All Members
Longer accumulation perio
.Q: Now that I can accumulate points for three years, are there still old and new points?
A: Based on the new system, your points will be "good" for three years regardless when you accumulated them. No more "new" and "old" points.
2.Q: In my account I have points that will be older then four years after July 1, 2004. Will I lose these points because of the new accumulation period? Will I be able to use them?
A: As part of the new program, El Al will allow its members to use these points until June 30th 2004. after July 1st, the points will expire. The vouchers issued from these points will be valid for 1 year.
3.Q: In my account I have points that have just expired. What will happen to these points now that I have three years to accumulate?
A: One of the big advantages of this program is that points older then two years that were considered old and could only be used for upgrades will now be good for a bonus tickets for the whole three years period. These points can be redeemed until June 30th 2004.
4.Q: Due to the longer time in which points could be accumulated, would the time I have to use my partner point change as well?
A: No. Partner points are valid indefinitely.
Bonus Vouchers
5.Q: I was issued a bonus voucher to Europe in peak season before July 1, 2004. I want to change the destination, what do I have to do?
A: Your rights will not be harmed. All the vouchers issued in the old system can be changed for a 30$ fee in the restrictions of the old system.
6.Q: Since you increased the amount of points needed to get a bonus ticket on business and first class, did you increase the amount of points I accumulate as well?
A: As a part of the improvement of our club, we also increased the amount of points accumulated on business and first classes to all destinations.
7.Q: Why do I have to decide whom I want to give the voucher to before I request it?
A: The bonus voucher gives you an unlimited right to issue a ticket. The voucher can be given to anybody, without restriction, and without a name on it can be used as an "open check". In order to make sure that your voucher is not abused, we will make sure, as of July 1st , 2004, that the name on the voucher matches the name on the reservation. A voucher that does not match will not be ticketed. You would be able to change the name on the voucher at any time. All you have to do is contact our Frequent Flyer service centre and give them your account number and PIN code and request the name change.The change is subject to a fee.
8.Q: Will the points required to get a peak season voucher still be higher then the off peak season?
A: Starting July 1st , 2004, there will no longer be peak and off-peak seasons. Same price, all year long, regardless when you want to go.
9.Q: Why did you raise the amount of points required for a child bonus ticket?
A: Like all the other airlines, ELAL will allow children over the age of two to join the club. As a part of the new program- we even made the bonus tickets cheaper for children over the age of 12! We allow children to accumulate points just like adults even though a child ticket is substantially cheaper. Children will earn and burn points just like adults.
Special booking classes for Bonus Tickets
10.Q: Now, when ELAL announced special booking classes for bonus tickets what are the advantages of flying ELAL's over its competitors?
A: Many advantages. First, there is no other airline that doesn't ticket bonus ticket in special booking classes. In addition, in other airlines there are blackout dates where bonus tickets cannot be used at all. In ELAL there is no such thing. Furthermore, ELAL operates flights to many destinations and several flights a day to the popular ones - so you accumulate points to all destinations and redeem bonus tickets however you like. This is without taking into consideration the attractive price of the bonus tickets, in comparison to our competitors. In order to ensure you will get a bonus ticket on our popular flights please make sure you make your reservation in advance.
11.Q: Is there a chance that when I call to book a bonus ticket, there won't be an available seat?
A: El Al will allocate seats for bonus travelers all year long. We recommend you call well in advance to reserve your seats, especially on our popular destinations. In case all seats are no longer available our reservations department will be more then happy to assist you in finding an alternative.
12.Q: I issued a bonus voucher prior to the system change, does this voucher also apply to the bonus booking classes?
A: Besides the special booking classes ELAL will operate after July 1, 2004, you will be able to use vouchers issued before July 1st 2004 according to the old regulations.In other words the voucher applies to the old rules.
13.Q: How can I book a bonus ticket today, for a flight after July 1, 2004, on the special booking classes?
