Until recently, despite the continuous rise in crude oil prices, which crossed the $70 per barrel mark this week, thus doubling in price since winter, EL AL has avoided raising its ticket prices. Now the airline is forced to raise its air fares. At the same time, EL AL is allowing anyone who has purchased and ticketed tickets before June 18 to enjoy the present prices.
The fuel surcharge rise will go into effect on Thursday, June 18. Basic fares will be updated gradually. Fares will not be changed on EL AL flights to London, Central and South America and to destinations in Germany – Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin.
The new fares will include a rise in the fuel surcharge, which constitutes a $10 - $40 component of the flight ticket fare in each direction, as well as a 5% rise in basic flight ticket prices.
The fuel surcharge paid by Matmid Frequent Flyer Club members using a bonus ticket will be raised by $5 - $25 per direction. These increases are more moderate than the change in regular ticket prices. EL AL has avoided changing the fuel surcharge on bonus tickets since the start of 2009, after lowering it drastically in response to the decrease in fuel prices during the winter.
At the same time, EL AL introduced a benefit for Matmid members this week, allowing upgrades in points to a large number of seats in premium Classes from almost any fare in Economy Class.
Likewise, EL AL offered an unprecedented deal on Sunday, June 14 for Club members, enabling members to purchase a flight ticket for the autumn and winter at token prices, when purchasing two tickets for the summer season. At this point, 100 tickets at special prices were allocated to this deal.
In addition, EL AL will be offering new Quickie packages at amazing prices, for a choice of musical performances during the summer and fall, including the Madonna performance in Munich, Coldplay, a rock festival in England and more. The packages include flight, accommodations and tickets to the performance.
Following are the fuel surcharge updates:
- Short-range destinations - $10 per direction ($5 on bonus tickets)
- Medium-range destinations - $20 per direction ($10 on bonus tickets)
- Long-range destinations - $40 per direction ($25 on bonus tickets)
Paying Part of the Fuel Surcharge with Points for bonus tickets as of a June 18, 2009
The updated fuel surcharges in the above list and the gradual increase in the price of bonus tickets by 5% apply to tickets purchased as of Thursday, June 18.
Prices will not be raised on EL AL flights to London, Central and South America and to destinations in Germany – Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin.
Amit Livini, Director, EL AL Marketing: “Until recently, EL AL has avoided raising flight ticket prices despite the continual rise in crude oil prices, which this week crossed the $70 per barrel mark, double its price in winter. Now, like the aviation industry worldwide, EL AL is obliged to respond to the upward trend and to forecasts of continued increases in the coming months. At the same time EL AL continues to offer attractive deals, including the special deal for Matmid members that we are launching next week. In addition, EL AL will offer more Quickie vacations, including special packages for shows and sports events. This summer will see a very rich selection of musical performances around the world and EL AL will offer the public a broad variety of Quickie packages to these performances at attractive prices.”