Extensions

We encourage you to take advantage of being in Israel and to extend your stay after the program. Please see Mayanot’s post-trip options page for some great post-trip opportunities in Israel! To see your airlines baggage restrictions or contact information to reserve a special meal please visit our airline page.

For questions regarding extensions through Gil Travel agency, please see their FAQ page HERE.

  • Please note that acceptance of the Taglit-Birthright Israel gift means you must remain on your trip until the very end of the program. You may NOT book any extension flight or programs that would take place before the end of your Taglit-Birthright Israel: Mayanot trip (i.e the departure date and time of your group from Israel). Early departure may result in you forfeiting your deposit.
  • Once the trip is over you will no longer be under the responsibility of Taglit-Birthright Israel or Mayanot.
  • Extensions can only be booked once you have been confirmed on a trip via email.
  • All extensions prior to departure from North American are made through Gil travel.
  • Gil Travel’s Taglit Birthright Israel trip extensions page can be found by clicking here. Please check their website for procedures, deadlines, airline costs for extensions, FAQ etc.
  • It is essential that you also purchase travel insurance as soon as you are confirmed on a trip. This will ensure sure that any medical expenses, flight cancellation/interruption, baggage loss/damage, and much more will be covered. Taglit-Birthright Israel and Mayanot take no responsibility for a changed ticket or extended flight.
  • Taglit-Birthright Israel is not responsible for changes that are [or are not] made for your return flight. These changes are made on your own accord.
  • Extensions are NOT guaranteed. It is NOT recommended for you to make on-going plans prior to departure until you have been notified by Gil Travel that your return ticket from Israel is confirmed.
  • You, as the traveler, must ensure that you are in possession of a valid passport with an expiration date of 6 months or more from the intended return date.
  • Please carefully review each airline requirements and fees.
  • **Taglit-Birthright Israel airline tickets are issued in a specific class of service in economy. The airline you are traveling with may not have available seating in the class of service on the date you wish to return. In this case you will either have to settle for a different date or, if offered by the airline, choose to pay a higher fee for the return date of your choice. Some airlines charge a fee in addition to the higher airfare for the change.
  • It is highly recommended that extensions be arranged prior to departure as the seats are limited, subject to availability, contract specifications, and specific class of service determined by the airlines. Some fees may seem less after the departure but the availability of seats are limited, not guaranteed and time consuming to finalize once in Israel. There are seat limitations for our class/code fare in economy due to our special airfare.

USA Departures

Most Taglit-Birthright Israel: MAYANOT participants on departures from the United States have the option of extending their ticket to remain in Israel beyond the program (in rare situations participants will be booked on charter flights and will not have the option to extend their ticket). The following are the costs and instructions for arranging your extension. The information below is subject to change without notice at the discretion of the respective airline. Mayanot is not liable for any changes.

Taglit-Birthright Israel: MAYANOT is not responsible for your extension or any changes you make regarding your return flight. Please review carefully your trip’s airline requirements and fees for extensions. Please be mindful of the days of the week when selecting your travel dates as some airlines fly on Friday night and Saturdays out of Israel.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is the participants’ responsibility to contact the airline if they are not flying on the original or new extended return date. Participants who are no-show to the airline risk having their return ticket “NULL and VOID” and will be responsible to buy a one way ticket return.

**Change of return date must be done prior to the date scheduled to return**

Airline Contact Information

El Al Flights

You can extend your El Al ticket for up to 3 months from your departure from the US. There are 2 extension options available:

a) Highly Recommended – You can extend your ticket prior to departure for a minimum of $165.00 – subject to seat availability in the same class/code fare of service. If the original class code/fare is not available and a higher airfare is available, fee is difference in airfare plus $90.00. Extensions in advance of your trip should be booked online as soon after you are confirmed on a trip as possible (availability will become more limited every day) through Gil Travel’s Taglit Birthright Israel Trip Extensions page. Gil Travel Agency requires that all extension requests be placed 15 business days prior to departure from the US.

b) NOT Recommended – You can extend your ticket in Israel through El Al directly, subject to availability, at a cost of $50 subject to seat availability in same class of service. If not available change will result in $50 fee plus difference in published airfares and upsell. Please note that at this point availability will be very limited if at all. You are therefore strongly encouraged to arrange your extension in advance as per option A above. To extend you ticket while in Israel please contact El Al directly at 03-977-1111, call center is open 24/7.

NOTE: Cancellation fees are imposed to BRI for last minute cancellation or no show.

Airline Contact Information

Air Canada Flights (for USA participants)

Air Canada Flights (for USA participants)
You can extend your Air Canada ticket for up to 90 days from your departure from the US. There are 2 extension options available:

a) Highly Recommended – You can extend your ticket in advance for a fee of $340 subject to availability in the same class of service. Extensions in advance of your trip should be booked online as soon after you are confirmed on a trip as possible (availability will become more limited every day). Extend your stay in Israel with Gil Travel’s Israel Trip Flight Extensions. Gil Travel Agency requires that all extension requests be placed 15 business days prior to departure from the US.

b) NOT Recommended – You can extend your ticket on the trip, subject to availability; at a cost of $250. Please contact Air Canada no later than 48 hours of your confirmed return date to process the request.
Once in Israel, contact Air Canada directly for all changes 03-607-2111, hours of Operation: Sun-Thu 8:30-17:00.

c) For baggage info please check Air Canada’s website: http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/index.html

NOTE: Last minute cancellation or no show at the airport the fee is $200.00.

