Taglit Birthright Israel®
Trip Extensions

Extend your stay in Israel with Gil Travel!


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TAGLIT BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL® TRIP EXTENSIONS FAQ's


ALERT: PLEASE DO NOT CALL FOR EXTENSION REQUESTS. Extension requests are being processed by EMAIL ONLY.

** IMPORTANT: Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your return date, including your extended return date.

  1. Once I submit the extension request form, how long will it take to hear from Gil Travel?
  2. How much does it cost to book an extension?
  3. I have submitted my form. Is my flight automatically confirmed?
  4. When I enter my name into the extension request form, I am not recognized by the system. What do I do?
  5. How do I ensure my friend and I have the same flight on the return?
  6. What is the maximum number of days I can stay in Israel?
  7. Can I depart the US/Canada earlier than the scheduled group departure?
  8. Do I need to have a confirmed flight home or can it be an open ticket?
  9. Can I stop in Europe on the way home to the US/Canada?
  10. I am flying out of JFK with my group; however I would like to return to Miami. Is this possible?
  11. What is my group flight schedule?
  12. What happens if I pay for the extension and later change my mind?
  13. What does the extension fee include?
  14. Once in Israel, what if I want or need to change my confirmed extension date from Tel Aviv to USA/Canada?
  15. Can I pay extra to upgrade my seat to business class?
  16. How can I get an aisle seat and a special meal?
  17. What happens if my domestic flight is delayed and I miss the group flight from New York?
  18. What do I need when checking in to return to the US/Canada on my extended flight?
  19. Do I need a passport and a Visa to visit Israel?
  20. Do I need to advise the airline and/or Taglit Birthright Israel® that my flight has been changed?
  21. Did we answer your questions?
  1. Once I submit the extension request form, how long will it take to hear from Gil Travel?
    Once we receive your extension request form, we will try to confirm your request within ten (10) business days.If you are purchasing domestic tickets, we recommend that you wait until you get your extension flight confirmation from Gil Travel via e-mail.

  2. It depends on what airline you are assigned to fly with:
    Be sure to read the TERMS AND CONDITIONS for your assigned airline.

    Select your Departing Carrier:


  3. I have submitted my form. Is my flight automatically confirmed?
    No! You will receive an extension request code number to verify that we have received your request and we will now begin the process.

  4. When I enter my name into the extension request form, I am not recognized by the system. What do I do?
    Press “continue” anyway! This will allow you to continue filling out your application. Once you hit the submit button at the bottom of the application, you will receive an extension request code number. That code verifies that your extension request has been successfully transmitted.

  5. How do I ensure my friend and I have the same flight on the return?
    Please be sure that you list all the names of people you will be travelling with. We will make every effort to confirm your request.

  6. What is the maximum number of days I can stay in Israel?
    Please see the terms and conditions for your specific carrier’s maximum stay restrictions on the extension request page. Gil Travel cannot make any exceptions to extend your flight longer than the maximum stay.

  7. Can I depart the US/Canada earlier than the scheduled group departure?
    No. You will have to depart with your group.

  8. Do I need to have a confirmed flight home or can it be an open ticket?
    Open returns are not allowed. You must have a confirmed return flight.

  9. Can I stop in Europe on the way home to the US/Canada?
    No, stopovers are not allowed on this ticket.

  10. I am flying out of JFK with my group; however I would like to return to Miami. Is this possible?
    All Taglit Birthright Israel® participants must return to the same gateway city from which they departed.

  11. What is my group flight schedule?
    You need to contact your Trip Organizer to get this information.

  12. What happens if I pay for the extension and later change my mind?
    All extension fees are non-refundable. Once you have made an extension booking, each subsequent change will be subject to an additional extension fee. All additional changes will be subject to availability by the airline.

  13. What does the extension fee include?
    The extension fee includes all airline and Gil Travel service fees.

  14. Once in Israel, what if I want or need to change my confirmed extension date from Tel Aviv to USA/Canada?
    For your assigned airline, please read the terms and conditions carefully for whom to contact once you are in Israel.

    Swiss, US Airways – contact Gil Travel.

    All other airlines – contact Israel office airline directly.

  15. Can I pay extra to upgrade my seat to business class?
    No. Upgrades are not permitted.

  16. How can I get an aisle seat and a special meal?
    Seats will only be assigned at the time of check-in. You can request a meal with your Trip Organizer.

  17. What happens if my domestic flight is delayed and I miss the group flight from New York?
    When booking domestic flights, please allow at least 4-hours connecting time between flights. If you miss the flight, your scheduled airline will do its best to put you on the next available flight to Tel Aviv.

    If you do miss your flight or you experience delays, please contact your Trip Organizer as soon as possible so that any necessary arrangements can be made.

  18. What do I need when checking in to return to the US/Canada on my extended flight?
    All you need is to check in when you arrive at the airport is your passport and the email itinerary you have received from Gil Travel.

  19. Do I need a passport and a Visa to visit Israel?
    Yes, a valid passport is required. Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your return date, including your extended return date. US/Canada citizens do not need a visa for Israel. All other nationalities check with the Israeli Consulate.

  20. Do I need to advise the airline and/or Taglit Birthright Israel® that my flight has been changed?
    No, we will take care of all communication between the airlines and Taglit Birthright Israel®

  21. Did we answer your questions?
    Contact extensions@giltravel.com for all unanswered questions.

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