EL AL Tel Aviv-San Francisco flights return: schedule guide

EL AL restored nonstop flights between Tel Aviv and San Francisco on October 25, 2026. The route is scheduled three times a week on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, reconnecting Ben Gurion Airport with the Bay Area after a break of more than six years.

Flight tracker data showed the first LY49 leaving Tel Aviv at 1:04 a.m., one minute ahead of schedule. That confirms the launch departure, but it does not guarantee the same time, aircraft or status for a later trip. Check the booking and live flight status before leaving for the airport.

*Original AI-generated OpenSim editorial illustration. The unbranded aircraft and combined coastal scene do not show the first EL AL flight or an actual aircraft.*

The practical answer: EL AL's outbound is LY49 from Tel Aviv to San Francisco. Current public timetables list LY48 for the return, although the original schedule announcement used LY50. The normal pattern is Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, with launch-week time changes caused by the United States and Israel changing clocks on different dates.

EL AL Tel Aviv-San Francisco timetable

San Francisco International Airport lists Tel Aviv among its nonstop destinations, with EL AL service launching in October 2026. EL AL's announcement, reported by Reuters, set the start date as October 25 and the frequency at three flights a week using a Boeing 787-9.

The current public timetable below applies from November 1, after the launch-week clock changes. Times are local.

EL AL named the outbound LY49 as a reference to the San Francisco 49ers. The airline's initial filing used LY50 for the return, but current schedule feeds list the operating return as LY48. Trust the flight number on the issued ticket and EL AL's live status rather than the earlier announcement.

The first week is unusual. Israel changed clocks on October 25, while California changes on November 1. Current schedules show a later Tel Aviv departure and San Francisco arrival on Tuesday, October 27, and a 7:00 a.m. arrival on Thursday, October 29. The normal clock times begin after the United States changes to standard time.

What the first operation confirms

FlightStats recorded LY49 departing Tel Aviv at 1:04 a.m. on October 25 with a Boeing 787-9. Its scheduled San Francisco arrival was 6:00 a.m. The record establishes that the first east-to-west service left Tel Aviv; it should not be read as a promise that every later flight will use the same aircraft or arrive on time.

The route was last operated from 2018 until 2020. Its return adds a nonstop option between Israel and Northern California, but seasonal schedules can still be retimed or reduced. Recheck the travel date after booking and again before the airport journey.

Check-in and baggage planning

EL AL provides online check-in, seat selection, extra-bag purchase and boarding-pass download through its current check-in page. On eligible departures from Tel Aviv, checked-bag passengers can print tags, complete the dedicated security step and use bag drop.

The airline's ticket terms recommend arriving four hours before departure because security screening happens before check-in. The instruction on the booking or a current airline message takes priority, especially for a new long-haul route.

Baggage allowance depends on the fare, cabin, ticketing carrier and passenger status. Read the allowance in the completed booking instead of assuming that a checked bag or seat selection is included. Batteries and power banks also have separate safety rules, so check EL AL's current restricted-items guidance before packing.

Entry documents in each direction

Travelers going to the United States need the passport and entry permission that apply to their nationality and circumstances. Eligible Visa Waiver Program travelers use ESTA, while others may need a visa. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says ESTA approval authorizes travel to seek admission; it does not guarantee entry.

Travelers going to Israel must have a valid visa or ETA-IL approval before starting the journey. Israel's official entry site says visitors from visa-exempt countries need ETA-IL and recommends applying at least 72 hours before making related bookings. Israeli citizens and holders of an Israeli identity number do not apply for ETA-IL.

Rules can change and individual cases differ. Use the official government eligibility tools and the exact passport that will be used for travel.

Arriving at San Francisco and making a connection

SFO routes most international arrivals through U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the Federal Inspection Area. After immigration, passengers collect checked bags. Those ending their journey follow the San Francisco exit; connecting passengers use the Connecting Flights exit and can recheck a bag only when it is tagged to the final destination and the relevant desk is available.

A single ticket is safer for a North American connection because the itinerary and bag handling are linked. On separate tickets, plan to enter the United States, collect bags, reach the next airline, check in again and clear security. A delay on LY49 does not automatically make the second airline responsible for rebooking.

EL AL and Delta have a partnership, but a partnership alone does not prove that any two flights are on one protected ticket. Check the ticket numbers, operating carriers and final baggage tag.

Getting from SFO to San Francisco or Silicon Valley

BART serves SFO from the International Terminal and runs toward San Francisco and the East Bay. Contactless bank cards and mobile wallets can be used at the fare gates, or passengers can use Clipper. AirTrain links the airport terminals, BART station, garages and rental-car center.

