‘Free Palestine’ stickers force El Al to fly without 140 passengers’ bags

An El Al flight from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv departed without 140 passengers’ suitcases this week after “Free Palestine” stickers were found attached to checked luggage, triggering security concerns and a lengthy delay.

The incident occurred on a scheduled afternoon service from Los Angeles, which was eventually delayed by nearly two hours after airline staff removed the affected bags from the aircraft for inspection.

According to passengers, the flight had been due to depart at 2pm but was first delayed by 25 minutes before crew announced a more serious issue involving luggage. The aircraft eventually took off at around 3.45pm.

One passenger described confusion and growing frustration on board as the delay stretched on. “It was a regular El Al flight on a 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 2pm. 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.”

Travellers said the captain and head purser later explained that 140 suitcases had been removed after “Free Palestine” stickers were discovered on them. Each bag was required to undergo individual security screening to rule out the presence of explosives.

As the checks took longer than anticipated, the airline decided to depart without the luggage rather than extend the delay further.

During the wait, one passenger reportedly shouted in protest. Another traveller said his wife’s suitcase contained a dress intended for their daughter’s wedding. According to passengers, the head purser replied that “it’s better to arrive safely without the suitcase than the alternative”.

After landing in Israel, passengers received a notification from El Al confirming that their luggage had not been transported on the flight. The airline said the suitcases are expected to be sent on the next direct service from Los Angeles.

Several travellers questioned how the stickers had been placed on the bags in the first place, raising concerns about airport security procedures.

“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?”

The incident comes amid heightened sensitivity around airline security and growing concern within Jewish communities about political intimidation linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.