Ex-TLV Routes and Flights Discussions

[ExGingi]

I'd def go AC in that case.

I fly nowhere near the amount of flying that Dan does, but I value the ability to have a nocturnal flight over some added privacy on AC. If you get the Window seat, or you book a seat in the middle section, you should be able to sleep through uninterrupted.

And though I haven't done many connection via either EWR or YYZ, I personally dislike YYZ for the walking distances.

Just my unprofessional 2 cents point of view and opinion.

[zow]

I fly nowhere near the amount of flying that Dan does, but I value the ability to have a nocturnal flight over some added privacy on AC. If you get the Window seat, or you book a seat in the middle section, you should be able to sleep through uninterrupted.

And though I haven't done many connection via either EWR or YYZ, I personally dislike YYZ for the walking distances.

Just my unprofessional 2 cents point of view and opinion.

Thanks.
I recognize that rational people may disagree  on something like this, because personal preferences, not just objective data, are involved. 

[travel agent]

Canadian carrier airtransat in summer 2017 season is extending its network to the Middle East, where the airline plans to commence Montreal – Tel Aviv service. From 18JUN17 to 29OCT17, the airline’s A330-200 aircraft will serve this route twice a week. Reservation opened on the airline’s website yesterday (06JAN17).

TS172 YUL1400 – 0800+1TLV 332 7
TS272 YUL1400 – 0800+1TLV 332 3

TS173 TLV1000 – 1540YUL 332 1
TS273 TLV1000 – 1540YUL 332 4

[yandmk]

For some reason, it only seems to be pricing YUL - TLV. Originating in TLV it only prices as Y class (full fare) for $3050.

[yandmk]

Any better source on Arkia flying to NY?

From: http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-record-air-passenger-traffic-in-2016-1001173702 last paragraph
"Arkia Airlines Ltd. and Israir Airlines and Tourism Ltd. also improved their result, posting a 30% rise in activity: 650,000 passengers on Arkia and 550,000 on Israir. Both companies are expanding their destination maps, with Arkia also planning to fly to New York and Thailand."

[Z56]

http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-air-canada-to-launch-tel-aviv-montreal-route-1001176945

[Yaalili]

http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-air-canada-to-launch-tel-aviv-montreal-route-1001176945

http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/106797

[travel agent]

wizzair is starting LTN - TLV 4 times weekly, from June

[shimino1]

wizzair is starting LTN - TLV 4 times weekly, from June

That's big news!
I find Wizz to be the cheapest of the low-cost carriers besides for maybe Rayanair

[Drago]

That's big news!
I find Wizz to be the cheapest of the low-cost carriers besides for maybe Rayanair

And with frequest sales and BOGO

[moe8555]

I don't know... it says roundtrips start at $170, which doesn't include food, luggage, or a seat that reclines.

I've seen El Al flights via their new auctions for $360 or so -- which includes luggage, a meal, a seat that reclines, and more legroom.  And as a Fly Card Premium holder, I could also get a free upgrade to Economy Plus or a preferred/exit seat with even more legroom.

Don't know what the situation is with British, but I'd imagine that prices are similar to El Al.

[shimino1]

I don't know... it says roundtrips start at $170, which doesn't include food, luggage, or a seat that reclines.

I've seen El Al flights via their new auctions for $360 or so -- which includes luggage, a meal, a seat that reclines, and more legroom.  And as a Fly Card Premium holder, I could also get a free upgrade to Economy Plus or a preferred/exit seat with even more legroom.

Don't know what the situation is with British, but I'd imagine that prices are similar to El Al.

Other flights on Wizz sell for a lot less then their "starting prices".
Suitcase prices on other routes are 12-35$ per way which is very reasonable.
Try finding flights on Elal for less than 500$ anytime outside Dec-Mar.
I don't think Elal gives more legroom.

All said and told, I rather save $150-300 per ticket, fly on a brand new plane instead of a 20 year old plane and if that means picking up a Schwarma on the way to the airport, so be it!

[moe8555]

Other flights on Wizz sell for a lot less then their "starting prices".
Suitcase prices on other routes are 12-35$ per way which is very reasonable.
Try finding flights on Elal for less than 500$ anytime outside Dec-Mar.
I don't think Elal gives more legroom.

