Travel Experts Reveal Best Time to Find Cheap Summer Flights Around Tisha B'Av

As the peak summer travel season unfolds in July and August, flight prices and vacation packages have surged, with daily passenger numbers at Ben Gurion Airport reaching approximately 85,000. However, travelers who book flights just before the Jewish fast day of Tisha B'Av on July 22 can find significantly lower prices due to a drop in demand during this period.

Nir Mazor, Vice President of Kesher Aviation, explains that the ten days leading up to Tisha B'Av typically see a notable decrease in travel demand, creating a valuable window for affordable vacations even during the height of summer. During this time, flight and package prices can be tens of percent cheaper than usual.

Examples from Kesher Aviation illustrate this trend: a 3-night flight and full baggage package to Lesbos from July 9-12 starts at 215 euros per person, rising to 280 euros the following week. Similarly, a 3-night trip to Sicily from July 10-13 costs $239, increasing to $298 a week later. Other deals include Tirana for $279 rising to $362, Crete for $349 rising to $418, a 4-star hotel package in Athens from July 19-22 at $539 rising to $712, and an Albanian hotel package from July 10-13 at $465 rising to $536.

Travelers are advised to consider returning in early September or booking trips just before Tisha B'Av to take advantage of these lower prices as the summer progresses and demand climbs again.