El Al adds Lite fare

A new fare structure will be introduced by El Al later this year in an attempt to fill the gap following a decision to axe its low-cost subsidiary airline UP, which was launched four years ago.

Managing director Northern Europe and Africa Oranit Beithalahmy told a briefing held to mark El Al’s 70th anniversary in 2018 that passengers with hand luggage only will be able to buy a new so-called Lite fare, a concept borrowed from UP.

It will be one of three ticket types. The others are Classic fares, which include 23kg of hold luggage and choice of seating, and fully-inclusive Flexible fares, which allow ticket changes at no additional cost. They go on sale in April for travel from 15 October.

UP, which was launched in 2014 and operates cheap flights between Israel and Berlin, Budapest, Kiev, Larnaca and Prague, will cease flying in October.

Beithalahmy said El Al had no intention of becoming a low-cost carrier, despite introducing Lite fares. All passengers would continue to receive full onboard service, including free in-flight meals, regardless of ticket type.

El Al has a double-daily service from Heathrow to Israel operated by Boeing B777 and B787 Dreamliners and also serves Ben Gurion Airport from Luton.

www.elal.com

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