While those of us in the passenger cabin of an aircraft might not think much about it, all kinds of stuff is being transported in the cargo hold of planes, like human remains, including coffins.
Along those lines, did you know that Israel’s EL AL has coffin-free flights? And do you know why? Maybe you do, but it was news to me, and I find this to be quite interesting, so I imagine I’m not alone…
EL AL expands coffin-free flights
OMAAT reader Jeffrey forwarded me a communication for travel agents, where EL AL announced it would introduce more coffin-free flights between New York (JFK) and Tel Aviv (TLV). Say what, now?! Well, here’s the memo:
Beginning August 4, 2024, EL AL will begin a trial period where LY2 will be coffin-free Sunday through Wednesday. On Thursdays, to ensure that the deceased and their families arrive in Israel with enough time before Shabbat, LY2 will accept coffins.
This policy is in place through September 30, 2024. Any changes beyond September will be communicated well in advance.
As a reminder, all flights originating from EWR, BOS and FLL are coffin-free.
What’s the logic for coffin-free flights?
When I first saw this announcement, I wondered if the reason for this update was based on logistics or religion. Flights to Israel see way more human remains transported than most other routes, given how central Israel is to Judaism. As a matter of fact, a majority of EL AL flights not designated as coffin-free do have human remains in the cargo hold.
Apparently the reason for these coffin-free flights is due to religious traditions. Specifically, it’s so that Kohanim (select religious leaders, or priests) can travel without worrying about tumah (religious purity laws), which forbid them from being in the presence of dead bodies. For these purposes, being in the same aircraft would be considered being in the presence, even if the cargo hold is fully separated from the passenger cabin.
I’d be fascinated to know how EL AL goes about balancing these two conflicting needs — obviously the airline needs to carry religious leaders, but it’s also important for the airline to carry cargo, including human remains.
Is shifting one flight from New York to being coffin-free reflecting that that there’s more demand from religious leaders than for human remains, or…?
Regardless, I’m happy to have learned something new. Historically my only reference to coffins on planes was referring to British Airways’ old Club World business class as “Club Coffin.”
Bottom line
As it turns out, EL AL operates coffin-free flights, and the airline is expanding the flights to the US that are designated as such. The reason comes down to religion, whereby select religious leaders can’t be in the presence of the dead, even if the coffin is just in the cargo hold of an aircraft.
Were you aware of EL AL’s coffin-free flights?
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.