Simchas Torah War - Flights Discussion Thread

[Zali]

UA 84 has taken off. Hopefully they'll stick

[yoval]

are we in for another round? sirens were just heard over central Israel causing airspace over ben Gurion to be closed for a few minutes

[fresar]

I guess we should buy Elal stocks?

[lover of truth]

ua 84 landed and ua 85 is scheduled as regular

[Jack Last]

If they landed in Israel they have to return...

[lover of truth]

If they landed in Israel they have to return...
[/quote
they returned empty in the past

[Jack Last]

To save time on loading passengers?

[lover of truth]

To save time on loading passengers?

no

[Jack Last]

So why?

[Jack Last]

If they landed in Israel they have to return...

I guess this goes with my signature: The only rule when it comes to flying is that it is all UP IN THE AIR!

[lover of truth]

interesting almost nobody is talking about fact that airlines are still flying with several missles including balistic ones being launched(yes they didn't enetr isareli airspace but still)
anyone think there is some political pressure(fear of trump) on airlines not to cancel?

[yelped]

interesting almost nobody is talking about fact that airlines are still flying with several missles including balistic ones being launched(yes they didn't enetr isareli airspace but still)
anyone think there is some political pressure(fear of trump) on airlines not to cancel?

More like they think that it will be over soon, as opposed to last time when they got a blank check to do whatever they want.

[mevinyavin]

In case anyone wasn't aware, it was deliberate.
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847108
Houthis declare Ben-Gurion Airport ‘no longer safe’ after renewed Gaza fighting
The Houthis announced an aerial blockade on Ben-Gurion Airport and threatened any airlines that fly to Israel.

[mlardi]

https://www.lalechet.com/tour/israelapr27#flight-details

[mevinyavin]

As the busy Pesach travel season approaches, Chaim V’Chessed urges all travelers—both those leaving Israel and visitors arriving for the holiday—to take note of several critical travel guidelines to avoid complications and ensure a smooth journey.

Traveler’s Insurance: A Must-Have
One of the most crucial travel precautions is securing proper traveler’s insurance. This applies to:

• Residents of Israel who are traveling abroad

• Visitors coming to Israel for Pesach

Each year, Chaim V’Chessed is called upon to assist travelers who either failed to obtain insurance or misunderstood their coverage, only to find themselves in a medical crisis without proper coverage. Travelers must verify that their insurance policy provides adequate medical and emergency coverage for the duration of their trip. If you do not have appropriate coverage, make sure to contact a qualified insurance agent before travel.

Israeli Customs: What You Need to Know
Travelers should be aware of Israel’s customs regulations, which have become more strictly enforced in recent months. Below are some important rules to bear in mind.

• Declaring Valuables – Those leaving Israel with valuables they plan to bring back can declare them before departure to avoid taxation upon return. This is done at the Customs office located after passport control.

• Bringing Goods into Israel – Only $200 worth of gifts may be brought into the country tax-free. Any amounts above $200 must be declared at the ‘Red Lane’ in the airport, and will be taxed.

• Personal Items – The passenger’s personal effects, such as a reasonable amount of clothing for the passenger, are generally exempt from taxation. However, expensive items, such as jewelry or watches, may be flagged for taxes and fines if noticed by customs officials. Additionally, there is no exception for goods brought for family members or others, beyond the $200 limit. Read more about Customs scrutiny here.

• Food Restrictions – Visitors should note that fresh food imports are highly regulated. For instance, travelers may only bring up to 15 kg of food, including no more than 5 kg of any specific type of food. Furthermore, raw meats are not permitted to be brought into the country whatsoever. Only 3 kg of cooked meat is allowed.

ETA Requirement
Since January 1, Israel has required that all travelers heading to the country submit an ETA-IL, an electronic travel application. While Israelis with valid Israeli passports are exempt from this requirement, several other categories of travelers—including student visa holders and permanent residents of Israel—are also officially not required to apply for an ETA. However, airline officials worldwide are often unfamiliar with these exemptions. This has resulted in airlines erroneously demanding an ETA from travelers who should not need one.

To avoid unnecessary complications, Chaim V’Chessed advises that all travelers without an Israeli passport apply for the ETA IL, regardless of their official exemption status. This proactive step can help ensure a smooth travel experience and prevent delays at check-in. It should be noted that Israeli citizens who do not hold a valid Israeli passport are required to obtain an ETA, as well.


For further clarifications or inquiries, travelers are encouraged to contact Chaim V’Chessed before their trip. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience this Pesach season.

[yfr bachur]

PSA on top of the CvC PSA.
In recent months, customs have been cracking down, even more so on religious looking people and families.
Anything valuable and new is liable to be taxed.
Computers, cameras, strollers and buggies etc...

Because there were less flights, and a govt agency doesn't reduce staffing just bec the workload decreases, they ended up stopping a higher percentage of travelers, and caught on to many things people have done in the past.

[yochai]

PSA on top of the CvC PSA.
In recent months, customs have been cracking down, even more so on religious looking people and families.
Anything valuable and new is liable to be taxed.
Computers, cameras, strollers and buggies etc...

Because there were less flights, and a govt agency doesn't reduce staffing just bec the workload decreases, they ended up stopping a higher percentage of travelers, and caught on to many things people have done in the past.

Yup.
I got pulled over at customs 2 weeks ago for the first time in my life.

[cholent]

United site isn't showing UA91 on 3.29 or 3.30 - would this be because the flights are fully sold out those dates or because they aren't really planning on flying?

[yelped]

United site isn't showing UA91 on 3.29 or 3.30 - would this be because the flights are fully sold out those dates or because they aren't really planning on flying?

I don't know about those specific dates, but I have definitely seen United flights sell out around these dates.

[mevinyavin]

PSA on top of the CvC PSA.
In recent months, customs have been cracking down, even more so on religious looking people and families.
Anything valuable and new is liable to be taxed.
Computers, cameras, strollers and buggies etc...

Because there were less flights, and a govt agency doesn't reduce staffing just bec the workload decreases, they ended up stopping a higher percentage of travelers, and caught on to many things people have done in the past.

R' Berkovits said that the person bringing in an item for someone else should be koneh it and use it at least once. Chaim vCHessed advises throwing out the packaging. For laptops, it is a good idea to put it in a laptop sleeve.
I brought in a laptop for the Rav, in case anyone thinks this is a kula he doesn't really hold of. (He hates owing money, so he gave me $ as a pikadon before the trip, telling me that I should sell him the laptop when I get to EY and then give him back change.)