The period between Passover and the school vacation season is known for falling air fares, but this year the price falls are quite surprising.
Irish low-cost airline Ryanair is offering tickets at prices that have not been seen for a long time, apparently because of low demand and in an attempt to regain travelers' confidence, which was damaged during the Israel-Hamas war because of Ryanair's frequent flight cancelations.
The airline offers tickets from Tel Aviv to various destinations starting at $33, and there are flights to over fifteen destinations for less than $100, among them Rome, Naples, Budapest, Brussels, Vienna, Paphos, and Athens.
Ryanair has not yet resumed service in Israel. It is expected to start flying from Ben-Gurion Airport again when the airport's Terminal 1 is reopened for international flights at the beginning of April unless there are changes.
Added fees of low-cost airlines
It's important to note that the fares do not include luggage and seating. On a $33 flight to Athens, hand luggage weighing up to 10 kilograms placed in the overhead luggage compartment will cost $39 in each direction. For a suitcase in the aircraft's hold (up to 20 kilograms), passengers will pay $55 in each direction. A small bag that fits under the seat in front of the passenger (maximum 40x20x25 centimeters in size) can be taken on board for free.
Low-cost airlines sell basic tickets cheaply, sometimes at loss-making prices, but make their main profit on supplements such as luggage, seat selection, in-flight food, and other services. In the case of Ryanair, these items represent 30% of its revenue.
