Knowing that there are lots of TLV regulars, I thought I would tap the accumulated wisdom.

I will be arriving into TLV on the earlier BA flight (mid-afternoon arrival) one day next week and departing a couple of days later on the mid-afternoon BA departure.

I will be arriving back of the bus, and departing Y or J, but with Gold Card.

Is there added security for the LHR departure and, if so, what form does it take ?

Any advice on speeding up TLV immigration (more along the lines of keep to the left / centre / right of the arrivals hall, than the private limo airside meet and greet offerings) and, probably more significantly, how does one minimise the pain of the TLV departure experience (assuming it is still as painful as it was a number of years ago) ?

Last time I remember checking in at the Haifa in town check-in. Is that still an option and is it worth it if I have a Gold Card and use the speedier airport check-in options that go with that (assuming they do) ?

How long ahead need one arrive before departure, assuming a check in at the F / GCH desk ? Is there fast track security and does it work efficiently ? How is the lounge? Is there any decent airside shopping ?

Any advice gratefully received.