So, you're looking at TLV to NYC flights. Honestly, it’s a route that’s seen more drama than a primetime soap opera lately. Between airlines pulling out, coming back, and shifting schedules, booking this trip isn't as straightforward as it was three years ago. If you just jump on a search engine and click the first thing you see, you might end up paying double or—worse—spending 24 hours in a terminal you never intended to visit.
The Direct Route Reality Check
Right now, El Al is basically the king of this corridor. They’ve been the most consistent, running about 28 nonstop flights a week. If you want that feeling of being "already there" the moment you step on the plane, El Al is usually the move. They fly into both JFK and Newark (EWR).
But here’s the kicker: American Airlines is finally making its big comeback. After a long hiatus, they're slated to resume direct service from JFK to Tel Aviv on March 28, 2026. They're putting a Boeing 777-200ER on the route. It’s a daily service, which is a massive win for anyone sitting on a mountain of AAdvantage miles.
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Delta and United are also back in the game. Delta is currently running daily flights to JFK, and United is hitting Newark hard. If you're looking for direct options, you’ve basically got four heavy hitters to choose from now. Arkia even throws a few nonstops into the mix every week if you're looking for something slightly different.
Why You Might Actually Want a Layover
Direct is faster, obviously. It takes about 11 to 12 hours. But man, it’s expensive.
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If you look at the data for early 2026, direct flights are often hovering around $1,200 to $1,800 round trip. Meanwhile, if you’re willing to stretch your legs in Europe, the price drops off a cliff.
- LOT Polish Airlines: They are the secret weapon for this route. Roughly 35% of people booking with a stopover choose Warsaw. Why? It's usually the cheapest way to get across the Atlantic without losing your mind.
- Virgin Atlantic: If you can snag a deal through London Heathrow, do it. They were recently voted the best airline in Europe for 2025, and their Upper Class is basically a flying hotel.
- ITA Airways: Stop in Rome. Get a cannoli. It adds hours to your trip, but sometimes the savings are north of $400.
Basically, if you aren't in a rush, a one-stop flight with Etihad through Abu Dhabi or TAP Air Portugal through Lisbon can get your ticket price down into the $600 range. That’s a lot of extra pastrami money for when you land in Manhattan.
Timing is Everything (and Most People Get it Wrong)
Everyone thinks they should book a year in advance. Don't.
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For TLV to NYC flights, the sweet spot for 2026 seems to be about six months out. If you're looking to fly in the spring, the month of May is statistically your best friend. Prices dip significantly before the summer rush hits in July.
According to recent pricing trends, the cheapest day to fly this year is looking like Wednesday, April 15. Mid-week departures almost always beat Sunday or Monday flights, which are packed with business travelers and families returning from the weekend.
Quick Price Breakdown
- Cheapest month: May (followed closely by November).
- Most expensive month: July and late December (holidays).
- Typical Economy Fare: $580 (with stops) to $1,100 (nonstop).
The Security Factor at Ben Gurion
You can't talk about flying out of TLV without talking about security. It’s intense. It’s legendary.
You need to be at the airport three hours early. No exceptions. Even if you have "fast track" or you're flying business, the questioning process is its own beast. In 2026, Ben Gurion is using the HBS (Hold Baggage Screening) system, which is 100% automated, but the human element—the questioning—is still there.
Be honest. Be patient. If you're carrying liquids from the Duty-Free, make sure they wrap them in those specific European-standard sealed bags, or the TSA will toss them the moment you land for a connection or arrive in the States.
Actionable Tips for Your 2026 Trip
- Track with Google Flights, but book direct. Use the "Track Prices" feature to see the volatility. When the price drops, go straight to the airline's website. If things go sideways—which they sometimes do on this route—dealing with United or El Al directly is a million times easier than chasing an online travel agency.
- Check Newark vs. JFK. Everyone defaults to JFK, but Newark (EWR) is often cheaper and can be faster to get to if you're staying on the West Side of Manhattan or in Jersey City.
- Use the "Whole Month" tool. If you have a three-day window of flexibility, use Skyscanner or Momondo to see the price grid. Shifting your flight from a Sunday to a Tuesday can save you enough to upgrade your hotel.
- Watch the American Airlines relaunch. Since they're restarting the route in late March, keep an eye out for "welcome back" fare sales or increased award seat availability on that JFK-TLV leg.
NYC is waiting. Whether you're going for the food, the business meetings, or just to walk Central Park, getting there doesn't have to drain your bank account. Plan for May, consider a stop in Warsaw or Rome, and always, always get to Ben Gurion early.