EL AL Matmid - El Al status match

I have been offered a status match by El Al in an attempt to woo me off BA. I am BA Gold so what level of Matmind should I expect?

Platinum.

Platinum.
Does LY match to TPL?

Does LY match to TPL?As far as I'm aware no, although if I were a M&M HON for example I would expect to be.

As far as I'm aware no, although if I were a M&M HON for example I would expect to be.
A colleague is Global Services with UA and is making aliyah, so he asked me about Matmid. I told him I didn't know if LY matches to TPL, but he would get TPL if they do match. I also advised him not to do it, and if he must leave UA, to switch to M&M and get HON. (I know they won't match it, but with his flying patterns, he should get it relatively quickly, and while he waits, Senator aint too bad.)

As far as I'm aware no, although if I were a M&M HON for example I would expect to be.

They do, and I was comped. There was a formal status match promo a few years ago, I was matched from LH HON to TPL, I think I got the status for only 6 months, but got 1200 points I think, and a couple of upgrade vouchers (and some nice bottles of wine and other gifts..). The best bit was the soft landing to PL for a year, then Gold for a year (both with free King David membership), then Silver for a year (paid $150 to use King David lounge).

They do, and I was comped. There was a formal status match promo a few years ago, I was matched from LH HON to TPL, I think I got the status for only 6 months, but got 1200 points I think, and a couple of upgrade vouchers (and some nice bottles of wine and other gifts..). The best bit was the soft landing to PL for a year, then Gold for a year (both with free King David membership), then Silver for a year (paid $150 to use King David lounge).

Did you ever fly LY after you were status matched?

To answer your question-

Yes. I've been offer TPL more than once (including an invitation to a nice dinner while on vacation), from a DL DM. I have a fair reason to believe though that some of the travel agents I worked with transferred the recommendation on this one.

(and, for the record, I declined. I know I should have taken it just for the welcome presents and points, but it wasn't right)

Agree that TPL would be the appropriate level.

Agree that TPL would be the appropriate level.
For a BA Gold?

Did you ever fly LY after you were status matched?
Sure - but not that much. I actually tried, but it didnt fit in too well my flying patterns (boss is on Oslo)!

For a BA Gold?

Yes. BA Gold is like Exec Plat on AA.

Yes. BA Gold is like Exec Plat on AA.

I think it's probably BA GGL rather than just BA Gold that one could argue should be matched to TPL, although having said that after a year of PL I think I used to get far better treatment as an LY Gold in the days when it was the top tier.

I have been offered a status match by El Al in an attempt to woo me off BA. I am BA Gold so what level of Matmind should I expect?

DON'T DO IT! Do not be fooled. There is no comparison to BA CW+First when you're speaking in terms of El Al. BA's Next Generation Club world offering is vastly superior to El Al First. Not even mentioning the level of Customer Service.

In BA as a Gold you are treated as royalty; as an El Al Gold you are treated as a nobody. If they give you Top Platinum *and* you only fly TLV->JFK, it might be worth it.

Otherwise, beware!

BA's Next Generation Club world offering is vastly superior to El Al First.Agree.


In BA as a Gold you are treated as royaltyi wouldn't go as far as royalty, but you do get treated well.

DON'T DO IT! Do not be fooled. There is no comparison to BA CW+First when you're speaking in terms of El Al. BA's Next Generation Club world offering is vastly superior to El Al First. Not even mentioning the level of Customer Service.

In BA as a Gold you are treated as royalty; as an El Al Gold you are treated as a nobody. If they give you Top Platinum *and* you only fly TLV->JFK, it might be worth it.

Otherwise, beware!

I'm inclined to agree but thought it's worth listening to what they propose. Thanks for the advice. Still on BA to TLV tomorrow though!

In BA as a Gold you are treated as royalty; as an El Al Gold you are treated as a nobody.

Not a fair comparison. Gold is BA's highest level. It's LY's second lowest level. Not to defend LY, but a fairer comparison would be TPL.
Comparing Gold to Gold (in this case) would be like comparing AA Gold (which is the lowest, 25K miles/year) to UA Gold (which is a mid-tier, 50K miles/year, and is *G)

Not a fair comparison. Gold is BA's highest level. It's LY's second lowest level. Not to defend LY, but a fairer comparison would be TPL.
Which would probably make it even worse to be honest considering what it takes to reach and retain TPL.

