Overview
El Al Israel Airlines’ missed flight policy outlines options for passengers who fail to board their scheduled flight due to personal reasons, airline-related delays, or other circumstances. The policy is governed by fare rules, ticket type, Israel’s Aviation Services Law for flights to/from Israel, EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from or landing in the EU/UK, and U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the U.S. El Al, as Israel’s national carrier, prioritizes stringent security and passenger care.
Key Policy Details
- No-Show Policy: If you miss your flight without notifying El Al in advance, it is considered a "no-show." Non-refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Lite) lose their value, and the entire itinerary may be canceled as tickets must be used in sequence. Refunds are not available for no-shows unless specified by fare rules, but unused taxes and fees may be refunded upon request.
- Non-Refundable Tickets: For non-refundable tickets, no refunds are provided for missed flights. Rebooking may be possible, subject to availability, fare differences, and change fees (typically $50-$200 USD, depending on fare type and route). Changes must be made through the booking channel or airport staff.
- Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Flex, Business Flex) may be eligible for a refund of the unused portion, less any applicable fees, if requested within one year from the ticket’s issue date. Refunds can be processed through the website or customer service for tickets purchased directly from El Al.
- 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: For bookings made directly with El Al, you can cancel or change your reservation within 24 hours of purchase without penalty, provided the booking is made at least 7 days before departure. This applies to all fare types but excludes additional services like baggage fees.
- Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of an El Al-operated flight within the same booking, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost. If the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination and is within El Al’s control (e.g., maintenance, scheduling errors), you may be eligible for compensation of €250 for flights up to 1500 km, €400 for flights between 1500-3500 km, or €600 for flights over 3500 km under EU/UK Regulation 261/2004, or up to NIS 3,000 (approx. $820 USD) under Israel’s Aviation Services Law.
- Assistance for Delays: For delays of 2+ hours within El Al’s control, the airline provides meals, refreshments, and communication access (e.g., two phone calls or emails). For delays of 8+ hours or overnight, El Al offers hotel accommodation and transportation, subject to availability.
- Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control, security threats, or cancellations to avoid desecrating Shabbat or Jewish holidays). El Al will assist with rebooking or refunding unused taxes and fees.
- Denied Boarding: If you miss a flight due to overbooking, El Al will seek volunteers to give up seats in exchange for compensation and a later flight. If involuntarily denied boarding, you may be eligible for compensation of €250-€600 (EU/UK) or $200-$650 (U.S.), depending on flight distance and delay duration.
Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight
- Contact El Al Israel Airlines immediately via the website, mobile app, or airport customer service counter to discuss rebooking or refund options.
- Provide your booking reference and explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking, refunds, or tax refunds.
- Check your ticket’s fare rules under Manage Booking to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility.
- Submit compensation or refund claims through the online form, including your name, booking reference, and supporting documents (e.g., boarding passes, receipts).
- Keep all documentation for any claims or expense reimbursements. For baggage-related issues, file a Baggage Irregularity Report within 7 days of arrival.
Note: Policies vary based on ticket type, fare rules, and booking channel (direct or through a travel agency). For code-share flights, the operating carrier’s rules may apply. Always review fare conditions at booking, arrive early (3 hours for international flights due to stringent security checks), and consider travel insurance for added protection. Check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 60 minutes prior. El Al does not operate on Shabbat or Jewish holidays, which may affect scheduling.
Additional Information
If El Al cancels or delays your flight by 3+ hours, you may choose a refund, rebooking, or compensation, depending on the circumstances. Refunds are processed within 7 days for credit card payments or 20 days for other methods under EU/UK regulations. Compensation claims for EU/UK flights must be filed within 3 years, and for Israel flights within 2 years. Retain all receipts for expenses (e.g., hotels, meals) incurred due to a missed flight and submit claims within 21 days for delays or 7 days for baggage issues. For more details, review El Al’s Conditions of Carriage or Israel’s Aviation Services Law.
