A Look Inside El Al's New 787-9 Dreamliners
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We're most excited for the new business-class product, which looks like it'll finally be able to compete against other airlines flying to Israel. Per the seat map of the 787-9 provided by the airline, it will feature 32 lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-2-1 pattern, with each providing direct aisle access. Each will be 21 inches wide and will measure 78 inches long when fully flat.
The seats themselves remind us a bit of United's Polaris business class on board its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, and represent a huge step up for the Israeli carrier, as it currently features angle-flat seats in business class on its long-haul aircraft.
The new Dreamliners will also feature a true premium economy cabin with 28 seats that are 19 inches wide and arranged in a 2-3-2 pattern.
Each premium economy seat will feature large IFE screens, access to power and 38 inches of pitch.
The economy cabin will feature 222 seats arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration, with each seat providing 31 inches of pitch and 17 inches of width.
According to the Jewish Press, El Al will begin flying the new Dreamliners on its Tel Aviv (TLV) - London (LHR) flights this fall, followed soon after by its Newark (EWR) - TLV flights — great news for US-based flyers and likely a necessary move for the Israeli carrier. United is already flying its newest 777-300ER aircraft on the same route.
As a reminder, the only transferable point program that partners with Matmid (El Al's frequent flyer program) is American Express Membership Rewards. And you might not be getting the best value, as the redemption ratio is 20 Matmid points for every 1,000 Membership Rewards points transferred. EWR to TLV will cost you at least 1,400 Matmid points (70,000 MR points) in economy and at least 4,000 Matmid points (200,000 MR points) in business class.
H/T: @AirlineFlyer
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The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless carries a $95 annual fee but offers plenty of ways to get more value from it year after year. You’ll get automatic Silver elite status, which awards 10% bonus points on stays, and enjoy a pathway to Gold status (with 15 elite night credits each year) to lock in some even better benefits. Cardholders also receive an annual free night certificate (worth up to 35,000 points) each cardmember anniversary. Those who can maximize this certificate can lock in a room with a rate far exceeding the $95 annual fee.Pros
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- Automatic Silver elite status with a pathway to Gold
Cons
- There are better Marriott cards if you want higher tier status or no annual fee
- Earn 125,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night Award after qualifying purchases.
- Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
- 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
- Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
- Member FDIC