Silicon Valley To Startup Nation: El Al Announces The Return Of Nonstop San Francisco To Tel Aviv Flights

For travelers flying between the two biggest tech hubs on the planet, the last few years have required a lot of patience. Since U.S. carriers suspended direct service to Israel, flying from the Bay Area to Tel Aviv has meant dealing with mandatory layovers, extra travel days, and complicated multi-airline itineraries.

Now, the wait for a seamless cross-continental commute is over.

In a major move for the aviation industry, El Al Israel Airlines has officially announced it will resume nonstop flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) starting October 25, 2026.

Whether you are a Silicon Valley tech worker heading out for face-to-face investor meetings, part of the extensive Northern California Israeli community, or just looking to book a vacation, here is what you need to know about this highly anticipated route.

Flight Schedule and a Clever Football Tribute

El Al is officially launching the route right at the start of the aviation winter season. The service will operate three times a week, bridging the Pacific and the Mediterranean every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Because it is a grueling 15-hour long-haul flight, El Al is deploying its flagship fleet of advanced Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Passengers can choose between three distinct cabin classes: Economy, Premium, and Business.

In a fun marketing twist, the airline revealed that the outbound flight departing Israel will operate under a very specific flight number: LY49—a direct, intentional nod to the San Francisco 49ers.

"San Francisco is one of the world's most important centers for technology, innovation and business, with a large and influential Israeli community. The launch of the new route is intended to meet significant demand... and to enable a more direct, high-quality, and convenient connection between Israel and Silicon Valley."— Shlomi Zafrani, El Al's VP of Commerce and Sales.

The Strategic Battle for SFO

This route isn’t just convenient; it’s a massive tactical victory for El Al. Ever since United Airlines halted its popular SFO-TLV direct flights, the Bay Area has been completely underserved. By stepping back into this vacancy (a market El Al briefly served before the pandemic in 2019), the airline effectively commands a monopoly on direct flights out of northern California.

Furthermore, El Al has recently strengthened its strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines. This means West Coast travelers will find it significantly easier to book seamless North American connections, while frequent flyers can cross-earn miles and rewards points across both ecosystems.

With the addition of San Francisco, El Al’s North American footprint grows to six primary destinations. This winter, the airline will operate a massive 45 weekly flights across the Atlantic to New York (JFK and EWR), Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, and now, San Francisco.

Ticket Sales and Pricing

If you want to be on one of the inaugural winter flights, you don't have to wait. Ticket sales officially opened this week through the El Al website and travel agencies.

Starting Fares: Round-trip "Classic" Economy fares (which crucially include seat selection and a checked bag) are starting at $1,199 to $1,299, depending on the booking platform.

Early Booking Advice: Because this is currently the only game in town for a direct West Coast flight outside of Los Angeles, expect these flights—especially the premium cabins preferred by corporate tech travelers—to book up incredibly fast.

Travelore Tips For Those Attending FIFA Matches In Philadelphia

The eyes of the footballing world are turning to the City of Brotherly Love! With Philadelphia hosting six massive matches at Lincoln Financial Field (rebranded as Philadelphia Stadium for the tournament)—including five thrilling group stage battles and a historic Round of 16 clash on the 4th of July—the city is ready to put on a masterclass in hospitality.

Whether you are flying in to see Brazil, France, Croatia, or Côte d'Ivoire, navigating a major global tournament requires a bit of local insider knowledge. Here is your ultimate Travelore Report guide to surviving and thriving during the games in Philly.

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Getting to the Stadium: Ditch the Car, Trust the "B"

If you take only one piece of advice from this guide, let it be this: Do not attempt to drive and park at the stadium on match days. 11th Street will be entirely closed from Pattison to Terminal Avenue, and local traffic will be an absolute bottleneck.

Instead, do what the locals do and take public transit. Philadelphia’s transit authority, SEPTA, is rolling out a massive transit plan:

• The Broad Street Line (The B): This is your golden ticket. It runs directly down Broad Street and drops you off at NRG Station, just steps from the stadium gates. SEPTA is adding 10 "Sports Express" trains before every single match.
• Easy Payment: You don't need a special transit card. You can simply use contactless tap-to-pay with your credit card, debit card, or smartphone wallet at the turnstiles. A single ride is $2.90.
• Late-Night Service: Don't worry about getting stranded after a late match. SEPTA is running overnight trains every 30 minutes on match days, departing City Hall on the hour and half-hour.
• Arriving via Amtrak or Regional Rail? If you arrive at William H. Gray III 30th St Station, just hop on the Market-Frankford Line (The L) to 15th St/City Hall, and transfer for free directly to the Broad Street Line southbound.

