El Al, Israel's flagship carrier, has unveiled a winter flight schedule brimming with opportunities for adventure. The airline is significantly increasing flights to key destinations like New York City, the romantic streets of Paris, bustling London, and the tropical scenery of Thailand. North America takes center stage with over 40 weekly flights, making the excitement of the Big Apple and other iconic destinations more accessible than ever.
Travelers seeking exotic adventures will be delighted by the expanded service to Thailand and the year-round route to Tokyo. With a record 17 weekly flights to Bangkok, Phuket and the Japanese capital, the allure of the Far East is within easy reach. Paris is also closer than ever with over 20 weekly flights, part of an impressive network of 200 weekly flights throughout Europe. Sun d'Or, El Al's subsidiary, adds to the extensive plethora of destinations.
On top of that, El Al is offering enticing "early bird" discounts for those who book their trips in advance. Until next Friday, travelers can snag incredible deals on flights departing between January and March. One can marvel at the Roman Colosseum with fares starting at a mere $298, or enjoy Paris for as low as $349. These offers are valid for round-trip tickets in LITE economy class, including a trolley, except for North American destinations.
In a gesture of goodwill reflecting the uncertainties of the current climate, El Al is extending the validity of flight vouchers set to expire at the end of 2024 by an entire year, until December 31, 2025. This automatic extension, requiring no action from the traveler, provides peace of mind and flexibility.
Google's latest data paints a promising picture of tourism's resurgence in Israel. While flight searches saw an 8% dip in 2024 compared to 2023, the summer months have witnessed a heartening upswing. Searches for flights last July even eclipsed those of July 2023, signaling a renewed confidence in travel. This positive trend is further underscored by Israel's impressive global ranking as a top vacation destination. After slipping to 27th place following the outbreak of war, Israel has rebounded to 13th place, showcasing its enduring appeal to global travelers.
Flight GPT
Artificial intelligence is also revolutionizing the way we plan our getaways. Searches for "trip planning artificial intelligence" and "AI cheapest flights finder" have skyrocketed by over 5,000%, highlighting the growing reliance on AI for crafting unforgettable travel experiences.
El Al, in particular, is experiencing a surge in popularity, with searches for the airline reaching an all-time high in August 2024, a remarkable 66% increase compared to its previous peak in March 2008. Israir also celebrated a record-breaking August, witnessing a 45% surge in searches compared to its previous peak in August 2007. Among low-cost carriers, Wizz Air reigns supreme in Google searches within Israel, also experiencing a significant spike in interest.
With the Jewish holiday season almost upon us, travelers are setting their sights on New York City, Bangkok, Phuket and Tokyo, all remaining enduring favorites, while Athens and Rome continue to rise in popularity, surpassing London as the go-to destinations for those seeking shorter getaways.