A review of flight prices for the High Holiday (from September 11 to October 2) season shows that even popular European destinations are no longer cheap. During Sukkot, a family of four flying to Rome could pay anywhere from 2,632 dollars on El Al to 4,736 dollars on Arkia, with fares on other airlines also running into the thousands. Flights to Budapest range from 2,588 dollars on El Al to 3,792 dollars on Arkia during the same period.
Even Cyprus, typically considered one of the closest and most affordable destinations for Israelis, has not escaped the price surge. A family of four flying to Larnaca over Rosh Hashanah would pay between about 2,000 dollars and 6,220 dollars, depending on the airline and fare conditions. During Sukkot, fares range from 1,780 dollars on El Al to 6,220 dollars on Wizz Air. In Corfu, another popular destination among Israeli families, airfare alone ranges from roughly 2,200 to more than 3,100 dollars.
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Even popular European destinations are no longer cheap
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Prices rise sharply for long-haul destinations. A family of four traveling to New York over Rosh Hashanah would pay 8,140 dollars on El Al or 12,392 dollars on Arkia. During Sukkot, New York fares range from 7,992 dollars on Arkia to 9,836 dollars on El Al. Thailand is similarly expensive: a family of four would pay 8,392 dollars on Arkia over Rosh Hashanah, while Sukkot fares climb to 11,192 dollars on Arkia and 12,056 dollars on El Al. Those figures do not include hotels, car rentals, attractions, restaurants or other travel expenses.
According to the pricing review, airlines appear to be factoring strong demand into their fares, as well as the calendar advantage created by holidays falling adjacent to weekends. Tourism industry officials note that this year the Hebrew month of Tishrei falls largely in September, creating a convenient sequence of holidays and weekends. The ability to take extended vacations without using many vacation days has helped drive demand. In addition, weather conditions in popular destinations such as Greece and Cyprus remain relatively pleasant during this period, further boosting interest.
The review also found that in many cases vacation packages that include flights, accommodations and transfers offer better value than booking flights separately.
For example, a family package for Rosh Hashanah in Corfu that includes flights and a stay at the five-star Valmar Corfu by Louis Hotels on an all-inclusive basis is priced at 4,468 dollars per family — less than some families will pay for airfare alone to certain destinations during the holiday season.
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Many cases vacation packages offer better value than booking flights separately
(Photo: kirill_makarov / shutterstock)
Other destinations also offer relatively affordable package deals. A family package to the Greek island of Kos over Rosh Hashanah, including Blue Bird Airways flights, transfers and an all-inclusive stay at the Kipriotis Village resort, is available for 7,199 shekels for the entire family. A family package to Crete during Yom Kippur, including flights, transfers and accommodations at the five-star Aquila Rithymna resort with a water park, is priced at 9,349 shekels.
In Rhodes, a family package for Sukkot includes Blue Bird flights, three nights at the five-star Esperides Beach Family Resort on an all-inclusive basis, as well as access to a water park, for 7,990 shekels per family.
Airfare for a family of four during Rosh Hashanah (September 11–14)
Larnaca — El Al: 1,996 dollars; Blue Bird: 2,128 dollars; Israir: 2,220 dollars; Arkia: 2,344 dollars; Wizz Air: 6,220 dollars.
Corfu — Blue Bird: 2,228 dollars; Arkia: 2,580 dollars; Israir: 2,868 dollars.
Rome — Wizz Air: 1,580 dollars; Israir: 2,320 dollars; El Al: 2,512 dollars; Arkia: 2,892 dollars.
Budapest — El Al: 2,364 dollars; Israir: 2,644 dollars; Blue Bird: 2,948 dollars; Arkia: 3,076 dollars.
Thailand — Arkia: 8,392 dollars.
New York — El Al: 8,140 dollars; Arkia: 12,392 dollars.
Airfare for a family of four during Sukkot (September 25–Oct. 2)
Larnaca — El Al: 1,780 dollars; Blue Bird: 2,164 dollars; Israir: 2,320 dollars; Arkia: 2,772 dollars; Wizz Air: 6,220 dollars.
Corfu — Blue Bird: 2,228 dollars; Arkia: 2,932 dollars; Israir: 3,156 dollars.
Rome — El Al: 2,632 dollars; Israir: 3,504 dollars; Wizz Air: 3,888 dollars; Arkia: 4,736 dollars.
Budapest — El Al: 2,588 dollars; Blue Bird: 2,992 dollars; Israir: 3,116 dollars; Arkia: 3,792 dollars.
Thailand — Arkia: 11,192 dollars; El Al: 12,056 dollars.
New York — Arkia: 7,992 dollars; El Al: 9,836 dollars.