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Stadium Regulations: Bags & Bottles

FIFA’s security rules are incredibly strict compared to normal stadium events. Save yourself the heartbreak of losing your gear at the security gates by knowing the rules before you head out:

• The Clear Bag Policy: You are only allowed to bring in clear bags made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". Small, non-clear clutch purses or wallets are permitted only if they are roughly the size of a hand (no larger than 4.5" x 6.5").
• Hydration Rules: Summer in Philadelphia can get incredibly hot and humid. You are permitted to bring one factory-sealed, soft plastic disposable water bottle (up to 20 oz / 590ml). Hard-sided, reusable flasks or metal bottles are strictly prohibited.

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Beyond the Pitch: The 39-Day Fan Festival

Even if you don't have tickets to every match, you can still soak up the electric tournament atmosphere. Head over to Fairmount Park, where the official FIFA Fan Festival is taking over Lemon Hill.

Spanning a massive one million square feet, admission is entirely free. You can watch matches on giant screens, enjoy local eats, and participate in interactive fan experiences.

Fan Fest Transit Tip: Do not try to rideshare directly into the park, as major roads like Poplar Drive will be closed. SEPTA’s Bus Route 32 and Route 48 are ramping up frequent summer service to drop fans off right at Pennsylvania & Fairmount Ave, a short walk from the festival grounds. Alternatively, look out for the city's official shuttle service running directly between City Hall and Lemon Hill.

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Where to Watch & Play

If you want to rub shoulders with fellow football purists, Philly has a vibrant soccer pub scene. Spots like Misconduct Tavern, The 700 in Northern Liberties, and the rowdy, authentic Black Sheep Pub (a legendary hub for fans) will be buzzing with energy throughout June and July.

Want to kick a ball around yourself? Head down to Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Park, located right near the sports complex, where you'll find plenty of open green spaces and impromptu international pickup games happening all summer long.

Enjoy the matches, stay hydrated, and welcome to Philadelphia!

Runway Views & Skyline Bars: Inside The Massive New Star Alliance Lounges Coming To JFK

If you’ve flown a Star Alliance carrier out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) recently, you know the premium ground experience has been a bit of a mixed bag. Navigating the outdated spaces in Terminal 1 or Terminal 7 hasn't exactly felt like the cutting edge of luxury.

But a massive $4.2 billion airport transformation is underway, and Star Alliance flyers are about to get a major upgrade.

Thanks to the redevelopment of JFK Terminal 6 and the upcoming New Terminal One, two Star Alliance heavyweights—Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines—are building stunning, massive new flagship lounges that will redefine pre-flight luxury at JFK.

Here is everything you need to know about the mega-lounges coming to New York’s premier gateway.

The Mega-Hub at Terminal 6: Lufthansa’s 36,000 Sq. Ft. Oasis

The biggest news comes out of the brand-new Terminal 6. The Lufthansa Group (including Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, and Brussels Airlines) is moving its operations here, and they are bringing Star Alliance siblings ANA and Air Canada along with them from Terminal 7.

To accommodate this massive influx of premium passengers, Lufthansa is building a sprawling, multi-tiered lounge precinct.

The Footprint: A staggering 36,000 square feet, making it one of the largest lounge spaces at JFK. Travelers will take an escalator directly from the departures level straight into the premium complex.

The Design: The lounges will ditch the sterile, older German aesthetic for Lufthansa's fresh, warm design language—similar to the acclaimed lounges that debuted at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Think warmer woods, softer lighting, and design cues inspired by their flagship Allegris cabins.

The Highlight: The Skyline Bar: The centerpiece of the lounge will be the Skyline Bar, a sleek concept serving everything from barista-crafted coffee by day to premium cocktails, fine wines, and local New York craft beers by night.

First Class & HON Circle Perks: While it's still being decided if there will be a standalone First Class Lounge, elite passengers can expect a private, walled-off dining sanctuary featuring high-end à la carte menus, top-tier Champagne, and ultra-personalized service.

Direct Boarding: In the ultimate convenience flex, the lounge will feature direct boarding to three of Terminal 6’s ten departure gates. No need to leave the lounge early to stand in a gate line—you go straight from your glass of wine onto the jet bridge.

