Extending your Ticket

We urge our participants to extend their ticket before departing rather than waiting until you arrive in Israel. Although some airlines permit flight extensions to be made in Israel, it can be a time-consuming process, and seats are limited. Here are some tips for planning your extension:

 

Before your Trip

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All extensions made before your departure must be done through Gil Travel. They require 15 business days before your departure to process your trip extension request. Here is the link to the extension form on their website:

https://www.giltravel-br.com/

 

In Israel

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When you are on the ground in Israel, to make an extension you must contact the airline directly (see below for Airline Information). 

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Here's what the airline needs to process your request:

• your E-ticket number

• Passenger Name Record (PNR)

• list of desired return dates

• credit card information

• a local telephone number in Israel

• your email address. 

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Some things to keep in mind:

• Extensions are NOT guaranteed and can be expensive. 

• We do NOT advise that you plan post-trip travel until you've reserved a new return flight. 

• Extension can be made for up to 90 days maximum.

• Stopovers are not permitted.

 

Please note: If you have confirmed an extension and then cancel or change your trip, you will be forfeiting your extension, including all fees paid to Gil Travel and the airline. Birthright Israel is not responsible for extensions processed with Gil Travel or with the airlines. Extensions are the individual’s responsibility.

 

Cancelling/Forfeiting Your Return Ticket

 

You are able to cancel your return ticket and plan the return flight to your home country on your own.

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You must notify us in advance or you may lose your $250 deposit. Forfeiting your return flight is different from extending your return flight. By forfeiting your return ticket you will be canceling your return flight altogether and will be responsible for arranging your own flight home from Israel.

 

To forfeit the return flight in the Birthright Israel App::

• You can now cancel your own return flight from the Participant App

• Return flights can be cancelled after departure from the home country and up to 48 hours before the return flight from Israel to avoid losing your deposit

• Cancel Return Flight option is on the following screen and flows as follows: 

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• Clicking on CANCEL MY RETURN FLIGHT opens a Pop Up mini window for you to follow and confirm the action.

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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL LAW: Your passports must be valid for 6 months from your final scheduled day in Israel. No exceptions! You must fly with the group from the scheduled gateway airport.  If you change your trip AFTER booking your extension, your extension will be forfeited.