Anyway, Gold isn't the highest level within the Matmid program correct, but neither is BA Gold anymore as they now have GGL and as a GGL you really are treated extremely well (Including 2 "Jokers" a year meaning they will open up redemption availability for you and 4 other passengers on any flight in any class, .twice a year, providing there are seats available for sale which is an incredible benefit which can be increased to 3 a year when reaching 6000 tier points).

Fact is it's about as easy retaining Gold status with BA as it is Gold with LY while reaching PL is considerably harder, never mind TPL.

So even if I compared GGL to TPL .and I was a commuter on the TLV-LHR route travelling Business class it would take me between 22 (if buying the most expensive tickets) to 50 return trips to retain TPL while to retain GGL would be just under 11 trips and I could do that traveling on the cheapest business class fares.

All I can say is I was PL for a year (recently downgraded to GL) and I did not "feel the love" in any way..

Not a fair comparison. Gold is BA's highest level. It's LY's second lowest level. Not to defend LY, but a fairer comparison would be TPL.
Comparing Gold to Gold (in this case) would be like comparing AA Gold (which is the lowest, 25K miles/year) to UA Gold (which is a mid-tier, 50K miles/year, and is *G)

Gold is not BA's highest level. There are a couple higher levels than that, GGL (which is earned at a much higher level than gold) and Premier, which is invite-only.

Edit: I should probably refresh before replying :)

Unfortunately - for the first time in....a VERY long time i might have to fly LY to BKK. My corporate TA feels for me and has already approached LY for a status match (from BA GOLD).

The question is what will i be matched to? The TA told me that her contact (in LY) is pushing for PL (LY said GL was automatic) however based on the changes BA made to their program this February - would the comparison be more suited to TPL?

My alternative is to fly RJ - TLV-AMM-BKK, do you think I'll have any problems on UK clean passport (i.e. no stamps yet because just got a spanking new one :)

Reason for possibly shunning BA is because flying 5 hours out the way for $800 more is not worth it if i can fly either RJ Business for the same price or 'Y' or 'W' on LY for a little more.

Unfortunately - for the first time in....a VERY long time i might have to fly LY to BKK. My corporate TA feels for me and has already approached LY for a status match (from BA GOLD).

The question is what will i be matched to? The TA told me that her contact (in LY) is pushing for PL (LY said GL was automatic) however based on the changes BA made to their program this February - would the comparison be more suited to TPL?

Should be PL

My alternative is to fly RJ - TLV-AMM-BKK, do you think I'll have any problems on UK clean passport (i.e. no stamps yet because just got a spanking new one :)

What sort of problems? I see no reason to worry if transiting Jordan, with a UK passport, with no stamps.

Reason for possibly shunning BA is because flying 5 hours out the way for $800 more is not worth it if i can fly either RJ Business for the same price or 'Y' or 'W' on LY for a little more.

Great reason to avoid BA

In BA as a Gold you are treated as royalty; as an El Al Gold you are treated as a nobody.

Yes indeed; everybody saw how "accommodating and helpful" El Al was when President Peres wanted to fly to Canada on his country's "national airline" - on an official visit, no less.

:o :td: :o :td: :o :td:

.

Unfortunately - for the first time in....a VERY long time i might have to fly LY to BKK. My corporate TA feels for me and has already approached LY for a status match (from BA GOLD).

The question is what will i be matched to? The TA told me that her contact (in LY) is pushing for PL (LY said GL was automatic) however based on the changes BA made to their program this February - would the comparison be more suited to TPL?

My alternative is to fly RJ - TLV-AMM-BKK, do you think I'll have any problems on UK clean passport (i.e. no stamps yet because just got a spanking new one :)

Reason for possibly shunning BA is because flying 5 hours out the way for $800 more is not worth it if i can fly either RJ Business for the same price or 'Y' or 'W' on LY for a little more.
You'll be flying LY only once?
And why do you think the status will help you?
For an upgrade you need to fly 1000 points in the past 12 months...

You'll be flying LY only once?
And why do you think the status will help you?
For an upgrade you need to fly 1000 points in the past 12 months...

Bunch of new clients in HKG / NRT / BKK / SYD which means unless i position myself in LHR (which i tend to, by scheduling meetings in London before going to Asia) I'll probably have to start doing more trips out of TLV.

Based on that scenario - i have no choice but to start looking at LY.

