Frequent flying NY to TLV

[dentsim]

I have been flying El Al twice a month from JFK to TLV for work. I just got up to Platinum status. I get two checked bags at 32 kilo each (which I had with Gold status) but that is about all I get.
United and Delta would give me equal status if I switch over to them. Is it worth it?

My goals:

- Get to Israel for shabbos. (I leave thursday afternoons. El Al has the best time of 7pm from JFK, but United has a 4:20 from Newark. Delta used to have a 4pm from JFK, but not currently)
- Get an upgrade once in a while (El Al gives me economy plus, but that is still worse than most other airlines regular seats   They will only upgrade to business if economy is sold out and they have to move people somewhere. That has never yet happened to me)
- Overall cost
- Use of miles for bonus tickets

Please share your experience with United, Delta, and El Al, as well as your knowledge of upgrades and points.

Thank you!

[Torkay]

I can't answer all of your questions but I would much rather status on United or delta...

[shaulyaakov]

Having united status helps with flying everywhere else I mt he world. Same with the miles.

[nafnaf12]

Having united status helps with flying everywhere else I mt he world. Same with the miles.

+1, after a few flights with united (assuming you can show them you'll be flying that much) have them review your account and try to get Global Service!

[ExGingi]

I have been flying El Al twice a month from JFK to TLV for work. I just got up to Platinum status. I get two checked bags at 32 kilo each (which I had with Gold status) but that is about all I get.
United and Delta would give me equal status if I switch over to them. Is it worth it?

My goals:

- Get to Israel for shabbos. (I leave thursday afternoons. El Al has the best time of 7pm from JFK, but United has a 4:20 from Newark. Delta used to have a 4pm from JFK, but not currently)
- Get an upgrade once in a while (El Al gives me economy plus, but that is still worse than most other airlines regular seats   They will only upgrade to business if economy is sold out and they have to move people somewhere. That has never yet happened to me)
- Overall cost
- Use of miles for bonus tickets

Please share your experience with United, Delta, and El Al, as well as your knowledge of upgrades and points.

Thank you!

As much as I dislike ELAL, I would say that if leaving Thursday afternoon and getting to TLV for Shabbos is important, that might be your best choice. When everything goes as planned, I would say United might be the way to go, but if unexpected things happen, I think LY will get you there for Shabbos (considering Platinum status).

[moe8555]

I have been flying El Al twice a month from JFK to TLV for work. I just got up to Platinum status.

Do you anticipate reaching Top Platinum at some point?  And out of curiosity: what has you flying so much?

[PlatinumGuy]

Elal lounges are far superior to UA

[aygart]

Elal lounges are far superior to UA

Plural?

ETA: I guess if we are dealing with mainly TLV_JFK then yes.