Privilege Style is a 777-200 - we can argue about if it's better than Elal's 747
Hi Fly is 2 brand new A330 which is comparable to a LH/LX/TK plane - MUCH better than Elal 747
Well passengers who actually flew with them have a very different story than what you "assume". One of my clients who is a gold member with El Al and flies their business class very often, sent me this message after being placed on a flight from Hi Fly in September:
"I have a question. There's something wrong with my internet so I couldn't reach Elal but we were really upset at the return flight that we had. The seats were small and didn't lie down, the food was cold and awful and not the hechsher that we usually get so we didn't get food. Is it possible to complain and say that we want a part refund?"
Me: "Because of the swap to Hi Fly?"
"Yes. It was awful and I didn't sleep a wink which is why I specially spend all the money to go business"
A few weeks later El Al answered her complaint saying that wetleasing is "common practice" in the airline industry and offered 200 miles compensation (wow!) as a token of understanding:
Dear Mrs. --------,
Thank you for contacting El Al's customer relations.
As a result of operational issues and in an attempt to address the continuous demands of our clientele, some of our flights from and to New York will be operated by the Portuguese carrier, Hi Fly.
Under the general terms of carriage, aircraft leasing is a common practice in the airline industry and is designed to ensure that we fulfill our obligations to the passengers and bring them to their final destination.
We are sorry for your disappointment and the inconvenience caused, as it is not our intention to cause discomfort of any kind to our passengers. We do appreciate and thank you for your continued devotion to El Al. However, it is important to acknowledge that the company that was selected to carry out the service is an airline which holds all licenses and permits that are required to carry the necessary operations. In addition, the airline has received approval from the Israeli authorities. Your feedback concerning the matter was forwarded to management for review.
As a token of our understanding I have credited your frequent flyer account GL -------- & Mr. -----'s frequent flyer account ------------- with 200 points, each, which may be used towards future bonus tickets, upgrades etc. This may take up to 7 business days. The points are valid for three years.
Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your continued patronage and we hope for your understanding.
Yours sincerely,
-------------- - Customer Relations
Fax: 972-3-7602233
Email: customer@elal.co.il
EL-AL ISRAEL AIRLINES LTD
She then wrote to me regarding booking her next flight:
"I understand that they can lease other planes but it needs to be at the same value as what we paid for. I'm considering my next flights and not sure I want to take a chance with Elal. I don't need 200 points when I paid full price in cash for business seats and received a less than inferior situation"
So what was that about Hi Fly being "MUCH better than El Al 747"?