El Al Snags Award for Innovative ‘Poncho’ Blanket

El Al’s three-hole blanket is the most innovative travel amenity of 2017, according to TravelPlus, the large U.K.–based travel and consulting agency. The organization held its third annual Airline Amenity Awards event in Hamburg this week, with awards given out for the best “niceties” airlines provide passengers, from the most comfortable seats to the best cup of coffee.

It’s simple, easy to use, and solves a major problem, TravelPlus said of the El Al blanket. Designed by Idan Neuberg and Gal Bolka, the poncho-like blanket fits over the head and sleeves of passengers, providing warmth and comfort without the need to twist the blanket around, often a major feat for passengers in coach. The blanket has been in use in all passenger classes for over a year.

Neuberg and Bolka studied at the Bezalel School of Design, and presented their blanket solution to El Al several years ago — and the airline enthusiastically adopted it. The two are now working with the airline on more designs, such as a more travel-friendly meal tray, the airline said.