On the Ground: Allowing extra time for EL AL’s thorough security procedures, I arrived at the airport three hours before departure. I timed my arrival with train connections from New Jersey and welcomed the chance to use the airline’s lounge to work while I waited. The extra time proved wise: I was briefly questioned for about 15 minutes before I could check in. After screening, check-in moved quickly, my luggage received priority tags, and a dedicated security lane took me to EL AL’s lounge without delay.
Pre-Flight: Because I arrived early, the lounge was quiet at first and I easily found a seat near an outlet to plug in my laptop and connect to complimentary WiFi. I sampled the buffet, returning to my seat with salad, fresh vegetables, hummus with pita, and a glass of crisp Israeli Chardonnay. I worked productively until it was time to board, occasionally glancing at the nearby television to follow the evening news. As boarding time neared, the lounge grew busier and louder. The gate was a short walk away, so I left the lounge about ten minutes before boarding began. Despite a priority boarding lane, additional security checks delayed me briefly at the gate.
In-Flight: Settling into my business-class seat, I stowed my carry-on and read on my Kindle while the cabin finished boarding. Flight attendants offered welcome drinks and a selection of newspapers and magazines; most publications were in Hebrew, but I appreciated being offered an English-language copy of Where Tel Aviv.
Once we reached cruising altitude, I explored the in-flight entertainment system. Personal screens are housed in the armrest and are on the smaller side. The entertainment library includes movies, television series and music in several languages, so there are choices for many passengers. The system runs on scheduled channels with set start times, however, so viewers cannot individually start, pause, fast-forward or rewind titles at will.
The menu was created by Chef Segev Moshe, an Israeli restaurateur, cookbook author and television host. Dinner began with a mushroom salad accompanied by hummus and chickpeas, followed by mixed greens dressed with a honey-lemon vinaigrette. For the main course I chose Mediterranean-style chicken with mushroom sauce, rosemary orzo and caramelized carrots; the other options were salmon or a Moroccan-style beef stew. Israeli red and white wines paired with the meal. A light dessert of fresh fruit and a piece of chocolate concluded the service. I spent most of the flight sleeping, relaxing and reading, which made for a restful journey.
The Experience: Overall, my EL AL journey was efficient and comfortable from start to finish. Staff throughout the airport and onboard were attentive and willing to take extra steps to assist passengers, and the security process felt thorough and reassuring. While the business-class product isn’t the most modern on the market, EL AL delivers a dependable and convenient option for travel to Israel. I arrived refreshed and ready to continue my trip, and I would happily fly EL AL again.
GT CHECKLIST
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Friendly and helpful agents
- Priority tagged bags
- Airport lounge
- Complimentary in-lounge food
- Priority boarding
- Helpful and courteous flight attendants
- Pre-flight beverage service
- Pre-flight newspapers and magazines
- Extensive on-demand entertainment
- Amenity kits
- Slippers
- Lie-flat seat/bed
- Turn-down service
- In-flight menu with three entrée choices
- Top-shelf wines and liquors