I have never flown El Al, and probably won't have the opportunity to anytime soon. I have, however, heard all sorts of "stories" about security on El Al. Would anyone with first hand knowledge care to respond to some of them? Thanks!

1. El Al has plain clothed armed guards on all flights.

2. El Al carries their own x-ray machine on the plane and uses it in foreign countries.

3. El Al does not announce departure or arrival gates. (How would that work?! )

4. El Al flights make unscheduled stops on a regular basis. (Is this true? Would it affect security?)