First-time
 

Hi, I'm going on a birthright trip to Israel in a week-and-a-half. I'm super excited! I've never been out of the country save a trip to Dominican Republic when I was young.

I'm flying out of Newark on a 747. There is another milestone -- as I'm from Long Island, I've never been to Newark before. What is the El Al terminal like at Newark? What are the amenities and meals offered on the flight? My departing flight leaves 2:30 in the afternoon and the return leaves Israel after midnight.

Thanks.

Terminal C at EWR was opened about 20 years ago. The EL AL counters are at the far end. The ticketing area can be small, and particularly when there is a birthright group crowded since many arrive for check in at the same time. Expect to receive your ticket when you arrive at EWR from your birthright trip provider or the Gil Travel representative there. After check you can usually go down 1 level to the food court which is a little more modern, but nothing to write back to Long Island about. They have the usual, starbucks, chili's, macdonald's, sabaro, and chinese.

You should receive a beverage, hot meal just after departure, about 4 movies through the flight, and a breakfast about 90 minutes before arrival. I suspect you are on a 744 which should have the personal entertainment delivery system in the seat backs. You might get a small amenity kit including a sleep mask, ear plugs and mini masager, but no promises.
My departing flight leaves 2:30 in the afternoon and the return leaves Israel after midnight.

Travel well.

LY uses terminal B in EWR, not C.