Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from North America to Israel

Direct flight routes to Israel

Non-stop flights to Israel from North America are available from major East Coast hubs and select cities.

• New York (JFK) to Tel Aviv (TLV) – El Al, American Airlines, Delta – 10h 30m


• Newark (EWR) to Tel Aviv (TLV) – United Airlines – 10h 45m


• Miami (MIA) to Tel Aviv (TLV) – El Al, American Airlines – 12h 00m


• Boston (BOS) to Tel Aviv (TLV) – El Al – 10h 15m


• Toronto (YYZ) to Tel Aviv (TLV) – Air Canada – 11h 00m

Layover/stopover options

Istanbul (IST) – Turkish Airlines hub offering extensive connections to Tel Aviv with average layover times of 2-3 hours. Modern airport with excellent shopping and lounge facilities.

Frankfurt (FRA) – Lufthansa’s main hub with reliable connections and typical 1.5-2 hour layovers. Efficient terminal transfers and good airport infrastructure.

London Heathrow (LHR) – British Airways connections with average 3-hour layovers. Terminal changes might be required, but offers extensive duty-free shopping and dining options.

Time vs money

Non-stop flights typically command premium prices but save 4-8 hours of total travel time. Flights with layovers often cost 20-40% less than direct options, with best deals found on routes through Istanbul and Eastern Europe.

Tips and recommendations

• Book non-stop flights 3-4 months in advance for best prices, especially during high season (June-September)


• Consider Turkish Airlines for layover flights – they often offer free city tours in Istanbul for layovers over 6 hours


• European layovers under 2 hours can be risky due to frequent security checks for Israel-bound flights


• Mid-week departures (Tuesday, Wednesday) typically offer lower fares for both direct and layover flights


• Loyalty programs of Star Alliance partners (United, Air Canada, Turkish) offer good redemption values on these routes

• Turkish Airlines via Istanbul offers some of the lowest fares to Tel Aviv from multiple North American gateways, often 20-30% below market average. Their new A350 aircraft feature spacious economy seats with 32-inch pitch and 18-inch width, plus free layover tours in Istanbul for connections over 8 hours.
• Flying Air Canada through Toronto provides convenient connections from smaller US cities and competitive fares on their 787-9 Dreamliner service to Tel Aviv. The airline recently increased frequency to 12 weekly flights and offers comfortable Premium Economy with 38-inch pitch at prices often lower than competitors’ regular economy.
• Consider Royal Jordanian’s routes via Amman, which frequently offers fares up to 40% below market rates from Chicago, New York, and Montreal. The downside is longer connection times, but their A330neo aircraft feature updated cabins and the airline provides free hotel stays for layovers over 10 hours.
• United Airlines operates direct flights from Newark, Chicago, and Washington using modern 787-10 aircraft with better humidity and pressure control for reduced jet lag. While base fares are higher than one-stop options, they often run premium economy sales that bring prices close to regular economy on other carriers.
• EL AL’s partnership with JetBlue allows seamless connections from secondary US cities through New York-JFK or Boston, with competitive through fares and baggage transfer. Their updated 787 Dreamliners offer generous 33-inch pitch in economy, and membership in their Matmid frequent flyer program provides valuable perks for regular Israel visitors.

1. Booking non-refundable tickets too early While Israel-bound flights are expensive, booking more than 6 months in advance often means missing out on better deals that typically appear 3-4 months before departure.
2. Ignoring layover airports’ visa requirements Many travelers booking flights through Istanbul, Frankfurt, or other common connection points don’t realize they might need transit visas even if they’re not leaving the airport.
3. Flying during Jewish holidays Booking flights during major Jewish holidays like Passover or High Holidays leads to extremely high fares and overcrowded flights as these are peak travel periods to Israel.
4. Not considering Ramon Airport (ETM) Travelers fixate on Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport while overlooking Ramon Airport in southern Israel, which can be a better option for those planning to visit Eilat or the Red Sea region.
5. Scheduling tight connections in Europe Given the intensive security screening for Israel-bound flights, allowing less than 2.5 hours for connections in European airports often leads to missed flights and travel disruptions.

EL AL Israel Airlines

Best for: Most extensive network of direct flights from North America to Israel.

Operating from 15 North American cities to Tel Aviv, with largest operations from New York (JFK), Newark, and Los Angeles. EL AL provides the most reliable connection to Israel with strict security protocols and kosher meals as standard. Their Economy Class offers 32-inch seat pitch and personal entertainment systems. Passengers particularly appreciate the authentic Israeli atmosphere and Hebrew-speaking crew, though seat comfort receives mixed reviews.

United Airlines

Best for: Most reliable US carrier with modern fleet and consistent service quality.

Serves Israel from 6 US cities, primarily from Newark, Washington Dulles, and Chicago O’Hare. United’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners on Tel Aviv routes offer better air pressure and humidity levels, reducing jet lag. Their Economy Class features comfortable seats with 31-inch pitch and high-quality entertainment systems. Passengers praise their punctuality and comprehensive Star Alliance connections.

Air Canada

Best for: Superior comfort and service quality among North American carriers.

Operates from 3 Canadian hubs to Tel Aviv: Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Their Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature one of the better Economy Class products with 32-inch pitch and enhanced cushioning. Passengers consistently rate their catering higher than US competitors, and appreciate the option of both kosher and regular meals. The airline’s Montreal and Toronto services offer convenient connections from across North America.

Delta Air Lines

Best for: Outstanding inflight entertainment and reliability of schedule.

Provides service from 4 US cities, mainly New York (JFK), Boston, and Atlanta to Tel Aviv. Delta’s A330-900neo aircraft on Tel Aviv routes offer modern amenities including state-of-the-art entertainment systems and WiFi. Their Economy Class provides 31-32 inch seat pitch and power outlets at every seat. Travelers particularly value their consistent on-time performance and SkyMiles program benefits.

Using APAC carriers for cheaper routes to Israel

Savvy travelers can leverage Asian carriers to significantly reduce costs when flying from North America to Israel. This strategy, while requiring more travel time, can result in savings of 30-50% compared to direct routes.

1. Book separate tickets: Instead of a single itinerary, book a flight to a major Asian hub (like Bangkok, Singapore, or Seoul) on one ticket, then book onward travel to Tel Aviv on a separate ticket.
2. Target key Asian hubs: Focus on airports served by multiple budget carriers. Bangkok and Singapore often offer the best connection options to Tel Aviv through carriers like Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines.
3. Maximize stopover benefits: Many Asian carriers offer free or low-cost stopover programs. This allows you to explore an additional destination without extra airfare costs.
4. Time your bookings: Book the North America to Asia segment during sale periods (typically 3-4 months ahead), then secure the Asia to Tel Aviv route separately through regional carriers.

While this approach requires careful planning and longer travel times, the potential savings can exceed $800 per round trip. Just ensure sufficient connection time between separately booked flights to avoid missing connections.