EL AL Israel Airlines review by Mike 2015-12-13

I travel internationally once a month. I also work in the travel business. I generally advise my clients against flying El Al. Here is the good, the bad and the ugly. The Good- It is the safest, most secure airline in the world. Pilots are best trained and if you are really afraid of your plane being hijacked or shot down, consider El A. The Bad- El Al flies older planes. The seats are much less comfortable than competitors, Many planes have outdated entertainment systems. The Ugly- EL Al doesn't get it (it being customer service, basic business sense etc.). Two examples: 1. I flew El Al as a Swiss code share. I have gold status which entitles me to 2 suitcases (confirmed with Swiss before the flight). El Al would not check both suitcases through to NY. Instead, I had to reclaim one bag in Geneva and re-check it to NY. When I explained this to the Swiss agent, she was shocked. 2. The last two times I flew El Al, the planes were about 60% full. Many rows had one person in them. My row was full (three people) and once I was stuck in the middle. I was able to switch seats once the plane took off though it meant not sitting next to my son. I'm done with El Al even when code sharing.