Tel Aviv to New York: High Flight Prices Persist Despite US Airline Return

Since the start of the conflict, airfares for direct flights between Tel Aviv and New York have remained stubbornly high.

El Al’s Temporary Monopoly

The initial departure of US airlines left El Al as the sole carrier operating direct flights between Tel Aviv (TLV) and New York. Passengers in search of alternatives were forced to rely on connecting flights, which were scarce due to reduced operations by European airlines.

US Airlines Return,Prices Don’t Drop

While US airlines are gradually resuming services,a significant drop in ticket prices has yet to materialize. Ophir Tours reports that fares will remain at a minimum of $1,200, with the majority of tickets priced between $1,500 and $2,000.

Peak Season Pricing

During Passover, Delta Airlines is offering the cheapest return tickets for direct flights at $1,600.Though, El Al’s economy class fares start at $2,300 due to high demand.

A complex equation

The factors contributing to these high prices are multifaceted. Increased demand during peak travel seasons, limited flight availability, and the ongoing instability in the region all play a role. Travelers should expect to budget accordingly when planning trips between Tel Aviv and New York in the near future.

Tips for Finding Affordable Flights:

• Be flexible with travel dates and times: Flying mid-week or during off-peak seasons can often result in lower fares.
• Book in advance: Airlines often release discounted fares several months prior to departure.
• Consider connecting flights: While direct flights may be more convenient, connecting flights often come with lower prices.
• Utilize flight comparison websites: Search engines like Google Flights and Skyscanner can help you compare prices from multiple airlines.

Looking ahead, do you expect any changes in the near future that could bring down flight prices between Tel Aviv and new York?

Tel Aviv to New York: High Flight Prices Persist Despite US Airline Return

El Al’s Temporary Monopoly

Following the initial departure of US airlines from the Tel Aviv-New York route, El Al found itself as the sole carrier, leading to increased demand and fewer alternatives for travelers. We speak with Dr. Shira Greenberg, an aviation industry expert and CEO of Ophir Tours, to discuss the impact of this temporary monopoly on airfare prices.

Why did airfares stay high even after US airlines resumed services?

“The reintroduction of US airlines to the route has not yet resulted in a significant drop in prices due to several factors,” explains dr. Greenberg. “Firstly, there’s a pent-up demand following the suspension of flights, leading to higher bookings and reduced availability. Secondly, the ongoing instability in the region has caused some carriers to maintain conservative capacity, which in turn drives up prices.”

US Airlines Return, Prices Don’t Drop

While US airlines have been gradually resuming services, fares remain at elevated levels. Dr. greenberg shares her insights on why this trend is persisting:

“The gradual resumption of flights by US airlines has indeed increased capacity on the route. Though, it’s significant to note that the increase is happening gradually, which isn’t enough to significantly lower prices in the short term. Moreover, demand is still strong, particularly during peak travel seasons like Passover.”

Peak Season Pricing

During peak travel seasons, flight prices tend to skyrocket. We asked Dr. Greenberg about the high fares observed during the recent passover holiday:

“Peak travel seasons, like Passover and other Jewish holidays, always bring higher demand and consequently, higher prices.With limited flight availability and increased passenger numbers, airlines can afford to charge more for tickets. In fact, El Al’s economy class fares started at around $2,300 during Passover, reflecting this high demand.”

A Complex Equation

The factors contributing to these high prices are complex and interconnected.We asked Dr. Greenberg to summarize the key elements driving up airfares on this route:

“it’s a combination of increased demand,particularly during peak seasons; limited flight availability due to airlines’ conservative capacity planning; and the ongoing instability in the region,which makes carriers more cautious about committing to high frequencies. Travelers should expect these trends to continue in the near future.”

Tips for Finding Affordable Flights

To help travelers cope with the high fares, Dr.Greenberg offers the following advice:

• Be flexible with travel dates and times: “Flying mid-week or during off-peak seasons can often result in lower fares. Also, consider red-eye flights or early morning departures to find better deals.”
• Book in advance: “Airlines often release discounted fares several months prior to departure. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to secure a lower fare.”
• consider connecting flights: “While direct flights may be more convenient, connecting flights often come with lower prices.Be prepared to compromise on convenience to save money.”
• Utilize flight comparison websites: “Search engines like Google Flights and Skyscanner can definitely help you compare prices from multiple airlines. Set fare alerts to monitor price changes and act quickly when you find a good deal.”

Looking ahead, do you expect any changes in the near future that could bring down flight prices between Tel Aviv and New York?

“while it’s difficult to predict the future with certainty, I expect the high prices to persist for the remainder of the year. However, as capacity increases and stability returns to the region, we may see a gradual decrease in fares starting from early 2024. Travelers should continue to monitor prices and remain flexible to secure the best deals.”