We highly recommend that you extend your ticket prior to departure rather than waiting until your arrival in Israel as seats are limited, particularly in the airfare class/code of your ticket.

**PLEASE NOTE: ALL EXTENSIONS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE WILL BE SUBJECT TO A $90 TRAVEL AGENT FEE**

Extensions are NOT guaranteed and can be costly. It is NOT recommended that you make post-trip plans until you have confirmation of a new return flight. Stopovers are not permitted.

 

How can you extend?

Extensions are processed through Gil Travel’s extension form at least 15 business days prior to departure. If it’s within 10 business days of your trip then you’ll have to wait once you’re in Israel in order to extend and contact the airline directly. The price of the extension depends on the airline (view the prices here). 

Note: Most airlines fly on Friday nights and Saturdays. We suggest you indicate in your extension notes if you do not wish to fly on Shabbat.

What information do I need to process an extension in Israel?

The airline will need to know your E-ticket number, PNR code, list of possible return dates in order of preference (you should have more than one choice, as seats are limited), complete credit card details, a local telephone number in Israel, and an email address. Having the required information prior to calling will help expedite your request. You can get the PNR code and E-ticket number from your staff on your trip.

What can you do during your extension?

You can either visit family and friends, hang out at the beach, or extend on one of our free & subsidized options here.

Can you extend your trip and visit another country during the extension?  

Yes, you can! Just make sure that any flight you book is either at the same time as your group’s flight or later. +

**You cannot book a ticket departing earlier than your group’s flight or you will be asked to change the ticket at your own cost.**

Can you extend your health insurance and cell phone plan?

Sure, we strongly recommend that you extend the health insurance policy and the phone plan. The field staff in Israel can help you do both. The cost of extending the health insurance policy is $4.50/day and the cost of extending your phone depends on the plan. The coverage period is calculated starting from the day after your Birthright Israel trip ends to the day you leave Israel.

Is it possible to cancel the return ticket?

If you want to cancel your return ticket completely or you’re staying in Israel for longer than the airline allows,  you must email info@israelfreespirit.comat least 15 business days prior to departure. Once in Israel, you must inform your Trip Organizer and you must contact your airline no less than 48 hours before your group’s return date. It will be your responsibility and expense to return home. If you do not contact Israel Free Spirit or the airline about cancelling the return ticket, your deposit will be forfeited.

 

Extension Fees & Guidelines For Each Airline

Air Canada:

  • Maximum stay is 3 months.
  • Extension prior to departure $150 subject to seat availability in the same class/code fare of service plus Birthright Israel agent fee ($90). If original class/code fare is not available and a higher airfare is available, the fee is USD $150/CAD $150 plus the difference in airfare, plus the Birthright Israel agent fee ($90). CAD fee will be debited in the USD equivalent amount to the CAD when processed.
  • Change of return once in Israel is USD $150 subject to seat availability in the same class/code fare of service. If original class/code fare is not available and a higher airfare is available, the fee is USD $150 plus the difference to the next class code/fare.
  • Once in Israel contact Air Canada directly more than one (1) business day before departure. Exception: changes for departures scheduled for Sunday from Israel must be completed by Thursday before: In Tel Aviv 03-607-2111 Sunday – Thursday 8:30AM-5PM

Brussels Airlines:

  • Maximum stay is 3 months.
  • Extension fee prior to departure is USD $50 subject to seat availability in the same class/code fare of service, plus any applicable fare difference, plus the Birthright Israel agent fee ($90).
  • Once in Israel extension/change of return is $150 subject to seat availability in the same class of service. If the original class is not available and a higher airfare is available, fee is difference in airfare plus $150.
  • Limited extensions per group.
  • Once in Israel contact Brussels Airlines via the following link: https://www.brusselsairlines.com/il/en/rebooking-request-birthright.html
  • Operating hours are Sun-Thu 9AM-3PM in Israel.-Requests received during the weekend or in the evening will be answered during business hours.

EL AL Israel Airline (subject to change):

  • Maximum stay is 3 months
  • Stopover not permitted
  • Extension prior to departure is the Birthright Israel agent fee ($90) if same class of service is available. If the original class code/fare is not available and a higher airfare is available, the fee is the difference in airfare plus the Birthright Israel agent fee ($90).
  • Change of return date once in Israel is $50 service fee for a seat in the same class/code fare of service. If the same class/code fare in economy is not available, then the charge will be the service fee of $50 plus the difference to the next available seat in economy.
  • Change is based upon availability at the time requested.
  • Once in Israel for NA participants send completed Gil Travel Extension form: https://www.giltravel-br.com/
    Or contact EL AL directly:
    In Tel Aviv 03-9771111 call center open Sunday- Thursday 9AM-5PM Israel time or 1-800-223-6700 24hrs a day except Saturday in Israel

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