There’s so much to do and see while you’re in Israel! Get ready for your upcoming Birthright Israel trip with Israel Outdoors by reading this helpful prep guide below —and start getting excited for the incredible adventure that awaits you!

WHAT YOU'LL FLY
Birthright Israel makes use of multiple airlines. Some Israel Outdoors flights are on EL AL Airlines, and many are non-stop from the listed departure city. Some flights include a change of planes within North America or Europe.

>> Want to extend your trip? Learn more here

LightbulbDON'T MISS THE TRIP!
Plan the times of your connecting travel conservatively. This may be your one chance, and we (literally) don’t want you to miss it!

ARRIVING AT THE AIRPORT

Soon after confirming your trip spot, we'll email your detailed flight information and give you the official "okay." At this point, you can begin making any necessary travel plans to and connecting flights to get yourself to and from the gateway airport. On the day your international flight departs for Israel, you will need to arrive at the terminal at least four (4) hours ahead of the departure time.

Note: We will be conducting group Check-In and Orientation during this time, so it is imperative you arrive 4 hours in advance. In addition to group check-in, the 4 hours will give you ample to time in case of any last-minute adjustments or delays at the airport.

Check-In: At the Check-In area, you will be met by an Israel Outdoors representative (wearing a Bright Blue Israel Outdoors T-Shirt) who will give you specific instructions on how to check in. Do not check in for your flight before meeting with the Israel Outdoors staff.

MISSED/DELAYED FLIGHTS

When making your travel arrangements, consider ground travel to your gateway airport. In our experience, this greatly reduces the chances of missing your flight to Israel. If you are arriving at the gateway airport on a domestic flight, we HIGHLY recommend arriving a day early to reduce the chance of missing your flight to Israel. If you must arrive on the day of departure, allow plenty of extra time.

In the event you are late or delayed on departure day, let us know immediately. We will try to reschedule you on the next available flight, but you will be traveling to Israel without staff, and there are no guarantees that you can be rescheduled successfully.

RETURN TRAVEL TO AMERICA

When scheduling your domestic flight to return home, please plan for at least three (3) hours between our international flight and your connecting flight home. This should give you sufficient time to clear customs and/or border control.

MEALS, MILES, LUGGAGE & SEATING

  • Any special seating requests must be made at the airport check-in on the day of your departure (early requests are not permitted).
  • If you noted a special meal request as part of your registration, we will submit it on your behalf to the airline.
  • Participants will not be able to receive mileage points for the group flight.
  • Luggage allowances (free of charge):
    • (1) Checked Bag
    • (1) carry-on bag
    • (1) personal items
LightbulbGROUP FLIGHT RULES

Here are some special limitations that apply to your group flight:

  • Your passport must be valid for at least 181 days (6 months + 1 day) beyond your scheduled departure date from the USA. No exceptions!
  • You must fly with the group from the scheduled gateway airport (you can't meet the group in Israel, even if you are already in Europe).
  • In general, you may extend your ticket up to 3 months from the date you depart depending on the rules of the airlines we are flying
  • Some airlines limit the number of tickets that may be extended within the group (see the airline-specific rules for details)
  • If you plan to extend your ticket, you must do so before the scheduled group return flight departs, or your ticket will be void
  • You may forfeit your return flight, but you must notify us in advance (otherwise, you will lose your deposit)
  • You must fly home to the gateway airport from which you departed (you cannot pay extra for a stopover in another city or change your return flight destination)
  • It is not possible to get frequent flyer miles for your ticket

EXTENDING YOUR TICKET

Want to stay in Israel after your Birthright Trip is over? Brilliant! You may be able to extend your ticket either before you depart or after you arrive in Israel. Extensions prior to departure can only be handled by Gil Travel, Birthright Israel’s official travel agency. Check your airline’s flight extension policies for specific details.

Tips for planning your extension:

  • PLAN AHEAD
    Your group flight ticket 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 date of the return. 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).
  • IT’S NOT OVER 'TIL 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.
  • FORFEITING YOUR RETURN TICKET?
    You have the option of forfeiting your return ticket and making your own travel plans home, but you must notify us at least two weeks before departing for Israel to avoid losing your deposit. Otherwise, you can forfeit your return flight once in Israel.
  • 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.
MORE ABOUT FORFEITING YOUR RETURN TICKET
Forfeiting your return flight is different than 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 before the trip, email [email protected] with the subject “Return Flight Forfeit.”