By Donna Westfall – August 20, 2024
I have a friend that is sick and tired of what’s happening to our country and plans to sell out his holdings here and immigrate to Israel. Here’s one problem. Airlines are canceling flights in and out of Israel. I personally can’t imagine traveling to a war zone during these troubling times. However, not everybody thinks as I do. The last time I was in Israel was in 1990. At that time, if you wanted to travel to Egypt after flying into Israel, for example, you didn’t get your passport stamped in Israel to avoid any problems.
Egypt was the first Arab country to recognize Israel when they signed a peace treaty in 1979. But most of the other Arab countries did not approve. If your passport is stamped in Israel, then you will be forbidden to travel to these other countries like Iran. These days, you will be issued a blue slip/card in Israel which you need to keep on you at all times while in Israel. But, your passport will not be stamped.
Which airlines are still flying and which have ceased flights?
US Airlines:
American Airlines announced cessation of all flights in and out of Tel Aviv until March 2025.
On the other hand, Delta Airlines and United Airlines have just resumed flights. El Al has 182 flights to or near Israel each month. Prices on tickets can start as low as $400 on a one-way trip out of San Francisco, $604 round trip from JFK to Ben Gurion, and to over $900 per Expedia. Flights departing from San Francisco, Ca., Newark, NJ or New York, NY to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Expect prices to go up though.
Other Airlines that have cancelled flights:
Arkia, easyJet, Israir, Norwegian, UP and Wizz Air. Ryanair and several other international airlines, including Lufthansa, Swiss Air and Austrian Airlines have cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv until at least August 26th.
When you arrive in Israel, you will be asked by airport security 1.) if you packed your bags, 2.) if someone gave you anything to carry on the plane (as a gift), 3.) if your bags were in your possession the entire time from them being locked until now, and 4.) if you are carrying anything sharp (nail scissors and swiss army knives, for instance).
On The Go tour company is cancelling flights departing from or traveling to Israel until Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Starting January 1, 2025, U.S. citizens must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) or a visa to enter Israel for business or tourism purposes for stays up to 90 days.
Just to be on the safe side, think about buying travel insurance after booking your flight. And you can probably cancel up to two hours before your flight.
