El Al Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Misleading Seat Practices

Tel Aviv District Court has given the green light to a class action lawsuit against El Al, the Israeli airline. The suit represents all El Al customers who purchased a flight ticket and were assigned seats that could not be reclined over the past seven years.

The class action, approved with the endorsement of Judge Doron Hasdai, seeks to compel El Al to cease charging the same price for seats with limited recline, identify such seats during ticket sales, and inform customers about the seat limitations in advance. Additionally, the lawsuit demands compensation for affected passengers and a refund of amounts collected for these seats.

The plaintiff, represented by attorneys Tal Sapir and Iti Rubin, alleges that El Al misled customers by not disclosing the presence of seats with tilt limitations. The claim asserts that these restricted seats were sold at the same price as regular seats in the same class.

The applicant's discomfort during a London-to-Israel flight is highlighted, stating that the limited recline caused her and a companion to take turns using the compromised seat throughout the journey. The plaintiff argues that this contradicted the expected service, which should have included a seat with a backward tilt like the rest of the plane.

El Al countered the allegations, asserting that the seat assignment was due to a fully occupied flight and the unique use of that row by flight attendants and for security purposes. The airline contends that the seat was assigned during the online check-in process, as the applicant did not select a specific seat during ticket purchase.

El Al further claims that their website includes clear information about seating options, with a specific note in a distinct color warning passengers about seats with limited recline. The airline's defense maintains that the issue arose due to the plaintiff's failure to choose a specific seat during the booking process.

Judge Hasdai's recent ruling acknowledged substantial questions regarding whether El Al violated disclosure obligations and engaged in deceptive practices. The judge emphasized the importance of disclosing seat limitations as a fundamental aspect of the transaction.

In response, El Al expressed its intention to seek permission to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, arguing that there were valid reasons to reject the class action request.

The upcoming class action hearing will determine the outcome, with the possibility of a settlement between the parties before a final court decision is reached.