What Is Arkia Airlines Baggage Policy? 

Arkia Airlines has designed its baggage policy to balance passenger convenience with safety and operational efficiency. Whether you are traveling within Israel, to the United States, or to other destinations, it is essential to understand the airline’s rules regarding carry-on items, checked baggage, excess baggage charges, and special equipment. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines not only helps in avoiding unexpected costs but also ensures a smooth check-in and boarding experience. 

Below, we break down the complete Arkia Airlines Baggage Policy, including rules for flights to the United States and additional baggage services for sports and musical equipment.

How Much Carry-On Baggage Does Arkia Airlines Allow for International Flights?

For flights to the United States, passengers are allowed to bring one small carry-on bag or backpack that does not exceed the size of 20 x 30 x 40 cm. This item must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. The carry-on may have items that you may need for the flight like wallet, documents, purse, medicines, charger, mobile phone, and so on. 

Additionally, for tickets purchased from February 21, 2025, onwards, Arkia will also allow one trolley bag weighing up to 8 kg with maximum dimensions of 25 x 45 x 56 cm (including wheels as well as external handles). Passengers should ensure that their carry-on luggage adheres to these size and weight restrictions, as exceeding them could result in additional charges at the airport.

Purchasing Baggage Services

The Arkia Airlines Baggage Policy provides flexibility in how baggage services can be purchased. Travelers can add baggage at the time of booking through the Arkia website, during online check-in (available between 24 and 6 hours before departure on selected routes), or later via the Arkia call center or the personal account section online.

However, passengers should be aware of a few conditions:

• Early booking recommended – Arkia encourages customers to reserve baggage services when purchasing the ticket. If reservations are not available later through the call center or website, the airline cannot be held responsible.
• Last-minute bookings – If a ticket is purchased less than six hours before departure, baggage services can only be added at the airport check-in counter, often at a higher cost.
• Restrictions for casual customers – Travelers who booked online without logging into an Arkia account cannot add baggage through the personal area. Instead, they must use online check-in, provided it is available for their route.
• Available routes for online check-in – Currently, early baggage check-in services are offered from airports including Larnaca, Paphos, Bucharest, Tbilisi, Batumi, Amsterdam, Athens, New York, Paris, Barcelona, Zanzibar, Sarajevo, and Tivat.

The Arkia Airlines Baggage Policy also makes clear that baggage charges are separate from the cost of the flight ticket. Payments made for baggage are non-refundable if a passenger does not show up for their flight, and no reimbursement is given if a traveler checks in without the baggage they had prepaid for.

What Is Arkia Airlines Rules for Checked Baggage Rules

The base ticket price for Arkia Airlines flights to the United States includes one checked baggage item of up to 23 kg per passenger. This bag will be sent to the aircraft’s cargo hold.

For tickets purchased after February 21, 2025, the allowance remains the same, but passengers have the option to purchase additional bags with clear pricing guidelines:

• Second checked bag (up to 23 kg):
  • USD 110 per leg if purchased in advance.
  • USD 140 per leg if purchased at the airport.
• Third checked bag (up to 23 kg):
  • USD 140 per leg if purchased in advance.
  • USD 170 per leg if purchased at the airport.

It is recommended to book additional baggage online during the ticket purchase process, via Arkia’s personal area on the website, or during online check-in to avoid handling fees and higher airport charges.

Arkia Airlines Excess Baggage Charges

For passengers exceeding the 20 kg limit without purchasing an extra bag, the Arkia Airlines Baggage Policy applies excess weight fees.

• In Israel and non-EU airports: USD 10 per extra kg.
• At EU airports: EUR 10 per extra kg.

It is also important to note that, under International Air Transport Association (IATA) rules, no single bag weighing more than 32 kg can be accepted, regardless of payment.

Updated Baggage Prices After July 2025

Arkia has introduced new pricing for baggage services effective July 1, 2025, applying to purchases made after this date:

• Checked baggage (20 kg): USD 45 in advance, USD 90 / EUR 85 at the airport.
• Trolley bag (8 kg): USD 20 in advance, USD 25 / EUR 25 at the airport.
• Excess weight: USD 10 per kg outside EU; EUR 10 per kg at EU airports.

