Mats
Jul 1, 12, 5:29 am
Preface
I typically go to Israel every year, but I missed a year due to a job change. Needless to say, I was more than eager to be headed back.
The Pacific Northwest was living up to its rainy and dark reputation, and I was relishing at the thought of blazing desert heat and warm Mediterranean waters.
Having been divorced in April, taking on vast new job responsibilities, etc., a trip out of town seemed like a particularly good idea. I’d been on a few trips to conferences (Chicago, Cleveland, Newark), but those weren’t actual vacations.
Selecting a Carrier
I had my choice of multiple Star Alliance choices from Seattle to Tel Aviv. The past few trips have been on Continental/United via Newark, but their “Z” fares were at least $7,000. Air Canada, however, offered something about $3,500 less than that. As a MileaegePlus Platinum, I—at least in theory—will not lose out on any PQMs. Furthermore, my dad has become an Air Canada loyalist, and encouraged me to give them a try.
My older sister lived in Canada for a while and detested it. My brothers-in-law went to U of T and McGill, and equally hated it. I’ve always liked Canada, but I’ve never lived there. When I told them that I was flying on Air Canada, my brother-in-law said, “There’s no excuse. Don’t even try to defend yourself.” They fly Air France and Air France only.
Sea-Tac
I knew it would be trouble. It was the week of the Fourth of July, and I’d read on FlyerTalk about disasters involving Air Canada check-in. I was entirely unsurprised to find a ”cluster” (you can fill in the rest of that noun yourself) at the United/Air Canada check-in. Just like my last two trips, there was a lot of yelling and confusion.
Following the advice of FlyerTalk, I walked over to the United First Class/Premier check-in. There was still a 15-minute wait (due to passengers with reservation and upgrade issues), but the agent happily checked me in for an Air Canada flight. No questions asked.
Air Canada has no First Class/Star Gold check in of its own, but its ground operations are all handled by United.
Security was similarly crowded, and there was a lot of yelling (this time, it came from contract staff at the entrance, not actual TSA personnel.) It’s a great way to start the day!
The Premier/PreCheck line took about 15 to 20 minutes. The staff were actually quite friendly, and the Travel Document Checker was apologetic because I wasn’t eligible for PreCheck despite using a NEXUS card for ID. She politely smiled and rolled her eyes when I quoted John Pistole, who said, “We’re not yet comfortable with people traveling to Canada.” It’s impossible to find any logic behind this plan.
The full-body ionizing radiation scans were not in use at the premier checkpoint (yippee!) and it was merely a matter of waiting rather than anxiety about a potential need to opt-out. The TSA staff wisely had a friendly, quiet guy making sure that everyone was adequately prepared. It’s so much smarter than yelling. Gold star for this man. He peered over at my laptop and liquids and said, “You know what you’re doing. Have a good trip.”
I had just enough time for a latte and some juice in the United Club. The staff were—as always—welcoming. They took a moment to take care of the document check that is usually handled at the gate. No problems, all smiles.
30 June 2012
Air Canada 540
SEA-YYZ
Seat 1A
Boarding was complex. Somehow the United agent was unaware that that the Embraer 190 has 33 rows of seats, not 32. So United had already conducted voluntary or involuntary denied boarding for three passengers, giving them $300 and first class on the next flight, despite the fact that there were four empty seats.
The United agent wisely chose to let the passengers keep the compensation and upgrades, but it delayed our departure briefly.
The cabin crew were cheerful and organized for the entire flight. I wouldn’t say that they were personable, but they certainly put forth a solid effort. Unlike US carriers (probably due to union regulations,) the crew were quick to help anyone needing assistance with overhead lockers.
I thought that seat 1A was an excellent choice. Plenty of legroom, no neighbors.
Air Canada’s enRoute entertainment was available gate-to-gate, and even included a map display (I love this.)
There was a printed menu:
Welcome aboard. A choice of orange juice or mineral water will be served prior to departure.
Sliced seasonal fruit (a big plate of pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew, and strawberries)
Yogurt (the same strange stuff they have in the United Club. It’s not inedible; it’s just weird.)
Parsley omelette with chicken sausage, cottage cheese, roasted red skin potatoes and red pepper relish
or
Pancakes with maple butter, chicken sausage and cran-apple compote
Warm breads with butter and preserves
Freshly brewed Second Cup coffee or a selection of tea and herbal teas (served with milk, cream, or lemon)
Oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip cookies baked fresh on board will be served with gourmet vanilla ice cream prior to landing (actually, it was dark chocolate and white chocolate/macadamia with Haagen Dazs)
A cocktail snack and a full selection of beverages are available at all times throughout the flight.
