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 WILL BE SUBJECT TO A $150 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 7-10 business days prior to departure. Applying later than that date may result in receiving your confirmation only AFTER you arrive in Israel. 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, should you decide not to use your return flight, you can cancel the ticket up to 48 hours from your planned departure by selecting “Cancel My Return Flight” on the Birthright Israel mobile app, or by contacting the travel agent directly according to the info below. Within 48 hours cancellation is not guaranteed.

**If you do not contact Israel Free Spirit or the travel agent about cancelling the return ticket, your deposit will be forfeited and you will not be able to rebook your ticket.**

 

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 ($150). 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 ($150). 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, plus the Birthright Israel agent fee ($150). 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, plus the Birthright Israel agent fee ($150).
  • Once in Israel for NA participants send completed Gil Travel Extension form: https://www.giltravel-br.com/

British Airways

  • Maximum stay is 3 months.
  • Extensions are limited, be sure to process your extension ASAP
  • Extension requests must be confirmed more than 10 days before departure.
  • Extension fee prior to departure is USD 250.00 subject to seat availability in the same class/code fare of service, plus difference to higher airfare if available, plus the Birthright Israel agent fee ($150).
  • Once in Israel, extensions requests are NOT permitted

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 ($150).
  • Once in Israel extension/change of return is $150 subject to seat availability in the same class of service, plus the Birthright Israel agent fee ($150). If the original class is not available and a higher airfare is available, fee is difference in airfare plus $150, plus the Birthright Israel agent fee ($150.
  • Limited extensions per group.
  • Once in Israel for NA participants send completed Gil Travel Extension form: https://www.giltravel-br.com/

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 ($150) 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 ($150).
  • Change of return date once in Israel is $50 service fee for a seat in the same class/code fare of service, plus the Birthright Israel agent fee ($150). 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, plus the Birthright Israel agent fee ($150).
  • 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/

Iberia Airlines:

  • Maximum stay is 3 months
  • Stopovers are not permitted
  • The extension fee prior to departure is USD 200.00 subject to seat availability in the same class/code fare of service, plus the Birthright Israel agent fee ($150). Changes prior to departure based on same class code/fare of service ONLY, plus the Birthright Israel agent fee ($150).
  • One change per participant permitted.
  • Change of return date once in Israel is USD 215.00 subject to seat availability in the same class/code fare of service ONLY, plus the Birthright Israel agent fee ($150).

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