Experience Elevated Travel: Inside El Al Premium Economy Seating

Long-haul flights can be exhausting, leaving you feeling cramped and restless upon arrival. While business class offers ultimate luxury, its price tag often puts it out of reach for many travelers. What if there was a comfortable middle ground, offering enhanced space and amenities without breaking the bank? Enter El Al Premium Economy seating.

This comprehensive guide will take you inside El Al's Premium Economy cabin, detailing everything from the spacious seats to the upgraded services, helping you decide if this is the perfect choice for your next journey.

What is El Al Premium Economy?

El Al's Premium Economy class is a dedicated cabin designed to offer a significant step up from standard economy, bridging the gap between economy and business class. It provides travelers with an elevated experience, focusing on comfort, space, and a touch of premium service. This class is separated from the Economy Class by a curtain or divider, offering a sense of privacy and intimacy.

The Seating Experience: Comfort Takes Flight

The heart of any Premium Economy offering lies in its seats, and El Al doesn't disappoint.

Generous Space and Recline

El Al's Premium Economy seats are designed with wider personal space and enhanced ergonomics. On their Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, you'll find a generous seat pitch of 38 inches (the distance between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front), significantly more than the approximately 30 inches in standard economy. The seat width is also notably wider at 19.4 inches, compared to 17 inches in economy, providing more personal space.

These seats offer an increased recline of up to 7 inches, making it easier to relax or even doze off on long flights. While they don't offer the fully lie-flat experience of business class, the added recline is a welcome improvement.

Thoughtful Features for Your Journey

Beyond just space, El Al Premium Economy seats come equipped with features designed for your comfort:

• Footrest: A dedicated footrest helps you find a more relaxed seating posture.
• Adjustable Headrest: An adjustable headrest with six modes of comfort ensures you can find the perfect position for your neck and head.
• Power and USB Ports: Each Premium Economy seat features a universal power outlet and two USB-A ports, ensuring your devices stay charged throughout your flight.
• Storage Pockets: You'll find multiple storage pockets at the back of each seat, providing ample space for your belongings.
• Tray Table: Bi-fold tray tables pop out of the armrest, offering a stable surface for meals or work.

The cabin configuration on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is typically 2-3-2, which is less dense than standard economy seating, contributing to the feeling of extra space.

In-Flight Amenities & Services

El Al Premium Economy isn't just about the seat; it's about the overall enhanced experience.

Elevated Dining

Premium Economy guests enjoy a richer menu served on elegant porcelain dishes, a notable upgrade from standard economy. This includes a selection of wines from Israel's best wineries and various alcoholic beverages. El Al serves only kosher in-flight meals, reflecting Israel's cultural and religious practices.

Entertainment at Your Fingertips

You'll have access to an advanced AVOD (Audio Video On Demand) entertainment system by Panasonic, featuring a personal 13-inch touch screen. The front row screens are slightly smaller at 12 inches. A wide variety of content is available to keep you entertained throughout your journey.

Comfort Essentials

Upon boarding, a bottle of water often awaits at each Premium Economy seat. Passengers also receive an amenity kit which typically includes essentials like socks, a sleeping mask, toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs, and hand care lotion, significantly enhancing comfort on long flights. A pillow and blanket are also provided.

Ground Services

While the primary benefits are onboard, El Al Premium Economy passengers also benefit from dedicated check-in lines at Economy Class counters, which can save time at the airport.

Baggage Allowance

Premium Economy passengers are generally entitled to a more generous baggage allowance. You can typically bring two checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs). For carry-on luggage, you can bring two items with a combined total of 12 kg (26 lbs), with each individual item weighing no more than 8 kg (17 lbs). This is a significant improvement over standard economy, which usually allows only one checked bag and one carry-on.

Who is El Al Premium Economy For?

El Al Premium Economy is an ideal choice for a variety of travelers:

• Budget-Conscious Comfort Seekers: If you desire more comfort and space than standard economy but aren't ready to splurge on business class, Premium Economy offers an excellent balance of affordability and enhanced amenities.
• Long-Haul Travelers: On extended flights, the extra legroom, wider seats, and increased recline can make a substantial difference in your comfort and ability to rest.
• Business Travelers on a Budget: For those needing to arrive refreshed for meetings but with corporate travel policies that don't cover business class, Premium Economy is a smart compromise.
• Families: The extra space can be a boon for families traveling with children, providing a more comfortable environment for everyone.

Is El Al Premium Economy Worth the Upgrade?

Deciding if El Al Premium Economy is worth the additional cost depends on your personal priorities and the specifics of your trip.

Consider these factors:

• Flight Duration: For shorter flights, the difference might be less noticeable. However, for long-haul journeys, the increased seat pitch, width, and recline can significantly improve your experience.
• Budget: Weigh the cost difference against your comfort needs. Often, the upgrade is a "modest buy-up" compared to the business-class splurge.
• Personal Comfort: If you value personal space, the ability to stretch out, and an overall more relaxed journey, the upgrade is likely a worthwhile investment.
• Included Amenities: The upgraded meals, amenity kit, and increased baggage allowance add tangible value to the Premium Economy experience.

Many travelers find that El Al Premium Economy provides a balanced mix of comfort and affordability, making the journey not just bearable, but quite pleasant.

Conclusion

El Al Premium Economy seating offers a compelling proposition for travelers seeking a more comfortable and enjoyable flight experience without the full expense of business class. With its spacious seats, enhanced in-flight amenities, and thoughtful services, it provides a noticeable upgrade that can make a significant difference, especially on long-haul routes.

Have you flown El Al Premium Economy? Share your experiences in the comments below! What was your favorite aspect of the cabin?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between El Al Economy and Premium Economy?

The main differences lie in seat comfort, space, and amenities. El Al Premium Economy offers significantly more legroom (38-inch pitch vs. ~30 inches), wider seats (19.4 inches vs. 17 inches), greater recline (7 inches vs. 5 inches), a dedicated footrest, and an adjustable headrest. You also receive upgraded meal service on porcelain dishes, a personal amenity kit, and a more generous baggage allowance.

Does El Al Premium Economy include lounge access?

Generally, El Al Premium Economy tickets do not automatically include lounge access. Lounge access is typically reserved for Business Class passengers, First Class passengers, and top-tier Matmid Frequent Flyer Club members (Platinum, Gold, and King David Club members). However, if you hold an eligible credit card (like an Amex Platinum) or a Priority Pass membership, you might be able to access third-party lounges at the airport.

What is the baggage allowance for El Al Premium Economy?

For El Al Premium Economy, passengers are typically allowed two checked bags, with each bag weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs). For carry-on luggage, you can bring two items with a combined weight of up to 12 kg (26 lbs), provided no single item exceeds 8 kg (17 lbs).

Can I upgrade to Premium Economy at the airport?

While it might be possible to inquire about upgrades at the airport, it's generally recommended to book your desired class in advance. Availability for upgrades at the airport can be limited and may not always be offered.