I skipped the main course and just had the setup, which was perfectly adequate. I certainly didn’t pass up the beautiful cookies and Haagen Dazs.
Time passed quickly; I watched two episodes of Frontline, read, and pretty soon we were landing.
Unlike US carriers, light chop does not constitute a reason for Air Canada to illuminate the “fasten seatbelt” sign, so passengers wanting to visit the bathroom, obtain hand luggage, etc. were not punished.
We had a long taxi, but eventually pulled into gate 34.
Toronto/Pearson
I knew that I’d be in store for a long walk. It didn’t actually mind very much.
There is an immigration checkpoint, but there was nobody in line. I had no onward boarding card (United couldn’t print it), but my printed itinerary was sufficient to prove that I was traveling onward.
I ended up chatting with the immigration officer and her colleague. A woman had just been denied boarding because she was getting progressively ill. “I think they made a good choice, don’t you think so, Doctor?” I’m guessing that Global Entry and NEXUS indicated my profession. I concurred that someone very sick at the gate should not embark on anything involving a flying aluminum tube.
I headed to the Maple Leaf Lounge, which wasn’t hard to find nor far away. Despite rumors about poor signage, I didn’t seem to have any trouble.
The receptionist gladly printed my onward boarding card. I also noted that my baggage tag receipt only noted the Tel Aviv flight, not the Seattle-Toronto leg. She put in the bag numbers and called the help desk, later assuring me that there should not be a problem. I’ll find out in a few hours!
Although there had been tragic FlyerTalk reviews of the Maple Leaf Lounge, I found it to be entirely adequate. In fact, the shower was enormous, and it felt great. The staff were accommodating and pleasant, wishing me “Shalom,” as I headed onward.
30 June 2012
Air Canada 84
YYZ-TLV
Seat 7A
The secondary security check for Tel Aviv extremely quick and painless. It is operated by CATSA (i.e. the government rather than a contractor.) It merely involved a single swab of bags and hands. It took less than 10 seconds at the very most. The staff were friendly and wished me a pleasant trip. I’m sure it’s security theatre, but it was entirely unobtrusive.
Although the flight was full, boarding was orderly and friendly. I was standing in line behind a large family with strollers and little kids. They hadn’t signed their passports either. The agent started to usher me past them, but agreed with me that there was no great value in doing so. I ended up chit-chatting with the agent, and it really wasn’t a problem.
Once on board, I found myself completely comfortable in 7A. No neighbors, cocoon-like seat, “mood lighting,” and an aura of spaciousness. Juice, water, and newspapers were readily available during boarding.
Some nitwit failed to board, so we had to wait for her bags to be offloaded.
Fortunately, “D.S.” (the woman who failed to board) didn’t delay us too long, and we made an extremely expeditious taxi and takeoff.
The crew were once again professional, friendly, and accommodating. They weren’t casual and chummy, but certainly warm. It’s worth noting that they were substantially younger than US-based crews who travel to Tel Aviv. Perhaps Air Canada’s seniority system works differently.
There was no “speaker” on board today’s flight, and the purser apologized. There were a lot of people off for Canada Day, so announcements were limited to English and French. The safety video, however, had Hebrew subtitles. I heard very little Hebrew spoken among the passengers, so I don’t think this was a tremendous problem.
Drinks and dinner were served very promptly. Meal orders were taken from revenue passengers first (i.e. me.)
The menu was as follows:
Welcome Aboard
We are pleased to offer you a selection of flavorful and innovative dishes on you flight today.
Thank you for flying Air Canada.
ENJOY YOUR MEAL!
Bienvenue à bord
nous sommes heurex de vous offrir une selection de plats goûteux et unique à bord de votre vol aujourd’hui.
Merci d’avoir choisi Air Canada.
BON APPÉTIT!
ברוכים הבאים
אנו שמתים להציע לצם מבחר תבשילים טעיםים ויצירטיים
.בטיסטנו היום
!בתאוון
DINNER
Appetizer
Pan-seared Scallops and marinated Tiger Prawns served with a Fennel and Dill Salad on Cucumber Carpaccio. (I wouldn’t call it “carpaccio,” but thumbs up for the fennel/dill situation. It was very fresh and very good.)