Airline Contact Information

Continental Airlines Flights

You can extend your Continental ticket for up to 3 months from your departure from the US. There are 2 extension options available:

a) Highly Recommended – You can extend your ticket in advance for a fee of $240(A limited number of extensions are permitted per group). Costs may be higher due to limitation of seats. Extensions in advance of your trip should be booked online as soon after you are confirmed on a trip as possible here: Gil Travel’s Taglit Birthright Israel Trip Extensions. Gil Travel Agency requires that all extension requests be places 15 business days prior to departure from the US.

b) NOT Recommended – You can extend your ticket on the trip, subject to availability, at a cost of $150 and NOT subject to the limitation of number of extensions per group. Costs may be higher due to limitation of seats. To extend while in Israel, please call 03-511-6777. Hours of operation Sunday through Thursday 8:30AM – 5:00PM.

c) For baggage info please check Continental’s website: http://www.continental.com/CMS/en-US/travel/pages/checkedbaggage.aspx?SID=250D8C68AAF345E0A3F8C5E0E17DF5DB

d) Participants can access their return details by logging onto the Continental website: http://www.continental.com with their name and confirmation number.

NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable for last minute cancellation or “no show”.

Airline Contact Information

Delta Airlines Flights

You can extend your Delta ticket for up to 3 months from your departure from the US. There are 2 extension options available:

a) Highly Recommended – You can extend your ticket in advance for a fee of $240. Seat subject to availability in the same class of service, no upsell. Cost may be higher due to limitation of seats up to $518. Extensions in advance of your trip should be booked online as soon after you are confirmed on a trip as possible here: Gil Travel’s Taglit Birthright Israel Trip Extensions. Gil Travel Agency requires that all extension requests be places 15 business days prior to departure from the US.

b) NOT Recommended – You can extend your ticket on the trip, subject to availability, at a cost of $150. Delta permits upsell once in Israel. If original class of service is not available, cost will be $150 for the change plus difference in airfare up to $270. To extend while in Israel, please call 03-513-8000, ext. 3. Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9am – 5pm.

NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable for last minute cancellation or “no show”.

Airline Contact Information

Iberia Airlines Flights

Extensions are HIGHLY recommended prior to departure and in advance.

You can extend your Iberia ticket for up to 3 months from your departure from the US. There are 2 extension options available:

a) Highly Recommended – You can extend your ticket in advance for a fee of $265, subject to availability in the same class of class of service, no upsell. Extensions in advance of your trip should be booked online as soon after you are confirmed on a trip as possible here: Gil Travel’s Taglit Birthright Israel Trip Extensions. Gil Travel Agency requires that all extension requests be places 15 business days prior to departure from the US.

b) NOT Recommended – You can extend your ticket on the trip, subject to availability, at a cost of $175. Please note that at this point availability will be very limited if at all. You are therefore strongly encouraged to arrange your extension in advance as per option A above. To extend while in Israel, please contact Iberia at 03-795-1920 (Sunday through Thursday 8:30AM – 4:30PM). Please contact Iberia directly for all changes more than 3 business days prior to departure date.

NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable for last minute cancellation or “no show”.

Airline Contact Information

Austrian Airlines Flights

Up to sixteen (16) participants per group may extend their Austrian ticket for up to 3 months from departure from the US. There are 2 extension options available:

a) Highly Recommended - You can extend your ticket in advance for a fee of $140. Seat subject to availability in the same class of service, no upsell. Extensions in advance of your trip should be booked online as soon after you are confirmed on a trip as possible here: Gil Travel’s Taglit Birthright Israel Trip Extensions. Gil Travel Agency requires that all extension requests be places 15 business days prior to departure from the US.

b) NOT Recommended – Once in Israel, extension/change of return can be $150 subject to availability in same class of service. Please contact Austrian Airlines directly for all changes. Hours of operation: Sun- Thu 9:00-17:00, 1800-937-1937

NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable for last minute cancellation or “no show”.

Airline Contact Information

Swiss Air Airlines Flights

Up to ten (10) participants per group can extend their Swiss Air ticket for up to three (3) months  from departure from the US. There are 2 extension options available:

a) Highly Recommended – You can extend your ticket in advance for a fee of $240 subject to availability in the same class of service only. No upsell. Extensions in advance of your trip should be booked online as soon after you are confirmed on a trip as possible here: Gil Travel’s Taglit Birthright Israel Trip Extensions. Gil Travel Agency requires that all extension requests be places 15 business days prior to departure from the US.

b) NOT Recommended – You can extend your Swiss Air ticket in Israel, subject to availability, at a cost of $240. If original class/code far is not available, you can pay a fee (provided upon request) to a higher class/code fare. Please note that at this point availability will be very limited if at all. You are therefore strongly encouraged to arrange your extension in advance as per option A above.

