EL AL Israel Airlines flights from Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The EL Al Terminal at JFK currently operates one nonstop flight to Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel, which is the main international route for the airline.
EL Al Airlines Departure at JFK Terminal
El AL Airlines departs from JFK Terminal 4 in the late afternoon around 17:00 local time, and arrives the next day in Tel Aviv in the morning, around 10:00 local time. The 10-11-hour duration flight operates multiple days a week.
Check-in: The check-in for El Al Airlines is located on level 4 and starts 3-4 hours before departure. To print the boarding pass, passengers can use the self-service check-in kiosks.
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Baggage needs to be dropped at the check-in counter.
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An additional baggage allowance can be purchased at the El Al Airlines terminal at JFK Airport.
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If carrying oversized, overweight musical instruments and sports equipment, the check-in for El Al must be completed at JFK Terminal 4.
Security screening: At the security screening zone, expect El Al's own security team, especially Israeli officials, as part of TSA security. The screening area is located within Terminal 4's check-in hall.
Boarding: Boarding gates assigned for El Al Airlines are located in Concourse A. The boarding gate opens 45 minutes before departure. Priority boarding would be offered to passengers with reduced mobility, specially-abled passengers, business, and first class.
EL Al Airlines Arrivals at JFK Terminal
EL Al Airlines at John F Kenneddy International Airport arrives at Terminal 4. The flight departs from Tel Aviv around 10:45 AM local time and lands at the El Al arrival terminal at JFK around 3:05 PM. Arrival time of the flight changes seasonally. Passengers need to check the airline’s current flight schedule before travel.
Immigration: After arrival, passengers will proceed to immigration. There are separate lanes for U.S. citizens. Travelers must present their passports and visas for verification. After clearing the Federal Inspection Service (FIS), passengers will proceed to collect their bags.
Baggage claim: The baggage claim area is located in the arrival area. Passengers must follow the designated signs and check the overhead monitor to find the assigned carousel for their flight.
Customs: U.S. Customs will check the photos, passports, and fingerprints for entry. Options like Mobile Passport and Global Enbtry is available at JFK Terminal 4 for faster screening.
Services Available to EL Al Airlines Passengers at JFK Terminal 1
The EL Al Terminal at JFK offers a wide range of facilities, all of which are available to its dedicated passengers. A major 1.5 billion USD redevelopment project completed in 2023 introduced several upgrades, including ADA-compliant features, more relaxed seating areas, free WiFi and improved accessibility services.
Lounge at JFK T4: The El AL lounge at JFK Terminal was permanently closed in 2022. However, passengers can access an independent lounge such as the Centurion Lounge, provided they hold an eligible American Express card.
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Also, El Al Airlines has a codeshare agreement with Delta Airlines, allowing Business Class and First Class passengers toaccess Delta Sky Club lounges located in Concourse A and B.
Dining and shopping options: Dining options at JFK Terminal 4 include Shake Shack, Starbucks, Eataly, Chopt, and Boqueria, along with many other restaurants. For shopping, passengers can explore duty-free stores and retail outlets offering electronics, books, and fashion apparel.
The other additional services at JFK Terminal 4 include:
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Charging stations
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Nursing rooms
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NYC yellow taxi service
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Information desks
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Meet-and-greet services
Airline-Specific Services at JFK Terminal 4
EL AL Airline staff at JFK Termianl 4 assist passengers with flight changes, cancellations, upgrades, rebooking, and special assistance requests.
Extra baggage: At the EL AL JFK Terminal, passengers can purchase extra baggage for 70 USD on JFK - TLV routes.
Flight changes: Fares such as Classic, Flex, and Full Flex fares allow date changes and even last-minute requests at Terminal 4, and are subject to availability. A fee of 300 USD per passenger will be applicable at JFK airport.
Cancellation: The airline allows passengers to cancel from the EL AL departure terminal at JFK up to 3 hours before departure. The cancellation fee ranges between 200 and 400 USD, depending on the fare class and timing.
Seat upgrades: Airport upgrades for El AL airlines are available at 400-600 USD for Premium Economy and 800-1200 USD for Business Economy on U.S.–Israel routes. Matmid members can use points or a complimentary upgrade.
JFK Airport EL Al Airlines Terminal Map
JFK Terminal 4 has four levels. Level 1 handles arrival and baggage. Passengers ar Arrivel levels can collect their baggage from carousel 1 through 10.
Level 4 is a dedicated departure and check-in area, and this is where El Al Airlines' check-in counters are located.
To know other landmarks and checkpoints, refer to the terminal map for easier navigation.
EL AL Airlines serves as the primary hub at Terminal 4, where passengers benefit from streamlined departures & arrivals and modern amenities. For departures, passengers need to arrive 3 hours early, while arrivals involve immigration, customs, and baggage claims.
How Verem El AL closed its lounges in 2022, but passengers can access Delta operated loiunges in Terminal 4.
There are dedicated counters at the Departure Level where passengers can request extra baggage, flight cancellations, and other airline-specific services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact El Al at (800) 223-6700 for general inquiries, check-in requests, changes/cancellation and last-minute reservations.
You can use Blue Lot for Terminal 4 parking. The tariff starts at 35 USD per day for 24 hours period.
Passengers need to check in oversize luggage like musical instruments or sports equipment at the El Al Airlines terminal at JFK. An additional fee may apply based on size and weight.
