7 Things You Didn’t Know About Security on El Al Flights

El Al, Israel’s national airline, has long been reputed as one of the world’s safest. Behind this impressive safety record is a network of procedures, technology, and personnel that most passengers never notice. Here you get an insight into the 7 most surprising and secret security measures El Al uses to secure their flights – and why they are known as the world’s safest airline.

#1: Armed Security Guards Onboard

On every El Al flight, there is at least one armed security guard onboard – often in plain clothes. These guards are trained in anti-terrorism and hand-to-hand combat and are ready to react in seconds in case of a threat. It’s a safety measure no other commercial airline consistently offers.

#2: Pre-Check-in Interview

All El Al passengers are interviewed by security personnel even before check-in. This includes assessing the passenger’s body language, travel patterns, and purpose of travel. The interview is both psychological and tactical, aimed at uncovering any hidden intentions.

#3: Specially Trained Baggage Scanners

El Al employs advanced technology to scan luggage – but the technology is also operated by personnel specially trained to detect irregularities. It’s not enough with machine analysis; experienced and intuitive human judgment plays a significant role in identifying threats.

#4: Separate Baggage Handling Systems

Unlike many other airports, El Al has its own baggage handling, separate from other airlines. This means that baggage is not mixed with others, reducing the risk of manipulation, errors, or placement of dangerous items.

#5: Bulletproof Cockpit Doors

El Al was among the first airlines in the world to install reinforced and bulletproof cockpit doors. These doors not only withstand physical pressure but are also equipped with electronic locks that can only be operated from inside the cockpit.

#6: Passenger Background Checks

Before anyone even shows up at the airport, El Al often conducts background checks on the passengers. This is especially true for those with complex itineraries, coming from certain destinations, or booking at the last minute. It all happens without passengers necessarily noticing it.

#7: Anti-Missile System Onboard

Perhaps the most surprising of all El Al’s security measures is their use of the missile defense system C-MUSIC – a laser-based anti-missile system installed on several of their passenger planes. It can divert heat-seeking missiles in flight, making El Al the only commercial airline with military-like protection.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.