When and where do we fly? How Israeli travel habits are evolving
Security uncertainty has led to a shift in how Israelis book flights. New features now allow travelers to prioritize Israeli airlines and explore destinations based on their budget.
The past year has brought about a significant change in how Israelis plan their vacations abroad. Today, two main considerations influence the decision: available vacation dates and the level of certainty regarding the flight.
Fluctuations in the security situation, frequent cancellations, and the suspension of routes by foreign airlines have made the choice of carrier a critical component in the decision-making process. At the same time, work and family constraints mean that many Israelis start planning with the dates available to them, choosing the destination that offers the best value for their money.
One of the prominent trends during this period of uncertainty is the surge in demand for flights operated by Israeli airlines. Data from lastminute.co.il shows that nearly 85% of flight bookings on the site over the past year were made with Israeli companies.
Although this figure is influenced by periods when international carriers reduced their operations, it also reflects a deep shift in consumer priorities. Alongside traditional considerations like price and flight times, passengers today place great weight on the sense of stability and security provided by a company that bases its operations in Israel.
To simplify the search, a dedicated filter has been integrated into the site called "Fly Blue and White." It allows users to display only flights by Israeli companies with one click, enabling quick comparisons of schedules, prices, and ticket conditions without manually sorting through all results.
Alongside the demand for certainty, the trend toward flexibility in choosing a destination is growing. Many passengers who are limited to specific dates are open to suggestions. In response, lastminute.co.il offers a new search tool called "Fly to Any Destination." Instead of entering a specific location, users select their travel dates, and the system displays available options, arranged by the lowest price.
This process allows passengers to make decisions based on budget and availability, sometimes discovering attractive destinations they had not previously considered.
Asaf Greenberg, Deputy CEO of Marketing at lastminute.co.il, explains:
"Planning a vacation today revolves around flexibility. The Israeli customer now navigates between two main needs: starting from an available date to discover new destinations that fit their budget, and searching for the stability that leads many to prefer Israeli airlines. The combination of the 'Fly to Any Destination' and 'Fly Blue and White' features was born to provide transparency and allow customers to find exactly what is important to them with a single click."
