EL AL Israel Airlines' New Parody Video On Facebook Highlights Funny Excuses Used To Obtain Free Upgrades

NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To promote the new class of service called Economy Class Plus which offers more legroom and seat recline, a foot rest, comfort kit and a lot more, EL AL Israel Airlines is launching a parody video called "Funny Excuses Used to Obtain Free Upgrades." The video makes light of humorous reasons travelers tell airport personnel to secure a complimentary upgrade.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121129/NY20567 )

The two-minute spoof features specially selected actors who work in the field of comedy and improvisation. They volunteered their time and talent to perform these few short absurd skits. Viewers will laugh out loud while watching characters pretend to be President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert Kennedy, a "pregnant" woman, and an extremely tall gentleman. One character even tries to bribe the airline representative. The low budget video took two-and-a-half hours to film and is now live on the EL AL USA Facebook page.

Fans who watch the video today through January 16, 2013 can enter a contest and have a chance to score a grand prize of two roundtrip Economy Class Plus tickets from New York (JFK/Newark) or Los Angeles to Israel. Ten runner-ups will receive the ultimate pampering comfort kit from AHAVA, Israeli skin care products from the Dead Sea.

To augment the campaign theme, EL AL has collected from real passengers and flight attendants actual excuses used to get a free upgrade. Here are the top five favorites:

1. "I just got divorced and the guy I'm sitting next to looks like my ex."

2. "Can you please upgrade my mother-in-law because she is driving me crazy?"

3. "Can you please upgrade me so I can meet a rich husband?"

4. "I can breathe better in first class."

5. "I'm flying as an undercover air marshal so I need to be in business class."

While this video is meant to be lighthearted and funny, Economy Class Plus provides EL AL economy class passengers with additional comfort and a more pampering in-flight experience.  The attractive fare for this class of service between the USA and Israel is an additional $150 per person each way above any economy class fare and is subject to availability. Top Matmid frequent flyers and a traveling companion can both experience Economy Class Plus at no additional cost. Plus, any Matmid Member may exchange points to obtain an Economy Class

Plus seat. From the USA, Economy Class Plus is now available on all 747-400 aircraft and in 2013 is expected to be offered on all 777 aircraft.

For more information and to book an Economy Class Plus seat, visit www.elal.com, or call (800) 223-6700 or any travel agent. Travelers can also learn more about Economy Class Plus, special promotions, as well as special events in Israel and useful travel tips by joining the airline's Facebook page(ELALIsraelAirlinesUSA) and Twitter (@ELALUSA).

About EL AL

Celebrating more than 60 years of service, EL AL, Israel's national airline, offers the most nonstop flights between New York (JFK/Newark) and Israel as well as the only nonstop service from Los Angeles.  Worldwide, EL AL flies to 35 destinations from Israel and serves dozens of other destinations throughout the world (including the USA) via partnerships with many other leading carriers. Only EL AL has first class service on nonstop flights between the U.S.A. and Israel. The airline has annual revenues of about $2 billion and carries 3.6 million passengers every year.

EL AL embodies Israel's values of innovation and the promise of a genuine Israeli welcome. 

EL AL. It's not just an airline. It's Israel.

SOURCE EL AL