Honestly, booking flights to TLV from NYC has become a bit of a sport lately. It used to be you just hopped on the EL AL site or grabbed a United flight from Newark and called it a day. Now? Things are way more nuanced. Between shifting schedules, airlines finally returning to the route, and the "new" normal at Ben Gurion, you’ve basically got to be a part-time travel agent just to find a decent fare.
If you’re looking to get over there this year, the landscape is finally stabilizing. We’re seeing more than just the "big three" legacy carriers now. Prices are hovering in that $850 to $1,300 range for economy round-trip, though you can still get lucky and find a sub-$800 deal if you don't mind a layover in places like Paris or Rome.
The Big Three Are Back (Sorta)
For a long time, EL AL was basically the only game in town if you wanted to fly direct without worrying about sudden cancellations. But as of January 2026, the US carriers have found their footing again. Delta is running daily out of JFK, usually on those sleek A330-900neos. United is still the king of Newark (EWR), often running twice-daily flights when demand peaks.
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And here’s the news everyone was waiting for: American Airlines is finally slated to resume its direct JFK to TLV service in late March 2026. They're coming back with a Boeing 777-200 and—get this—they’re using flight number AA18. If you know, you know: 18 is Chai, the Hebrew symbol for life. Kinda a nice touch for a return flight.
EL AL still dominates the frequency department, obviously. They fly out of both JFK and Newark, sometimes up to four times a day depending on the season. If you like the security protocols and the "already in Israel" vibe the second you step on the plane, they're still the go-to.
Direct vs. The Layover Hustle
You've gotta decide what your time is worth. A direct flight is roughly 10 hours and 15 minutes going east. Coming back? It’s a slog—about 12 hours because of the headwinds.
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If you want to save a few hundred bucks, the connecting flights are actually decent right now. Virgin Atlantic has been aggressive with pricing lately, sometimes dipping below $900 with a quick swap at Heathrow. Just keep in mind that "cheap" becomes "expensive" real fast if you have to buy airport food for a six-hour layover in London or Zurich.
When to Actually Pull the Trigger
Stop waiting for the "Tuesday at midnight" myth. It doesn't exist anymore. The real sweet spot for flights to TLV from nyc is usually about 40 to 60 days out. If you're planning for the Jewish holidays or peak summer (July/August), you need to be looking 4 to 6 months in advance. No joke.
February is statistically the cheapest month to fly into Ben Gurion. It's a bit chilly, maybe some rain, but you won't be fighting crowds at the Kotel.
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- Cheapest Days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Avoid flying out on a Thursday night if you can help it; that’s when everyone else is trying to get there for the weekend.
- The "Secret" Season: Late October and November. The weather is still gorgeous—like 75 degrees and sunny—but the holiday rush is over and the airfares take a massive nose-dive.
Navigating Ben Gurion in 2026
When you land, things are a little different. Ben Gurion is fully open, but security is tight. Don't be that person who leaves their passport in the seat-back pocket. It happens way more than you'd think.
You won't get a stamp in your passport; they give you that little blue gate pass. Keep it. You need it for hotels to avoid paying the VAT (Value Added Tax). If you lose it, you're basically handing the hotel an extra 17% for no reason.
When you're leaving, the old "arrive three hours early" rule is now "arrive four hours early." Seriously. The security lines can be a breeze, or they can be a nightmare. There’s no in-between. If you’re flying EL AL, the security interview happens before you even check your bags, so factor that in.
Specific Logistics to Keep in Mind
If you’re flying out of JFK, you’re likely in Terminal 4 (Delta) or Terminal 8 (American/EL AL). Newark is usually Terminal C for United.
Getting to the airport is half the battle. If you’re taking a taxi from Tel Aviv back to the airport, use the Gett app or make sure they turn on the meter. Fixed prices are almost always a rip-off. Also, the train from Tel Aviv HaHagana to the airport is life-changing—it takes about 12 minutes and costs less than a cup of coffee.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Set a Google Flights Alert today. Don't buy yet if you're more than 6 months out, but watch the trend.
- Check both JFK and EWR. Sometimes Newark is $200 cheaper just because of a United seat sale, even if you live in Queens.
- Validate your passport. It must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of departure from Israel. They are strict about this at the gate in NYC.
- Book the train for your arrival. Download the Rav-Kav Online app before you leave NYC so you can top up your transit card the second you land.
The days of $400 round-trip flights might be mostly gone, but with American Airlines returning and Delta/United back in the mix, the competition is finally bringing prices back down to earth. Just stay flexible, keep an eye on the news, and maybe pack an extra power bank for that 12-hour flight home.