United Airlines' Current Service to Israel

United Airlines does not operate direct flights from the United States to Israel. As of now, United does not serve Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport or any other Israeli airport on its own routes. If you are booked on United and need to reach Israel, you will need to connect through a partner airline or book a separate ticket with a carrier that flies that route.

The airlines that currently operate nonstop service from the US to Israel are El Al (Israel's national carrier) and Lufthansa, which flies from select US cities. Other carriers offer one-stop or multi-stop routing through European hubs. United may code-share on some of these flights—meaning United sells the ticket but another airline operates the plane—so you might see a United flight number even though you are traveling on a different carrier's aircraft.

Key Takeaways

  • United Airlines does not fly its own planes to Israel, so you cannot book a direct United flight to Tel Aviv or any Israeli airport.
  • If your ticket shows a United flight number to Israel, it is likely a code-share with El Al or another partner airline, and you will board their aircraft.
  • El Al and Lufthansa are the main carriers offering nonstop US-to-Israel service, and you can book them directly or through United's website.
  • Connecting through European hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, or Vienna is a common alternative if nonstop flights are unavailable or fully booked.
  • Check your ticket confirmation to see which airline actually operates your flight, since the flight number alone does not tell you which carrier's plane you will be on.

How to Find Israel Routes When Booking with United

When you search for flights to Israel on United's website or app, the system will show you all available routings, including those operated by partner airlines. Look at the airline name listed under each flight option—not just the flight number. A United flight number paired with El Al as the operating carrier means you are flying on El Al's plane under a code-share agreement.

If you want to fly United metal (meaning a United-operated aircraft), you will need to book a flight to a European city first, then book a separate ticket with El Al or another carrier from there to Israel. This is more expensive and takes longer, but it is an option if you have a specific reason to prefer United's service.

Code-Share Flights: What They Mean for Your Booking

A code-share flight is when two airlines agree to sell seats on the same flight. United sells you the ticket and assigns it a United flight number, but El Al (or another partner) owns and operates the aircraft. You board with El Al, follow their rules, eat their food, and use their frequent-flyer program for mileage—though you may earn miles in both programs depending on your agreement.

Code-shares are common on international routes where one airline does not have its own service. They let United offer Israel routes without running the flights themselves. From your perspective, the main difference is that you follow the operating airline's baggage policy, seat selection rules, and in-flight service standards, not United's.

Booking a Connecting Flight Through Europe

If you want to avoid code-shares or cannot find availability on partner flights, you can book United to a European hub and then book a separate ticket to Israel. Common connection points are Frankfurt (Lufthansa's hub), Munich, Vienna, or Paris. United flies to all of these cities, and from there you can catch El Al, Lufthansa, or other carriers to Tel Aviv.

This route is slower—you will spend at least 2 to 4 hours on the ground between flights—and usually more expensive than a direct or code-share option. You also take on the risk that if your first flight is delayed, you might miss your connection and have to rebook. Only choose this route if you have a specific preference for United's service on the US leg or if other options are sold out.

What to Check Before You Book

Before you complete your purchase, confirm three things: the operating airline's name (not just the flight number), the baggage allowance for that carrier, and whether you need a visa or travel document for Israel. United's website will show the operating airline, but read it carefully—it is straightforward to miss if you are scanning quickly.

Also check whether your frequent-flyer miles will post to your United account or the partner airline's account. Some code-shares credit both; others credit only the operating airline. If you are close to a status milestone or redemption goal, this matters. Contact United's customer service before booking if you are unsure.

Flight Delays and Cancellations on Partner Airlines

If your United-numbered flight is operated by El Al or another partner, that airline's delay or cancellation policies explore, not United's. El Al has its own rules about rebooking, compensation, and meal vouchers. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you will work with El Al's customer service, not United's, even though you booked through United.

This is important if you are connecting to another flight or have time-sensitive plans. Before you book, read the operating airline's policy on delays and cancellations. If you have a tight connection or cannot afford to be stranded, factor in extra time or consider paying for a more flexible ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my United frequent-flyer miles to book a flight to Israel?

Yes, you can use United miles to book code-share flights to Israel on partner airlines like El Al. The miles will post to your United account, though you may also earn miles in the operating airline's program. Check the redemption rate before you book—partner airline flights sometimes cost more miles than United-operated routes.

What if I have a connecting flight and my United flight to Europe is delayed?

Contact the operating airline when ready. If you are on a code-share, that airline decides whether to hold your connection or rebook you. United cannot force El Al to wait for you. Build in at least 3 hours between flights when connecting through Europe to Israel, especially if you are checking bags.

Do I go through security twice if I connect in Europe?

Yes, if you have two separate tickets (one to Europe, one to Israel), you will collect your bags and go through security again. If you have one ticket with a code-share to Israel, you usually go through security once and your bags are checked through, but confirm this when you book since rules vary by airport.

Is it cheaper to book United to Europe and then El Al to Israel separately?

Usually not. Booking two separate tickets is almost always more expensive than one round-trip ticket, even if that ticket is a code-share. You also lose the protection of a single itinerary—if your first flight is delayed, the second airline is not obligated to rebook you. Book as one ticket whenever possible.

What airlines actually fly nonstop from the US to Israel right now?

El Al operates nonstop flights from New York (JFK) and other US cities to Tel Aviv. Lufthansa flies nonstop from select US cities to Frankfurt and Munich, with connections to Tel Aviv. Check their websites directly or search through United's system to see current schedules, as routes and frequency change seasonally.