These adjustments underline the importance of booking baggage services early to secure the lowest rates.

Arkia Airlines Handling Fees and Modifications

The Arkia Airlines Baggage Policy also outlines service fees for changing or canceling baggage reservations after the initial booking.

• Changes made through call center/travel agent: USD 10 for up to 2 passengers, USD 20 for 3 or more passengers.
• Via personal account on Arkia website: No additional handling fees apply.

Cancellation of Baggage Services

Cancellation of baggage services follows the rules of Israel’s Consumer Protection. Requests can be made by phone, registered mail, email, or in person at Arkia’s offices. The effective cancellation date is the day Arkia receives the notice, and passengers must receive a written confirmation from the airline.

Special conditions apply for certain groups: seniors over 65, individuals with disabilities, and new immigrants (“Olim Hadashim”) are entitled to a reduced cancellation fee of either 5% of the transaction value or NIS 100, whichever is lower, provided all legal conditions are met.

Arkia Airlines Additional Baggage Policy Services

Arkia Airlines provides dedicated services for passengers traveling with sports gear, bicycles, and musical instruments. These items are subject to specific fees and packing requirements:

• Scuba Gear: USD 50 per leg (oxygen cylinders are not permitted on the aircraft).
• Ski Equipment (skis, boots, suits): USD 50 per leg.
• Snowboard: USD 50 per leg.
• Golf Equipment: USD 50 per leg.
• Surfboard / Sailboard / Kite Surfing Equipment (up to 300 cm): USD 100 per leg. The plane allows a limited number of surfboards, so adding a surfboard to your baggage during check-in isn’t possible. You can only purchase it in advance by dialling Arkia’s Sales Center number. 
• Bicycles (one unit): USD 50 per leg. Passengers must deflate the tires, remove the front wheel, pack the bicycle in a protective case, and sign a limited liability waiver.

Arkia Airlines Policy for Carrying Musical Instruments

Arkia Airlines allows musical instruments to be transported as baggage items. Instruments weighing up to 5 kg can be sent to the cargo hold without payment, provided passengers sign a limited liability form. Instruments should be packed in a solid case wherever possible for safety, but the airline accepts them with or without a protective case.

Also Read : Can you bring musical instruments on a plane?

Arkia Airlines Baggage Policy for Domestic Flights

When flying within Israel with Arkia Airlines, passengers should be aware that the standard ticket price does not include a free checked baggage allowance. Instead, Arkia provides several options for adding luggage services depending on your needs. From small carry-ons to larger suitcases and special sports equipment, the airline has clear rules and fees to ensure smooth handling and safety for all travelers. Below is a complete breakdown of Arkia’s domestic flight baggage policy.

What Is Arkia Airlines Carry-On Baggage Allowance? 

All passengers on domestic flights may bring one small carry-on item on board at no extra cost. The dimensions must not exceed 20 x 30 x 40 cm, and the bag should fit under the seat in front of you.

Trolley Bags

Passengers who wish to bring a trolley bag (up to 8 kg and 25 x 45 x 56 cm) can purchase this service at the following rates:

• NIS 10 per leg when purchased in advance through the Arkia website, call center (plus handling fees), or via the passenger’s personal area (without handling fees).
• NIS 15 per leg if purchased at airport counters.
• This option is also available during online check-in, which opens 24 hours before the flight.

Arkia advises travelers to book trolley services at the time of ticket purchase to guarantee availability. At the airport, all carry-on and trolley bags will be weighed, and if they exceed the permitted limits, they may be transferred to the cargo hold.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage is not included in basic domestic tickets. Passengers can purchase the service for bags weighing up to 20 kg at the following rates:

• NIS 20 per leg when purchased in advance through the Arkia website, call center (plus handling fees), or personal area (without handling fees).
• NIS 30 per leg when purchased at the airport.

Travelers who purchase a full-price ticket are entitled to bring one 20 kg checked suitcase and one 8 kg trolley at no additional cost.

Any baggage that exceeds the stated limits will be subject to an excess weight fee. However, in accordance with IATA regulations, no single baggage item may exceed 32 kg under any circumstances.

