El Al Passengers Outraged Over Switch to Low-Cost Sun D'Or
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
El Al is switching its Tel Aviv-Prague route to its subsidiary Sun D'Or starting November 15, angering passengers who booked premium El Al tickets. Customers are upset about the lower service standards of Sun D'Or, the change in departure terminal, and facing cancellation fees despite the airline's initiated change. Some business class passengers are offered partial refunds, while others are considering legal action.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- El Al passengers are outraged over the airline's decision to switch the Tel Aviv-Prague route to Sun D'Or.
- Passengers who booked El Al flights now face a lower-cost service and departure from Terminal 1.
- Customers attempting to cancel bookings are reportedly subject to original cancellation fees.
- Business class passengers are offered a choice between a refund or economy class with a partial refund.
- Some passengers are exploring the possibility of filing a class-action lawsuit against El Al.
El Al announced last week that its Tel Aviv-Prague route will be operated by its subsidiary, Sun D'Or, starting November 15. Passengers who had already booked tickets received notifications stating their flights would be operated by Sun D'Or and depart from Terminal 1 instead of Terminal 3. This change has angered passengers who paid higher prices for El Al tickets and now face a different service experience, akin to a low-cost carrier.
Passengers expressed frustration on social media, with one stating, "I booked tickets with El Al, paid more, and I don't want to get a low-cost experience. That's the Sun D'Or experience. If I had known in advance, I wouldn't have booked their flight departing from Terminal 1." Another lamented, "I flew with Sun D'Or in the past and was not satisfied, to say the least. How sad that El Al spits in the face of people who wanted El Al and got low-cost."
Adding to the discontent, passengers attempting to cancel their bookings due to the change discovered they are still subject to the original ticket cancellation terms, meaning many will incur cancellation fees. Passengers who booked business class, which is being discontinued on this route, have the option of a full refund or flying economy with an 80% refund. However, there are reports of conflicting information from customer service regarding these options.
The change also affects onboard services, including food, which will no longer be provided as it is on El Al flights. Passengers will also lose access to the El Al lounge at Terminal 3, though they will receive a refund for the difference in airport taxes. Despite these changes, passengers will still be allowed to bring a carry-on bag without extra charge, and the flights will be operated by El Al crews and aircraft maintained by the parent company.
Some passengers are considering a class-action lawsuit against El Al. Currently, the El Al website still advertises the Prague flights as being operated by El Al, not Sun D'Or, potentially misleading new customers who may only discover the change after booking.
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