Israir to Launch New York Flights with Holiday Rates Starting at $1,900
Israir is set to launch flights to New York on September 15, but high ticket prices starting at $1,900 during the holidays and $1,600 afterward offer little relief compared to cheaper winter rates from El Al and US carriers.
Israeli airline Israir is expected to enter one of the most popular and important routes for Israeli travelers. According to the plan, Israir will begin operating flights to New York next Tuesday, September 15, a move that could expand competition on the route. However, at least in the initial phase, it is difficult to identify any real price relief.
According to a report by Channel 12 News, passengers wishing to fly during the high-demand Jewish holiday season will have to part with a particularly high sum. Ticket prices are expected to start at $1,900 and go upwards, a rate that does not promise a more affordable vacation.
Even those who prefer to wait until after the holidays are unlikely to find a major bargain. The planned price after the busy season stands at approximately $1,600. Although this represents a decrease of about $300 compared to the holiday opening price, it remains a very expensive sum that will not necessarily prompt the public to rush and book.
In contrast, tickets with El Al after the holidays, at the beginning of winter, can be found at much cheaper prices, as is the case with American airlines.
Israir's planned entry into the route raises an obvious question: is this real news for passengers, or merely an addition of options that does not change the level of expenditure at this stage? On one hand, operating additional flights may give the public more choices and strengthen competition. On the other hand, the published prices do not currently indicate a significant change in favor of the Israeli consumer's pocket.
Last month, Israir CEO Uri Sirkis stated that the airline would begin flying just days after receiving approval from US authorities. However, while the approval was granted about two weeks ago, the first scheduled flight is still more than a week away.
