Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - EL AL FIRST CLASS

Hello,
I am planning a trip to Jersulalem, Israel in the summer. I want to go first class, but it is very very expensive and i do not have many frequent flyer miles, only about 15,000 on delta. What is the easiest/cheapest way to earn enough miles to earn me a first class upgrade on Delta or El Al (i heard delta has a code chare agreement with el al)

I would even be willing to purchase an upgrade from someone. (if that is possible?)

As you can probobly already see, i am a 'newbie' in frequent flyer programs, and i need some assistance and guidence, so i would truly appreciate feedback.

Thanks Tons,
Michael
IBM, Inc.

First thing I can tell you is to shoot for Business Class (sometime reffered to as Platinum Class) which is great service and very comfy seats (esp. on the 747-400). El Al First is, IMHO, overkill. Its like being at a really, really fancy restaurant for 12 hours. Unless the 180 degree recline is sooooo important to you (Bus. is about a 140 degree recline) First is just not worth it when the Bus. product is a s good as it is.

I suggest you check with the Delta Airlines web site or call Delta. To upgrade to F you must buy a Business Class ticket which is expensive. To business a Y class ticket is usually OK.

Continental recently requires u to buy a full fare Y ticket to upgrade to Business. No longer can low fare APEX tickets be used for an intl upgrade.