EL AL Airlines

I arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport a little more than two hours prior to my flight. There are dedicated check-in counters for Economy Class Plus passengers, but EL AL Israel Airlines’ security is no joke, and after screenings and security, I realized just how essential it is to give yourself an appropriate amount of time at the airport no matter your seat. After some duty-free shopping, it was almost time for boarding. I queued up, going through one more carry-on check before heading to the jetway and back home after an incredible trip to Israel.

EL AL’s Economy Class Plus service features more space between rows—36 inches rather than 32—and a 33 percent greater incline. The first rows of the economy class cabin are dedicated. The overnight flight departed Tel Aviv late in the evening, and arrived early in the morning into New York, so I was looking forward to resting. And rest I did! With the comfortable blanket and pillow provided, I easily slept for about seven hours of the flight. It was on and off, but much more rest than I anticipated. I was drifting off as the plane took off, so I missed the first round of beverage and food service.

When I awoke, I checked out the in-flight entertainment. Each personal screen offers a number of channels with continuously looping movies and shows. Passengers aren’t able to start, pause, stop, fast forward or rewind movies, but each selection plays several times throughout flight, so you can easily catch a movie in its entirety. I enjoyed a fresh grilled chicken salad, which was tasty, chatted with my seatmates and read for the duration of my flight. All in all, it was a pleasant flight. The 12 hours seemed to pass quickly and I was off the plane swiftly, being only a few rows from the door.

EL AL Israel Airlines

Economy Class Plus

Tel Aviv (TLV) to New York (JFK)