El Al Airlines: A Comprehensive Guide

El Al Airlines is Israel's national carrier and a major player in the global aviation industry. Founded in 1948, it has been a symbol of Israeli pride and a reliable choice for travelers.

El Al offers a wide range of routes, including flights to Europe, North America, and Asia. Its fleet consists of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

El Al has a reputation for providing high-quality in-flight services, including gourmet meals and comfortable seating.

El Al's history began in 1948, when the airline was incorporated and became Israel's national flag carrier on November 15th.

The airline's first president, Chaim Weizmann, played a significant role in its early days, as he was the one who flew back to Israel on an Israeli government aircraft that was converted into a civilian plane.

The airline's first international flight took place on July 31, 1949, from Tel Aviv to Paris, with a refueling stop in Rome.

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El Al's early years were marked by challenges, including an embargo imposed on Israel at the time, which forced the airline to use military surplus aircraft.

The airline's first plane arrived at Lod Airport on April 3, 1949, and Aryeh Pincus, a lawyer from South Africa, was elected head of the company.

El Al's cargo service was inaugurated in 1950, using military surplus Curtiss C-46 Commando aircraft.

In 1955, the airline purchased two Bristol Britannia aircraft, becoming the second airline in the world to fly this plane after the British Overseas Airways Corporation.

The airline's success continued into the late 1960s, with El Al ranking 35th in the world in accumulated passenger distance in 1961.

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In September 1948, Israel's first president, Chaim Weizmann, attended a conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Israeli government had to get creative to get Weizmann back to Israel, as an embargo was imposed on Israel at the time, prohibiting the use of regular commercial flights.

An Israeli C-54 military transport aircraft was converted into a civilian plane to transport Weizmann home, and it was painted with the logo of the "El Al/Israel National Aviation Company".

The aircraft was also fitted with extra fuel tanks to enable a non-stop flight from Geneva to Israel, which it successfully completed on 28 September.

El Al was incorporated on 15 November 1948, and it became Israel's national flag carrier, although it used leased aircraft until February 1949.

Two unpressurized DC-4s were purchased from American Airlines, and the acquisition was funded by the government of Israel, the Jewish Agency, and other Jewish organizations.

The first plane arrived at Lod Airport on 3 April 1949, and Aryeh Pincus, a lawyer from South Africa, was elected head of the company.

The first international flight, from Tel Aviv to Paris, with refueling in Rome, took place on 31 July 1949.

By the end of 1949, the airline had flown passengers to London and Johannesburg.

A state-run domestic airline, Israel Inland Airlines, was founded in 1949, in which El Al had a 50% stake.

The operation of the airline in keeping with Jewish tradition has been a source of friction, particularly when it came to serving kosher food and flying on the Jewish Sabbath.

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In the early 1950s, El Al's cargo service was inaugurated, relying on military surplus Curtiss C-46 Commando aircraft.

The airline initially used the same aircraft type for passengers transportation in certain routes, showcasing its resourcefulness and adaptability.

El Al's cargo service expansion marked a significant milestone in the airline's history, setting the stage for future growth and development.

The airline's cargo service was a crucial component of its overall operations, enabling it to transport goods and supplies efficiently and effectively.

In 1955, El Al purchased two Bristol Britannia aircraft, becoming the second airline in the world to fly this plane, after the British Overseas Airways Corporation.

The Bristol Britannia aircraft represented a significant upgrade in El Al's fleet, offering improved performance and capabilities.

Within a year of running a bold newspaper advertisement in the United States, El Al's sales tripled, demonstrating the effectiveness of innovative marketing strategies.

The advertisement, featuring a picture of a "shrunken" Atlantic Ocean, proved to be a game-changer for the airline, helping to overcome widespread public fear of airline crashes.

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El Al's operations were suspended in late 1982 due to labor disputes and strikes, and the government appointed Amram Blum to run the company.

The airline lost $123.3 million in the fiscal year ending April 1983.

El Al resumed operations in January 1983 under receivership, and the government purchased two new Boeing 737 aircraft.

The government announced plans to acquire four Boeing 767 jets at the cost of $200 million.

Within four years, El Al was profitable again, breaking a record with a non-stop flight from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv in May 1988.

This flight covered a journey of 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 km) in 13 hours and 41 minutes.

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EL AL offers a range of classes of service on their planes, including business, premium, and economy. You can choose from these options depending on your needs and budget.

