US/Canada to Israel 40–80% OFF
Cheap flights discovered by AI^✨

Fares are peaking due to a combination of Hanukkah/Christmas holiday demand and limited flight capacity compared to previous years. With some European carriers still operating reduced schedules, demand has funneled onto the remaining direct flights from North America, pushing economy tickets to $1,400-1,800.

Fuel surcharges also ticked up in late 2025, adding another $40-60 to base fares. To find relief, look for flights connecting through hubs like Athens, Larnaca, or Rome, where separate tickets can sometimes save you $300-500 compared to a single nonstop booking.

Yes, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) is now mandatory for all US and Canadian citizens entering Israel. As of mid-2025, airlines will deny boarding if you haven’t secured approval before your flight. The process costs 25 ILS (about $7 USD) and remains valid for up to two years or until your passport expires.

Apply at least 72 hours before your trip through the official Population and Immigration Authority website to avoid stress. Don’t get tricked by look-alike third-party sites charging $50-80 “service fees” for the exact same form you can fill out yourself in five minutes.

You must arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure, and 3.5 to 4 hours is safer for US-bound flights. Security at Ben Gurion (TLV) begins before you even reach the check-in counter, involving questioning and potential bag searches. If you are selected for additional screening, the process can easily take 45-60 minutes longer than standard.

Don’t risk cutting it close—airlines will deny boarding if you aren’t at the gate on time, regardless of security queues. Use the extra time to enjoy the Duty Free rotunda, which is excellent, rather than stressing in a security line.

No, trains and public buses completely stop operating for Shabbat, from Friday afternoon (around 3 PM) until Saturday evening (one hour after sundown). This includes the train between the airport and Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. If your flight lands on Friday evening or Saturday, you will be stranded without public transit options.

Your alternatives during Shabbat are private taxis, “Sherut” shared taxis (yellow vans), or pre-booked transfers. Taxis charge a 25% surcharge on Shabbat, so a ride from TLV to the city center will cost $50-60 instead of the usual $40.

Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, from Tel Aviv restaurants to Jerusalem souvenir shops. Visa and Mastercard are standard; American Express is accepted in high-end venues but less common in small shops. You will still need some cash (Shekels) for small purchases like falafel stands, markets (shuks), and tipping.

Withdraw cash from bank ATMs (like Leumi or Hapoalim) rather than private street kiosks to avoid high fees. Contactless “tap to pay” is the norm, so ensure your Apple Pay or Google Pay is set up for convenience.

Yes, you need a Type H or Type C adapter, as Israel uses 230V power with unique three-pronged outlets. Most US plugs (Type A/B) will not fit physically, and the higher voltage will fry single-voltage devices like hair dryers or curling irons instantly.

Check your device labels: if it says “Input: 100-240V” (like most phone and laptop chargers), you only need a simple plug adapter ($5-10). If it says “110V only,” you need a heavy voltage converter, but it’s usually better to just leave those appliances at home.

Yes, tap water in Israel is high quality and perfectly safe to drink. The country is a global leader in desalination and water technology. You can fill your reusable bottle anywhere, which saves money and reduces plastic waste in the heat.

The only exception is the Dead Sea region, where tap water in some older facilities might be saline or non-potable—look for signs. In Tel Aviv restaurants, asking for “tap water” (mayim mir-a-z) is common and free, though waiters may initially offer bottled mineral water.

We use AI-powered monitoring tools to scan fares from 150+ airlines 24/7, detecting pricing anomalies that most travelers miss. When a carrier like El Al, United, or Virgin Atlantic quietly drops prices due to algorithm shifts or capacity changes, our system flags it instantly. A human expert then verifies the deal to ensure it has reasonable layovers and good airline quality.

Our members get these alerts via our free newsletter or app often days before the general public notices. You then book directly with the airline, securing the same seat for 40-80% less than the standard rate.