Double the Size: The New Turkish Airlines Lounge

Not to be outdone, Turkish Airlines—renowned globally for its spectacular food and legendary hospitality—is getting a massive upgrade of its own.

As part of the shift into the New Terminal One, Turkish Airlines is abandoning its cramped, 5,000-square-foot footprint in the old Terminal 1.

The Footprint: The new space will measure 11,000 square feet, more than doubling its current size.

The Vibe: Known for bringing the flavors of Istanbul to the airport, expect an incredible spread of live cooking stations, fresh mezze, and traditional Turkish tea and coffee.

The Views: The new space will boast expansive, floor-to-ceiling views of the JFK airfield, making it a paradise for aviation geeks and relaxed travelers alike.

Who Gets Access?

While airline lounges can sometimes feel like a puzzle to unlock, access rules for these new Star Alliance spaces will follow the alliance's reliable standard structure:

Passenger Class / Status - Access Level

International First Class - Access to First Class/Senator sections + 1 guest

International Business Class - Access to Business Class lounges (No guests)

Star Alliance Gold Elites - Access to Senator/Business lounges + 1 guest (must be on the same flight)

Note for United flyers: If you hold Star Alliance Gold status through United MileagePlus, remember that standard rules apply—you generally need to be on an eligible international itinerary to access these partner lounges within the U.S.

The Bottom Line

For years, Oneworld passengers have bragged about the excellent joint American Airlines and British Airways lounges in Terminal 8, while SkyTeam flyers have enjoyed Delta’s massive Sky Clubs. Now, Star Alliance is finally swinging back with some serious heavy artillery.

Whether you’re heading to Frankfurt on Lufthansa Business Class or catching a late-night flight to Tokyo on ANA, JFK is about to become a whole lot more welcoming. Stay tuned for official opening dates as construction on Terminal 6 and the New Terminal One wraps up!

Disney World Confirms New America Attraction For The EPCOT World Showcase

A subtle update has appeared at one of Walt Disney World Resort‘s most patriotic destinations, and the timing couldn’t be more fitting. Let’s take a look at the latest news out of the American Adventure World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT.

On May 12, WDWNT reported that a brand-new sign for Voices of Liberty had been installed at the entrance to the American Adventure World Showcase Pavilion. The sign, mounted in a white outdoor frame on the left side of the main building’s entrance, features an image of the Voices of Liberty singers, positioned alongside the Liberty Bell and the original American flag.

The new display includes showtime magnets that Disney cast members can add or remove depending on the day’s schedule, giving guests real-time information about when they can catch a performance. The sign describes the group as offering “A Capella Performances Featuring Music from the American Songbook.”

For those unfamiliar, Voices of Liberty is an a capella ensemble that performs multiple times daily inside the rotunda of the American Adventure’s main building.

What the Sign Replaced

The white frame, now dedicated to Voices of Liberty, previously advertised the American Adventure theatrical show — the pavilion’s flagship attraction, which sends guests on a guided tour through United States history narrated by audio-animatronic figures of Ben Franklin and Mark Twain. That show still has its own advertisement on the right side of the main entrance, so both experiences are now represented at the building’s exterior, each with its own dedicated display.

More America-Themed Celebrations at EPCOT This Summer

The Voices of Liberty signage update arrives as EPCOT gears up for a summer centered on American pride. Walt Disney World Resort is preparing to mark the United States’ 250th birthday with the debut of an updated Soarin’ Across America attraction, alongside the extended run of the “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors” exhibit by former President George W. Bush.

https://www.disneyfanatic.com/author/jess-colopy/

American Airlines Introduces Four New Nonstop Routes For Summer

American Airlines has launched four new routes to unlock even more access between the U.S. and Europe with new nonstop service to Budapest, Hungary (BUD) and Prague (PRG) from Philadelphia (PHL), and to Athens, Greece (ATH), and Zurich (ZRH) from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW).

The inaugural flights took off with fanfare, coinciding with the first day of American’s highly anticipated record-breaking summer travel season and strengthening American’s European network with up to 70 daily flights from the U.S.

With new service to BUD and PRG, American introduces two brand-new destinations to its global network. Daily seasonal service from PHL to BUD and PRG operates with American’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft. New service from DFW to ATH and ZRH operates with a mix of its Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 777-200ER aircraft.

