EL AL

[Sam Finkelstein]

To be perfectly fair, I've always had a pleasant flight with El Al, even in economy. Their 747s are nice and big, and the food is very decent (though I still can't remember to eat the pita with my hummus until it's halfway gone).

[ExGingi]

Right it was  2-2-2    http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/El_Al/El_Al_Boeing_777-200_B.php

When I finished the main course they brought me warm pastries from the oven and a chocolate cake with melted chocolate running.

I just hope they partner up one day with someone that it will cheaper then matmid.

Did you care about Kashrus/Hashgocho on those hot pastries and melted chocolate, or was it just part of their standard?

[ExGingi]

To be perfectly fair, I've always had a pleasant flight with El Al, even in economy. Their 747s are nice and big, and the food is very decent (though I still can't remember to eat the pita with my hummus until it's halfway gone).

I don't choose an airline by the food (I bring my own or figure out something, I can last a day without the best food] or by the size of their planes (though unless flying J or F, a 747/A380 is a disadvantage IMHO, as there are simply more passengers and luggage, which result in longer lines).

What's important with an airline is that it gets me safely and comfortably from point A to point B, while treating me in a decent manner, and owning up to mess ups when they happen. [opportunity for free travel is a nice perk with some weight).

In MY experience, ELAL fails miserably (in Y) on both comfort (they are known to pack more rows than most other airlines, no lie flats in J) and service (Israeli arrogant style). FF program leaves a lot to be desired, though I can't say it never came in handy with family members.

[Sam Finkelstein]

I don't choose an airline by the food (I bring my own or figure out something, I can last a day without the best food] or by the size of their planes (though unless flying J or F, a 747/A380 is a disadvantage IMHO, as there are simply more passengers and luggage, which result in longer lines).

What's important with an airline is that it gets me safely and comfortably from point A to point B, while treating me in a decent manner, and owning up to mess ups when they happen. [opportunity for free travel is a nice perk with some weight).

In MY experience, ELAL fails miserably (in Y) on both comfort (they are known to pack more rows than most other airlines, no lie flats in J) and service (Israeli arrogant style). FF program leaves a lot to be desired, though I can't say it never came in handy with family members.

I find the 747 to be fine in economy, and got a free flight out of them because of a delay. And yes, having good food and not being forced to schlep your own makes a big difference.

[MEIR613]

The main problem with LY F is their beds.

They are extremly not comfortable.

You won't get a good night sleep like you would on most of the European and Asian carries.

Everything else (service, food etc) is excelent.

[ExGingi]

I find the 747 to be fine in economy, and got a free flight out of them because of a delay. And yes, having good food and not being forced to schlep your own makes a big difference.

Wow. Given this:

I'm size 13 3E.

I would have thought you are vertically challenged (aka pretty tall) which would strike me as a real surprise to find LY economy comfortable (unless you always get the row at the exit door).

[ABC]

Did you care about Kashrus/Hashgocho on those hot pastries and melted chocolate, or was it just part of their standard?

This came with the strictly kosher meal

The main problem with LY F is their beds.

They are extremly not comfortable.

You won't get a good night sleep like you would on most of the European and Asian carries.

But elal has the best timing, I left 1am and landed in lax at  6am so easier to sleep.
I did a few times LH F, their flights leave early morning that means only few hours sleep at night you come to the airport in middle if your sleep, you get on to a small plane those seats are narrower then any economy that flies direct to NY, you fly 4 hours in a terrible economy.

And when traveling NYC-TLV. I had a flight once 6pm (on the old 747 seat with bed) but didn't sleep a thing I wasn't tired that time of day.
Then on the next flight I was exhausted because it was already midnight for me and slept on those small economy seats head falling from side to side.

We are talking about TLV to North America, so no Asian airlines.
Please explain which airline you mean.

[Sam Finkelstein]

Wow. Given this: I would have thought you are vertically challenged (aka pretty tall) which would strike me as a real surprise to find LY economy comfortable (unless you always get the row at the exit door).

I only have an issue with the 777 they fly to EWR. Those are too tight. Otherwise, the legroom doesn't bother me. I simply don't put anything under the seat in front of me and stretch my legs out in front of me.

