El Al Israel Airlines’ cancellation policy offers flexibility based on ticket type, fare rules, timing, and applicable regulations, including the Israeli Consumer Protection Act, U.S. DOT rules, and EU Regulation EC261/2004 for EU flights. Below is a concise overview based on the latest available information:
24-Hour Cancellation Policy: You can cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund without fees, provided the departure is at least seven days (168 hours) away. This applies to all fare types (Economy Lite, Classic, Flex, Premium, Business) and bookings made directly through El Al’s website.
After 24 Hours:
- Refundable Tickets (e.g., Economy Flex Y/N, Premium, Business): Fully refundable before departure without penalty, or with a $50 fee for other Economy Flex tickets, depending on fare rules.
- Non-Refundable Tickets (e.g., Economy Lite, Basic Blue, Blue Plus): Only unused airport taxes are refundable after cancellation fees, which range from $75 (fares under $100) to $200 per person (fares $200+), plus any fare difference. Basic Blue fares are non-cancelable. For U.S. flights purchased on/after November 5, 2024, cancellations within 24 hours of departure cost $400.
- Israeli Consumer Protection Act: For bookings made in Israel, you can cancel up to 14 days after purchase, but no less than 7 working days before departure, with a full refund minus a fee (varies by ticket).
- No-Show: No refunds for no-shows unless covered by special circumstances. Tickets canceled after departure lose all value.
El Al Protect Service: For a fee ($19 for flights ≤6.5 hours, $29 for >6.5 hours, or Matmid points), this optional service allows cancellations for any reason at least 48 hours before departure (for tickets purchased on/after October 28, 2024). You receive a transferable credit voucher valid until December 31, 2025, for travel within one year of redemption. Not available for Economy Lite, Bonus tickets, or codeshare flights.
Special Circumstances:
- Airline-Canceled Flights: If El Al cancels your flight, fails to operate per schedule, or causes a missed connection, you can:
- Rebook on the next available flight or another carrier at no cost.
- Extend ticket validity for later travel.
- Request a full refund, including non-refundable tickets and taxes.
- Delays: For EU flights delayed 3+ hours, you may receive €250–€600 compensation under EC261, plus care (meals, communication, accommodation). For 5+ hour delays or non-EU delays of 4+ hours, you can cancel without fees and claim a refund.
- Overbooking: If denied boarding, you’re entitled to a refund, rebooking, or compensation per EC261 (EU flights) or El Al’s boarding denial policy.
- Medical or Bereavement: Refunds or ticket validity extensions may be granted for serious illness or death of a passenger or immediate family member with documentation (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate). An administration fee of $50 may apply.
- Security/War-Related Cancellations: During conflicts (e.g., Gaza war), El Al has waived cancellation fees for affected flights, offering refunds or vouchers. For example, in October 2024, fees were waived due to missile attacks.
How to Cancel:
- Phone: Call +1-877-240-6770. A $25–$50 per person service fee may apply for cancellations via the Service Center.
- In-Person: Visit an El Al ticket counter or kiosk at the airport.
- Third-Party Bookings: Contact the travel agency directly, as El Al’s policies (e.g., 24-hour rule) may not apply, and agency fees may be charged.
Refund Process:
- Refunds for eligible cancellations (within 24 hours, airline disruptions, refundable tickets) are processed within 7–21 days to the original payment method (credit/debit card: 7–10 days; cash/check: up to 21 days).
- Non-refundable tickets refund only taxes after fees. Partially used tickets refund the unused portion minus fees, per fare rules. Refunds are issued to the ticket holder or payer with proof of payment.
- Vouchers (e.g., El Al Protect, airline cancellations) are valid for one year from issuance or until December 31, 2025, for El Al Protect.
- Refund requests must be made within 5 years of the first travel date for tickets without time limits, or one year for standard tickets.
- Matmid points tickets are non-refundable unless canceled by the airline, with points redeposited.
Additional Notes:
- EC261 Protections: Apply to flights departing from EU airports or arriving in the EU on El Al. Non-EU departures (e.g., U.S. to EU) are not covered. Claims are valid for 3 years.
- Israeli Aviation Law: For flights to/from Israel, you may be entitled to care or compensation per the 2012 Compensation and Assistance Law for cancellations or delays.
- Operational Context: El Al’s near-monopoly status during regional conflicts (e.g., Gaza war) has led to high fares and frequent cancellations by other carriers, increasing demand and no-shows, prompting stricter policies
- Travel Insurance: Recommended to cover cancellations for personal reasons not covered by El Al.