What sort of problems? I see no reason to worry if transiting Jordan, with a UK passport, with no stamps.


Journey starting/ending TLV? To be honest i don't envisage any issues unless emergency landing in 'IKA' - then I'm a little exposed, shall we say.

Should be TPL
If one had BA GGL then there would would be am argument to match to TPL but as BA Gold they usually match to PL.

Journey starting/ending TLV? To be honest i don't envisage any issues unless emergency landing in 'IKA' - then I'm a little exposed, shall we say.

You shouldn't have a problem -if that would've been problematic, then RJ wouldn't fly the flight @:-)

If one had BA GGL then there would would be am argument to match to TPL but as BA Gold they usually match to PL.

Indeed I meant PL

So it came to be that I'll indeed be flying the flag ('Israel' one that is) in Business to BKK. They kindly matched my BA Gold to LY Platinum for 12 months which was much appreciated. It turns out that our offices in HKG & SNG are really doing well which will mean me getting over there quite often.

So after a very long sabbatical 7 years +, i shall be flying LY again.

Should be interesting.

So it came to be that I'll indeed be flying the flag ('Israel' one that is) in Business to BKK. They kindly matched my BA Gold to LY Platinum for 12 months which was much appreciated. It turns out that our offices in HKG & SNG are really doing well which will mean me getting over there quite often.

So after a very long sabbatical 7 years +, i shall be flying LY again.

Should be interesting.

Great! Hopefully they'll treat you right. Maybe after 7 years I'll give them another shot also. Right now I'm only about two years out :)

So it came to be that I'll indeed be flying the flag ('Israel' one that is) in Business to BKK. They kindly matched my BA Gold to LY Platinum for 12 months which was much appreciated. It turns out that our offices in HKG & SNG are really doing well which will mean me getting over there quite often.

So after a very long sabbatical 7 years +, i shall be flying LY again.

Should be interesting.

Don't forget to leave us feedback?

So it came to be that I'll indeed be flying the flag ('Israel' one that is) in Business to BKK. They kindly matched my BA Gold to LY Platinum for 12 months which was much appreciated. It turns out that our offices in HKG & SNG are really doing well which will mean me getting over there quite often.

So after a very long sabbatical 7 years +, i shall be flying LY again.

Should be interesting.


Fair match.

I live in SIN so when you get over here drop me a PM.

So after a very long sabbatical 7 years +, i shall be flying LY again.
My condolences Jonny... :D

My condolences Jonny... :D

Condolences indeed! :(

Having said that, after the the little news story you broke over on the BAEC forum [TLV to possibly go from L/H 767 to A320?] (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/1361378-tlv-possibly-go-l-h-767-a320.html)... condolences might not necessarily be needed!

Hi Jonnye, would be very interested how LY is now with the status match. I have also taken several years away from LY in favour of BA due to inconsistent service (to say the least).

With the new changes to the BAEC program and the possible aircraft change, may be looking to status match too.

Thanks,

Irubi

With the new changes to the BAEC program and the possible aircraft change, may be looking to status match too.If you're talking about the interlining of the status threshold between the UK and the rest of the world, while a bit of a bummer it's still far easier earning and maintaining status with BA than LY.

And as for the rumored aircraft changes, while many of us might not like the idea of losing WT+ and First, the new business class product on the A321s looks great (ALA LX) and still far far superior to LY's offering, plus they are talking about 3 flights a day.

The changes happening with BA's TLV product (if they happen) don't change the fact that LY still have and will have an inferior product.

If you're talking about the interlining of the status threshold between the UK and the rest of the world, while a bit of a bummer it's still far easier earning and maintaining status with BA than LY.

And as for the rumored aircraft changes, while many of us might not like the idea of loosing WT+ and First, the new business class product on the A321s looks great (ALA LX) and still far far superior to LY's offering, plus they are talking about 3 flights a day.

The changes happening with BA's TLV product (if they happen) don't change the fact that LY still have and will have an inferior product.

Agreed. And frankly for a long time those of us in TLV were getting away with murder on BA. We were a LH destination but had the EU status requirements. One trip to the states in club and we were silver, two and we were gold. I am also am not too keen on going to the a321 but BA still blows LY away by a long shot.

My only wish is that they time the flights a little more conveniently.

My only wish is that they time the flights a little more conveniently.Agreed! As I mentioned in the thread over at the BAEC forum, I think an early afternoon or mid day flight out of LHR would be prefect and allow for later connections from the US for example (especially if the TLV flights move to T1, would would require a longer connection time).

