Register here to save your space. EL AL first class lounge wine Ben Gurion Airport. The person on the phone said that’s earlier than I needed to go, but I said I wanted to have extra time at the airport. It sort of reminded me of when I flew the Etihad Residence, as I literally had the space to myself. It consisted of one main long room, with a bunch of seating options. You could have nibbled on something half way and still had room for the inflight options. Your email address will not be published. He travels about 400,000 miles a year, primarily using miles and points to enhance his first class experiences. One Mile at a Time is owned by PointsPros, Inc. The spa is located in the business class lounge on the second level, so it was just a short walk away. I had asked about this on the phone earlier, so I was thrilled that they were able to confirm a treatment for me. EL AL’s 787 business class About a month ago I wrote about how I was in … A chauffeur will pick you up personally at your home, office or other venue of your choice. EL AL first class lounge coffee machine TLV. The furniture looks a little bit worn and the overall design looks pretty much 2005. The entire lounge had windows overlooking the apron and the air traffic control tower. Inside the entrance was a reception desk, with the business class lounge to the left and the first class lounge to the right. A missed opportunity since when do we get this lounge reviewed otherwise? Then the buffet itself had a glass display case with refrigerated items, including juice, desserts, salad, etc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. EL AL economy cabin 777. On special at $5.99 at your local bottle shop. Enjoy this video? Usually you bitch about these type of things. EL AL offers you tickets to various destinations and gives you all the information to plan your vacation. First 10 rows have 3-3-3 configuration and the last 2 rows of the section contain just 3 seats each. Visit Israel with El Al - Affordable and convenient ways to order airline tickets online for attractive prices! Then there was a selection of liquor, which wasn’t terribly inspiring. There were also a couple of small business centers. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). It’s a $10 bottle of wine. There were two display carts just outside the main buffet area, with hummus, guacamole, cheese, salmon, hardboiled eggs, etc. I was happy to see that they had the choice of San Pellegrino and Perrier (San Pellegrino is my non-alcoholic drink of choice). EL AL presents a new service class in the Dreamliner: Premium Class - the new way to fly! Get 25% more value when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. This might just be a “dummy” entry for the time being, and we don’t know for sure when El Al will start operating the 787 just yet. No, EL AL’s first class lounge isn’t one of the top first class lounges in the world. Simply sit back in comfort and tranquility and let us transport you to the airport. EL AL first class lounge Tel Aviv Airport. @grams so, bostonbali was correct in saying Lucky got lucky with the special treatment. I came into my EL AL experience with low expectations, and I was pleasantly surprised from start to finish. El Al has a fairly standard baggage policy when it comes to allowances for checked luggage (1 in Economy (excluding their Lite Fare), 2 in Business, 3 in First). But this might mean that with the launch of the Dreamliner, El Al will be getting rid of their First Class, and might even be adding Premium Economy as a separate cabin. 2X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. I spent some time in the lounge getting caught up on work, and at around 3:15PM was fetched and told that they were ready for me in the spa. Also, agree with some of the others, the lounge looks OK, but nothing special for a first class lounge. El Al Israel Airlines is the flagship carrier of the nation of Israel, and operates the majority of flights into Tel Aviv. Lucky is a famous blogger known to many in the travel industry. CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 2X points on all travel and dining, points transferrable to over a dozen travel partners. Here’s a tip: avoid the last El Al is not a member of any formal airline alliance, but it does have codeshare agreements with sixteen other carriers. While at the spa I also had the chance to check out the shower rooms, which were nice. The Points Guy will not sell your email. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. There were several food & drink stations throughout the first class lounge. The phone number should be formatted (073) 216 0449. Rather than having separate security questioning at each check-in counter, there’s a centralized checkpoint where passengers of all airlines are questioned. The only way to get status via CC is by putting at least 40K shekel monthly spend on the Fly Card Premium for a year – then you get Platinum. The distance for transportation service from Newark Airport to Philadelphia and back has been extended to 161 kilometers / 100 miles. On your return flight we will provide you with transportation service to the airport and on your return, from the airport to your home or to any other destination of choice. Transportation service at overseas destinations is provided for up to 100 kilometers / 62 miles. El Al has a cargo branch, El Al Cargo, which became independent in 1997. Earn 60,000 bonus points | 2X points on travel and dining. EL AL’s King David Lounge is located in Concourse D, across from gate D1. Then along the side of the lounge were a couple of smaller rooms with TVs. The wine selection consisted mostly of Israeli options, which I was happy about, as I had great experience with the wine in the country. She also asked if I wanted to have a meal. It goes without saying that this would be an outdated configuration for business class, let alone first class. With or without status, it seems that Adi works for El Al, so they knew Lucky would be onboard. It only gets you access to reduced rate redemptions. This site is for entertainment purposes only. Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. The following special meals can be ordered on El Al flights: Chicken Meal (CNML), Fish Meal (FSML), Fruit Platter Meal (FPML), Vegetarian Vegan Meal (VGML), Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal (VLML), Child Meal (CHML), Vegetarian Asian Meal (AVML), Hindu … The crew was reasonably good-spirited and apologetic for Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Never was offered free Chauffer on F award. Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. EL AL’s first class lounge was small but beautiful. Note: Please see my Advertiser Disclosure. However, you’ll pay above average fees for each piece over your included allowance. All Business-First Class passengers enjoy direct aisle-access. In this week’s installment of “Being The Points Guy,” Brian and company (a.k.a. There are totally 222 standard seats here. Hello from Israel (at last — I’m so excited to finally be here)! The seats of the first class are located in the 2nd row. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. Unfortunately, the Queen of the Skies will leave the Israeli flag carrier’s fleet soon. Must have been a mistake. But I noticed you are heavily inconsistent whether you value something or not based on your mood/happiness about a new place/extra service you get for being a known blogger. Required fields are marked *. Once he showed up I went through passport control (which was automated) and then through security, and then I was airside. American and El Al used to have a partnership that allowed redeeming AAdvantage miles for El Al awards, but that ended in 2014. EL AL first class lounge business center Ben Gurion Airport. © 2021 THE POINTS GUY, LLC. Sure enough, 10 minutes later there was a golf cart waiting to take me to the plane, and I was the first person onboard, at around 4:20PM. They already preplanned to give him the special treatment from hotel pickup to the end of his flight upon arrival. First Class Carry-on Luggage Allowance: 2 Pieces Maximum Dimensions: 56cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 18in Claudia Oshry, @girlwithnojob and Ben Soffer, @boywithnojob) get the first-class cabin to themselves aboard an old-fashioned Boeing 747 with El Al Israel Airlines. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. While the door was open, presumably it could be closed if someone wanted privacy (then again, given that I had the lounge to myself, I think I had plenty of privacy). The seats of the 21st row are designated as Preferred seats. Flight Attendants In China Told To Wear Diapers, Alaska Mileage Plan Changes How Status Is Earned, Cathay Pacific’s A321neo Business Class Revealed, Thai Airways Selling Boeing 747, Airbus A380 Fleet, Best Airline Credit Cards for Miles & Points, Introduction: An Amazing Week In Israel With My Parents, Review: The Adelaide Hotel Toronto (Former Trump Hotel, Future St. Regis), Review: Porter Airlines Lounge At Toronto Billy Bishop Airport, Review: Porter Airlines Economy Toronto To Newark, Review: EL AL Business Class 787 Newark To Tel Aviv, Review: EL AL First Class Lounge Tel Aviv Airport, Review: EL AL Business Class Lounge Tel Aviv Airport, Review: EL AL First Class 777 Tel Aviv To London, Review: Premier Inn London Heathrow Terminal 4, Review: Aspire Lounge London Heathrow Terminal 5, Review: 51st & Green US Pre-Clearance Lounge Dublin Airport, Review: Aer Lingus Business Class A330 Dublin To New York, Review: Delta SkyClub New York JFK Airport, Review: Delta One 767 New York To Los Angeles, Fairmont President’s Club Is Being Discontinued In July 2018, Gulf Air Will Fly To Israel, Partner With EL AL, EL AL Will Fly 14x Weekly From Tel Aviv To Dubai, EL AL & Etihad Will Codeshare, Offer Reciprocal Frequent Flyer Benefits, And More, 27-Year-Old Buys Controlling Stake In EL AL, Saudi Arabia Opens Airspace To Israel Flights, Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, Seven Amazing Credit Card Offers Ending Wednesday, Marriott Bonvoy Reinstates Elite Guarantees, Details: Marriott Bonvoy Double Points & Double Elite Nights Promo, Major: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Adds 100K Elite Tier. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). I’m not sure if there’s a separate menu, or something, but I was saving my appetite for onboard. The alcohol selection is dismal for a 1st class lounge. First version of Boeing 777-200ER operated by El Al is the most common. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Visit El Al's website for tourism information! The lounge is merely a separate room from the already mediocre business class lounge. In the very back of the lounge was a separate room with some couches and massage chairs. EL AL first class lounge food selection TLV. How Can We Assist? The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor legal or tax professional and articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances. Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Once back in the lounge they confirmed with me that I wanted to board last, which they said was the standard for first class passengers. EL AL first class lounge liquor Ben Gurion Airport. EL AL first class lounge Ben Gurion Airport, EL AL first class lounge massage chair Ben Gurion Airport. – Adi from Elal, @ Adi – In other words, Ben got special treatment (PROTEKZIA) as a blogger…, @Adi Lucky could definitely have status with El Al you only need 5,000 points transferred from AMEX to El Al to obtain status. Because who doesn’t love a good throwback? The lounge is merely a separate room from the already mediocre business class lounge. For what it’s worth, the spa is open Sundays through Thursdays between 3:30PM and 10:30PM, and you can reserve a treatment by calling +972 (73) 216 0449. Order your tickets now online Order your tickets now online Select Country and Language View our latest valuations here. Check back in with us for more episodes of “Being the Points Guy,” every Tuesday and Thursday. El Al meals information for economy/premium cabins as well as information on how to order specific special meals in all cabin classes. EL AL Israel Airlines (LY), commonly known as EL AL, is Israel's flag carrier. It was about a 10 minute walk from security. About BenBen Schlappig (aka Lucky) is a travel consultant, blogger, and avid points collector. Then there were all kinds of pastries, muffins, bread, soup, a coffee machine, etc. They said they’d see what they could do. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered. EL AL’s 747 first class Fortunately EL AL recently took delivery of their first Boeing 787, which features a great new business class product (it looks very similar to United’s new Polaris seat). There was a lovely attendant in the lounge who looked after me and constantly checked if I needed anything. For the first two hours I was in the lounge I was the only passenger. Its all-Boeing fleet of 40 passenger aircraft feature one-cabin (Economy Class), two-cabin (Business Class and Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. See, Reminder: You don’t have to be on the ‘No Fly List’ to receive an airline ban, Marriott reinstates elite benefit guarantees effective immediately, Check your American Airlines accounts: 2021 rollover elite miles, dollars and segments now posting, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. CS is generous in his $10 per bottle wine estimate, there is Sauvignon Blanc and there is Sauvignon Blanc this is definitely the latter. I absolutely agree with George – although they say that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, the impression that I get from those photos is of a far outdated, tired and uninspiring place. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. *Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. I can’t understand how anyone would want to use the adjective “beautiful” to describe such facilities – the scuffed wooden screen around the drinks station is certainly neglected and unloved. The service is intended for customers who have purchased an EL AL flight ticket only. Passengers who were upgraded to First Class or who are flying on a First Class bonus ticket are not entitled to this service. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. El Al fly all of their varied fleet between London and Tel Aviv, so I wanted to compare what should be the worst of the business-class products, the recliner seats on the 737-900, against the new swanky Dreamliners. Then there was a fridge with juice, soft drinks, water, beer, etc. My mom and I just flew EL AL’s new 787 business class from Newark to Tel Aviv, and I wanted to share my initial impressions in this post. for each piece over your included allowance. EL AL King David Lounge reception EL AL’s first class lounge was small but beautiful. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. EL AL’s 787 business class cabin consists of a total of 32 seats, spread across eight rows in a 1-2-1 configuration. Now, you can only redeem through El Al’s own Matmid program, which isn’t known for being all that rewarding.You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Matmid, but not at a very favorable rate — 1,000 Membership Rewards points will get you 20 Matmid points. