[Tabi Katz]

I’m embarrassed to show my ignorance, but I’d been told that El Al plans were already equipped with missile deflectors. Are the interception systems that have yet to be approved a step up technologically, or was my previous information just plane wrong (terrible pun semi-intended)? Anyone?

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

"I’m embarrassed to show my ignorance, but I’d been told that El Al plans were already equipped with missile deflectors."

I love to have a window seat when taxiing in Frankfurt-- the El Al planes are especially fascinating, with nondescript little swellings and attachments towards the rear that are definitely not factory-issue. I'm quite certain they're effective, too. They've been tested a few times by actual terrorists, and the Israelis are preternaturally competent about such things.