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El Al to Resume Nonstop Service Between Miami and Tel Aviv

May 04, 2017
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3 min read
Israeli airliner EL-AL aircrafts maneuve
El Al to Resume Nonstop Service Between Miami and Tel Aviv
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South Florida-based flyers will soon have a quicker means of getting to Israel. El Al Israel Airlines announced that it's going to resume its route between Miami (MIA) and Tel Aviv (TLV). The route, which is set to launch in November, will resume El Al's service on the route, which was terminated in September 2008. El Al serves five other North American airports with nonstop service to Israel — New York (JFK and EWR), Los Angeles (LAX), Boston (BOS) and Toronto (YYZ).

El Al will operate the nonstop service between the two cities three times per week, and tickets will go on sale in mid-May (pending government approval). Each of the flights will be operated by one of the carrier's Boeing 777-200 aircraft, which has six lie-flat seats in first (2-2-2 configuration), 35 angle-flat seats in business with 62 inches of pitch (2-3-2 configuration), 34 seats in economy plus with 36 inches of pitch (3-3-3 configuration) and 204 seats in economy with 32 inches of pitch (3-3-3 configuration).

El Al's business-class cabin. Image courtesy of the airline.

The only transferable point program that partners with Matmid (El Al's frequent flyer program) is American Express Membership Rewards. And, even though it's the only transfer partner, you might not be getting the best value, as the redemption ratio is 20 Matmid points for every 1,000 Membership Rewards points transferred.

The carrier's award chart is a bit confusing and broken down by two groups: 1) Executive, which you can become if you transfer 100 Matmid points (5,000 MR points) from a non-Israeli credit card (for example, an Amex card); and 2) regular. Each of the groups then has seasonal rates that are higher in the summer and lower in the winter (only in economy). Business and first class remain the same year-round. You can find the charts here.

Miami isn't yet listed as an option on the carrier's award chart, so it's not yet clear how many points it'll cost you to book an award ticket. But, as a point of reference, BOS, JFK, EWR and YYZ to TLV will cost you 1,400 Matmid points (70,000 MR points) in economy in the winter, 1,600 Matmid points (80,000 MR points) in economy in the summer, 4,000 Matmid points (200,000 MR points) in business class year-round and 6,500 Matmid points (325,000 MR points) in first class year-round. As you can see, you're probably getting the best value out of the economy redemptions. Check out this post to learn more about how you can book award travel to Israel, including more information on how to book an El Al award ticket.

Featured image by AFP/Getty Images

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.