Salad
Mixed Greens, Peppers, Asiago, Romano and Parmesan served with Balsamic vinaigrette. (Again, two thumbs up. No choice of dressing, as is common among the US carriers, but this was the freshest airplane salad I think I’ve ever consumed. It had a nice smattering of fresh basil. I would have eaten three of these if offered.)
Main Courses
Each meal is served with a selection of fresh Breads with Butter
Grilled AAA Beef Tenderloin presented with Madeira Mushroom Sauce
Garlic mased Potato, Green Beans, Spinach and Shallots
Braised Chicken accompanied by Cumin and Tomato Sauce
jasmine Cilantro Rice and Broccoloni
This was DYN-O-MITE! Spicy, warm, fresh, It was far better than Continental’s Tandoori Chicken, which I really like. I couldn’t stop mopping up the sauce with bread. Well done, Air Canada catering!
Pan-seared Atlantic Salmon offered with Dill Velouté
Pearl Medley of Brown Rice and Black Barley, Daikon Seeds, Carrot, Zucchini, and Parsnip
Risotto with roasted Mushrooms and Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese
Selection of Cheese
Camembert, Yellow Cheddar, and Oka served with Crackers
Choice of Desserts
Sticky Toffee Apple Cranberry Cake with Whipped Cream
Sliced Seasonal Fruit
AT YOUR LEISURE
Choose one or more of the following flight snack options.
Simply ask your flight attendant at anytime between meal services
Grilled Eggplant and Red Pepper Sandwich and mini Bagel with Egg Salad
Vegetable Samosas and Chicken Tenders
Selection of Packaged Snacks and fresh Fruit (always available at the front of the cabin)
PRE-ARRIVAL BREAKFAST
Please note that breakfast will be served approximately 90 minutes prior to arrival. Should you prefer to eat at an earlier time, please inform your flight attendant.
Fresh Orange Juice
Sliced seasonal Fruit
Yogurt
Croissants and Blueberry Muffins with Butter and Preserves
Dill Mackerel and Grape Tomato, Capers and Cucumber
Main Courses
Parsley Omelette offered with Chicken Sausage, Cottage Cheese, roasted Potatoes and Red Pepper Relish
Pancakes with Maple Butter, Cran-apple Compote and Chicken Sausage
Notes on Seats, Meals and Service
1. The seat is great. Angled, flat, and private. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I slept very, very well. I am definitely a fan of the “A” side of the Executive First cabin.
2. The meal service was of extraordinarily high quality. Dessert was a let-down. Although the cake was served warm, it’s not the same as a sundae or ice cream with cookies. (Damn me and my fattening American taste buds.) The cake was also pretty blah. Everything else was perfect.
3. Interestingly, alcohol was served from full bottles, not minis. I found the liquor selection to be quite limited, but the wine more than compensated for this.
4. The Matchbook Syrah was not a pricey wine, but I certainly liked it. I liked it a LOT.
5. The bread was of exceptionally high quality. I shamelessly inhaled two warm mini-baguettes with Quebecois butter. Check plus!
I woke up somewhere over France, fell back asleep for a while, and then awoke again about two hours prior to landing.
I skipped the hot entrees for breakfast; neither one seemed appealing. But the coffee was reasonably strong, and the orange juice tasted good. The yogurt mysteriously contained “probiotics.” I feel fortunate that my stomach has not yet retaliated.
There was an announcement about remaining seated for the last 30 minutes of the flight. This was marginally enforced, and there were no threatening announcements about diversions, congregating in aisles, or anything else that typifies air travel in the USA.
We made a round-about arrival in to Ben Gurion, but this resulted in a short taxi.
Ben Gurion Airport
I raced off the plane, as usual, so as to avoid the long lines at immigration. No such luck. An easyJet plane had just arrived with European tourists, who all seemed rather lost, and definitely not interested in respecting how lines work.
It seemed that many of the European guests did not “know the drill,” couldn’t answer questions, and were referred on to secondary evaluation.
Despite the long wait, the immigration officer greeted me in Hebrew, asked where I was staying, and that was it. “CLUNK!” stamp on my passport, much to the dismay of the easyJetters. A few Swiss and Swedish tourists glared at me.
There is supposedly going to be a Global Entry kiosk at Ben Gurion Airport, but there certainly wasn’t one in sight.
The long wait at immigration meant that my bag was waiting for me, and I hopped in cab instantaneously. Above all, I was happy to see that my bag made it despite the deceptive baggage receipt.
Despite the long wait at immigration and a few traffic jams, I made it from my airplane seat to my hotel room in Jerusalem in less than 90 minutes.
