American to End El Al Partnership

An El Al plane in London

American Airlines said Wednesday it was ending its partnership with Israeli flag carrier El Al.

The change was announced on the airline’s website. The partnership will end on October 31, which will be the last day on which El Al Matmid members can earn points by flying on American, and also the last day on which American AAdvantage members can earn points by flying on El Al.

In addition, the 31st is the last day for El Al Matmid members to book travel on American, as well the last day for AAdvantage members to book flights on El Al.

American Airlines, prior to its merger with US Airways, did not operate any flights to Israel.  Currently, US Airways flies from Philadelphia to Tel Aviv and American is rumored to be planning additional Tel Aviv flights although no new routes have been announced.

“We are constantly evaluating our network plans,” a spokesman at American told Frequent Business Traveler in response to an enquiry about possible new routes to Israel.  “We have nothing new to share regarding new service to TLV at this time.”

(Photo: Accura Media Group)