Fortifying Philadelphia as American’s trans-Atlantic gateway

Summer 2026 marks the first peak travel period with American’s new-and-improved PHL schedule, built for smoother, more reliable journeys and stronger customer connections. The new schedule spreads flights more evenly throughout the day, expanding from six to seven “banks,” or coordinated waves of arrivals and departures — improving flow across the airport from parking, check-in, security and in the terminals.

The investment is already showing strong early results, with improvements in on-time performance and customer connections while bolstering the airline’s best-ever systemwide baggage handling.

This summer, American’s PHL hub offers customers nonstop service to more than 120 destinations worldwide, including 19 destinations across the Atlantic. The airline also recently launched direct service from PHL to Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI).

"Bolstered by our redesigned schedule and powered by the dedication of our team, we’re ready to care for customers during a record summer at PHL — especially as the city hosts several major global events this year,” said American’s Vice President of PHL Operations Cesar Marchese. “We’re proud to serve as a key gateway and connection point to Europe, now with two new iconic destinations that strengthen our robust international network.”

Reinforcing the power of American’s flagship hub

ATH and ZRH join more than 230 other nonstop destinations accessible from DFW, American’s largest and most connected hub — a hub that plays a crucial role in delivering for customers across American’s global operation this summer.

DFW also recently transformed its schedule, introducing a new 13-bank schedule that more evenly distributes the airline’s more than 930 peak daily departures throughout the day at DFW. In just the first two months since implementing the strategy, the new schedule is already showcasing its benefits to customers at DFW and across the airline by minimizing delays, improving customer connections, reducing gate changes and delivering even better baggage handling performance — which are all contributing to the noticeable increase in customer satisfaction.

“New service to Athens and Zurich is a great example of how American continues to invest in its largest hub with even more opportunities to connect to destinations around the world,” said American’s Senior Vice President of DFW Operations Jim Moses. “We’re also investing in the travel journey with our new 13-bank schedule that sets up our team for success and delivers for our customers — not just at DFW but across our entire airline due to the outsized impact DFW has on our global operation.”

More nonstop options for a record-breaking summer

The start of American’s centennial summer, with the airline set to care for more customers than ever across its largest summer schedule to date — 75 million customers across 750,000 flights.

In addition to the new international routes launched today, American has also recently added more access to Europe from other hubs, including new nonstop service from Miami (MIA) to Milan (MXP), as well as New York (JFK) to Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI).

American’s renewed focus on customers has come with several enhancements to the travel experience — from the airport to in flight — this summer.

Get the redesigned app for your journey: American’s reimagined mobile app continues to evolve to support customer travel needs with easy, self-service tools to manage travel with the ability to rebook, track bags and receive digital vouchers. Plus, the expanded digital wallet integration further helps all customers stay informed with live updates without needing to open the app.

Enroll in TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID: Make the security process more seamless with TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID, providing participating customers a much faster, touchless identity verification process. The customer opt-in program is now available at 60 airports, including all of American’s hubs.

Relax in premium lounge spaces: Customers connecting to Europe at PHL can enjoy two of the newest lounge offerings in American’s network at the Flagship® and Admirals Club® lounges in A-West, providing a calm and comfortable space to enhance the airport experience. Lounges are also available at all five terminals when connecting to Europe through DFW, including a Flagship® lounge in Terminal D.

Enjoy free Wi-Fi, sponsored by AT&T: On nearly every domestic American flight, all AAdvantage® members can enjoy free Wi-Fi, sponsored by AT&T.

Get the latest about American at news.aa.com

How an Emirates Expansion Could Drastically Lower Tel Aviv–New York Airfares

The aviation world is buzzing with a rumor that feels straight out of a frequent-flyer fever dream. The Israeli Ministry of Transportation has reportedly approached Dubai-based mega-carrier Emirates with a jaw-dropping proposal: launch nonstop flights from Tel Aviv (TLV) to New York (JFK) and Bangkok (BKK). If this plan takes off, it would dramatically reshape transatlantic travel and offer a massive win for passengers tired of soaring ticket prices. However, getting those iconic Emirates jets onto the TLV–JFK route requires clearing some unprecedented legal, political, and regulatory hurdles.

Why is Israel Making This Move?

To put it simply: the current travel landscape between Israel and the United States is squeezed. Following the geopolitical turmoil that began in late 2023, U.S. legacy carriers like Delta, United, and American Airlines suspended their lucrative routes to Tel Aviv. While some tentative returns are on the horizon, American Airlines has pushed back its resumption until 2027.