I typically go to Israel every year, but I missed a year due to a job change. Needless to say, I was more than eager to be headed back.
The Pacific Northwest was living up to its rainy and dark reputation, and I was relishing at the thought of blazing desert heat and warm Mediterranean waters.
Having been divorced in April, taking on vast new job responsibilities, etc., a trip out of town seemed like a particularly good idea. I’d been on a few trips to conferences (Chicago, Cleveland, Newark), but those weren’t actual vacations.
Selecting a Carrier
I had my choice of multiple Star Alliance choices from Seattle to Tel Aviv. The past few trips have been on Continental/United via Newark, but their “Z” fares were at least $7,000. Air Canada, however, offered something about $3,500 less than that. As a MileaegePlus Platinum, I—at least in theory—will not lose out on any PQMs. Furthermore, my dad has become an Air Canada loyalist, and encouraged me to give them a try.
My older sister lived in Canada for a while and detested it. My brothers-in-law went to U of T and McGill, and equally hated it. I’ve always liked Canada, but I’ve never lived there. When I told them that I was flying on Air Canada, my brother-in-law said, “There’s no excuse. Don’t even try to defend yourself.” They fly Air France and Air France only.
Sea-Tac
I knew it would be trouble. It was the week of the Fourth of July, and I’d read on FlyerTalk about disasters involving Air Canada check-in. I was entirely unsurprised to find a ”cluster” (you can fill in the rest of that noun yourself) at the United/Air Canada check-in. Just like my last two trips, there was a lot of yelling and confusion.
Following the advice of FlyerTalk, I walked over to the United First Class/Premier check-in. There was still a 15-minute wait (due to passengers with reservation and upgrade issues), but the agent happily checked me in for an Air Canada flight. No questions asked.
Air Canada has no First Class/Star Gold check in of its own, but its ground operations are all handled by United.
Security was similarly crowded, and there was a lot of yelling (this time, it came from contract staff at the entrance, not actual TSA personnel.) It’s a great way to start the day!
The Premier/PreCheck line took about 15 to 20 minutes. The staff were actually quite friendly, and the Travel Document Checker was apologetic because I wasn’t eligible for PreCheck despite using a NEXUS card for ID. She politely smiled and rolled her eyes when I quoted John Pistole, who said, “We’re not yet comfortable with people traveling to Canada.” It’s impossible to find any logic behind this plan.
The full-body ionizing radiation scans were not in use at the premier checkpoint (yippee!) and it was merely a matter of waiting rather than anxiety about a potential need to opt-out. The TSA staff wisely had a friendly, quiet guy making sure that everyone was adequately prepared. It’s so much smarter than yelling. Gold star for this man. He peered over at my laptop and liquids and said, “You know what you’re doing. Have a good trip.”
I had just enough time for a latte and some juice in the United Club. The staff were—as always—welcoming. They took a moment to take care of the document check that is usually handled at the gate. No problems, all smiles.
30 June 2012
Air Canada 540
SEA-YYZ
Seat 1A
Boarding was complex. Somehow the United agent was unaware that that the Embraer 190 has 33 rows of seats, not 32. So United had already conducted voluntary or involuntary denied boarding for three passengers, giving them $300 and first class on the next flight, despite the fact that there were four empty seats.
The United agent wisely chose to let the passengers keep the compensation and upgrades, but it delayed our departure briefly.
The cabin crew were cheerful and organized for the entire flight. I wouldn’t say that they were personable, but they certainly put forth a solid effort. Unlike US carriers (probably due to union regulations,) the crew were quick to help anyone needing assistance with overhead lockers.
I thought that seat 1A was an excellent choice. Plenty of legroom, no neighbors.
Air Canada’s enRoute entertainment was available gate-to-gate, and even included a map display (I love this.)
There was a printed menu:
Welcome aboard. A choice of orange juice or mineral water will be served prior to departure.
Sliced seasonal fruit (a big plate of pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew, and strawberries)
Yogurt (the same strange stuff they have in the United Club. It’s not inedible; it’s just weird.)
Parsley omelette with chicken sausage, cottage cheese, roasted red skin potatoes and red pepper relish
or
Pancakes with maple butter, chicken sausage and cran-apple compote
Warm breads with butter and preserves
Freshly brewed Second Cup coffee or a selection of tea and herbal teas (served with milk, cream, or lemon)
Oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip cookies baked fresh on board will be served with gourmet vanilla ice cream prior to landing (actually, it was dark chocolate and white chocolate/macadamia with Haagen Dazs)
A cocktail snack and a full selection of beverages are available at all times throughout the flight.
