Flying Blue Miles Can Now Be Earned and Redeemed on EL AL — With Solid Business Class Awards

Updated: July 22, 2024, 4:31pm CDT

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Earning Flying Blue Miles on EL AL Flights
Redeeming Flying Blue Miles on EL AL Flights
Final Thoughts

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EL AL, the flag carrier of Israel, has launched partnerships with several airlines over the past year. The latest partnership lets you redeem Flying Blue miles for flights on EL AL, and the rates are quite appealing.

Even better, you might even pay less for business class than premium economy on some routes. Let’s look at the rates for earning and redeeming Flying Blue miles on EL AL flights.

Earning Flying Blue Miles on EL AL Flights

EL AL (airline code LY) is the flag carrier of Israel, operating routes to dozens of countries. U.S. destinations include Boston, New York City, Newark, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Los Angeles. Last summer, Delta and EL AL signed an agreement to form a codeshare partnership.

When flying paid flights with EL AL, you’ll earn Flying Blue miles in all cabins, based on distance and booking class. Earning rates are:

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Class of Service	Booking Class	Earning Rate
Business Class	C, I	150%
	D, Z	125%
	J	100%
Premium Economy	W	125%
	Q, B, P	100%
Economy	Y, M	100%
	K, V, S	75%
	L, H, N	50%
	O, G	25%
	U	20%

Fare classes not listed in this table aren’t eligible to earn Flying Blue miles. Earnings are based on flight distance. The minimum earning rate is 500 miles for domestic and 750 for international flights.

Redeeming Flying Blue Miles on EL AL Flights

It’s also possible to redeem Flying Blue miles to fly on EL AL. Interestingly, business class costs less than premium economy on some routes, as first flagged by Dan’s Deals. For example, you can fly from New York City nonstop to Tel Aviv for 45,500 miles per person in economy or 79,500 miles plus $36.30 in taxes and fees to fly in business class.

Flying Blue redemption El Al business class JFK TLV — Sample redemption in business class. Image Credit: Flying Blue

And that’s cheaper than the 83,000 miles you’ll need in premium economy.

Flying Blue redemption El Al premium econ business JFK TLV — Paying less for business class is the better option. Image Credit: Flying Blue

While this doesn’t make sense, this pricing quirk applies on several EL AL routes, including flights between Tel Aviv and Boston, Miami, Dubai, Rome, and Amsterdam, to name a few. Time will tell whether this pricing will change.

The ease with which you can earn Flying Blue miles is another positive here, given the number of transfer partners.

Hot Tip:

You can transfer points from nearly every bank program, including American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy into your Flying Blue account, making them an easy way to redeem for El Al awards.

Final Thoughts

You can now earn and redeem Flying Blue miles on EL AL flights to and from Israel. The redemption rates have some quirks, and that may lead to adjustments later down the line. Until then, you can pay fewer miles for business class than premium economy on some routes.