The machinations of air travel to Israel can be complicated, a little like sorting out the intricacies of Middle East politics, airline specialists say. Travelers to the Jewish state must consider such factors as widely divergent routes and prices, complex rules regarding mileage programs, and international terrorism. Since no carrier flies non-stop from San Francisco to Tel Aviv, travelers must first go to Los Angeles before catching an El Al flight to Tel Aviv, via New York. Taking a European carrier straight out of San Francisco can save tourists as much as five hours in travel time, says David Parnes, of the International Travel Bureau in San Francisco. Parnes, an Israeli travel specialist, recommends flying on airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France or British Airways, which stop in Europe before landing in Tel Aviv.
Most European airlines use consolidators.
Because El Al doesn't use a consolidator, it can't compete with other airline fares. Despite its costlier and longer flights, however, El Al still has an allure for many travelers, especially large tour groups. Jeremy Barcon, of Piedmont Travel Service, says he books about half of his flights to Israel on El Al and the rest on European or American carriers. People fly for the pride of flying a Jewish airline, for patriotism, for great service. Along with paying a higher fare, travelers flying El Al will lose out on frequent flier miles, notes Barcon.