Thanks clubman & Bizflyin - looks like nothing that much has changed with LY over the years.

Yes, we had it good with BA - first with the OnBusiness devaluation and now the Exec Club higher rates needed - oh, for the good old days :p

Thanks clubman & Bizflyin - looks like nothing that much has changed with LY over the years.

Yes, we had it good with BA - first with the OnBusiness devaluation and now the Exec Club higher rates needed - oh, for the good old days :p

I got my status match to Platinum on LY. I booked and travelled Y last week and was upgraded both ways. J class distincty average when compared to BA.

...and now the Exec Club higher rates needed - oh, for the good old days :p

hmm - you are GGL - surely the 1500 TP required for gold re-qualification is not an issue. If you mean the change of GGL renewal from 2500 to 3000 I don't think it's that significant especially considering the increased level of TP received in the premium classes. For example in the past with 6 trips to the US you qualified (2880 TP), now you still qualify with 6 trips (3360).

Yes - it's more the GGL renewal, the Gold renewal is ok. But also (I am hoping) that I will have fewer flights on the schedule next year.

Any contact details for status match? I am going to fly a lot from AMS to TLV and I have to fly with El Al... but I am platinum elite with KLM... it would be nice to get matched. They are sending the 747 up and down this summer and I prefer that above the 737 klm is sending that way..!

Any contact details for status match?

You have a PM...

Bear in mind that the 744 operating on the route untill end of Aug is on Fridays only, but if that's your day of travel and you usually travel economy, all these flights seem to offer C seating with Y service which you'll be entitled to with GL/PL status (except for a couple of dates where the all economy lower deck 744 is operating the route).

Clubman - any chance you can send me those contact details too? I've been trying various email addresses for a few weeks now but no one at ElAl has sent me a response. Thanks.

Done dg252

Done dg252
Hi Clubman - Could you also send me the contact info regarding the LY status match? Much appreciated.

Hi Clubman - Could you also send me the contact info regarding the LY status match? Much appreciated.

For me as well - my LY status is about to end and I would like to explore status match options... Thanks.

What options or who do I call/email for see if EL AL would match my American Executive Elite or United Premier 1K status. Thanks.

If one had BA GGL then there would would be am argument to match to TPL but as BA Gold they usually match to PL.

Do we have confirmation that anyone has managed this? I'm interested...

Do we have confirmation that anyone has managed this? I'm interested...

I know of at least a couple who have tried but to no avail.

GGL to PL it was...

I know of at least a couple who have tried but to no avail.

GGL to PL it was...

I'm not really familiar with LY's scheme. Is PL worth it?

For me as well - my LY status is about to end and I would like to explore status match options... Thanks.


Yes me too,
But i am only BA silver so hope to try and get GOLD LY?


THANKS LOADS

Does anyone have the contact details of the EL-AL person responsible for this?

In order to apply for status match you need to send the following to fax 972-3-7604043:

copy of member card in your current airline

statement of full last 12 months of activity

add anything else you think is relevant

and dont forget to put your contact info (phone, email etc.)

I fly between 6 and 8 times a year LHR/TLV, and have been loyal to BA up to now, but like many others, am very cross over the loss of both WTP and FIRST on the route, let alone the switch to T1. I also dislike the Dan Lounges at Ben Gurion, which are always over-crowded.

I have BA Gold, and also Star Alliance Gold (with TK). Can anyone tell me if El Al ever does a status match?

And/or - I've read differing websites about whether one can purchase either a day pass or a year's membership of the TLV KD Lounge. I'd love to know how to do either. If it relies on a current LY member nominating you, I don't know if there is anyone on here who might...

Any advice gratefully received.

There is a current thread running on this subject (still on the home page) titled by the very original name "EL AL status match"...

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/el-al-matmid/1349661-el-al-status-match.html


But to answer your questions, yes they will match your BA Gold to LY Platinum which will give you free KD access regardless of which airline you're flying on the day (TLV only).

You can purchase a day pass using cash or points or yearly membership which costs $300, or $150 if you can register through an existing member (can very easily be done online), but it has to be a paying member.

out of interest, what class do you usually travel on the route?