Business class is a great option for those who want to travel in style. On EL AL's Boeing 787 Dreamliner, business class offers comfortable lay-flat seating in a 1-2-1 configuration, providing aisle access for all.

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The airline's cargo service was inaugurated in 1950 and initially relied on military surplus Curtiss C-46 Commando aircraft. EL AL has a long history of providing reliable and efficient cargo services.

On EL AL's Boeing 777 planes, business class has an angled-flat seat configuration, which means the seat extends to a flat bed but the feet are angled slightly down. This configuration is arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration.

EL AL's in-flight entertainment is available on personal electronic devices, making it easy to stay entertained during your flight. On some of their Boeing 777 planes, the in-flight entertainment is wireless and transmitted to passengers' personal electronic devices.

EL AL's business class seats on the Dreamliner are 20.5” wide and extend to a 72” lay-flat bed. This provides ample space for passengers to relax and enjoy their flight.

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EL AL offers three classes of service: business, premium, and economy. Four Boeing 777s feature a two-class setup: business and economy.

You can choose from three fare types in economy: Lite, Classic, and Flex, which impact your baggage allowance and seat choice.

Business class is available on most widebody planes, but some planes only offer a two-class setup. You can also upgrade to business class on select flights.

Passengers flying with Flex economy class tickets can pay to upgrade at check-in if seats are available. This is a great option if you want to splurge on a better seat.

EL AL allows passengers to pay to upgrade to empty premium or business class seats onboard, with payment arranged by the crew. This is a great option if you're flexible with your travel plans.

Upgrades to business class do not include other premium and business class perks like lounge access and extra baggage allowance.

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El Al's in-flight entertainment system offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and music to keep passengers entertained during their flight.

El Al's aircraft are equipped with a variety of amenities, including comfortable seating, ample legroom, and adjustable headrests, making for a more enjoyable travel experience.

From takeoff to landing, El Al's attentive and friendly flight attendants are always on hand to ensure that passengers' needs are met, whether it's serving a meal, offering a drink, or simply providing a smile.

In-flight dining is a highlight of any long-haul flight, and EL AL's meals are no exception. They're all Kosher, which is great for passengers with dietary restrictions.

You'll get two meals on flights over seven hours, which is plenty of time to enjoy a satisfying meal. The dishes are carefully curated by the airline's chefs, so you can expect a generous portion of delicious food.

Special menus are available for passengers with specific dietary requirements, so you can rest assured that your needs will be met.

EL AL offers in-flight connectivity on some of its aircraft, with Wi-Fi available on all 787 Dreamliner planes and some 737s and 777s operating flights to and from Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Wi-Fi is currently unavailable on flights to Africa or the Far East.

Business class passengers on flights to and from North America get the Business Wi-Fi plan included in the ticket price.

The airline offers three Wi-Fi tiers: Basic, Social, and Business.

Boarding on EL AL is by class and loyalty status, so be aware of how this affects your place in line. Those in economy can pay to add priority boarding to their ticket, which is relatively cheap and can be useful if you have carry-on luggage.

You can add priority boarding to your booking online ahead of a flight, making it easy to secure a spot. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time in the airport for security, passport checks, and boarding, especially when departing from Tel Aviv.

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Seat selection can be tricky on EL AL, especially if you're flying economy. There are several types of economy seats, and each type is available to specific fare types.

If you're flying Classic or Flex, you can select a seat ahead of flying. Flex passengers can choose a "Front Zone" seat or "Extra Space Seat" for free.

Checking in for EL AL flights is available 24 hours before departure. You can usually check in online, but it's also possible to wait to check in at the airport.

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If you don't pay for seat selection, you'll be allocated a seat, which can be stressful for some people. On long-haul flights, it's worth paying extra for that coveted window or aisle.

Orthodox Jews often pray on longer flights, usually towards the back of the plane, in the aircraft galleys. This can be disruptive if you're trying to sleep, so it's a good idea to book a seat closer to the front of economy or away from a galley.

The EL AL lounges are a great way to relax and unwind before your flight.

You can find the King David Lounge in Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion Airport, in the Departures Hall, branch D.

The lounge is only open to business class ticket holders, elite loyalty program members, and King David Club members.

It's open during hours when EL AL flights operate, but not on Saturdays until one hour after Shabbat ends.

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EL AL business class passengers can access partner lounges in other cities, like the Virgin Clubhouse in New York JFK or the EXTIME lounge in Paris.

The lounge at Ben Gurion Airport is kosher, so you can't bring in outside food or drink.