A: The special booking classes are already available! You can call our reservations department in order to make your reservation.
Upgrades
14.Q: Since bonus tickets are no longer upgradeable, can I still use upgrade vouchers on a ticket purchased with money?
A: Sure. Check with your travel agent or with ELAL that the fare you are purchasing is upgradeable.
Special Fares for Bonus Tickets
15.Q: I issued upgrade vouchers from my account in December 2003 and they are valid until December 2004. Can I use these vouchers to upgrade a bonus ticket after July 2004?
A: According to the rules of the club you cannot use an upgrade voucher on bonus tickets starting July 2004. This rule will apply on vouchers issued prior to July 1, 2004 as well. However, you will be able to use them on tickets you purchased with money.
16.Q: I issued an upgrade voucher to the U.S. on October 2003, which is valid until October 2004. Since this voucher was issued prior to the restriction forbidding the ticketing upgrade vouchers at the airport could I still have it ticketed there?
A: Starting July 2004, it will not be possible to ticket upgrade vouchers at the airport at all. Not even if they were issued before the new rules were in effect. We recommend that you ticket your voucher in one of the ELAL branches, and arrive at the airport already holding a business class ticket.
All Fares Get Credit
17.Q: I flew on October 1,2003 in G class. Today, thanks to the new regulations, I am eligible to get credit for G class. Can I get a retroactive credit for it?
A: Getting points for G or O tickets starts on July 1, 2004. You cannot get a retroactive credit.
Silver Status
18.Q: How do I get the Silver statues?
A: A Silver membership will be given to members who accumulated 1,000 points in 12 consecutive months from ELAL flights only.
19.Q: What are the benefits of the Silver membership in comparison to the regular Matmid status?
A: Members who achieved Silver status will enjoy the an additional 10% extra points accumulation on all flight activity. Thus, for Silver members, point accumulation is quicker toward bonus tickets and upgrades. Moreover, Silver member are eligible for last minute reduced upgrades (48 hours before departure), and a confirmed seating in Economy class for Y/cl ticket holders.
Platinum / Gold / Silver Members
The Extension of The Accumulation Period
20.Q: Now that I can accumulate points for three years, if I accumulate 2500 points in that 3-year period, could I renew my Gold statues?
A: The renewal of the status is subject to a 12 consecutive months accumulation from El Al flights. The 3 years period is relevant to issuing bonus tickets and upgrade vouchers. This is performed by all airlines.
21.Q: As a gold member I was able to accumulate sufficient points for a bonus ticket in the 12 consecutive months. What is the added value I get from changing the accumulation period?
A: The wide accumulation period of three years will only improve the conditions we will give you as a prestige member. It simplifies the accumulation program and creates a similar system to other airlines. You can use your points without any restriction for bonus vouchers. Your points will no longer get "old" after two years. You will be able to combine points that were acquired during the whole 3 years. Your statement will be much easier to understand. In general- life will be easier.
Point Accumulation for Prestige Members
22.Q: As a Platinum member I will accumulate 50% more points then the basic accumulation. Will those points count toward the renewal of my Platinum status?
A: The extra points given to Silver, Gold and Platinum members can be used for bonus vouchers (and special offers as well). These points are not taken into consideration for eligibility to renew your Silver, Gold or Platinum status.
Price of Business and First Class bonus vouchers
23.Q: As a Platinum member I was able to accumulate sufficient points in twelve consecutive months. The cancellation of the restrictions to issue bonus vouchers does not affect me. Why did you raise the amount of points needed from Gold/Platinum members for a bonus ticket in business or first?
A: As ELAL's most loyal and valued flyers, we want to preserve your unique benefits. That is why we give you more points. Gold members will accumulate 25% more then regular members, and Platinum will accumulate 50% more. In addition we also give more points for business and first class tickets. If you calculate the number of flights needed to earn a bonus ticket in business or first class - you need less !!!