For Silicon Valley, Caltrain can be reached by taking BART to Millbrae. Late-night and weekend schedules differ, so check both operators for the arrival date. Taxis, app-based rides and rental cars are alternatives when luggage, accessibility needs or the final address make rail less practical.

Mobile data in Israel and California

OpenSim's live catalog had plans for Israel, the United States and a global plan covering 120+ areas when this guide was reviewed. A country plan is the direct fit for a stay at one end. The global option can be simpler when the same trip needs data in both countries and other covered stops.

Compare the chosen package's allowance, validity and top-up eligibility before purchase. Install it over reliable Wi-Fi, save the QR code or manual setup details offline, and confirm that the phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked.

An OpenSim plan supplies data on supported ground networks. It does not provide onboard Wi-Fi, change an EL AL booking or protect a separate-ticket connection.

Ten questions about EL AL San Francisco flights

When did EL AL flights between Tel Aviv and San Francisco return?

The restored service began on October 25, 2026. Flight tracker data shows LY49 left Tel Aviv that morning.

Which days does EL AL fly between Tel Aviv and San Francisco?

The normal published pattern is Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday in both directions. Confirm the date because seasonal schedules can change.

What are the flight numbers for the route?

LY49 is the Tel Aviv-to-San Francisco flight. Current public schedules list LY48 from San Francisco to Tel Aviv. The original announcement used LY50 for the return, so rely on the issued ticket.

What time do LY49 and LY48 fly?

From November 1, the current schedule shows LY49 leaving Tel Aviv at 1:05 a.m. and LY48 leaving San Francisco at 2:00 p.m. Launch-week times differ because the two countries change clocks on different dates.

Does EL AL use a Boeing 787-9 to San Francisco?

The airline scheduled a Boeing 787-9, and the first LY49 departed with that aircraft type. Airlines can swap equipment, so check the seat map and operating details for the booked flight.

How early should I arrive for an EL AL flight?

EL AL's ticket terms recommend arriving four hours before departure because security screening precedes check-in. Follow any more specific time in the booking or airline message.

Is checked baggage included on EL AL's San Francisco route?

It depends on the purchased fare, cabin and ticket conditions. Read the baggage line in the completed booking and price any extra bag before travel.

Do I need ESTA or ETA-IL for this route?

Visa Waiver Program travelers heading to the United States generally need an approved ESTA. Visitors from visa-exempt countries heading to Israel generally need ETA-IL. Nationality, residence and passport circumstances can change the answer, so use the official eligibility tools.

Can I connect from LY49 to another U.S. flight at SFO?

Yes, but international arrivals complete U.S. entry procedures and collect checked bags first. A through-ticket may allow bag recheck after customs. Separate tickets need more time and do not automatically include disruption protection.

Which OpenSim plan covers both Israel and the United States?

Compare the global plan covering 120+ areas when one trip needs ground-network data in both countries. An Israel or United States plan can be a better fit for a stay focused on one end. Check the exact package coverage and terms before purchase.

Passenger checklist

• Confirm LY49 or the current return flight number on the ticket.
• Check the local departure time, especially during the October clock-change week.
• Recheck live status and the operating aircraft before leaving for the airport.
• Follow EL AL's security and check-in arrival guidance.
• Read the booked fare's cabin and checked-baggage allowance.
• Complete ESTA, ETA-IL or visa requirements for the passport being used.
• Treat a separate-ticket connection as unprotected unless the booking says otherwise.
• Allow time for U.S. entry, baggage collection and security at SFO.
• Check BART, Caltrain or road transport for the actual arrival time.
• Install any eSIM over reliable Wi-Fi before mobile data is needed.

EL AL Tel Aviv-San Francisco source record

SFO's nonstop pages and EL AL's announcement, reported by Reuters, support the route, start month, frequency and aircraft plan. FlightStats supports the first departure. Current LY49 and LY48 schedule pages support the operating flight numbers and clock-change exceptions. EL AL, SFO, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Israel's official entry service control the passenger-process guidance.

Public traveler discussions informed the questions about security timing, online check-in, baggage and connections. They were not used as evidence for airline, airport or entry policy.

Review this guide if EL AL changes the timetable, flight number, frequency, aircraft plan, check-in process or baggage rules. Recheck government entry requirements and SFO transport before travel.

*Airline, airport, government, public-question, Google policy and OpenSim catalog sources were reviewed on October 26, 2026.*