In some airports, like New York JFK, Paris, and London Heathrow, EL AL passengers can use partner lounges like the Virgin Clubhouse, EXTIME lounge, or BLUSH lounge.

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Luggage allowance can be confusing, but knowing the rules can save you stress and extra fees.

In economy class, only Classic and Flex fares include a checked bag, and you'll need to pre-order additional bags if you have more.

The amount of checked bags you're allowed varies based on your destination, so be sure to check the fees before your trip.

Premium class passengers can check two bags of up to 23 kg each, while business class passengers can check two bags of up to 32 kg each.

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Carry-on bags also have weight limits, with Lite and Classic passengers limited to one bag up to 8 kg, and Flex passengers allowed two bags up to 12 kg total.

Premium and business passengers can bring two carry-on bags, but they can't exceed 12 kg or 20 kg total, respectively.

Everyone is allowed one personal bag, which is a purse, backpack, or laptop bag.

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EL AL's security measures are truly impressive. Since 1968, the airline has had plainclothes armed guards aboard each flight, a response to the terrorist attacks against two of its aircraft.

The airline spends more than twice as much money as other airlines to protect its passengers and aircraft. This investment is reflected in the most intensive and respected airline security system in the world.

Pre-flight security checks and baggage inspections are carried out with utmost care, utilizing EL AL's own modern detection equipment and specially trained personnel. This attention to detail is a hallmark of the airline's commitment to security.

EL AL aircraft are also equipped with classified Israeli security hardware.

El Al's operations are a testament to its commitment to efficiency and reliability. The airline operates out of Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in the world.

El Al's fleet is made up of Boeing 737 and 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which are well-suited for long-haul flights. The airline's Boeing 787 Dreamliners have a seating capacity of 321 passengers.

El Al's operations are also notable for their focus on security. The airline has a dedicated security team that works closely with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.

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El Al's route network has undergone significant changes since 2020, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting competition.

The airline operates nonstop flights between Tel Aviv and over 30 cities worldwide. Its nonstop flights between Tel Aviv and Los Angeles, averaging 15 hours, utilize 'Dreamliner' 787-9s and are among the longest in the world.

El Al also utilizes the brand of its subsidiary 'Sun d'Or' to serve several destinations each year on a scheduled, seasonal, or charter flight basis.

As of April 2025, El Al was operating regular scheduled flights from Tel Aviv to 50 destinations.

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The pandemic highlighted the importance of having a flexible business continuity plan in place, as many companies were forced to adapt quickly to new circumstances.

Supply chain disruptions were a major issue during the pandemic, with 75% of companies experiencing delays or shortages.

Companies that were more agile and able to pivot quickly were better equipped to weather the storm.

According to a survey, 60% of companies reported a decrease in sales during the pandemic, while 40% reported an increase.

The pandemic also accelerated the shift to remote work, with 40% of companies reporting an increase in remote work arrangements.

Companies that invested in digital transformation were better able to adapt to the new reality and maintain business continuity.

A survey found that 70% of companies reported an increase in cybersecurity threats during the pandemic, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Companies that were able to adapt and innovate during the pandemic were more likely to emerge stronger and more resilient.

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El Al turned its first profit in 1960, a significant milestone for the airline.

That year, more than 50 percent of passengers flying into Israel arrived on El Al flights. By 1961, the airline was carrying 56,000 passengers a year, on par with Qantas and ahead of established airlines like Loftleiðir.

El Al set a world record for the longest non-stop commercial flight on June 15, 1961, flying from New York to Tel Aviv in 9 hours and 33 minutes.

The airline's success continued into the late 1960s, with regular flights to Bucharest inaugurated in 1968 and cargo flights beginning to Europe and the United States.

El Al's ventures brought in a profit of $2 million in 1968, a notable achievement for the airline.

In 1983, El Al operations were suspended due to labor disputes and strikes, but the airline was profitable again within four years.

El Al broke another record in May 1988 with a non-stop flight from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv, a journey of 7,000 nautical miles in 13 hours and 41 minutes.

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EL AL is a well-established airline with a strong reputation for safety and security. It's the only airline operating aircraft with anti-ballistic missile technology.

To ensure a smooth check-in process, I recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours before departure. This is especially important during peak travel seasons like holidays and summer.

EL AL's fleet consists of all-Boeing aircraft, including long-haul Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners, as well as mid- and short-haul flights on Boeing 737s.

The airline's cabin experience is excellent, with professional and friendly cabin crew.