I flew to Tel Aviv in July with El Al. We were in BRU almost three hours before departure, and due to the extra security checks, we barely made it to our flight. They indeed questionned everyone, even those who didn't speek English at al. In the return flight, there was no extra security at all. Three people of our group have been taken apart for almost an hour because one year before, they had been to Pakistan and Abu Dhabi, countries that do no not recognise Israel.Duke wrote: ↑13 Nov 2019, 11:19
I flew to TLV last month, and was surprised to see that security was not different from any other flight.. so, no extra questions about the luggage, etc.. like it used to be a few years ago...
So, I don't mean that security is not good, but that there is no (noticeable) extra security for the TLV flgith...
When leaving TLV, security at the airport is a bit more strict, and quite some questions are asked before one is allowed to go to the check-in counters...
On the whole, I did have a safe feeling...
We flew economy class with El Al, and it was by far the best medium-haul flight I've ever had. There was plenty of legroom, every single seat got an audio system with headset so you could listen to the flims that were played on the overhead screens or to up to 15 different radio stations. We got a nice meal and two or three drinks for free. I would for sure fly them again!Duke wrote: ↑13 Nov 2019, 11:19
I flew business (for the first time with SN). I must admit I was rather disappointed. Business uses the first 3 or 4 rows in the plane, and only a cardboard above the seat indicates where Business ends en Flex and Fast starts...
Nothing else, no different seats, not even a curtain dividing the parts of the plane, so that all economy passengers just freely walk around the whole plane, e.g; to use the front lavatory. Only the middle seat is not sold, but no noticeable more legroom or other space, and not really a quiet environment.
The crew is very friendly, but doesn't offer too much extra. Yes, there is a free meal (but on the day flight, leaving Brussels at 9.30 am and arriving in TLV at 3 pm, it is standard only beakfast...). Everything else can be ordered for free from the menu, but is not offered as standard.
So, what are then the advantages of flying Business? Quicker check-in, using the fast lane for security, and priority luggage delivery at the belt... and, the use of the lounges...
I'm not sure a real business man (I'm only a tourist flying business "by accident"...because the flight was fully booked) will pay that much extra for what is offered by SN.
SN must offer a real business class product, with decent seating in a separate cabin, even on European flights, and certainly on the TLV flgith, which takes 4.30 hours...
