EL AL Israel Airlines stands as the flagship carrier of Israel, connecting travelers to Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. As of June 2025, the airline reaches 53 global destinations across 36 countries, reflecting its steady network expansion.

Established in 1948 in tandem with the founding of the State of Israel, EL AL’s name is drawn from the Hebrew Bible, meaning ‘skyward’—a fitting moniker for an airline with a strong national identity. 

EL AL has earned a global reputation for its uncompromising security standards. It remains the only airline whose entire fleet is equipped with advanced countermeasures against missile threats, ensuring unparalleled safety for its passengers. 

Operating from its headquarters at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, EL AL’s modern all-Boeing fleet comprises 46 aircraft, including 16 B787 Dreamliners, 6 B777s, 16 B737-800s, and 8 B737-900ERs. The airline’s leisure subsidiary, Sun d’Or International Airlines, continues to offer affordable travel to popular Mediterranean and European destinations.

The carrier’s signature look features a crisp Eurowhite fuselage accented by a deep blue stripe, with the Israeli flag and Star of David proudly displayed on the tail. Each aircraft is named after an Israeli city, with the size of the city corresponding to the size of the aircraft.

Frequent flyers can join the Matmid Frequent Flyer Club, which now offers five membership levels: Matmid, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Top Platinum. Members benefit from priority services, enhanced baggage allowances, upgrades, and exclusive lounge access.

While EL AL is not aligned with a global airline alliance, it maintains codeshare relationships with 21 carriers, including Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, American Airlines, Iberia, SWISS, Qantas, TAP Air Portugal, Alaska Airlines, Etihad, and ANA—bolstering its reach and flexibility for premium travelers.

EL AL adheres to tradition by suspending operations during the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat), from Friday evening to Saturday evening, in respect of cultural and religious practices.

Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s primary gateway, is situated just outside Lod, approximately 45 kilometres (28 miles) from Jerusalem and 20 kilometres (12 miles) from central Tel Aviv. Renamed in 1973 to honor Israel’s founding Prime Minister, the airport is renowned for its robust security and efficiency.

Terminal 3, the main international terminal, handles the majority of EL AL’s flights, while Terminal 1 accommodates select domestic and regional services. A complimentary shuttle connects both active terminals for seamless transfers.

Business Class travelers with EL AL enjoy dedicated check-in desks (100-106) and expedited security screening—an invaluable advantage given the airport’s famously stringent procedures. Our experience confirms that even with premium access, allowing ample time for security remains prudent.

The generous baggage allowance includes two checked bags (up to 32kg each), two carry-on items (totaling 20kg), and a personal item, catering to the needs of discerning travelers.

The King David Business Lounge, located on Concourse D opposite Gate D1, welcomes EL AL Business Class guests and elite Matmid members. Lounge access opens three hours prior to departure, with one guest permitted per eligible passenger on the same flight.

Spread across two sunlit levels, the lounge features plush leather seating, a dedicated business center, high-speed Wi-Fi, ample charging points, and a curated selection of international newspapers. The upper mezzanine offers a tranquil retreat with additional seating, a compact buffet, a cigar room, and private shower suites. Guests may also indulge in complimentary spa treatments by Brown Hotels, designed to ease travel-related stress and promote relaxation before long-haul journeys.

The all-Kosher buffet includes an assortment of fresh salads, soups, artisanal pastries, pizza, focaccia, seasonal fruit, and an array of desserts. Premium Israeli wines, spirits, and soft drinks are available throughout the day. While the spread is modest, it is thoughtfully curated for comfort and convenience.

EL AL Business Class passengers also have access to partner lounges worldwide, such as the BLUSH lounge at London Heathrow, EXTIME lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle, and the Virgin Clubhouse at New York JFK.

EL AL’s Business Class is offered in both two-cabin (Business and Economy) and three-cabin (Business, Premium Economy, Economy) configurations, depending on the aircraft. 

The flagship experience is found on the 16 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, where the cabin exudes understated luxury with warm tan, grey, and brown tones. Each Business Class seat boasts direct aisle access, an expansive footwell, and generous storage. Modern touches include wireless QI charging and jetlite Human Centric Lighting, which adjusts to support circadian rhythms on long-haul flights.

On the Boeing 787-9, there are 32 Recaro CL6710 fully lie-flat seats (21-inch width, 42-43-inch pitch, 78-inch bed length) in a 1-2-1 configuration. Window seats alternate between privacy-focused and aisle-adjacent layouts, while the center seats are ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking adjustable privacy. The 787-8 features 20 seats with identical specifications.

Following the recent refurbishment, EL AL’s six Boeing 777s now mirror the Dreamliner’s premium product, with 28 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration and direct aisle access. The new cabins feature the same Recaro CL6710 seat as the 787s, eliminating First Class in favor of this enhanced Business Class and introducing Premium Economy for the first time on these aircraft.

Previously, the 777s had angle-flat seats in a less attractive 2-3-2 layout, but as of 2025, all 777s have been upgraded to the latest standards, offering a consistent, world-class experience across EL AL’s long-haul fleet.

