V-Flyer

(sorry no pictures this time)

I arrived quite early, thinking that the queues at security would be terrible. There were a few passengers in front of me at the checkin and initial security queue, and I knew they were all Business class, as there were probably no more than two First Class passengers on this flight. The security officer asked if I was travelling Business Class, and I replied that I was in First, whereupon he told me to wait in the queue. Finding this not only unreasonable, but also quite contrary to my previous experiences with EL AL's First Class, I put it down to his inexperience and went to the checkin desks to find the supervisor. On mentioning to him that I was travelling in First, he immediately sent a security officer over to me to do the pre-checkin interview and checks.

As a result of the new carry-on luggage restrictions at LHR I had bought a new bag which was meant to be the maximum size which would fit into the measuring gauge. It is a 'Samsonite 350 Series Sahora Saho Backpack Large'. Being made of flexible materials it may be squashed and squeezed to fit into the gauge, but I also had to rearrange some of the contents in order to achieve a fit! There was a gauge next to the checkin to help passengers determine if they would need to check in their bags or would be allowed to take them with.

Having successfully fitted my bag into the gauge, I moved on to the the checkin itself and, armed with my boarding card I proceeded to the security area. The security was quite fast, despite all the US-style stuff like removing shoes and belts, and from then I went on to the EL AL King David lounge. This is quite comfortable, with plenty of well made sandwiches, sliced fresh vegetables and fruit, and freshly prepared hot snacks available. The food in the First Class area is the same as in the main part of the lounge, but there seems to be more of it (a seemingly endless supply) and there is a greater variety of drinks available. Free wireless internet is available in both parts of the lounge.

On to the plane and splendid isolation! No other passengers and 8 seats to choose from! This time we were on a 744, with masses of room in the First Class cabin, arranged as two rows of 2-2. I rather like 3C (EL AL's seats always start from row 2) as it is the nearest to the galley, and one of the reasons I like First on this route is the splendid food! Being near the galley means I can have plenty of supplies without bothering to look around for a crew member (not, I must add, that the crews are not available and willing to help, because they are really good, but it's still quicker this way!).

The FA introduced himself and asked when I would like to eat. I told him as soon as possible, as I wanted to get on with some work afterwards, and also allow as long as possible after the wine before being safe to drive on home after landing!

The usual cashews and snacks were brought round, and I took a large cappuccino to get started with.

Not long after takeoff the meal service was started. Here is the menu:


Bread 'n Spread
Warm Bread Selection
Herb Spread
Artichoke Spread

Appetizers
Smoked Salmon
Cold Roast Duck on a Bed of Orange Segments and Lettuce
Grilled Mushrooms, Tomato Salsa

Soup of the Day
Carrot and Sweet-Potato Soup

Main Courses
Breast of Chicken in Brandy-Scented Sause
Lamb and Prune Rago?t
Codfish in Mushroom and Tomato Sauce

All served with vegetables, wild and basmati rice

Salad
Fresh Lettuce, Baby leaves, Cherry Tomatoes, Carrots
Vinaigrette Dressing or Olive Oil and Lemon

Dessert
Chocolate Cake with Fresh Fruit
Summer Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Coffee / Espresso / Tea


The FA asked what I would have to start, and I told him that I would 'have the menu'. I had not eaten much since breakfast, as the new catering service on EL AL's First from London takes some beating and I wanted to enjoy it as much as I could! So I decided to skip the breads, although the artichoke spread was great just on its own. Of the starters, which were all good, the duck stood out as being really special. I had it again, and moved on to the soup. I had the fresh salad before the main course and decided to 'do' the main course menu as fish, chicken and then the lamb. The fish was a bit overcooked and dry, although quite tasty, the chicken was extremely good, but the lamb was just wonderful - I would have had another portion if I had room! As I described in an earlier trip report, the veg in EL AL's First Class are now served in a sort of miniature saucepan which looks really cute, and as usual (from LHR at least) they were cooked as well as one could expect for veg on an airline, but not at all bad by any standards. The rice was cooked just perfectly. As with the starters and main courses I also took both desserts. The chocolate cake was a sort of cake/mousse combination with a raspberry coulis. The summer pudding was marvellous - one of my old-time favourites, and this one certainly didn't disappoint!

The wines on EL AL's First Class are usually in the upper regions of Israeli quality wines, but this time I was surprised to see they were offering the Castel Grand Vin 2003. To give an idea of what this is like I shall copy a short tasting note by Daniel Rogov, who is probably Israel's foremost wine critic:

Castel, Grand Vin Castel, 2003: Dark garnet towards royal purple, full-bodied and with its firm tannins now integrating nicely. A multilayered wine, on first attack revealing blackcurrants, blackberries and spices, those yielding to purple plums and near-sweet cigar tobacco and finally, on the long finish hints of mint and a tantalizing earthy-herbal overtone. Showing even better than earlier and showing excellence in every way. Approachable now but best from 2008-2012, perhaps longer. Score 94.

This is a pretty radical step for EL AL to take, and most welcome indeed! I also enjoyed an Ella Valley Chardonnay with the starters, and a delicious Yarden Heightswine (made in the eiswein style, with artificially frozen grapes) with the dessert.

After that quite magnificent repast I still managed to get some work done before arriving in Tel Aviv. I was met at the exit and escorted to the baggage collection, where my bags were first off the carousel.

What else can I say but 'First class service' and I am looking forwards to my next flight (with my wife this time) next week.

I have only one serious request for improvement to make to EL AL: The Tel Aviv - New York route is regarded as their premier route. However, the First Class food from New York is really only just OK. Likewise the Tel Aviv main meals (not the breakfast, which is mainly cold anyway but very good). How about copying some ideas from your excellent supplier in London, who really knows how to prepare high class airline meals (which also carry impecable kosher certification)?