This has left Israel's flag carrier, El Al, alongside Arkia, with a functional monopoly on nonstop flights to the U.S. With high demand and limited supply, airfares have skyrocketed. By courting Emirates, the Israeli government hopes to inject heavy competition into its marquee route, driving down ticket prices and restoring consumer confidence.

The "Seventh Freedom" Twist

Emirates is already famous for its successful Fifth Freedom flights—routes where an airline flies from its home country to a second country, and then continues to a third country, with the right to sell tickets on every individual leg. (Think of Emirates’ popular JFK–Milan–Dubai or Newark–Athens–Dubai routes).

But Israel's pitch goes a step further into uncharted territory. According to reports from Israel's N12 and Simple Flying, the government is offering Seventh Freedom rights.

What does that mean? Emirates wouldn't just be stopping over on the way from Dubai. Instead, they would essentially establish a foreign base of operations in Tel Aviv, permanently stationing aircraft and crews there to fly standalone routes directly to New York and Bangkok without the plane ever needing to touch down in Dubai.

The Massive Hurdles in the Way

While the idea of flying an Emirates A380 or Boeing 777 directly from Ben Gurion to New York sounds incredible, it won't happen overnight. Several major roadblocks stand in the way:

Regulatory Obstacles: Operating Seventh Freedom flights would require Israel to rewrite its own protectionist aviation laws. Furthermore, the deal would require strict U.S. regulatory approval, which is far from guaranteed.

Fierce Domestic Opposition: You can expect vehement pushback from El Al and Arkia, who will fiercely protect their market share on these highly profitable routes. U.S. carriers would likely lobby heavily against it as well.

Operational & Diplomatic Strategy: Emirates historically funnels its entire global operation through its massive mega-hub in Dubai. Basing crews and planes completely separate from their home hub deviates heavily from their core business model. Furthermore, the move relies entirely on the delicate diplomatic framework established by the Abraham Accords.

A Simpler Path Forward?

Some aviation insiders, like those at Live and Let's Fly, suggest a more realistic compromise. Instead of a standalone Seventh Freedom operation, Emirates could simply resume its suspended Dubai–Tel Aviv route and extend it onward to New York as a traditional Fifth Freedom flight.

This path of least resistance wouldn't require rewriting international aviation treaties, yet it would still bring the unmatched premium service of Emirates—and much-needed seat capacity—to the transatlantic market.The Bottom Line For now, this remains a highly ambitious pitch from the Israeli government rather than an imminent route announcement from Emirates. But the mere fact that these discussions are happening highlights just how much the global aviation map is shifting.

If it succeeds, it will be a historic milestone for regional normalization and a massive victory for travelers looking for more luxury, options, and affordability across the Atlantic.

Philadelphia Now Has The Nation's Only Airport Kosher And Halal Food Market

The grab-and-go concept is open in Terminal A-West.

Allan Bailey, president of PKS Airport, left, and Frank Sanders, general manager at PKS Kosher Market, right, stand in front of the shop at Philadelphia International Airport.

The newest food option at Philadelphia International Airport is also the first of its kind in the country.

PKS Kosher Market is the first exclusively kosher and halal food option to open in a U.S. airport. Located in Terminal A-West, the grab-and-go shop sells packaged meals, snacks, candy and beverages from 5:15 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day.

The concept comes from Prime Kosher Sports, a food operator with stands in New York's Barclays Center, Citi Field and Yankee Stadium. It also has locations in the Prudential Center in Newark and at the U.S. Open tennis center in Queens.

"PKS Kosher Market is designed to meet the clear demand for kosher and halal foods in airports," said Allan Bailey, president of PKS Airport. "It’s been a journey to get here, but we are very excited to get this venture off the ground."

Travelers will find turkey sandwiches on pretzel buns, falafel plates, grilled chicken Caesar wraps, bagels, salads and kosher-certified candy on the shelves. PKS Market aims to cater to customers beyond the kosher- and halal-observant through its gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan items.

MarketPlace PHL, which manages the airport's restaurants and retail, has been expanding the food offerings in recent years. Middle Child, Insomnia Cookies, Federal Donuts & Chicken and Oyster House all opened stands in 2025 as part of the "Founded in Philly" program. The travel hub has been making numerous changes and upgrades ahead of the expected tourism influx from the World Cup and semiquincentennial.

https://www.phillyvoice.com/staff-contributors/kristin-hunt/