Delta and El Al Started Codeshare Jan. 1
The planned code sharing is particularly significant because Delta is still not providing nonstop service to Tel Aviv due to the war.
While Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines first announced its planned code sharing agreement with Israeli El Al Airlines last June, the result of this partnership is only starting to impact Atlanta-area travelers in the new year. That’s because the cooperation was officially launched for bookings on Dec. 18, but only for travel as of Jan. 1.
The planned code sharing is particularly significant because Delta is still not providing nonstop service to Tel Aviv due to the war that broke out Oct. 7 after the Gaza-based terrorist organization Hamas invaded Israel, killing 1,200 – mostly civilians – injuring thousands more and abducting more than 200 hostages, half of whom are still in Gaza.
Almost immediately, Delta stopped flying to Israel from Atlanta, Boston, and New York-JFK. The flights to and from Atlanta and Boston have been “canceled indefinitely.” The flights between JFK Airport in New York and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, initially suspended through February, have now been suspended until March 29. That route will continue to be evaluated by Delta.
But with the code sharing agreement now in effect, Southeast travelers can fly on Delta to Boston, Miami, Newark, and JFK (and Los Angeles if they want to fly west to go east) and – on the same ticket – fly El Al to Israel. Starting April 15, El Al will also be flying to and from Fort Lauderdale.
As Delta and El Al both explain, customers who purchase tickets combining El Al and Delta flights can “perform” a single check-in for the entire journey. This includes obtaining a boarding pass at the departure point and tagging luggage through to the final destination.
The two airlines also boast an expanded route network for passengers on both non-stop and connecting flights.
Frequent flyer club members can also earn and redeem points on flights through both El Al’s Matmid program and Delta’s SkyMiles. In addition, effective Jan. 15, “top tier travelers can benefit from exclusive privileges” on Delta flights, including preferred seat selection, extra baggage allowance, priority check-in and boarding.
Once Delta restores service to Tel Aviv, El Al’s code will be added to Delta’s non-top Tel Aviv flights.
“Delta remains steadfast in our long-time commitment to serving consumers and businesses who depend on convenient, high-quality air service to and from Tel Aviv,” said Alain Bellemare, Delta President-International. “Through our codeshare agreement with El Al, we will offer customers more convenient travel options between North America and Israel.”
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