Special booking classes for Bonus Tickets
24.Q: Will Silver, Gold, or Platinum members use the special booking classes for bones tickets as well?
A: The special booking classes for bonus tickets apply to all club members. Exactly like all other airlines.
Upgrades
25.Q: Now that the accumulation period has been extended to three years, will my chances to get a last minute upgrade improve?
A: The extension of the accumulation period only regards the use of the points for bonus tickets and upgrades. Last minute upgrades will be offered according to availability of seats and the points earned from ELAL flights only in twelve consecutive months.
26.Q: Why was the requirement of points accumulated needed for a last minute upgrade raised to 1000 points?
A: ELAL rewards the best benefits to its most frequent flyers. Since the Silver members need at least 1000 points within 12 consecutive months - this restriction is very logical.
27.Q: Will I be eligible for a last minute upgrade if I hold a bonus ticket?
A: Starting July 1, 2004, bonus tickets will not be upgradeable at all.
28.Q: What are the requirements for upgrades based on the new system?
A: upgrade vouchers can only be done for tickets that were purchased with money. To business class you can upgrade only from the S/M/Y fares. Upgrades to First class are valid for C/cl ticket holders (last minute upgrades - to I or C cl/ ticket holders). Last Minute upgrades to business (to all destinations) are given only to members who accumulated over 1000 points in twelve consecutive months. Last minute upgrades to first (to all destinations) are given only to members who accumulated over 1600 points in twelve consecutive months. To business class, they will only be eligible from S/M/Y class. To first, they will only be eligible from I/ C class. The list of eligible members for last minute upgrades will be sorted as follows : - The booking class (Y, S, M). - The statues of the member (Platinum, Gold, Silver). - The number of points accumulated in the last 12-month period.
Loyal / Buy and Fly Clubs
29.Q: I am a member in the Loyal club and accumulate point alone. In the new program will I automatically be transferred to the Matmid club?
A: If you are a Loyal member you will profit "big time" from the change. You will automatically be transferred to the Matmid club and will enjoy cheaper bonus tickets. All of your points will be transferred with you to the Matmid club. We also give you the opportunity to reach the Silver, Gold, and Platinum status, depending on your flight activity. The transfer to Matmid will be done automatically and a new card will be sent to your address.
30.Q: As a member of the Buy and Fly club I was able to purchase points for 0.50$ per point. Will I still be able to do so in the Matmid program?
A: ELAL's frequent Flyer clubs allow you purchase points. In the Matmid the bonus vouchers are 50% cheaper then in the Loyal and Buy and Fly clubs. The right to purchase points is also reserved in the Matmid club for 1$ per point. It is important to mention that for bonus tickets you can only purchase points if you have over 500 points in your account, or have at least half of the required amount. You can only purchase up to 1000 points. For bonus upgrades you need half of the amount needed to be able to purchase the difference.
31.Q: As part of the combined accumulation, my wife and me accumulated the points from our credit cards together. Can we still accumulate these points together?
A: In the transfer to the Matmid club each one of you will be transferred with the points he acquired alone. In addition, as members in the Matmid club you will be able to transfer points from other credit cards, if you have more then one. Each one of you would be able to transfer point to your account, and in case the credit card company allows it to your spouses account as well. (In the U.S,A the only card is American Express).
32.Q: As a member of Buy and Fly I was able to transfer points from my VISA card for a 1:20 ratio. Does the same ratio apply for Matmid?
A: As a member of Matmid you will be able to transfer points from different credit cards, if you have more then one. The transfer ratio is adjusted to the Matmid club (you can find the ratio for every credit card on ELAL's website).
Head in the Clouds
33.Q: As a member of Head in the Clouds I accumulated points for 10 years. What will happen to points that are older than three years when I am transferred to Matmid?
A: As a member of "head in the Clouds" ELAL offers you a special bonus- no matter how old your points are, they will all be valid for three years from the date you were transferred.