Flying to Israel doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With the right strategy, timing, and tools, you can find flights that won’t break your travel budget. Here are my top tips for finding the best flight deals to Israel, so you can save money and focus more on enjoying your trip.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
The first step in getting a good deal is to check as many airlines and websites as possible. The best way to do that is by using flight comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak. These platforms allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines so you can quickly see which offers are the best.
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Google Flights is particularly useful because you can compare dates and set alerts for price drops. Skyscanner is great for flexible travelers. You can set your destination to “Israel” without specific dates, and it will show you the cheapest time of the year to fly. Kayak also has a “Hacker Fares” feature, which can combine one-way tickets on different airlines to help you save.
Sign Up for Price Alerts
Price alerts can save you hours of checking prices. Comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow you to set alerts that notify you when prices for Israel drop. Simply enter your desired route and dates, and let the platform monitor the prices. When there’s a sudden dip, you’ll be the first to know.
Check Airlines Directly
While comparison tools are handy, don’t ignore checking airline websites directly. Some airlines have special deals that don’t always show up on search engines. Airlines like El Al, easyJet, Wizz Air, and Turkish Airlines often have promotions on their websites. Always compare prices with the airline’s own site before booking.
Book at the Right Time
The timing of your booking can affect the price dramatically. As a general rule, the best time to book flights to Israel is in the “prime booking window,” which is about 2 to 3 months before your departure. Booking too early or too late can result in higher prices.
However, there are certain times when you should avoid booking a flight. For example, avoid major Jewish holidays like Passover and Rosh Hashanah, as flights to Israel will likely be more expensive. Also, try to avoid booking during peak tourist times, such as the summer months of June, July, and August.
Look for Midweek Flights
If you have flexibility with your travel dates, aim to fly midweek, especially on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. These days typically have lower demand, leading to cheaper prices than weekends. Flights on Fridays and Sundays tend to be pricey since they are popular departure and return days.
Consider Off-Peak Travel
Flying during Israel’s shoulder seasons can drastically reduce the cost of flights. The best time for off-peak travel is in the fall (between September and November) or in late winter to early spring (January to March). Not only are flights cheaper, but Israel is less crowded during these months too.
Track Past Trends
If you’re unsure when to book, sites like Hopper and Google Flights allow you to track historical pricing trends. This can give you a better idea of when prices tend to drop, so you won’t miss out on deals.
Be Flexible with Airports
Israel has two major airports: Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv and Ramon Airport (ETM) close to Eilat. Depending on where you’re flying from, it might be cheaper to fly into one over the other.
If you’re coming from Europe, budget airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair occasionally offer deals to Ramon Airport, especially if you plan to travel through southern Israel. Just factor in how far you’re willing to travel onwards from the airport before deciding.
Secondary Airport Transfers
Flying into a secondary airport can save you money, but you’ll need to arrange onward transportation. In the case of Ramon Airport, you can catch a bus to Eilat, which is about 20 minutes away. Compare the total travel time and costs from both airports to decide what works best for you.
Look for Hidden Layover Deals
If you’re open to layovers, you can save some cash. Flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct routes, and for long-haul flights to Israel, you can find great deals. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and Lufthansa often include stops in cities like Istanbul, Vienna, or Munich. These layovers can save you hundreds if you don’t mind waiting for a few hours in transit.
Consider Long Layovers
Some airlines even offer long layovers that allow you to explore a new city for a stretch. Turkish Airlines, for example, offers free Istanbul city tours if you have a long layover. So instead of dreading that extra stop, make it part of your trip.
Local and Regional Flights
If you’re combining Israel with other nearby countries, consider flying with regional carriers. Airlines like Pegasus, Arkia, and Israir operate affordable flights within Europe and the Middle East. Pegasus is a Turkish low-cost carrier that frequently offers cheap flights from Istanbul to Tel Aviv or Eilat. Israir and Arkia offer domestic flights within Israel, making it easier to travel between Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Eilat.
Flying Into Neighboring Countries
Another trick is to fly into neighboring countries like Jordan or Egypt, especially if they offer cheaper rates from your location. From Amman (Jordan) or Cairo (Egypt), you can easily take a bus or train into Israel or hop on a short, regional flight.
Use Frequent Flyer Miles
Don’t forget about frequent flyer miles. Most major airlines that fly internationally, including El Al, United Airlines, or British Airways, offer reward programs where you can use points to cover your flights or at least bring down the price.
If you don’t have enough miles yet, consider joining a free frequent flyer program through airlines or their partners. Even if you don’t have enough for a free flight, you can sometimes get a discount by splitting the payment using miles and cash.
Use Airline Alliances
Airline alliances like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld allow you to combine points on different airlines. If you’re not familiar with alliances, they’re basically partnerships between global airlines. For example, if you have points with Turkish Airlines (a Star Alliance member), you might be able to use them on United Airlines flights to Tel Aviv.
Book One-Way Flights
Round-trip tickets seem like the obvious choice, but don’t ignore one-way flights. Sometimes, splitting up your journey into two one-way tickets on different airlines can be cheaper than booking a round-trip ticket.
For example, you may find it’s cheaper to book a one-way flight to Israel on Lufthansa and then return with a budget airline like Wizz Air.
Mix and Match Airlines
Mixing airlines is a common trick to save on airfare. Look for one-way flights to Tel Aviv and shop around for a one-way back to your home country. Use comparison tools like Momondo, which specialize in showing price differences when mixing airlines on round trips.
Be Ready to Book That Deal
Flight prices can change quickly. Once you see a good deal, don’t hesitate—book it before the price jumps! Flight deals, especially to international destinations like Israel, don’t last long. If you’re tracking flight prices, have your payment details ready and be prepared to confirm the booking quickly.
With the right tools, timing, and flexibility, finding cheap flights to Israel doesn’t have to feel like a hassle. Happy travels!
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