Handling Fees for Modifications

Passengers who add, cancel, or modify their baggage services after completing the reservation may incur handling charges:

• NIS 10 for up to two passengers.
• NIS 20 for three or more passengers.

These fees apply to reservations made via the call center or a travel agency.

Additional Baggage Services

Arkia offers specific baggage services for travelers carrying sports equipment or bicycles on domestic flights:

• Surfboards, sailboards, or kiteboards up to 170 cm: NIS 110 per leg.
• Surfboards, sailboards, or kiteboards over 170 cm: NIS 220 per leg.
• Scuba gear: Charged at the rate of one checked baggage unit (oxygen cylinders are strictly prohibited from being loaded).
• Bicycles: NIS 150 per leg. Passengers must deflate tires, remove the front wheel, place the bicycle in a special case, and sign a limited liability waiver before check-in.

Prohibited and Hazardous Items On Arkia Airlines Flight

For safety reasons, Arkia strictly prohibits the transport of hazardous or dangerous materials, either in carry-on or checked baggage. Examples include:

• Pressurized gases (flammable, toxic, or nonflammable)
• Corrosive materials such as acids or wet-cell batteries
• Explosives, fireworks, or ammunition
• Flammable liquids and solids
• Oxidizing agents, poisons, and infectious substances
• Radioactive materials or mercury
• Magnetic or irritant materials
• Briefcases having alarm locks

Arkia reserves the right to deny carriage of any item deemed unsafe for passengers, crew, or the aircraft.

Handling of Fragile Items On Arkia Airlines Flight

While Arkia takes every precaution in transporting baggage, the airline does not assume responsibility for fragile, valuable, or delicate items. Travelers are encouraged to inform the ground crew if their luggage contains breakable items, so that it can be labeled “Fragile.” Each bag should also have a visible label with the passenger’s full name and contact details, and it is strongly recommended to secure additional coverage through personal travel insurance.

Arkia Airlines Baggage Policy: Missing, Damaged, and Special Items

As part of its customer commitment, Arkia Airlines Baggage Policy is designed to safeguard passengers’ belongings while ensuring smooth handling throughout the journey. Although Arkia takes every possible precaution to deliver baggage safely and on time, unforeseen incidents may still occur. In rare cases where luggage is delayed, misplaced, or arrives damaged, the airline provides clear procedures to help passengers resolve the situation quickly and with minimal inconvenience.

If baggage does not reach the destination or arrives in a damaged condition, passengers are encouraged to immediately report the issue and follow the official process outlined on Arkia’s baggage location page. This step is important for initiating a timely investigation and for ensuring that the airline can take all necessary actions to reunite travelers with their belongings or assist in addressing damage claims. Arkia aims to handle these matters with professionalism and efficiency, always striving for customer satisfaction even in circumstances beyond its direct control.

In addition to general baggage handling, the Arkia Airlines Baggage Policy outlines certain items that passengers may transport free of charge, provided that the passenger is present on the flight. These allowances are particularly relevant for families with young children and travelers with accessibility needs. Eligible items include:

• Strollers
• Infant seats
• Child booster seats (excluding baby car vehicle seats)
• Wheelchairs
• Essential medical equipment
• Baby packs that can be stored beneath the parent’s seat

These exemptions reflect Arkia’s commitment to providing flexibility and support for parents traveling with infants as well as passengers requiring mobility or medical assistance.

By setting clear rules on free transport of specific items and offering support in case of lost or damaged baggage, Arkia Airlines ensures that passengers are informed, protected, and supported throughout their journey. Travelers are encouraged to review these guidelines before flying so they can prepare appropriately and avoid unnecessary stress.

Conclusion

The Arkia Airlines baggage policy is designed to balance passenger convenience with operational safety. By clearly outlining rules for checked and carry-on luggage, free transport of essential infant and mobility items, and procedures for handling lost or damaged baggage, Arkia ensures travelers are well-informed throughout their journey. Understanding these guidelines before flying helps passengers avoid unexpected issues and travel with confidence. Staying updated with the airline’s latest baggage regulations ensures a smoother and stress-free experience.

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