Thursday, 25 August 2011

Airline Travel from the UK to Israel

Every day, flights to Israel from the UK are frequented by businesspeople, tourists, students, family members, and even those making aliyah. While Israel is a foreign country to those in the UK, travelling to and from Tel Aviv is not an unfamiliar concept. Each of the airlines that services travelers heading to Ben-Gurion International Airport understands the popularity of this route, and subsequently, offers discounted fares on a regular basis.

When you are flying to Israel, it is always best to plan for your journey in advance. Although the flight is short, it shouldn’t be a spontaneous decision like hopping the train to another European country. Having more time to think about your trip can only provide you with more options. The more flexibility you have with your dates of travel and direct versus non-direct flights, the more price options you’ll find. So, once you find a flight that satisfies your travel criteria, make sure you check for any restrictions, visa requirements, and/or recently issued travel advisories. Taking these steps will help ensure a safe and pleasant trip.

There are many resources to assist you in finding the most affordable airfare. You can utilise online booking agencies, such as Travelocity.com or CheapFlight.co.uk, seek the help of a traditional travel agent, or contact the airlines directly. It is important to note when considering your airline options that the major airlines will offer more direct flights from London to Tel Aviv. But, if a segmented trip is not a concern, then there are plenty of other airlines to also consider.

The average cost of a ticket from London to Tel Aviv can fluctuate between £260 and £680, depending on airline and any discounted fares being offered.  A direct flight to Israel from the UK is 5-6 hours in duration, and a segmented flight will of course take longer, depending on your layover. In some instances, the security procedures at the airport of your layover will require you to go through customs before you board the next leg of your trip. To ensure that your travel is not impeded, ensure plenty of time between each segment to make your way to the next departure gate.

If travelling comfortably is a high priority of yours, you may want to consider booking a Business or First Class ticket. Of course, these tickets will cost more money than a coach seat, but the amenities can be worth it. A Business or First Class ticket offers more legroom, wider seats, higher quality food, and other additional perks to make your travelling experience as luxurious and relaxing as possible.

Israel’s national airline, EL AL offers the greatest number of daily flights out of the UK to Tel Aviv. If you are travelling Business Class and have a strict time line, you may wish to seriously consider EL AL as your best option because of the frequency of flights available. Additionally, El Al is the only international airline in the world that offers all kosher meals, so if you follow a kosher diet, EL AL will surely be most accommodating. Although many major airlines will be able to provide a kosher meal with advance notice, with EL AL it’s just one less thing you have to think about.

While there are many choices of airline and seat class when travelling to Israel, the experience of flying itself is standard, and so we have a few tips for you next time you fly. Remember to dress comfortably and in layers to prepare for the change in climates between the UK and Israel. Ensure all of your travel documents are in order, with the appropriate visas, and make sure that you have complied with all travel restrictions when packing for your trip. Taking these steps will help expedite processing through security and customs, and help you keep focused on your destination: the one and only, Israel.

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