Two passengers denied boarding on a KLM flight from Montreal turned down an alternative that would have landed in Israel on Shabbat. The court held that refusing didn’t cost them their compensation.
What happened
According to Bizportal, two passengers, one travelling with a baby, were due to fly on 24 December 2025 from Montreal to Amsterdam on their way to Israel, on a KLM-operated flight. At the counter, the system showed only one checked bag for them; while they tried to pay for the second, the gate closed. The alternative offered would have landed in Israel on Shabbat. They declined it and flew the next day on another route.
What the court decided
The registrar at the Safed small claims court found the baggage mistake was the airline’s. Each passenger received ILS 3,580 in statutory compensation plus ILS 677 for food and travel – ILS 9,037 in all, including costs. The request for exemplary damages was rejected.
Why it matters if you keep Shabbat
The law protects a passenger who declines an alternative flight for religious reasons. If you’re offered a replacement that lands on Shabbat or Yom Tov, you may decline it without losing compensation. Put your reason in writing at the time.
More: Flights and Shabbat – what you’re owed.
General information, not legal advice. EinTisa is not a law firm.