About EL AL
EL AL is Israel's national carrier — a legacy airline that's been flying since 1948 and still operates as the country's flag bearer. It's not a budget airline, and it's not trying to be. The network is built almost entirely around TLV, with 62 of its 124 routes radiating out from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. That hub-and-spoke concentration tells you everything about what EL AL is: a carrier designed to connect Israel to the world, not to shuttle passengers between third-party cities. Security protocols are famously thorough, which shapes the whole experience from check-in onward.
Why fly EL AL?
If you're flying to or from Israel, EL AL is often the most direct option — and sometimes the only nonstop one. The route map covers key points across Europe, with solid coverage in Greece (8 routes), Italy (6 routes), and France (5 routes), plus five routes into the US including the TLV-LAX haul at over 12,000 km. That transatlantic reach matters if you want to avoid a connection. The airline also appeals to travelers who prioritize in-flight kosher meal options, which are genuinely well-executed rather than an afterthought. The loyalty program, Matmid, is worth enrolling in even for occasional flyers given how concentrated the network is around a single hub.
EL AL hub airports
- TLV Tel Aviv-Yafo — 62 EL AL routes from Israel
- MUC Munich — 1 EL AL routes from Germany
- DBV Dubrovnik — 1 EL AL routes from Croatia
- JTR Thira — 1 EL AL routes from Greece
- JMK Mykonos — 1 EL AL routes from Greece
Top destination countries on EL AL
- Israel — 62 EL AL routes
- Greece — 8 EL AL routes
- Italy — 6 EL AL routes
- France — 5 EL AL routes
- USA — 5 EL AL routes
- Germany — 3 EL AL routes
- Thailand — 2 EL AL routes
- Spain — 2 EL AL routes
Tips for booking EL AL
Show up early — and I mean it. EL AL's security process at TLV is thorough and can add an hour or more to your pre-flight routine. First-timers are often caught off guard. On the booking side, watch your fare class carefully; cheaper tickets can come with tight restrictions on changes. The airline doesn't belong to a major global alliance, so don't expect to burn Star Alliance or Oneworld miles here. Baggage allowances vary more than you'd expect by route and cabin, so check before you pack. If you're routing through MUC or planning a Greek island trip via JTR, double-check seasonal schedules — some of those routes run limited windows.
Frequently asked questions about EL AL
Where does EL AL fly?
EL AL operates 124 routes connecting Israel with destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. Top destinations include cities in Israel, Greece, and Italy, making it ideal for travel to the Eastern Mediterranean region.
What is EL AL's main hub?
EL AL's primary hub is Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv-Yafo (TLV), serving as the airline's main connection point for domestic and international flights.
Is EL AL a legacy carrier, low-cost, or regional airline?
EL AL is Israel's flagship carrier and operates as a full-service legacy airline, offering a thorough network of international routes with standard airline services and amenities.
When should I book EL AL flights and what fare classes are available?
It's generally recommended to book 4-6 weeks in advance for better fares. EL AL typically offers multiple fare classes ranging from economy to premium cabin options, with varying flexibility and baggage allowances.
What are EL AL's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances vary by fare class and route; most passengers can check one bag included with their ticket, with additional bags available for a fee. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure, and airport check-in closes 3 hours before international flights.