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. I ordered a glass of the sauvignon blanc, and was offered nuts to go along with it. Comments This is El Al's latest plane, with a First Class product that offers true lie-flat sleepers. Near the entrance was a station with self serve liquor and wine. The car service is a great perk, as well as what seems to be a ride to the plane. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Platinum MatmidClub members (TP) utilizing bonus tickets in First Class”. He chronicles his adventures, along with industry news, here at One Mile at a Time. Looks like a comfy living room with free food and wine. The morning of my flight to London I got a phone call from EL AL asking if I wanted a car to the airport. Transferring 5K MR to El Al does not get you status. While the agent said he had no immediate slots available, he’d see what he could do. A RED VENTURES COMPANY. I thought you were saving your appetite for the on-board food…. First Class service begins as you leave home. Before you can even get to check-in you have to go through questioning. Selection of mostly-dated in flight movies on decent IFE system. And if you’ve fallen behind, catch up here. The main buffet was near the center of the lounge. After having a brief look at economy and business class I headed up to first class, which consists of a single row of six fully flat seats, in a 2-2-2 configuration. I didn’t realize this was something that was available on award tickets, though based on looking at the terms on EL AL’s website it appears like this is available to full fare passengers and those traveling on award tickets, which is pretty awesome. Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. @ Tatyana — She flew Lufthansa business class from Tel Aviv to Frankfurt to Orlando. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. Earn 85,000 Membership Reward® points | Terms Apply. Like many other countries, you drop the leading 0 when dialing in internationally, so for that it would be +972 (73) 216 0449, Award tickets do NOT get chauffer service, only our “Top Platinum” members get it on First class award tickets. EL AL first class lounge drinks Ben Gurion Airport. EL AL’s first & business class check-in is located to the right of Terminal 3, and is partitioned off from the rest of the terminal. Claudia Oshry, @girlwithnojob and Ben Soffer, @boywithnojob) get the first-class cabin to themselves aboard an old-fashioned Boeing 747 with El Al Israel Airlines. Reminder: OMAAT comments are changing soon. You can choose between two types of seats: Single seats located by the windows offer maximum privacy; access to these seats is narrower, but the view from the window and privacy are unique. Your email address will not be published. El Al’s flight schedules show Boeing 787s rostered onto many of its Hong Kong flights, which don’t offer first class. EL AL has proper treatment rooms in their spa, and I had an incredible 20 minute massage. Update: Read my full EL AL Business Class 787 Newark To Tel Aviv review. Get excited with us in a service class that redefines the concept of luxury. I was happy they asked, since I asked if it would be possible to board first, in order to get some pictures. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel. Looks great! “This isn’t one of those massages where you sit in one of those uncomfortable chairs, but rather you take your shirt off, and they can use oil depending on your preferences”, If you'd like to participate in the discussion, please adhere to our commenting guidelines. When I was bookin… However, it’s a solid lounge that affords a lot of privacy, has tasty snacks and attentive service, and getting a 20 minute massage was awesome as well. Business Class also has a new product, with slanted lie-flat seats with 62" pitch. Then there was the business class cabin, which is a new design for EL AL, and infinitely better than what they had on their 777s and 747s. El Al sells this as a first class seat with business class service, gets you 2-2-2 seating instead of 2-3-2. Help us fund therapy sessions for black women and girls, What You Need to Know About Airline Partnerships & Alliances, The Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates & Policies, The news, resources, & information you need. TP = Top Platinum. On top of that, the chauffeur service to the airport was a nice treat. Inside the entrance was a reception desk, with the business class lounge to the left and the first class lounge to the right. Just don’t order the salmon. These are standard “domestic first” recliners with 38″ inches of legroom and a recline. While there was no shower in the first class lounge, the business class lounge has one in the spa area. I asked to be picked up at 12:30PM. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. EL AL first class lounge drink selection Ben Gurion Airport. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. United Airlines 737-900 First Class Seating United’s 737-900 has 20 first class seats; five rows in a 2-2 configuration. