I was wondering what you travelers think about flying direct or making it into 2 flights to Israel? Would it be better to take the 12 hour flight direct or stop in Europe like Spain then traveling from Spain to Israel? I am a 80 year old Traveler going to Haifa what would you all recommend? Also, when booking the flight should I try to get the cheap flights they offer quite a bit less money than buying directly from the airlines. It seems like almost $1000 each way. Is that what the usual cost? Can you trust the cheap flights that says $690 or is that a scam? Thank you for your expert advice. Charlotte.
Posted by
Washington DC
28053 posts
I think the choice of one flight or two is a pretty personal decision; I'm flying non-stop back from Istanbul next week, so you know how I'd vote. A single flight removes the risk of a missed connection. On the other hand, some folks would prefer not to be cooped up on a plane for such a long time. Airfare would also be a factor for many of us; non-stop flights are usually more expensive, and that difference can be minor or substantial.
If you take a single flight, getting up and walking around the plane frequently is really important. You should in either case ask your doctor whether you should wear compression socks. I always wear them, even though they're a workout to put on and remove.
It's always safest to buy your airline tickets from the airline. There are some third-party sellers who are dishonest. Even the ones that aren't actually crooked may be difficult to work with if you have to deal with a schedule change or flight cancellation. In those situations, you have to go back to the company that sold you the ticket to fix things, and it's simpler to deal with the company flying the plane--or at least one of its airline partners.
You'll read some scary, costly stories from previous customers of third-party airlIne-ticket sellers if you search for CheapOair Review, substituting the name of the company you're considering buying from.
Posted by
OP
South Florida
69 posts
Thank you for the information. Greatly appreciated. Have a good one.
Posted by
8236 posts
Charlotte,
Personally, I would prefer a fight directly into Israel that a stopover in Europe. I know long flights can be tedious, but you get there faster and don't have the extra hours sitting at your connecting airport.
We have taken direct flights to Tokyo and Cairo from the USA and they worked out well.
As for cost and scam possibilities, do a search on the source of your prospective ticket purchase to see if others have complained about it.
I know Kayak.com can come up with some questionable sources. I never buy direct from Kayak, but go directly to the airline.
Posted by
Paris
7299 posts
The flight to Spain is already a solid 8 hours. 8 hours vs. 12 hours does not change much, in my experience... whereas having a connection is significantly more tiresome, especially in Madrid where walks are often very long at the airport.
Posted by
Freedonia
16269 posts
Buy direct from the airline. If some company is selling airline tickets way below what the airline is charging, there has to be a catch.
An airline can refuse to honor your ticket if it thinks something fishy is going on.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2774 posts
I always go for one flight over two. If you add the two flights together, you’re just adding to the pain. Suck it up and get it over with is my motto.
Always buy direct from the airline.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4602 posts
If you take the longer flight, you will have longer to sleep on the plane.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11869 posts
Buy from the airline
Every plane change is an opportunity for something to go wrong.
Posted by
Houston, Texas
975 posts
You can search for flights on Google Flights. BUT, always book directly with the airline. If there is a problem, you deal with the airline. Not a third party website who can not or will not assist you.