JFK-TLV on Delta or ElAl?

[gotkwah]

Debating on whether I should travel on delta economy or ElAl economy from JFK-TLV and back?

Price is almost the same.
Traveling with 2 kids + infant. I think ElAl infant fare is 10% of adult fare. Any idea on the Delta charge for infant?
any significant difference in baggage allowances?

what about chance to pay a bit more to upgrade to one of the airlines preferred economy seats?

Planing to book through the UR portal and use points at 1.5cent/each.

thanks!

[gotkwah]

no one has any insight into this?

[sky121]

Delta has better seats I believe. I'd go with them.

[ludmila]

Delta has better seats I believe. I'd go with them.

+1, ill go with Delta.

[chaim0m]

Depends on the plane, check which flights you are looking at on seatguru for the width and pitch of the seats.
A few points to consider:
1)elal frequently has delays which is not fun with a bunch of kids.
2)elal will be more helpful if you have shabbos issues with a delayed flight.
3)Generally elal is more considerate of people with children.
4)The in flight entertainment on elal is outdated and does not even work half the time.
I don't think there is a substantial difference in the seats...
Also premium economy is a different story definitely check each plane and whether it is worth the investment.

[chaimdasap]

I think overall Delta is a way better quality airline. cant compare the nonexistent cs of elal to delta.

[shapsam]

Also premium economy is a different story definitely check each plane and whether it is worth the investment.

Investment?

[Yitzshpitz]

Delta has better seats I believe. I'd go with them.

+ maximum

El Al is really a bad flying experience. Delta is more comfortable, less delays, better entertainment, and usually friendlier flight attendants (plus i always have delta gc that I use)

[sky121]

And you'll be earning what is generally more valuable miles.

[@jack123]

i agree with most of whats been said here (done both of them a few times), but i would add that if your kids dont fly well, there might be more pressure/ discomfort on delta. there are generally fewer kids. el al, for better or for worse, you wont be the only one with little kids and whatever challenges come with that sometimes...

also in tlv, dl checkin is much easier. el al is always a zoo

[ExGingi]

And you'll be earning what is generally more valuable miles.

That speaks volumes when comparing what is commonly known as Skypesos around here to another airline's currency.

[Ergel]

I refuse to for LY just because of the unreliability. You never know if their will be a 6 hour delay for no reason

[chaim0m]

Investment?

Indeed you will be paying 15-30% more on the ticket something you should consider where your money goes.

[chaim0m]

I refuse to for LY just because of the unreliability. You never know if their will be a 6 hour delay for no reason

On the other hand if you are not in a rush (or if you plan accordingly) you have a much greater chance of covering your flights cost with compensation.

[Ergel]

On the other hand if you are not in a rush (or if you plan accordingly) you have a much greater chance of covering your flights cost with compensation.

My time is more valuable to me than dealing with that

[moe8555]

And you'll be earning what is generally more valuable miles.

A bit of an overstatement, don't you think?  El Al points can be very useful when timed right.  Even the non-status, non-Fly Card 80 Matmid points from a r/t flight to the U.S. can be put to good use.

I don't think the same can be said for the amount of Delta SkyMiles that would be earned from the flight.

[sky121]

A bit of an overstatement, don't you think?  El Al points can be very useful when timed right.  Even the non-status, non-Fly Card 80 Matmid points from a r/t flight to the U.S. can be put to good use.

I don't think the same can be said for the amount of Delta SkyMiles that would be earned from the flight.

Yes. I guess it also has to do with preference and flying habits.
Though I'd still choose Delta for their planes alone.

[ExGingi]

A bit of an overstatement, don't you think?  El Al points can be very useful when timed right.  Even the non-status, non-Fly Card 80 Matmid points from a r/t flight to the U.S. can be put to good use.

I don't think the same can be said for the amount of Delta SkyMiles that would be earned from the flight.

Only conceivable reason YOU might be saying that is that your location is Israel, but for someone that is based in the US (or for that reason anywhere other than Israel) 80 Matmid points that expire at some point are pretty useless.

Even Skypesos can be put to use with decent value occasionally, not to mention that there are other crediting options such as FlyingBlue (though a devaluation is coming soon).

[moe8555]

Only conceivable reason YOU might be saying that is that your location is Israel, but for someone that is based in the US (or for that reason anywhere other than Israel) 80 Matmid points that expire at some point are pretty useless.

Even Skypesos can be put to use with decent value occasionally, not to mention that there are other crediting options such as FlyingBlue (though a devaluation is coming soon).

Absolutely agree with you, indeed my location is Israel and I hadn't put myself in the OP's shoes.  As for SkyPesos: I snagged LGA-ORD for 5,500 + $5.60 in October.  I'd say that's a very reasonable redemption.

[tmendy226]

If you are a westerner with a non middle-eastern mind and style, I see no reason to fly with Elal (excluding religious motives).