
| international | File Claim Online | 21 days | Montreal Convention Art. 31, 35 |
| international | Submit Documentation | 21 days | Montreal Convention Art. 31 |
If missed: Claim may be denied if filed late
Documentation Requirements
Required Documents
- ✓pir report
Property Irregularity Report and/or Damage Report filed at the airport
Note: Report the incident to an EL AL representative at the airport before leaving.
- ✓boarding pass
Copy of flight ticket and boarding pass
- ✓baggage tag
Baggage tags attached to your flight ticket and/or suitcase
- ✓pir report
Property Irregularity Report filed at the airport
- ✓boarding pass
Copy of flight ticket and boarding pass
- ✓interim expense receipt
Receipts for expenses incurred because of the delay
Note: List each expense with date, description, price and currency on the claim form.
- ✓pir report
Property Irregularity Report filed at the airport
- ✓boarding pass
Copy of flight ticket and boarding pass
- ✓baggage tag
Baggage tags attached to your flight ticket and/or suitcase
- ✓itemized list
Detailed list of baggage contents with quantity, purchase date, value and currency
Note: Use Section VIII of the Baggage Claim Form for baggage delayed/lost more than 21 days.
Recommended (Optional)
- ○photo
Photos of the damage to the suitcase or contents
- ○receipt
Applicable receipts for damaged items
- ○receipt
Applicable receipts proving the value of claimed items
EL AL Liability Limits
International Flights
$1,900
1519 SDR
Montreal Convention
Excluded: jewelry, cash, electronics, documents, medication, cameras, precious_metals, fragile_items
EL AL Contact Information
Claims Mailing Address
EL AL Baggage Claims Department, P.O.B. 41, Ben Gurion Airport, 7015001, Israel (Fax: +972-3-7602255)
Mailing address for formal written baggage claims. US residents may instead file via the New York office.
Claims Email
baggageclaimsElAl@elal.co.il
Baggage Claims Department email for submitting the Baggage Claim Form and supporting documents.
Customer Service
1-800-223-6700
Hours: 24/7
Avg wait: 25 min
EL AL US reservations and customer service line.
Customer Service
+972-3-9771111
Avg wait: 30 min
EL AL Israel head office / general telephone line.
Executive Office
EL AL Israel Airlines Ltd., Office of the CEO, P.O. Box 41, Ben Gurion Airport, 7015001, Israel
Executive escalation to head office. Leadership transition in progress (2025-2026); address the CEO's office by title. Use only after other channels exhausted.
Want us to handle this for you?
We'll file your EL AL claim end-to-end — or use the official forms below.
Claim Forms & Portals
Escalation Path
internal
55% successFollow up with the EL AL Baggage Claims Department by email (baggageclaimsElAl@elal.co.il) or phone with your file reference
When to escalate: Initial claim filed, no response within 14-30 days
Avg resolution: 14 days
internal
60% successSubmit a written complaint to EL AL Customer Relations / Baggage Claims Department by certified mail
When to escalate: Claim denied or inadequate offer
Avg resolution: 21 days
internal
65% successSend an executive escalation letter to the Office of the CEO at EL AL head office, Ben Gurion Airport
When to escalate: Customer Relations response unsatisfactory
Avg resolution: 21 days
regulatory
70% successFile a complaint with the US Department of Transportation (for itineraries to/from the United States)
When to escalate: Internal options exhausted; itinerary touched the US
Avg resolution: 30 days
legal
75% successBest Success RateFile suit (small claims / civil court). Under the Montreal Convention any court action must be brought within 2 years of the date of arrival or expected arrival.
When to escalate: All other channels unsuccessful
Avg resolution: 90 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EL AL's maximum baggage liability for international flights?
EL AL's maximum liability for international flights is 1519 SDR (approximately $1,900) under the Montreal Convention. SDR values fluctuate with exchange rates.
How long do I have to file a lost baggage claim with EL AL?
Baggage declared lost if not located within 21 days of expected delivery; file written compensation claim
What items does EL AL exclude from baggage liability?
EL AL excludes the following items from baggage liability: jewelry, cash, electronics, documents, medication, cameras, precious_metals, fragile_items. These items are not covered even if they are damaged, lost, or stolen during transit. Consider keeping high-value and excluded items in your carry-on.
Can I track my missing EL AL bag online?
Yes, EL AL uses the WorldTracer system for tracking mishandled baggage. You can check the status of your delayed or lost bag using the reference number from your Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Track your bag at EL AL's tracking portal.
How does EL AL calculate the value of lost items?
EL AL applies depreciation when calculating compensation for lost items, meaning you receive the current value rather than the original purchase price. Typical depreciation is 10-20% per year for clothing and 20-33% for electronics. Provide purchase receipts or credit card statements to support your claimed values.
How much compensation can I get from EL AL for lost or delayed baggage?
EL AL's maximum baggage compensation is up to 1519 SDR (approximately $1,900) for international flights under the Montreal Convention. Actual compensation is based on the depreciated value of your items, so keep receipts and purchase records to support your claim.
What's the fastest way to reach EL AL about a baggage claim?
Based on our data, writing to the claims mailing address is the most effective channel for EL AL baggage claims, with an effectiveness rating of 70%.
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