I skipped the main course and just had the setup, which was perfectly adequate. I certainly didn’t pass up the beautiful cookies and Haagen Dazs.
Time passed quickly; I watched two episodes of Frontline, read, and pretty soon we were landing.
Unlike US carriers, light chop does not constitute a reason for Air Canada to illuminate the “fasten seatbelt” sign, so passengers wanting to visit the bathroom, obtain hand luggage, etc. were not punished.
We had a long taxi, but eventually pulled into gate 34.
Toronto/Pearson
I knew that I’d be in store for a long walk. It didn’t actually mind very much.
There is an immigration checkpoint, but there was nobody in line. I had no onward boarding card (United couldn’t print it), but my printed itinerary was sufficient to prove that I was traveling onward.
I ended up chatting with the immigration officer and her colleague. A woman had just been denied boarding because she was getting progressively ill. “I think they made a good choice, don’t you think so, Doctor?” I’m guessing that Global Entry and NEXUS indicated my profession. I concurred that someone very sick at the gate should not embark on anything involving a flying aluminum tube.
I headed to the Maple Leaf Lounge, which wasn’t hard to find nor far away. Despite rumors about poor signage, I didn’t seem to have any trouble.
The receptionist gladly printed my onward boarding card. I also noted that my baggage tag receipt only noted the Tel Aviv flight, not the Seattle-Toronto leg. She put in the bag numbers and called the help desk, later assuring me that there should not be a problem. I’ll find out in a few hours!
Although there had been tragic FlyerTalk reviews of the Maple Leaf Lounge, I found it to be entirely adequate. In fact, the shower was enormous, and it felt great. The staff were accommodating and pleasant, wishing me “Shalom,” as I headed onward.
30 June 2012
Air Canada 84
YYZ-TLV
Seat 7A
The secondary security check for Tel Aviv extremely quick and painless. It is operated by CATSA (i.e. the government rather than a contractor.) It merely involved a single swab of bags and hands. It took less than 10 seconds at the very most. The staff were friendly and wished me a pleasant trip. I’m sure it’s security theatre, but it was entirely unobtrusive.
Although the flight was full, boarding was orderly and friendly. I was standing in line behind a large family with strollers and little kids. They hadn’t signed their passports either. The agent started to usher me past them, but agreed with me that there was no great value in doing so. I ended up chit-chatting with the agent, and it really wasn’t a problem.
Once on board, I found myself completely comfortable in 7A. No neighbors, cocoon-like seat, “mood lighting,” and an aura of spaciousness. Juice, water, and newspapers were readily available during boarding.
Some nitwit failed to board, so we had to wait for her bags to be offloaded.
Fortunately, “D.S.” (the woman who failed to board) didn’t delay us too long, and we made an extremely expeditious taxi and takeoff.
The crew were once again professional, friendly, and accommodating. They weren’t casual and chummy, but certainly warm. It’s worth noting that they were substantially younger than US-based crews who travel to Tel Aviv. Perhaps Air Canada’s seniority system works differently.
There was no “speaker” on board today’s flight, and the purser apologized. There were a lot of people off for Canada Day, so announcements were limited to English and French. The safety video, however, had Hebrew subtitles. I heard very little Hebrew spoken among the passengers, so I don’t think this was a tremendous problem.
Drinks and dinner were served very promptly. Meal orders were taken from revenue passengers first (i.e. me.)
The menu was as follows:
Welcome Aboard
We are pleased to offer you a selection of flavorful and innovative dishes on you flight today.
Thank you for flying Air Canada.
ENJOY YOUR MEAL!
Bienvenue à bord
nous sommes heurex de vous offrir une selection de plats goûteux et unique à bord de votre vol aujourd’hui.
Merci d’avoir choisi Air Canada.
BON APPÉTIT!
ברוכים הבאים
אנו שמתים להציע לצם מבחר תבשילים טעיםים ויצירטיים
.בטיסטנו היום
!בתאוון
DINNER
Appetizer
Pan-seared Scallops and marinated Tiger Prawns served with a Fennel and Dill Salad on Cucumber Carpaccio. (I wouldn’t call it “carpaccio,” but thumbs up for the fennel/dill situation. It was very fresh and very good.)
