El Al Israel Airlines Business Class

El Al Israel Airlines Business Class Review

El Al Israel Airlines business class occupies a genuinely distinctive position in the long-haul premium cabin market — combining a modern reverse herringbone lie-flat seat with one of the most culturally specific in-flight dining programs in commercial aviation. On the carrier's Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, every business class seat is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, meaning every passenger has direct aisle access. For travelers flying between the United States and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International (TLV), that translates to a fully lie-flat bed on a nonstop flight that typically runs between 11 and 12 hours depending on the departure city.

The reverse herringbone layout is the same proven configuration used by several leading international carriers, and El Al's execution on the 787 is solid. Seats convert to a fully flat bed of approximately 72 to 74 inches in length, with a personal storage area, adjustable privacy screen, and a large IFE touchscreen. The 787's signature large windows and lower cabin altitude — around 6,000 feet versus the 8,000 feet common on older widebody aircraft — genuinely reduce fatigue on transatlantic flights, a practical benefit that frequent flyers consistently notice.

What Are the Best Dining Experiences?

Where El Al distinguishes itself most sharply is in its kosher dining program. All food served onboard is certified kosher, sourced from approved Israeli suppliers, and the menus reflect genuine Israeli culinary tradition rather than a generic approximation of it. Expect dishes built around fresh vegetables, legumes, grilled proteins, and regional spice profiles. The airline also serves a curated selection of Israeli wines, including bottles from well-regarded Galilee and Judean Hills producers — a detail that wine-conscious travelers tend to appreciate more than they expect to.

El Al currently operates nonstop service to Tel Aviv from several major US gateway airports, including New York JFK, Newark, Miami, Los Angeles, and Boston.

El Al currently operates nonstop service to Tel Aviv from several major US gateway airports, including New York JFK, Newark, Miami, Los Angeles, and Boston. These routes are served by a mix of 787 Dreamliner and 747 aircraft, so it is worth confirming the equipment on your specific flight if the reverse herringbone product is a priority. The airline operates independently — it holds no alliance membership with Star Alliance, oneworld, or SkyTeam — which affects how miles can be earned and redeemed, and is a practical consideration for loyalty-focused travelers.

One area worth acknowledging honestly is the lounge situation. El Al's Ben Gurion Airport lounge is a functional and well-maintained space, but it does not rank among the most lavish flagship lounges in the industry. US departure lounges vary by airport and partnership arrangement, so business class travelers should verify access and amenities at their specific gateway before departure. El Al's enhanced security protocols, which are among the most rigorous in commercial aviation, also mean earlier check-in windows are strongly advisable — typically three to four hours before departure from US airports.

CEOFLIGHTS, an ASTA-accredited travel agency (reg. #900292735), works with a network of airline consolidators and negotiated fare programs to source business class tickets at prices that are not published through standard online booking channels. On a route like New York to Tel Aviv, the savings on a business class fare can be substantial — sometimes reaching 40 to 60 percent below retail. These are real tickets issued directly by the airline, with full frequent flyer eligibility and standard change and cancellation terms.

Book Your Premium Cabin Today

If you are planning a trip to Israel and want to fly El Al business class without paying the full published fare, contact CEOFLIGHTS directly. Our Personal Travel Managers will find the best available private fare for your dates and handle every detail of the booking. Call us at (888) 851 6897 to get started.

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