Originally Posted by
mikebg
Well, it's going to work out quite expensive for me, so I am taking it to heart! As far as I am concerned, this is no theoretical discussion. I moved to BA about 10 years ago after 10 years or so at the top level of the ELAL programme (was then Platinum, before they invented "Top Platinum") as I calculated it would save me a great deal, which it did (more than I expected). I have experienced ELAL prices this year, and they are far higher than BA's. So yes, this is impacting me in a major way. If I remain with BA I will not arrive at my destination "ready to go", which will waste time. If I move to ELAL I will lose a great deal of benefits which are worth a lot to me and my family, and will be forking out far more on flights (especially to the USA).
Reading your post in isolation, one could be forgiven for thinking that BA had withdrawn from the route completely. Sure, at the moment the A321 is a step down in terms of equipment and the timetable may be far from ideal, but these are not normal times. When some stability returns to the region (who knows when?), things will settle down. Crews will be able to nightstop in TLV and the rotations are likely to increase. Will the widebodies return? Again, who knows? The economics have been discussed above.
You may already have done so, but if the offer of extending your GGL status has not been extended to you (on the grounds that your EC account is not registered in Israel), you might make an (evidence-based) plea for similar treatment. It would be naive to think that BA is going to reverse its decision, but it may be prepared to mitigate its impact for those who have been significant customers.