I normally fly Business - and used to use my BA miles to upgrade to First, which has been withdrawn by BA from the TLV route :mad:

I've duly faxed El Al my card and recent transactions, and the information I have six return flights in a premium cabin to sort out between now and mid April, and I will live in hope.

What I don't quite get is if I do get an El Al Platinum card, will I need anything else (or have to pay anything else) to enter the KDL in TLV - even if I am on a BA flight?

No, with Platinum (and then also with your soft landing to Gold) comes free KD membership so nothing to pay when using the TLV lounge, regardless of who you're flying with.

Do you want the status match purely for KD, or are you planing to start flying LY? (wouldn't have thought so judging by your comments on the CDG thread)

You do realise LY's hard premium products (including F) are vastly inferior to BA's right?

How long is the soft landing period? I status matched to LY about 3 years ago from DL PM and found I only remained PL for about 6 months. If I match now, how long will it last? Should I wait until Jan 1? I fly LY very little, despite being based in TLV just because Matmid is terrible, but I would like lounge access etc.

Personally, if I were the OP, I'd status match to AA that way I could get miles both on BA and LY flights from LHR-TLV and then pay the $150 for the lounge membership. LY F is nothing to write home about - not worth switching airlines just for that and if you become a Matmid member, your redemption amounts will be terrible.

I have to say it is chiefly the lounge access at TLV I am after, as the Dan Lounge is always full and not very pleasant, and I do like the KDL. I had not heard that AA was doing status match with BA...

I'd happily do this an easier way and pay $150 to get KDL access for a year if someone can nominate me!

How long is the soft landing period? I status matched to LY about 3 years ago from DL PM and found I only remained PL for about 6 months.You should have had one year of Platinum and then a soft landing to a year of Gold followed by a further soft landing to Silver (though that doesn't give you much...).

I had not heard that AA was doing status match with BA...Thats because they aren't...



I'd happily do this an easier way and pay $150 to get KDL access for a year if someone can nominate me!Can't help you with that buddy a I'm a member through status.

You should have had one year of Platinum and then a soft landing to a year of Gold followed by a further soft landing to Silver (though that doesn't give you much...).

Actually, in the status-matches LY did 2-3 years ago they gave the status for 6 months, in which one had to earn half the points as LY usually requires to keep the status.

It lasts for one year

I wonder if anyone can give me some advice?

I am currently UA 1K, live in Israel, travel to the US about 7 times a year. Might make 1K again next year, might not. Is it worth trying for a status match to El Al? How do the programs compare? If this has already been asked, I'd be grateful for the link to the discussion.

Thanks,

Alex

I wonder if anyone can give me some advice?

I am currently UA 1K, live in Israel, travel to the US about 7 times a year. Might make 1K again next year, might not. Is it worth trying for a status match to El Al? How do the programs compare? If this has already been asked, I'd be grateful for the link to the discussion.

Thanks,

Alex
As a 1K, you'd be matched to Platinum (PL). The benefits of PL aren't as good (IMO) as 1K. There are no equivalent of GPUs on LY. Do you have specific questions of comparison?
I find UA better in terms of booking reward travel, regarding partners, miles required, etc.

What's important to you? What class of travel do you usually fly? 7 r/ts in deep discount buckets to NYC would give you just 700 points - not enough for Silver (SL) even; 7 r/ts in full F to NYC would be 7,000 points - enough for PL.

Thanks - this is helpful. Guess LY is not an option - still evaluating what other options would make sense since I'm not very happy with UA lately...

Thanks - this is helpful. Guess LY is not an option - still evaluating what other options would make sense since I'm not very happy with UA lately...
Many people aren't. Another good option could be Miles & More. You would have the option of LH (via FRA/MUC) and LX (via ZRH). Redemption is better than LY, though not as great as UA. But you would earn in all likelihood Senator, earning eVIPs (like SWUs/GPUs) and quite good treatment.

I'm not very happy with UA lately...

Many people aren't.

Why not?

Why not?
Ever since they merged with CO, people have been increasingly unhappy with the combined operations. Depending on where you're coming from, you may have any (or all) of the following complaints:

Service has gotten worse. By this, I refer to on board service, customer service on the phone and at the airport, etc.
Boarding has become extremely chaotic.
Upgrades aren't processing properly, and non-elites on cheapo tickets are being given priority sometimes on upgrades over high level elites in high fare buckets.
More frequent delays, cancellations, etc.
Significantly worse IRROPS service.
Out of touch remarks and decisions by upper management.