NEW YORK (VINnews) – EL AL is preparing a series of upgrades to its passenger experience, including new bedding, luxury amenity kits, personalized entertainment, updated menus and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

The Israeli airline said the enhancements will begin rolling out across its aircraft in November, with availability varying by aircraft and destination.

The upgrades are intended to make travel more comfortable and personalized, with changes covering both onboard services and digital tools passengers use before departure.

New bedding and luxury amenities

EL AL is partnering with Israeli sleep-products brand TAKEANAP to replace existing blankets and pillows in economy, premium and business class with products designed specifically for the airline.

Business class passengers will receive memory foam pillows with cooling technology. The airline will also introduce mattress toppers on flights to North America, along with pajamas, slippers and a soothing fragrance.

The airline is also launching a collaboration with Jo Malone London. Passengers in its premium cabins will receive amenity kits in about 10 colors, containing items such as socks, eye masks and personal care products. Business class passengers on long-haul flights will also receive hand and body creams and perfume.

Personalized entertainment and upgraded dining

A new in-flight entertainment system will recommend content based on passengers’ viewing preferences and allow them to resume programs where they left off on a previous flight.

Passengers will also be able to access their Matmid frequent flyer accounts through the seatback system, view personal information and use a new interface designed for children.

The airline is updating its food offerings as well. Economy passengers on short-haul flights to Europe will be able to choose between a sandwich and a poke bowl.

In the premium cabins, new menus and tableware are being introduced under the direction of Israeli chef Assaf Granit. The menus will emphasize a wider selection of dishes, including protein-rich options, alongside a curated dessert cart.

Nutritional information will appear alongside each dish to help passengers make informed choices. On long-haul flights, passengers will also receive Israeli chocolates created for EL AL by De Karina, a chocolatier based in Ein Zivan in northern Israel.

Starlink Wi-Fi planned for 2027

EL AL plans to begin introducing Starlink satellite internet service across its fleet in 2027. The airline said Wi-Fi will be complimentary on flights where the service is available, subject to terms and conditions.

The high-speed connection is expected to allow passengers to stream content, work remotely and stay connected during flights.

New digital tools and AI customer service

EL AL is also updating its mobile app with a feature called Travel Mode, which will become available 48 hours before departure and consolidate key flight information.

A Live Activities feature will provide real-time updates directly on passengers’ phone screens without requiring them to open the app.

The airline is introducing Ella, an artificial intelligence-powered service representative designed to respond to initial customer inquiries, display relevant booking information and help passengers complete tasks or connect with the appropriate service representative.

EL AL CEO Levy Halevy said the airline remains focused on safety and security while investing in its aircraft, routes, products and services.

The expanded premium offering is intended to provide greater value to passengers, strengthen customer loyalty and encourage travelers to choose EL AL for future trips, he said.

Frequently asked questions about EL AL’s new passenger services

General information

What new features and products is EL AL introducing?

EL AL is introducing upgrades to its sleep products, amenity kits, in-flight entertainment systems, food offerings, Wi-Fi service and digital services.

When will the new features be available?

Some features are already available, while others will be introduced gradually across the fleet. Availability will depend on flight destination and service class.

Sleep experience: TAKEANAP

What is changing with the onboard sleep products?

Through its partnership with TAKEANAP, EL AL will replace existing blankets and pillows across all service classes with products developed specifically for its passengers. The new collection includes class-specific blankets and soft, down-like pillows.

What new sleep products will be available in business class?

Business class passengers will receive memory foam pillows designed to adapt to the contours of the head and neck, with cooling technology. Pajamas, slippers and a soothing fragrance will also be offered.

What is a mattress topper, and where will it be available?

A mattress topper is a soft layer placed over a seat to create a more comfortable sleeping surface. It will be offered in business class on flights to North America.

Amenity kits: Jo Malone London

What is new about EL AL’s amenity kits?

Through its partnership with Jo Malone London, passengers in the airline’s premium cabins will receive new amenity kits available in about 10 colors. The kits will include socks, an eye mask and personal care essentials, along with a velvet pouch containing the brand’s fragrance and body care products.

Will the new kits include fragrance products?

Business class passengers on long-haul flights will also receive hand and body creams and perfume.

In-flight entertainment

What is new about the onboard entertainment systems?

The upgraded systems will recommend content based on passengers’ viewing preferences and allow them to resume watching programs where they left off on a previous flight.

Can passengers continue watching content from a previous flight?

Yes. The system will allow passengers to resume content at the point where they stopped watching on their previous flight.

Can passengers access their Matmid frequent flyer accounts through the entertainment system?

Yes. Passengers will be able to log in to their Matmid accounts from their seats, view personal information and complete travel-related actions.

Will there be new entertainment features for children?

Yes. The new entertainment system will include a dedicated interface for children.

Culinary experience

What is changing about economy class meals on flights to Europe?

Passengers on short-haul flights to Europe will be able to choose between a sandwich and a poke bowl.

What changes are coming to premium-cabin menus?

Under the culinary direction of chef Assaf Granit, EL AL is introducing new menus and tableware in its premium cabins. The menus will offer a broad selection of dishes, emphasizing healthy, protein-rich meals, alongside a curated dessert cart.

Will nutritional information be available?

Yes. Developed in collaboration with a nutritionist, the new menus will display nutritional information alongside each dish to help passengers choose meals that suit their preferences.

What is new about the welcome service on long-haul flights?

Passengers on long-haul flights will be welcomed with a collection of Israeli chocolates developed exclusively for EL AL by De Karina Chocolatier, based in Ein Zivan in northern Israel.

In-flight Wi-Fi: Starlink

When will Starlink Wi-Fi be introduced?

EL AL plans to begin introducing Starlink satellite internet service across its fleet in 2027.

Will Starlink Wi-Fi be free?

Wi-Fi will be complimentary on flights where the service is available, subject to terms and conditions.

What will the new Wi-Fi service allow passengers to do?

The high-speed broadband connection will enable passengers to stream content, work remotely and access online services during their flights.

Digital experience

What is Travel Mode in the EL AL app?

Travel Mode is a feature that becomes available 48 hours before departure and brings together essential information passengers need to prepare for their flights.

Can passengers receive flight updates without opening the app?

Yes. The Live Activities feature will provide real-time updates directly on passengers’ phone screens without requiring them to open the app.

Digital service representative: Ella

Who is Ella, and how can she help passengers?

Ella is an artificial intelligence-powered service representative that provides initial responses to customer inquiries, displays relevant information from a passenger’s booking and helps complete tasks or directs customers to the appropriate service representative.