I think the Captain should be excused, and it should stick. Not with standing what El Al’s contractual agreements are, the shoving match was not with the operating crew, but the DH
Captain. We were always provided FR CL Pos when DH for crew positioning purposes. Flt Svc would be seated in FR CL SA, but were Pos in the back. I agree that crew should be afforded the
same treatment as management when trvlg on biz. But, I certainly disagree with delaying a flight over non rev issues, irrespective of the reasons. Dispatch the airplane and grieve the problem later. Meantime, let him sit on the ground.
Retirement is great!!