All said and told, I rather save $150-300 per ticket, fly on a brand new plane instead of a 20 year old plane and if that means picking up a Schwarma on the way to the airport, so be it!

El Al gives 32" of room I believe (for regular economy).  Doesn't Wizz provide 29-30"?

[Drago]

El Al gives 32" of room I believe (for regular economy).  Doesn't Wizz provide 29-30"?

As always, it comes down to a question of what a potentially lesser comfort is worth, and the answer for this is different for each person.

[ExGingi]

As always, it comes down to a question of what a potentially lesser comfort is worth, and the answer for this is different for each person.

100% correct! There is a market for different styles and preferences.

In the US many people fly Spirit regularly, while many others would rather pay more and fly with an airline.

[moe8555]

True indeed.  Personally, the fact that I only fly about twice a year drives my desire to maximize comfort and make the most of the trip.  I don't mind paying more (within reason) for added comfort and benefits, as is my situation with El Al and UP due to being eligible for free Y+/exit seats from the Fly Card Premium.

If the total cost of flight+luggage+seat with extra legroom+suitable departure time/date was significantly less on a low cost I would definitely consider it.

[shimino1]

True indeed.  Personally, the fact that I only fly about twice a year drives my desire to maximize comfort and make the most of the trip.  I don't mind paying more (within reason) for added comfort and benefits, as is my situation with El Al and UP due to being eligible for free Y+/exit seats from the Fly Card Premium.

If the total cost of flight+luggage+seat with extra legroom+suitable departure time/date was significantly less on a low cost I would definitely consider it.

It very often is. I have flown Wizz 8-12 in the last 2 years and I think the overall experience is better than Elal. Better flight times, Newer planes, friendlier crew, great on-time performance, all for a much lower price even after you pay for a suitcase, extra leg room and a Hello Teiman Schwarma.

[ExGingi]

It very often is. I have flown Wizz 8-12 in the last 2 years and I think the overall experience is better than Elal. Better flight times, Newer planes, friendlier crew, great on-time performance, all for a much lower price even after you pay for a suitcase, extra leg room and a Hello Teiman Schwarma.

I've never flown Wizz (or for that matter any other "low cost" airline, and while I have flown Spirit, I refuse to refer to them as an airline), but I don't think it should be too difficult to provide a better experience than ELAL. There's a reason I refuse to fly with them.

[moe8555]

I've never flown Wizz (or for that matter any other "low cost" airline, and while I have flown Spirit, I refuse to refer to them as an airline), but I don't think it should be too difficult to provide a better experience than ELAL. There's a reason I refuse to fly with them.

I know I'm definitely the exception here, but i've literally had nothing but positive experiences with El Al.  I know it's probably only a matter of time until the statistics catch up with me.  But really, I've never had a late or cancelled flight (even my trip to Vienna a few days ago in the midst the labor dispute was unaffected).  Service has always been personal and positive.  When flying with my children, the staff always had a little "play time" with them in the rear galley.  My business class experience was extremely positive, with very personal and dedicated service including lots of "rosh gadol" and preemptive action.

In fact, the only airlines on which I've ever experienced delays and even cancelled flights have been US-based airlines.

Again, I'm not living in la-la land and realize that my number will probably come up at some point.  But until then, El Al hasn't given me a reason to not fly!

[ExGingi]

I know I'm definitely the exception here, but i've literally had nothing but positive experiences with El Al.  I know it's probably only a matter of time until the statistics catch up with me.  But really, I've never had a late or cancelled flight (even my trip to Vienna a few days ago in the midst the labor dispute was unaffected).  Service has always been personal and positive.  When flying with my children, the staff always had a little "play time" with them in the rear galley.  My business class experience was extremely positive, with very personal and dedicated service including lots of "rosh gadol" and preemptive action.

In fact, the only airlines on which I've ever experienced delays and even cancelled flights have been US-based airlines.

Again, I'm not living in la-la land and realize that my number will probably come up at some point.  But until then, El Al hasn't given me a reason to not fly!

I know of others like you.

It might be attributable to where you live, and your expectations from what should be a service industry.

I've had one very negative experience quite a few years ago, and just didn't give them another chance. I just can't get myself to believe that the Israeli mentality will allow them to understand how to run a business in a service industry.