Longer lines at TLV
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: IL
Programs: UA Gold, DL Silver, Hertz PC, Avis Pref+, Accor Silver
Posts: 1,095
Longer lines at TLV
For the past year or so I've noticed the pre-checkin lines get longer and longer.
Not rocket science, the IAA knows exactly how many pax are coming, yet consistently understaffs the security detail.
Not rocket science, the IAA knows exactly how many pax are coming, yet consistently understaffs the security detail.

#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
Yup, also noticed issues. There are more passengers than ever before flying and to the naked eye there are fewer security officials interviewing. Some of the time compared to a few years ago is a wash with the lack of pre-check-in x-ray, but still annoying.
#3
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: 30,000 Feet
Programs: LY Top Platinum, AA Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 863
I have noticed that the post-check-in security has gotten ridiculously slow and inefficient. TLV security used to be a breeze compared to the TSA. Lately, the wait times have gotten worse.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
Used to be that the HBO line had its own security after the interview, but not anymore - even though there is a set-up for security right after. That's annoying and cuts in. (Maybe they felt it was no longer necessary after LCCs moved to T1? But it is.)
The C line can be quick but they frequently have just 1 machine and WTMD, so if one person has an issue, it blocks the line.
#5
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Melbourne
Programs: QF WP
Posts: 188
what effect does this have for EL Al business class passengers ?.....Reason being we have an upcoming 5.45am flight from TLV to JNB and was wondering what time we need to be at the airport...My wife has an Israeli and Australian passport whilst I only have an Australian passport
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Yiron, Israel
Programs: Bates Motel Plat
Posts: 68,764
It will have no effect at all. They have separate lines for pre-check in security and I have never had more than one or two people ahead of me in those lines. From there, you will go to the King David check in desks (you should finish with that in less than 5 minutes). Your next step will be the "TSA type" security check but just go to the very far right (your right as you are walking in) and at the very end you will see a line reserved for Biz-FC pax on any airline. Generally, I am the first one in that line. If you don't want to do any duty free shopping or sit in the King David Lounge, you should have no problem arriving at the airport 2 hours before your flight.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: IL
Programs: UA Gold, DL Silver, Hertz PC, Avis Pref+, Accor Silver
Posts: 1,095
Tue night 10pm B counters. Huge line. Four security checkers; one on groups, one on business, two on the huge line. Then reduced to zero - one walked and one went in search of pax soon boarding.
Coming up to an hour, standing here and waiting because the %)@#@ IAA cannot get its #&@ act together. They run a huge surplus - what the hell is the problem here???
Coming up to an hour, standing here and waiting because the %)@#@ IAA cannot get its #&@ act together. They run a huge surplus - what the hell is the problem here???

#9
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Zichron Yakov, Israel
Programs: SPG Gold
Posts: 804
I flew out 10 days ago on Business Class on Lufthansa, and security interview line took 30 minutes at 2AM. I also noticed that they didn't check at all if I was really business class for the security interview.
#10
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,377
Mostly they don't ask as long as you say you are travelling in J, although I was once asked by a somewhat over-zealous security agent to show my BP, I figure with shorts and a t-shirt I don't necessarily look like the common business traveller.
#12
Join Date: Feb 2005
Programs: EL AL Matmid, BA Executive Club GfL, GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Avis President's Club
Posts: 2,047
#15
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: TK E+, RJ G, AZ E
Posts: 1,693
Sh*t something happens (or may not in this case of LY but I dont really know).