The Businessclass flight search tool provides comprehensive seat maps, photos, and detailed specifications, allowing you to preview your chosen cabin before booking.

EL AL exclusively serves Mehadrin Kosher cuisine onboard, offering a thoughtfully curated menu that reflects Israel’s culinary heritage and seasonal ingredients. Menus vary by route and are a highlight of the Business Class journey, featuring vibrant, flavorful dishes presented with finesse.

Meals are typically served as a single course for efficiency, but guests may request a traditional multi-course presentation for a more leisurely dining experience.

In 2025, EL AL has further elevated its Business Class menu, introducing new signature entrees, expanded plant-based options, and enhanced breakfast offerings. Recent highlights include starters such as smoked salmon with lentil salad, and main courses like grilled Entrecôte steak with bulgur, roasted vegetables, and broccoli, or marinated chicken with jasmine rice, green beans, and roasted eggplant. Desserts such as the chocolate marquise with salted pretzel crust remain a guest favorite.

Breakfast selections feature artisanal spreads—cream cheese, tuna salad, and olive tapenade—alongside a savory cheese frittata in shakshuka sauce and a sweet cheese-caramel mousse.

Advance meal selection is available via EL AL’s website, ensuring personalized service and catering to dietary requirements.

Special meal requests, including vegan, vegetarian (dairy), diabetic, gluten-free, fruit-based, and child-friendly options, are accommodated with advance notice. Early ordering is recommended, as availability may vary by route. 

Upon boarding, Business Class guests are welcomed with a glass of premium Israeli sparkling wine and fine chocolates. EL AL’s beverage program showcases an extensive array of red and white wines from Israel’s renowned vineyards, reflecting a winemaking tradition that now boasts more than 350 vineyards and annual production exceeding 45 million bottles.

The curated wine list is complemented by a choice of international spirits, specialty cocktails, fresh juices, and a variety of teas and barista-style coffees.

The Businessclass flight search tool details which Champagne and wines are poured in Business and First Class on many airlines. We strive to keep our listings up to date—contact us if you have new insights.

Our journeys with EL AL consistently reveal a high standard of attentive, personalized service in Business Class. The crew’s professionalism is evident, with uniforms in classic navy complemented by a vibrant, signature scarf for female attendants. While the attire is understated, the warmth and efficiency of the staff contribute greatly to the overall premium atmosphere.

EL AL’s in-flight entertainment (IFE) offering varies by aircraft. The Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the refreshed 777s are equipped with large, high-resolution touchscreens and intuitive remote controls for effortless browsing.

The content library features a robust selection of recent films, acclaimed television series, music playlists, podcasts, and interactive games. Families will appreciate the dedicated children’s section, which includes popular Disney programming and age-appropriate games.

For the latest IFE lineup, visit EL AL’s official website.

On Boeing 737s and any 777s pending retrofit, traditional seatback screens are absent. Passengers can use the built-in device holder to stream content directly to personal devices via EL AL’s high-speed Wi-Fi network.

Wi-Fi is now available on all Dreamliners, most 777s, and a growing number of 737s, covering routes to Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Three paid tiers—Basic, Social, and Business—are offered: Basic and Social for mobile/tablet use, and Business for full laptop connectivity.

The Businessclass flight search tool also lists detailed information on inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi options for each flight.

Business Class guests receive a thoughtfully designed amenity kit by Teb Baker, featuring essentials such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, earplugs, an eye mask, and premium L'Occitane hand cream and lip balm. On longer journeys, slippers, plush duvets, and comfortable pillows are provided for enhanced rest and relaxation.

For regional and European routes, EL AL deploys the Boeing 737 family. The 737-900 features 16 Business Class recliners (21-inch width, 44-inch pitch) arranged 2-2, while the 737-800 offers a similar product with a 42-inch pitch. These cabins showcase a contemporary seat design by PriestmanGoode, also responsible for the Dreamliner interiors.

Seats include an adjustable four-way headrest and a versatile tray table with a built-in device stand—ideal for digital entertainment. Impressively, amenity kits are provided even on shorter flights such as Tel Aviv to Paris or London, a rare touch in regional business class.

EL AL’s significant investment in its Dreamliner fleet has not only elevated the Business Class experience but also contributed to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, supporting the airline’s sustainability goals.

Since joining the IATA Environmental Assessment Program, EL AL has continued to advance its environmental strategy. In 2024, the airline operated several long-haul flights powered by up to 35% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), setting new benchmarks for Israeli aviation. The adoption of SAF and ongoing investment in next-generation aircraft underscore EL AL’s commitment to greener operations and responsible travel.  

The Businessclass flight search includes CO2 emission data for every flight, scoring higher for the most modern and eco-friendly aircraft.

• Fleet Renewal – The addition of 16 Boeing 787 Dreamliners has transformed EL AL’s Business Class and significantly reduced environmental impact.
• Seating – The Recaro CL6710 seat delivers cutting-edge comfort and privacy, setting a new standard for the region.
• Service – While uniforms remain understated, the professionalism and warmth of the Business Class crew consistently impress.