El Al Departs LAX Without 140 Bags After 'Free Palestine' Stickers Trigger Security Checks

Overview

• Flight LY6 from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv on Monday, February 16, pushed back 62 minutes late after staff found the stickers on 140 checked bags.
• The captain told passengers the marked suitcases had to be removed and screened individually for explosives, extending the delay.
• During the delay, frustrated travelers protested, and the purser said it was better to arrive safely without the bags than face the alternative.
• El Al departed without the luggage, notified passengers after arrival that their bags had not flown, and said the items were screened and sent the next day.
• No culprit has been publicly identified, with reporting suggesting an airside worker likely applied the stickers after check-in and before loading.