BOStonTravels

What is the current situation at TLV with business/first priority security lanes for LY passengers vs all other airlines?

Is it still the all airline business/first class security channel to the right of the regular security entrances? If memory serves this then leads to a dedicated passport control separate from the regular cues?

Prior to this security is there still an expedited initial lane for the baggage scan and interview? I remember once upon a time off to the far left there was a business/first signposted line that was always really short and then LY had its own dedicated area?

Any current info on the various VIP paid services? The Arbel/Masada lounges are a total waste IMHO but I am curious about the Express type service where it states you will be met at Gate 32 and fast tracked through check-in, security and passport control https://www.israelwelcome.com/airportvipservice.htm Does this offer any advantage to passengers already in business/first class on any airline including LY? Would they simply take you to your airline's priority check-in and then to the general priority security for all premium passengers or is there some dedicated area I am unaware of?

joshwex90

Prior to check-in, each zone has a dedicated F/C line for pre check-in security. AFAIK, all airlines have at least one line reserved for F/C/FFs. After check-in, the security for F/C is indeed to the right.

That does not lead to dedicated passport control - deposits you into the same passport hall. If you have a biometric passport from any country OR you have an Israeli passport that isn't biometric, you can use the automated kiosks on the right instead of waiting on a line.

I wouldn't spend money on the VIP services just to take a couple of minutes off.

BOStonTravels

Thanks a lot for responding. Are the pre check-in security lines still marked with signs for business/first?

I must have mis-remembered being deposited into a different lane for passport after security.

I am still curious, does the express service somehow skip going to check-in at the actual airline counter as it seems to suggest? I have unfortunately waited 40 minutes last time just to check in so I am curious about this?

joshwex90

They are all marked, but not often well. First find the zone you need and when entering the line, ask if that's the line for F/C. They will direct you the right place, if need be.

The VIP services may help shorten the check-in line, but it really depends on the airline. There are times AF has just 3 lines open and is dealing with 2 flights. They're not having unconnected services cut in line in front of waiting pax.

If you are in F/C, you shouldn't wait 40 minutes. At least I have yet to wait a long time when flying C on any of the airlines there.

BOStonTravels

Thanks, maybe I didnt write my question well, what I meant was if the VIP escort service simply would lead us to the regular airline business/priority counter for check-in or if they had there own special counter where they did that for you. I also wondered if the VIP service also simply led passengers to the regular business/first security before passport control or if they had there own separate area.

Unfortunately, my experience with Turkish and even BA is that it can often take quite some time to check in as everybody with any status across the alliance is using those priority lines and often has lots of bags.

flymeoutofhere

There are several levels of VIP service - there are explanations of each here https://www.touristisrael.com/tours/...urion-airport/
The SILVER and VIP Level will both cut the security queue (could save 10-20 mins even in the C queue), and then lead you to the business class check-in counter. Could be a queue there, depending on the situation. For baggage security you'll go to the C queue, and for passport control if non-biometric, to the crew line. The GOLD level will take you to a VIP lounge called Masada and the procedure will all take place (checkin, security, passports), there whilst you relax, and then transfer to aircraft via private car.

BOStonTravels

Thank you, I see the different levels of service.

When you write the SILVER and VIP level will "cut" the security cue, even over the standard business/priority line, what do you mean? They are able to lead you in front of anyone else in that line or is there a separate area they use before leading to business class airline check-in?

flymeoutofhere

They usually cut into the area of the screenings (between the queue and check-in desk) basically jumping the business class queue (not sure if it's an official rule but seen it happen many times and looks procedural). Business class checkin queue isnt skipped but often seen the supervisor counter open up to handle the VIP pax, depending on the queue situation.

SQTraveller

Very interesting. After reading a TR on Israel, I am happy to see that there is a service to get a smoother security experience

FlyerTLV

You mean a smoother queue experience. The VIP queue-dodging service has no bearing on the security interview itself.