Best ticket prices to Israel?

[erez]

Last time I traveled to Israel, the cost was about $800 per ticket. I would like to take the family there, but ticket prices are unbelievable...
Our plans were to have a stop over for several days in Europe (Italy, maybe France?) and
then come back directly from Israel, but at $1300+ per person when you inc. taxes etc.), its a no
go :(

So, are there cheaper ways to get there (and back :)) -- with or without the stop over?  There used to be
TAs that sold tickets out of blocks of tickets they bought -- are these still
around? What is my expected ticket price for this summer?

Any info will be greatly appreciated

[Anil]

Summer tend to be more expensive than off season. I think the era of USD800 RT is not easily available. There are some consolidators who might be able to help you. A solo person could do two tickets 1. Get to London/Europe and then 2. Use bucket shops to get another ticket.

I will leave to the travel professionals in this forum to give you a more detailed viewpoint.

[Stephen Weiss]

Flights have gone up a lot due to fuel costs but to get a cheaper flight try these tips:

1) Its always significantly cheaper to fly to Israel in winter (but NOT over Christmas/New Years), Try around January/February for best deals.

2) Air Canada is often the cheapest way to go from the US

3) Check a NYC local hard copy of the Travel section of the Sunday Newe York Times for travel consolidators that offer tickets on charter flights. The disadvantage of a charter flight is that you cannot alter the date once bought, so buy travel insurance, But charter flights can be dramatically cheaper. You might do well by finding an inexpensive charter fight out of London or Europe and combining it with an inexpensive flight form here to that destination.

4) Finally, depending on your goals in Israel, you might save money overall by being on a group tour. Synagogues, Churches and Private companies offer tours and benefit from the power of negotiating larger numbers of participants, saving you money on air, lodging, travel, food and sites. Plus it is nice to travel with a community that bonds and becomes friends, I have a synagogue family Israel Trip in summer of 2011. If you are interested let me know, If not I can help steer you toward other possible trips.

[erez]

Thanks! I will try some of the above.
Since I have family there, group tours are the only option that does not make sense (for me!)
I never though Air Canada will be a cheap airline...

[girasolereale]

Ciao
I'm Barbara I can suggest you to visit europe as Italy and from Rome or Milan take a plane with this low cost flight http://www.elisrael.com/Default.aspx
ciao
Barbara
Girasolereale Rome Accommodations

[girasolereale]

https://www.elisrael.com/SpecialOffers.aspx
those are the special offer
ciao