United's Israel Service as of Now

United Airlines does not operate direct flights from the United States to Israel. The airline has not flown this route regularly in recent years. If you are looking to travel from the US to Israel with United, you will need to book a connection through a European hub — typically Frankfurt, Munich, or Brussels — where you can transfer to another carrier that serves Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport.

Other US carriers also do not fly direct to Israel. El Al, the Israeli national airline, operates the only regular nonstop service from major US cities (New York, Newark, and Los Angeles) to Tel Aviv. If you want to fly United specifically, you would book United to a European city, then book a separate ticket on another airline for the final leg to Israel.

Key Takeaways

  • United does not offer direct flights from the US to Israel and has not maintained this route in recent years.
  • To reach Israel on a United ticket, you must connect through a European airport such as Frankfurt or Munich.
  • El Al operates the only nonstop service from the US to Tel Aviv, departing from New York, Newark, and Los Angeles.
  • Booking a connection through United may cost more and take longer than booking El Al or another carrier direct, so compare prices before purchasing.

How to Book a United Connection to Israel

If you choose to fly United to Europe and then onward to Israel, you have two booking options. You can purchase a single ticket that includes both legs — United to your European hub, then a partner airline to Tel Aviv. You can also buy two separate tickets: one United flight to Europe, and a second ticket on another airline from Europe to Israel.

A single through-ticket is simpler if your luggage is checked all the way to Tel Aviv, because United will handle the baggage transfer. However, single tickets often cost more. Separate tickets give you flexibility to choose your own connection time and airline, but you become responsible for moving your own bags if there is a delay. If you miss your second flight, the first airline is not responsible for rebooking you.

Check United's website or call 1-800-864-8331 to see what European hubs they serve on the day you want to travel. Then search for onward flights from that city to Tel Aviv on El Al, Lufthansa, Air France, or other carriers that serve Israel.

Which European Airports Connect to Israel

The main European hubs where you can transfer from United to an Israel flight are Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Brussels (BRU), and Paris (CDG). Frankfurt and Munich have the most frequent connections to Tel Aviv because Lufthansa, which is based in Germany, flies this route multiple times daily. Brussels and Paris also have regular service, usually on El Al or other European carriers.

Connection times matter. A same-day connection requires at least two hours between your United arrival and your onward flight departure — longer if you need to collect and recheck bags. If you are buying separate tickets, you control this timing. If you are buying a single ticket, United will only sell you a connection if the airline believes it is feasible, though delays can still cause you to miss it.

Cost and Time Compared to Direct Alternatives

A United connection to Israel typically costs more and takes longer than flying El Al direct. A nonstop El Al flight from New York to Tel Aviv takes about 11 hours. A United connection through Frankfurt or Munich adds 4 to 8 hours of travel time, depending on the layover length, and often costs $200 to $500 more per ticket because you are paying for two separate flights instead of one.

The main reason to book United instead of El Al is if you have United frequent-flyer miles you want to use, or if United's schedule to Europe happens to match your preferred departure time better. Otherwise, comparing El Al, Lufthansa, Air France, and other direct or one-stop options usually saves money and time.

What Happens If Your Connection Is Delayed

If United is late arriving in Europe and you miss your onward flight to Israel, your responsibility depends on how you booked. On a single through-ticket, United is responsible for rebooking you on the next available flight to Tel Aviv at no extra cost, even if that flight is on a different airline. You may also be may have access to to meals and hotel if the delay is long.

On two separate tickets, you have no protection. If you miss your second flight because United was late, you must buy a new ticket on your own dime. This is why a single through-ticket is safer for tight connections, even though it usually costs more upfront.

Checking Real-Time Route Information

United's route map and schedule change seasonally and can be affected by geopolitical events, fuel costs, and demand. To confirm whether United is currently flying to your preferred European hub, visit united.com and search for flights on your travel dates. You can also call United at 1-800-864-8331 and ask an agent which European cities they serve and which onward carriers connect to Tel Aviv from each one.

If you are flexible on your travel dates, checking multiple dates can reveal cheaper or faster connections. Some European hubs have better timing for onward flights to Israel than others, and prices vary widely by day of the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use United miles to book a flight to Israel?

Yes. You can use United miles to book the United portion of your trip to Europe, then use miles or cash to book the onward flight to Israel. Some partner airlines that fly to Israel accept United miles, so check United's award chart to see which carriers and routes are available before you book.

Do I need a visa to connect through Europe on the way to Israel?

It depends on your citizenship and which European country you are connecting through. US citizens do not need a visa for short stays in most European Union countries, but you may need to show a return ticket and proof of funds. Check the entry requirements for your specific connection city before you book. If you are a citizen of another country, contact the embassy of the European country you are transiting.

What if I want to stay in Europe for a few days before flying to Israel?

You can book two separate tickets: United to Europe, and a later flight to Israel after you have spent time there. This gives you flexibility but means you are responsible for your own luggage transfer and rebooking if something goes wrong. Prices are often lower when you book each leg separately rather than as a connection.

Are there any United flights to Tel Aviv at all?

No. United does not operate any flights to Tel Aviv, either direct or as a regular scheduled service. If you see a United flight number on a booking site that appears to go to Israel, it is actually a United flight to Europe with a separate airline operating the Israel leg.

Which airline should I choose for the Europe-to-Israel leg?

El Al is the most frequent option and has the most experience with this route. Lufthansa, Air France, and other European carriers also fly to Tel Aviv. Compare prices, flight times, and baggage allowances on each airline before booking. El Al often has better connections from Frankfurt and Munich because those are major European hubs.