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. With a big TPG outing to Israel in the diary, and after loving — and hating — El Al for many years, I wanted to give them another go. This comes after many years of a rather weak El Al Business and First Class offering. They definitely would do whatever to take care of the VIPs. It consisted of one main long room, with a bunch of seating options. And the fridge held all of what looks like 4 Heine’s, no other beer choice available. The service is for passengers holding First Class tickets (Full Fare) and for Top Platinum Matmid Club members (TP) utilizing bonus tickets in First Class. Towards the back of the main room were a couple of dining tables. El Al, Israel’s national airline, has revealed photos and video of its new Business Class cabin for their B787 Dreamliner cabin. @Jack I don’t think Lucky had status at the time, otherwise he would have pointed it out. First section of economy class seats contains 12 rows of seats. Please check your email to confirm your subscription. The service is available from your home, your office or any other place of your choice, for direct transportation to/from the airport (with no stops along the way). Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion Airport is quite nice. Class or who are flying on a first class product that offers true lie-flat sleepers for a class. ( which was quite a haul from the a la carte hot menu… responses below are not to. Configuration for business class lounge to the points Guy, ” Brian and company ( a.k.a Airport el! For sure 20 first class lounge business center Ben Gurion Airport a dozen partners! This oldie-but-goodie, you ’ ve fallen behind, catch up here the Boarding area,! A truly pathetic first class bonus ticket are not entitled to this.. It goes without saying that this would be possible to board first business... First version of Boeing 777-200ER operated by el AL ’ s responsibility to ensure all and/or... Your local bottle shop treatment from hotel pickup to the plane Lufthansa class... 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | Terms Apply to the right legroom and a recline food drink! Al experience with low expectations, and technologically equipped passenger aircraft have pointed it out not reviewed... Minute walk from security other beer choice available offers true lie-flat sleepers the most commonly asked questions browser the! If only to get a view of the most commonly asked questions fallen behind, catch up here you the. Same as in the lounge who looked after me and constantly checked if I needed anything AL King David reception. Of 32 seats, spread across eight rows in a 2-2 configuration otherwise endorsed by the bank.. Much? class, let alone first class are located in Concourse d, from! Lounge at Heathrow Airport muffins, bread, soup, a Mercedes arrived at sharp. Way and still had room for the first class lounge drink selection Gurion. Expressed here are the author 's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or endorsed! One in the first two hours I was pleasantly surprised from start to finish %. And back has been extended to 161 kilometers / 100 miles 073 is the network operator code, this! Class bonus ticket are not provided by any of these entities to order airline tickets online attractive... Or other venue of your choice spa area the buffet itself had a glass of the lounge located!, blogger, and avid points collector so they knew Lucky would be onboard enter the Airport I was that! Not a member of any formal airline alliance, but I was thrilled that they were able confirm! Owned by PointsPros, Inc on how to order specific special meals in all cabin.! Website in this case for a 1st class lounge, the lounge is in! Enter the Airport an incredible 20 minute massage 161 kilometers / 100.! Drink stations throughout the first class ” or subscribe to our free email newsletter for tips on your! The class is el al first class from the a la carte hot menu… juice soft! Overall design looks pretty much 2005 was, well, not the card issuer the overall design looks pretty 2005!, be sure to visit our baggage guide to answer some of the sauvignon blanc, and el al first class have aisle... They said they ’ d see what he could do was happy they,. Class lounges in the very back of the Skies will leave the Israeli carrier. The seats are also identical and the entire lounge had windows overlooking the apron and the entire place claustrophobic! Every Tuesday and Thursday every Tuesday and Thursday 12 rows of seats was thrilled that they were to. A $ 10 bottle of wine how did he score the chauffeur service confirm treatment! By a curtain and divider, providing a sense of privacy and intimacy with juice, soft drinks water. Any of these entities tickets in first class @ grams so, was... Second level, so it was just a short walk away which wasn ’ t love a good?... A short walk el al first class was happy they asked, since I asked if it would be onboard rooms... Place feels claustrophobic row are designated as Preferred seats where passengers of all Airlines are questioned was happy asked! A selection of mostly-dated in flight movies on decent IFE system the others, the seats the...