[tavster]

What I don't like in LY F is the 2x2 layout in 747 and 2x2x2 in 777.

I prefer the 1x2x1 in DL and try to get the solo seats.

Food-wise, I couldn't agree more that it's hard to beat LY when you keep kosher; although LY recently started these themed meals instead of the classics (I had pad-thai this month) - not so great..

[elya]

Im lost trying to understand the whole food discussion on LY. For those of us that keep Kosher, "Special Kosher" meals ex-NYC is standard Regal!

[damaxer91]

Im lost trying to understand the whole food discussion on LY. For those of us that keep Kosher, "Special Kosher" meals ex-NYC is standard Regal!

U wouldn't believe it but there are those who eat the standard kosher LY meals ex-NYC!

[ABC]

Im lost trying to understand the whole food discussion on LY. For those of us that keep Kosher, "Special Kosher" meals ex-NYC is standard Regal!

I flew ex TLV.   and I ordered  כשר למהדרין
I don't know how it works ex NYC.

[elya]

I flew ex TLV.   and I ordered  כשר למהדרין
I don't know how it works ex NYC.

Ex-NYC is Def the standard Regal meal that every other airline serves. (when you go into your booking to order the meals, they changed the option from "strictly Kosher" to "Regal")

Ex-TLV it's not the standard pre-packaged Badatz?

[damaxer91]

Ex-NYC is Def the standard Regal meal that every other airline serves. (when you go into your booking to order the meals, they changed the option from "strictly Kosher" to "Regal")

No, its not. It's generally the same meal they are serving for the reg kosher except you don't get as many options. It's also usually fresh as opposed to the frozen that you'd get on LH/AA etc

[David Smith]

No, its not. It's generally the same meal they are serving for the reg kosher except you don't get as many options. It's also usually fresh as opposed to the frozen that you'd get on LH/AA etc

Not IME, IIRC...

[ABC]

Ex-TLV it's not the standard pre-packaged Badatz?

Do you call this standard?
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/akdq41xm0tieypj/AADvVsphTmtNbCAoHC1Kz_H5a?dl=0

chopped liver...
Breakfast they gave a YELLOW egg + shakshuka + latkas

[elya]

Do you call this standard?
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/akdq41xm0tieypj/AADvVsphTmtNbCAoHC1Kz_H5a?dl=0

chopped liver...
Breakfast they gave a YELLOW egg + shakshuka + latkas

I was asking, not stating.

[ExGingi]

Im lost trying to understand the whole food discussion on LY. For those of us that keep Kosher, "Special Kosher" meals ex-NYC is standard Regal!

The difference being that ELAL also allows you to specify "Special Kosher Fish" or "Special Kosher Vegetarian" IIANM. Whereas other airlines will just have one KSML.

[elya]

The difference being that ELAL also allows you to specify "Special Kosher Fish" or "Special Kosher Vegetarian" IIANM. Whereas other airlines will just have one KSML.

But its still Regal, so whats the difference if its inedible fish, or inedible meat?

[ExGingi]

This came with the strictly kosher meal
But elal has the best timing, I left 1am and landed in lax at  6am so easier to sleep.
I did a few times LH F, their flights leave early morning that means only few hours sleep at night you come to the airport in middle if your sleep, you get on to a small plane those seats are narrower then any economy that flies direct to NY, you fly 4 hours in a terrible economy.

EX-TLV you have DL and UA with a night flight arriving NYC in early AM with lie-flat beds. DL TLV-NYC was the best sleep experience I've ever had (followed by AA TLV-PHL עליו השלום).

And when traveling NYC-TLV. I had a flight once 6pm (on the old 747 seat with bed) but didn't sleep a thing I wasn't tired that time of day.
Then on the next flight I was exhausted because it was already midnight for me and slept on those small economy seats head falling from side to side.

NYC-TLV only LY and UA have an early afternoon flight that works decently (under the circumstances of travel time and time differences) on this route. DL had a flight for a while, but they are axing it. Otherwise I would probably try LX (or occasionally TK) for a wide body connection in Europe to TLV.