EL AL

[Sam Finkelstein]

So just to clarify that’s the security before checkin. It has been discussed on DDF before. It’s beyond insane. It’s makes no sense that they haven’t taken care of it. It’s been going for as long as I can remember. I’ve learnt my lesson that going early to tlv just means waiting longer on that line. Maybe if we can somehow make some noise about it, something will change though it’s highly doubtful.

+1000

I consistently wait well over an hour every time I fly LY. On other airlines it means I have time to visit the lounge or browse Duty Free. If you check stats, almost none of the flights depart TLV on time. I wonder why...

[shimino1]

This is very specific to LY.
Just do the math: They have night flights to LAX, JFK, EWR, MIA, BOS, PEK, BKK, HKG, many of which are on massive 747's and 777's. All their flights use the same 8-16 check in desks (don't remember exactly) and they tend to have large families that travel with lots of bags, strollers, car seats, etc'

Meanwhile Delta or United have one flight on a smaller plane and they use 3-4 check in desks. The LY line is 40 minutes on a good day and 2:00 hours on a bad one.

If I ever flew LY in economy with my family, I would probably spring for the $140 or so that the VIP service cost.

Wouldn't you pay $140 when the alternative is suffering like crazy with the whole family for two hours? If you are that cheap, take the bus to the airport instead of a taxi or better yet, don't fly ELAL.

[ExGingi]

This is very specific to LY.
Just do the math: They have night flights to LAX, JFK, EWR, MIA, BOS, PEK, BKK, HKG, many of which are on massive 747's and 777's. All their flights use the same 8-16 check in desks (don't remember exactly) and they tend to have large families that travel with lots of bags, strollers, car seats, etc'

Meanwhile Delta or United have one flight on a smaller plane and they use 3-4 check in desks. The LY line is 40 minutes on a good day and 2:00 hours on a bad one.

If I ever flew LY in economy with my family, I would probably spring for the $140 or so that the VIP service cost.

Wouldn't you pay $140 when the alternative is suffering like crazy with the whole family for two hours? If you are that cheap, take the bus to the airport instead of a taxi or better yet, don't fly ELAL.

Well stated. How does one get the VIP service? Is it a subscription, or a pay per use?

[zagguru]

This is very specific to LY.
Just do the math: They have night flights to LAX, JFK, EWR, MIA, BOS, PEK, BKK, HKG, many of which are on massive 747's and 777's. All their flights use the same 8-16 check in desks (don't remember exactly) and they tend to have large families that travel with lots of bags, strollers, car seats, etc'

Meanwhile Delta or United have one flight on a smaller plane and they use 3-4 check in desks. The LY line is 40 minutes on a good day and 2:00 hours on a bad one.

If I ever flew LY in economy with my family, I would probably spring for the $140 or so that the VIP service cost.

Wouldn't you pay $140 when the alternative is suffering like crazy with the whole family for two hours? If you are that cheap, take the bus to the airport instead of a taxi or better yet, don't fly ELAL.

Agreed, but the solution isn’t everyone paying $140. Its ELAL solving there issues.

[Hjay]

This is very specific to LY.
Just do the math: They have night flights to LAX, JFK, EWR, MIA, BOS, PEK, BKK, HKG, many of which are on massive 747's and 777's. All their flights use the same 8-16 check in desks (don't remember exactly) and they tend to have large families that travel with lots of bags, strollers, car seats, etc'

Meanwhile Delta or United have one flight on a smaller plane and they use 3-4 check in desks. The LY line is 40 minutes on a good day and 2:00 hours on a bad one.

If I ever flew LY in economy with my family, I would probably spring for the $140 or so that the VIP service cost.

Wouldn't you pay $140 when the alternative is suffering like crazy with the whole family for two hours? If you are that cheap, take the bus to the airport instead of a taxi or better yet, don't fly ELAL.

Dear Customers,
In these days, El Al's check-in counters are unusually busy.
Our customers who purchase VIP service for these flights
will enjoy from a significant service at security checks, check-in counters and borders control.
We can not commit to VIP service at the El Al check-in counters.
As for the all other airlines, the service will be provided in full as Airport conditions permit.
 
Best regards
Laufer Aviation GHI

Regardless I have a cheaper alternative show up later.

Agreed, but the solution isn’t everyone paying $140. Its ELAL solving there issues.

+100

[Sam Finkelstein]

Regardless I have a cheaper alternative show up later.

+1

The counters are empty then. I have a friend who has been doing this for years and it never failed him.

[shimino1]

Regardless I have a cheaper alternative show up later.

This only works if you are on the 1:00 AM flight and show up at around 11:30 PM.
If you are on the 12:00 am flight and show up 10:30 PM you will still be stuck behind hundreds of people and likely miss your flight.

Well stated. How does one get the VIP service? Is it a subscription, or a pay per use?

There are a few companies that do it. It is about $120-150 per use for group of up to 4-5 people.

[zagguru]

Regardless I have a cheaper alternative show up later.

Delta's prices are usually in line with ELAL and with the addition of the second flight, there is no reason not fly united or delta if paying cash.

[Hjay]

Delta's prices are usually in line with ELAL and with the addition of the second flight, there is no reason not fly united or delta if paying cash.

I wish they were. Delta & united have always been more every time I flew the past few years.

[Sam Finkelstein]

I wish they were. Delta & united have always been more every time I flew the past few years.

Yes, I have also found that to be the case.

[Jack out of the box]

My intended guests may have to change their Elal travel plans. Travel agent says cancellation would cost over $300 per ticket and date change would cost $240. If new flight price is higher then must pay increase but if new price is lower no refund on difference. Considering that these flights are high season Sukkos price and next opportunity for visit may be in low season winter, what is the best option to minimize damage?

Thanks

[yelped]

Any reason behind the change that would be covered with travel insurance?

[Jack out of the box]

Any reason behind the change that would be covered with travel insurance?

Nope.

[yelped]

Ah. Cancel for work reasons can be very easy to obtain....

[Jack out of the box]

Ah. Cancel for work reasons can be very easy to obtain....

Do you mean that CC travel benefits would cover that?
Anyway, the story here is that their daughter got engaged last week and will be getting married before Chanuka. They feel that taking a 2-week vacation now will cause excessive stress for the wedding planning process.

[yelped]

No CC covers cancel for work reasons, to the best of my knowledge. Only purchased travel insurance does.

Mazel Tov! Two weeks including Sukkos? The extra 5 days shouldn't make toouch of a difference.

[Jack out of the box]

No CC covers cancel for work reasons, to the best of my knowledge. Only purchased travel insurance does.

Mazel Tov! Two weeks including Sukkos? The extra 5 days shouldn't make toouch of a difference.

ברוך תהיה.
Second half of Sukkos. It's not me getting frantic. It's them.

[Sam Finkelstein]

I know someone on my flight flying in business class. Is there any advantage if we check in together?

[KidOOO]

What's the current best airline to credit miles from flying on Elal economy?

[Hjay]

I know someone on my flight flying in business class. Is there any advantage if we check in together?

Yes. You’ll have a seperate checkin