I have two tickets for an El Al flight in October - in four months. It is scheduled to arrive 3 hours before Shabbat. The flight is not always on time per flight tracking history, and with airport time, 40 minutes ground transportation, and any other unforseen delays, it feels much too close for Shabbos. Staying over in Tel Aviv is not an option. El Al and the travel agent require $1000 total to change the ticket one of many flights available through another route, on top of the already high price. Their prices seem out of control.
Any tips on how to change the El Al ticket for a reasonable price?