An El Al flight from Los Angeles to Israel was delayed by about two hours Monday after 140 passengers’ suitcases were removed from the aircraft when “Free Palestine” stickers were found attached to them, prompting a security concern.
According to passengers, the incident occurred on a regularly scheduled afternoon flight that was set to depart at 2 p.m. The flight was largely filled with Israeli travelers returning home after attending the NBA All-Star weekend events to see Israeli player Deni Avdija.
Passengers said they were initially informed of a 25-minute delay. Shortly afterward, airline staff announced a longer delay due to an issue involving luggage. The aircraft ultimately departed at approximately 3:45 p.m.
One passenger described mounting frustration onboard as the delay stretched on. “It was a regular El Al flight on Monday afternoon from Los Angeles, full of Israelis who had gone to the All-Star to see Deni Avdija and were heading home,” the passenger said. “We checked our suitcases as usual and were supposed to take off at 2 p.m. At first they said there would be a 25-minute delay, then they said there was a bigger delay because of an issue with luggage. Only around a quarter to four did we take off.”
During the delay, a passenger shouted in frustration, according to those on board. The captain and the head purser later explained that 140 suitcases had not been loaded onto the aircraft after “Free Palestine” stickers were found on them. Security officials were required to inspect each suitcase individually to ensure there were no explosives, passengers said.
Because the inspection process was taking longer than expected, the airline ultimately decided not to load the luggage onto the flight and departed without the 140 suitcases.
One passenger who protested the delay said his wife’s suitcase contained a dress for their daughter’s wedding. The head purser responded that “it’s better to arrive safely without the suitcase than the alternative,” according to passengers.
After landing in Israel, travelers received notification from El Al that their luggage had not been sent on the flight. The suitcases are expected to be placed on the next direct flight from Los Angeles to Israel.
Passengers described the incident as a scandal and questioned how an airport worker had been able to place the stickers on the luggage.
“How did they allow this employee to put the stickers on?” passengers said. “If they allowed him to do that, how can they ensure that next time something won’t be put inside the suitcases?”