Extensions once in Israel can only be done via email (with extension form, provided upon request) to taglit@easygo.co.il, by calling Signal Tours 04-911-3232 or via fax (with extension form) to 050-896-0463. (Hours of operation, Sun-Thu, 08:30-18:00, Fri, 08:30-13:00.) All changes must be made minimum of three (3) business days prior to scheduled return departure - NO EXCEPTIONS can be made to this rule. Extension request form can be sent to you upon request.

To cancel a return ticket once in Israel you must process request a minimum of four (4) business days prior to scheduled departure date.

Please be prepared to provide five (5) extension request dates in order of preference, and credit card details.

DO NOT contact Swissair they CANNOT assist.

NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable for last minute cancellation or “no show”.

Airline Contact Information

Lufthansa Airlines

Up to sixteen (16) participants per group may extend their Lufthansa ticket for up to 3 months from departure from the US. There are 2 extension options available:

a) Highly Recommended - You can extend your ticket in advance for a fee of $140. Seat subject to availability in the same class of service, no upsell. Extensions in advance of your trip should be booked online as soon after you are confirmed on a trip as possible here: Gil Travel’s Taglit Birthright Israel Trip Extensions. Gil Travel Agency requires that all extension requests be places 15 business days prior to departure from the US.

b) NOT Recommended – Once in Israel, extension/change of return can be $150 subject to availability in same class of service. Please contact Lufthansa Airlines directly for all changes. Hours of operation: Sun- Thu 9:00-17:00, 1800-937-1937

NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable for last minute cancellation or “no show”.

US Airways Flights

You can extend your US Airways ticket for up to 90 days from your departure from the US.
There are two extension options available:

a) Highly Recommended – You can extend your ticket in advance for a fee of $190 subject to availability in the same class of service or upsell is available. Extensions in advance of your trip should be booked online as soon after you are confirmed on a trip as possible here: Gil Travel’s Taglit Birthright Israel Trip Extensions. Gil Travel Agency requires that all extension requests be places 15 business days prior to departure from the US.

b) NOT Recommended– You can extend your ticket on the trip, subject to availability, at a cost of

. If original class/code far is not available, you can pay a fee (provided upon request) to a higher class/code fare. Please note that at this point availability will be very limited if at all. You are therefore strongly encouraged to arrange your extension in advance as per option A above.

Extensions once in Israel can only be done via email (with extension form, provided upon request) to taglit@easygo.co.il, by calling Signal Tours 04-911-3232 or via fax (with extension form) to 050-896-0463. (Hours of operation, Sun-Thu, 08:30-18:00, Fri, 08:30-13:00.) All changes must be made minimum of three (3) business days prior to scheduled return departure - NO EXCEPTIONS can be made to this rule. Extension request form can be sent to you upon request.

To cancel a return ticket once in Israel you must process request a minimum of four (4) business days prior to scheduled departure date by email to extensions@giltravel.com.

Please be prepared to provide five (5) extension request dates in order of preference, and credit card details.

DO NOT contact USAirways, they CANNOT assist.

NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable for last minute cancellation or “no show”.

United Flights

You can extend your United ticket up to 3 months.
You can extend your ticket in advance for a fee of $240 subject to seat availability in the same class of service, no upsell. Maximum 8 participants are permitted to extend per group.

Extensions in advance of your trip should be booked online as soon after you are confirmed on a trip as possible here: Gil Travel’s Taglit Birthright Israel Trip Extensions. Gil Travel Agency requires that all extension requests be places 15 business days prior to departure from the US.

Once in Israel extension/change of return is $150 subject to seat availability in the same class of service only. Please contact United Airlines directly for all changes 03- 511-6777. Hours of operation Sun-Thu 8:30- 17:00.

Transaero Flights

You can extend your Transearo ticket for up to 3 months from your departure from the US. There are two extension options available:

a) Highly Recommended – You can extend your ticket prior to departure for $240 subject to seat availability. Extensions in advance of your trip should be booked online as soon after you are confirmed on a trip as possible (availability will become more limited every day) through Gil Travel Agency at http://www.giltravel.com/extensionsinfo.htm. Gil Travel Agency requires that all extension requests be placed 15 business days prior to departure from the US.

b) NOT Recommended – You can extend your ticket in Israel through CLAL Aviation at a cost of $200, subject to seat availability in the same class of service only. Please note that at this point availability will be very limited if at all. You are therefore strongly encouraged to arrange your extension in advance as per option A above. To extend your ticket while in Israel please contact CLAL Aviation office in Tel Aviv at 03-521-4222, Sunday-Thursday 9:30 AM-6:30 PM.

NOTE: Cancellation fees are imposed to BRI for last minute cancellation or no show.

Please know that once the Taglit-Birthright Israel program has concluded that you will no longer be under the supervision or responsibility of Taglit-Birthright Israel or Mayanot.
Flight extensions cannot be made on Taglit-Birthright Israel charter flights.

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