I´ve been so busy travelling that I have not been able to post for quite some time (more than 4 year...
I´ve been so busy travelling that I have not been able to post for quite some time (more than 4 years to be precise). Presently in Paraguay, South America.
Member since:26.05.2001
Reviews:311
Members who trust:135
What was your concept on traveling from one point to another by air ?. For most of us it was probably get me there by the cheapest available means. For some it was possibly get me there by the most comfortable means. Did any of us really think deeply about getting there in one piece?
The recent turn of events (which I will not go into but of which we are all aware) has drastically changed our psychology and thinking of air travel.
Many travelers are now finding other means of travel and many are just giving up on the idea of traveling altogether.
Most airline companies are going through extremely troubled times, due to this phenomena, and are laying of workers, reducing flights and discontinuing flights to some destinations. El Al, the national airline of Israel, is one airline that has not been faced with these problems and is infact doing more business than usual.
El Al has always been many
a security conscious individuals choice. However in recent times emphasis on the word “security” has been prominent in the minds of all persons, especially those that need to travel by air.
El Al’s record speaks for itself. They have never had a security threat to the airline and never sustained an innocent causality with relation to the airline. This has been due totally to the high security measures taken by them.
I had traveled with El Al once from a flight from London to Tel Aviv. This was in 1999. My purpose of visiting Israel was to have a meeting with a company from whom we were purchasing goods from.
You are instructed to arrive at the airport a minimum of 2 hours before departure time and are eventually subjected to a barrage of questions, some of which you might expect and many you might not. This interrogation can last as long as 45 minutes to an hour. Mine took just 15 – 20 minutes if I remember correctly.
Your hand luggage is re-checked by El Al personnel (probably Israeli Security Service personnel) before you can board the aircraft. This is inspite of your baggage having previously been screened by the regular airport security machines or personnel.
Even on the flight itself the cabin crew, prior to take-off, may ask you a few more questions.
On arrival at Tel-Aviv I was interrogated for one hour as to the purpose of my visit to Israel. Believe you me this was some torturous and sometime humiliating experience. I will not delve too much into this since it does not concern the airline.
I swore at that time that I would never travel with El Al again and definitely never go to Israel again. However now my thinking is different especially with regards to El Al.
The flights themselves are of an acceptable level though not exceptional. The cabin crew is efficient but do not expect a “Singapore Airlines” type of service. You are provided with the basic services like a meal, in-flight movie and music channels. One thing that I had noticed was that you could sort of feel the tension in the air. It is something that cannot be explained and understood unless you are actually there.
Two of my associates and friends continue to travel to Israel and with El Al and based on my conversations with them I understand that the service has improved considerably. They have also procured new aircraft (the Boeing 777 being one of them) and this itself is a significant improvement since the type of aircraft is one of the major contributors to your comfort i.e. bigger seats, more legroom and less noise.
They have also now introduced a Frequent Flier Programme. El Al network is restricted only to the United States and Europe. They do not fly directly to any other continent. They are also one of the few airlines that continue to offer three classes on most of their flights i.e. First, Business and Economy.
Overall I think we shall hear a lot more about El Al in the future. If you are considering traveling and if there is an El Al flight available for that sector, I strongly urge you to take it, irrespective of the price. Your life is worth more.
Finally you can check schedules, fares and other information on there website at: www.elal.co.il
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Security-wise, they are really the only airline you can rely on - kate
Elainebaba 22.09.2001 20:04
Trust you to get the best deals in buisness class! A very informative and reassuring op. Avril
paule23 22.09.2001 17:15
You'll never completely eradicate terrorism, but security like this would certainly help. I just hope all airlines will now follow El Al's lead. Good review.
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Advantages: Security, service, polite and understanding staff, good piloting Disadvantages: Prices are a bit high, sometimes flights tend to be depart late
shift_19 11.01.2008 (11.01.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of EL AL
Advantages: Security, service, polite and understanding staff, good piloting Disadvantages: Prices are a bit high, sometimes flights tend to be depart late
shift_19 11.01.2008 (11.01.2008)
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Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of EL AL
Sep 22nd, 2001
very helpful by (97%):
helpful by (3%):