Salad
Mixed Greens, Peppers, Asiago, Romano and Parmesan served with Balsamic vinaigrette. (Again, two thumbs up. No choice of dressing, as is common among the US carriers, but this was the freshest airplane salad I think I’ve ever consumed. It had a nice smattering of fresh basil. I would have eaten three of these if offered.)
Main Courses
Each meal is served with a selection of fresh Breads with Butter
Grilled AAA Beef Tenderloin presented with Madeira Mushroom Sauce
Garlic mased Potato, Green Beans, Spinach and Shallots
Braised Chicken accompanied by Cumin and Tomato Sauce
jasmine Cilantro Rice and Broccoloni
This was DYN-O-MITE! Spicy, warm, fresh, It was far better than Continental’s Tandoori Chicken, which I really like. I couldn’t stop mopping up the sauce with bread. Well done, Air Canada catering!
Pan-seared Atlantic Salmon offered with Dill Velouté
Pearl Medley of Brown Rice and Black Barley, Daikon Seeds, Carrot, Zucchini, and Parsnip
Risotto with roasted Mushrooms and Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese
Selection of Cheese
Camembert, Yellow Cheddar, and Oka served with Crackers
Choice of Desserts
Sticky Toffee Apple Cranberry Cake with Whipped Cream
Sliced Seasonal Fruit
AT YOUR LEISURE
Choose one or more of the following flight snack options.
Simply ask your flight attendant at anytime between meal services
Grilled Eggplant and Red Pepper Sandwich and mini Bagel with Egg Salad
Vegetable Samosas and Chicken Tenders
Selection of Packaged Snacks and fresh Fruit (always available at the front of the cabin)
PRE-ARRIVAL BREAKFAST
Please note that breakfast will be served approximately 90 minutes prior to arrival. Should you prefer to eat at an earlier time, please inform your flight attendant.
Fresh Orange Juice
Sliced seasonal Fruit
Yogurt
Croissants and Blueberry Muffins with Butter and Preserves
Dill Mackerel and Grape Tomato, Capers and Cucumber
Main Courses
Parsley Omelette offered with Chicken Sausage, Cottage Cheese, roasted Potatoes and Red Pepper Relish
Pancakes with Maple Butter, Cran-apple Compote and Chicken Sausage
Notes on Seats, Meals and Service
1. The seat is great. Angled, flat, and private. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I slept very, very well. I am definitely a fan of the “A” side of the Executive First cabin.
2. The meal service was of extraordinarily high quality. Dessert was a let-down. Although the cake was served warm, it’s not the same as a sundae or ice cream with cookies. (Damn me and my fattening American taste buds.) The cake was also pretty blah. Everything else was perfect.
3. Interestingly, alcohol was served from full bottles, not minis. I found the liquor selection to be quite limited, but the wine more than compensated for this.
4. The Matchbook Syrah was not a pricey wine, but I certainly liked it. I liked it a LOT.
5. The bread was of exceptionally high quality. I shamelessly inhaled two warm mini-baguettes with Quebecois butter. Check plus!
I woke up somewhere over France, fell back asleep for a while, and then awoke again about two hours prior to landing.
I skipped the hot entrees for breakfast; neither one seemed appealing. But the coffee was reasonably strong, and the orange juice tasted good. The yogurt mysteriously contained “probiotics.” I feel fortunate that my stomach has not yet retaliated.
There was an announcement about remaining seated for the last 30 minutes of the flight. This was marginally enforced, and there were no threatening announcements about diversions, congregating in aisles, or anything else that typifies air travel in the USA.
We made a round-about arrival in to Ben Gurion, but this resulted in a short taxi.
Ben Gurion Airport
I raced off the plane, as usual, so as to avoid the long lines at immigration. No such luck. An easyJet plane had just arrived with European tourists, who all seemed rather lost, and definitely not interested in respecting how lines work.
It seemed that many of the European guests did not “know the drill,” couldn’t answer questions, and were referred on to secondary evaluation.
Despite the long wait, the immigration officer greeted me in Hebrew, asked where I was staying, and that was it. “CLUNK!” stamp on my passport, much to the dismay of the easyJetters. A few Swiss and Swedish tourists glared at me.
There is supposedly going to be a Global Entry kiosk at Ben Gurion Airport, but there certainly wasn’t one in sight.
The long wait at immigration meant that my bag was waiting for me, and I hopped in cab instantaneously. Above all, I was happy to see that my bag made it despite the deceptive baggage receipt.
Despite the long wait at immigration and a few traffic jams, I made it from my airplane seat to my hotel room in Jerusalem in less than 90 minutes.