There's so much to do while you're in Israel — and a few things you'll need to get ready. Prepare for your journey with this helpful guide, and get excited for the discoveries that await!
AIRLINES WE FLY
Birthright Israel is responsible for arranging our group flights and uses multiple airlines. Some flights are nonstop on an Israeli airline (e.g., EL AL or Arkia), and others are nonstop to Tel Aviv on a domestic airline (e.g., United, American, Delta). Some flights involve a change of planes within North America or Europe.
We are not able to project which airline a trip will use in advance.
ARRIVING AT THE AIRPORT
Soon after confirming your trip spot, we'll email your detailed flight information and give you the official "greenlight" to make travel plans to/from your trip's gateway airport. On flight day, you'll need to arrive for check-in at least 4 hours before the departure time.
- Why arrive four hours prior?
We use this time for orientations and icebreakers. Also, arriving four hours early will give you some needed buffer in case of delays.
- How to find your group
You'll be met by our representative – wearing a bright blue Israel Outdoors t-shirt – who will guide you through the process. Do not check in before meeting up with our staff.
GROUP FLIGHT RULES
- Passports must be valid for at least 90 days beyond your scheduled departure date from Israel. No exceptions!
- You must fly with the group from the start – you can't meet the group in Israel, even if you're already in Europe.
- You may forfeit your return flight, but you must notify us in advance – or you'll lose your deposit
- You must fly back to where you started – you can't pay extra for a stopover or change your return flight destination
- Individual ticket numbers are not given out in advance, and it's impossible to get airline points, or to arrange for TSA Precheck/Global Entry in advance
MISSED & DELAYED FLIGHTS
Consider ground travel to your gateway airport, where possible. In our experience, this greatly reduces the chances of missing your flight to Israel. If you book a domestic flight, we HIGHLY recommend arriving a day early to reduce the risk of missing your flight. If you book a connecting flight on your departure day, allow plenty of extra time between flights.
What happens if you are delayed on departure day?
Let us know immediately. If necessary, we'll try to reschedule you on the next available flight, but you will be traveling to Israel without staff, you will miss part of the trip, and there's no guarantee we can reschedule you successfully (in this case, your deposit would also be considered non-refundable – yikes!).
RETURN FLIGHTS
When scheduling a domestic flight home, plan for at least three hours between the international flight and a connecting flight. This should give sufficient time to clear customs and/or border control between flights.
NOTE: Read on below for how to extend or forfeit your return flight
MEALS, MILES, LUGGAGE & SEATING
- Any special seating requests must be made at airport check-in on the day of your departure – early requests are not permitted.
- If you noted a special meal request when you registered, we'll submit it to the airline on your behalf.
- Travelers will not receive mileage points for the group flight.
- Luggage allowances (free of charge):
- 1 checked Bag
- 1 carry-on bag
- 1 personal items
- Individual ticket numbers are not given out pre-trip, and it's impossible to arrange for TSA Precheck/Global Entry in advance
DON'T MISS THE TRIP!
Please plan your connecting travel conservatively. This may be your one and only chance – don't miss it!
EXTENDING YOUR TICKET
Want to stay in Israel after your trip is over? Brilliant! You may be able to extend your stay in Israel either before you depart or after you arrive.
Extending your ticket pre-trip is only handled by Gil Travel, Birthright’s travel agency
TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR FLIGHT EXTENSIONS:
- Plan ahead
Your group flight can be extended, but some airlines limit how many tickets may be extended in the group, and availability for date changes can become very limited or even non-existent during peak summer and winter holiday seasons.
- Keep it simple
You will be flying on a group ticket, which means you can only change the return date. You cannot change the route on the ticket to include another destination. You also won’t be allowed to extend your ticket on the front end and meet the group in Israel.
- Pay attention to your airline
Each airline has different rules about how long a ticket can be extended and what it will cost you. Once you find out what airline you'll be traveling on, explore your airline flight extension policies.
- It's not over till it's over
While we encourage extensions, you must participate in the entire Israel Outdoors trip until we return to the airport at the end. No exceptions to this Birthright Israel rule.
- You're on your own!
If you extend your stay in Israel, you will no longer be under our supervision or responsibility once the Birthright Israel trip is over.
- What to do with extra time in Israel
Israel Outdoors covers a lot of ground, but there's more to do! Consider connecting to one of our subsidized extension programs, or check out this city guide with day tour ideas.
FORFEITING YOUR TICKET BACK
Forfeiting your return flight is different than extending your return flight. Forfeiting your return means canceling your return flight altogether. You will be responsible for arranging your own flight home from Israel. To forfeit the return flight, email us with the subject “Return Flight Forfeit” at least two weeks before your trip starts to avoid losing your deposit.
MORE BIG OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU!
INTERNSHIPS
AGES 18-35 | 8 WEEKS
A resume-building internship program, matching your skills and interests while experiencing the joy and adventure of a summer or winter in Tel Aviv
SKILL WORKSHOPS
AGES 18-35 | 4 WEEKS
Pick up a new skill, getting certified in bartending or learning essential culinary skills. Spend your free time enjoying the vibrant culture of Tel Aviv
VOLUNTEERING
AGES 18-50 | 8 DAYS
Lend a hand to the Israeli people where and when it’s needed most on this subsidized volunteer trip based in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem – optional flight
TEACHING FELLOWS
AGES 21-35 | 6 or 10 MONTHS
Teach English and volunteer on this rewarding paid fellowship opportunity, where you’ll pick up new skills and connect with Israeli society