My wife and I have only flown El Al Airlines once. On our trip to Israel, we flew round trip from JFK to Tel Aviv (I guess, technically, that would be twice). We flew economy class. The first thing I noticed with El Al Airlines was the notorious security measures they have. Check in outside the International Terminal at JFK began a couple of hours prior to the flight. We arrived near the front of the check in line and were greeted by a young lady who was part of the security team. This pre-screening occurred in the check in line prior to arriving at the check in desk.
We presented our passports and answered basic questions about our trip. The screening was quick and painless. It provided a modicum sense of security. It seemed pretty basic, but I am certain the process is meant to detect particular profiles. I also have to imagine that a certain amount of security may have been conducted prior to our arrival at the airport.
Check in was quick and painless. We cleared security and waited to board the flight. The stuff people carry on the flight seems a bit more excessive than most international flights I have taken. The overhead bins, which were very large, were also very full. The seats were as comfortable as one would expect for an international economy class flight. Tolerable, but not comfortable. You get what you pay for. However, of all the international flights I have taken, I would rate the service on El Al Airlines as last.
Both directions, the flight attendants seemed rigid. At one point, my wife asked for decaf coffee and was met with an attitude. She was advised that she would get it "later." Later never came, so she went to the kitchen area to inquire an hour later, after the cabin service had been completed. She was told to sit down and they would bring it to her. On their time schedule. It was another ten or fifteen minutes before it came. Personally, I wouldn't have consumed it. With that kind of attitude, I would be afraid they would taint it somehow. The flight attendants were generally disinterested in customer service and more interested in whatever their own agenda was.
In terms of entertainment, the aircraft we were on last year was a bit dated. I am not sure if it has been updated in the interim. The seatback entertainment was an older model that I did not benefit much from. The entertainment choices didn't appeal to me. As an overnight flight, I attempted to rest where I could. The only other factor noticeable about the aircraft was the lavatories. On a crowded flight, they can get nasty quick. The restrooms appeared to be kept up well and there were enough on the aircraft that things did not get too backed up at any of them. Access was a bit limited when one side of the aircraft had closed off areas for prayers, but that didn't really affect things too much.
While it is not a reflection on the airline, I did notice that the passengers on the airline also seemed a bit rude and self absorbed. We were all the way at the front of economy class. As the plane landed, people from the rear of the plane rushed forward to try and be first off the plane. This resulted in quite a bit of pushing and shoving. I don't think Israel was going to be gone if they didn't get there in time. It was still there when we got off the plane. The process of disembarking was tedious, but maybe people were just excited to see family. Who knows. But it was a bit surprising to see people disregard the seatbelt signs and push forward.
I would probably not fly El Al Airlines again. I might consider on a newer aircraft. The poor service and antiquated plane were enough to make consider other options. It is a stark contrast to the asian airlines, all of which offer meticulous service. Flying towards Europe, I have booked Delta and Air France for my next journey. Hopefully that will be a better experience. I generally like Delta and don't imagine I will be tremendously disappointed. But El Al didn't win my affection or loyalty.
Be sure to check out all of my adventures from my Israel trip!
A Christian Guide to Israel
Hotels
Cinema Hotel Tel Aviv, Israel
Ron Beach Hotel, Tiberias, Israel
Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem, Israel
Attractions
Caesarea National Park Caesarea, Israel
Mount Precipice Mount Kedimum, Israel
Sea of Galilee Boat Ride Tiberias, Israel
Yigal Alon Museum (Jesus Boat) Ginosar, Israel
Capernaum, Israel
St. Peter’s Restaurant Kinneret, Israel
Caesarea Phillipi Banias, Israel
Gadot Lookout and Memorial Golan Heights, Israel
Jordan River Baptismal Site Yardenit, Israel
Beit She’an National Park Beit She’an, Israel
Mount of Olives Jerusalem, Israel
Garden Tomb Jerusalem, Israel
Western Wall Jerusalem, Israel
Western Wall Tunnels Jerusalem, Israel
Bethlehem New Store Gift Shop Bethlehem, West Bank
Pools of Bethesda Jerusalem, Israel
Via Dolorosa Jerusalem, Israel
Shrine of the Book Jerusalem, Israel
Yad Vashem Jerusalem, Israel
The Upper Room Jerusalem, Israel
Tomb of King David Jerusalem, Israel
Holyland Model of Jerusalem Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Israel
Masada National Park Masada, Israel
Neve Midbar Beach The Dead Sea, Israel
Churches
Discalced Carmelite Monastery Muhraqa, Israel
Basilica of the Annunciation Nazareth, Israel
St. Peter’s Church Capernaum, Israel
Church of the Multiplication Tabgha, Israel
Church of the Beatitudes Tabgha, Israel
Church of All Nations Jerusalem, Israel
Church of Saint Anne Jerusalem, Israel
Church of the Holy Sepulcher Jerusalem, Israel
Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu Jerusalem, Israel
Church of the Nativity Bethlehem, West Bank