We had a great trip on LAN Airlines from Miami to Santiago, Chile two years ago and it was a real treat. We flew from Santiago later on to Bariloche and then on to Buenos Aires on the same airline within a period of three weeks. Nobody checked us for anything. All they wanted to see was a passport.
Apparently the South American first-rate airlines know who you are and what you’re up to before you get to the airport which is rather like El Al.
Sounds like you had a great trip...
I would change my mind about flying if my husband booked me a trip to Israel..Never been there and would love to go..