Simchas Torah War - Flights Discussion Thread

[Mareh Makom]

Whatsapp them

No answer on whatsapp either

[Sam 77]

No answer on whatsapp either

I waited on hold with them for 2 hours yesterday

[yfr bachur]

Hi can anyone please help us we we were stuck in israel and spent hours trying to get out we’re finally boarding a flight to Cyprus now but I’m struggling to get tickets from Cyprus to NYC

Our original flight was with Virgin Tlv-Lhr-jfk

We’re 6 passenger (2 adults and 4 children ages 3-13) pls pls help us. I got all sorts of points if needed

Happy you found a flight out.
Try for a flight to a city in europe that has trans atlantic flights. madrid, athens, rome,
PM sent with an option

[Mareh Makom]

I waited on hold with them for 2 hours yesterday

Ok did they pick up in the end?

[Sam 77]

Ok did they pick up in the end?

Yes

[LNS]

just a heads up i know many people who were cancelled and desperate to get back so booked with el al to various eu countries and are now stranded there as its very hard to find flights out ( very large group stuck in Prague for last 2 days )
many people who were cancelled are getting rebooked for after Shabbos so if you can wait it out a little it might be worth it

[aygart]

( very large group stuck in Prague for last 2 days )

The larger the group the harder it is

[LNS]

The larger the group the harder it is

they are not together
many smaller groups/ families that flew there

[Dan]

they are not together
many smaller groups/ families that flew there

Seeing plenty of options, what is the issue?

[LNS]

Seeing plenty of options, what is the issue?

some cousins of mine who left day after yt not sure exactly why but have close relative stuck in EY and was considering booking them that route to meet them there and fly rest together but they advised against it as they are stuck there since then with many other people

can try to find out

[mevinyavin]

From today's JPost, if it is useful:

[SHL]

some cousins of mine who left day after yt not sure exactly why but have close relative stuck in EY and was considering booking them that route to meet them there and fly rest together but they advised against it as they are stuck there since then with many other people

can try to find out

Are they stuck on no more stops on J?
Plenty availability via cdg zrh fra waw and the list goes on
Not even very expensive

[tavster]

https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-preparing-to-provide-a-5b-guarantee-to-keep-el-al-flying-during-war/

[tavster]

Seeing plenty of options, what is the issue?

Besides Arkia and ElAl, most of the results on ITA are not relevant. Airlines like Vueling are advertising seats but then cancel flights.

[SHL]

Besides Arkia and ElAl, most of the results on ITA are not relevant. Airlines like Vueling are advertising seats but then cancel flights.

@Dan was referring to flights from PRG not TLV

[Dan]

@Dan was referring to flights from PRG not TLV

Yup.

[Something Fishy]

Split off the thread

[ExGingi]

Great nephew was rebooked by IcelandAir onto VS leaving today from JFK connecting in LHR to TLV, so it seems like VS is operating to TLV.

[mevinyavin]

Chaim vChessed:

ISRAEL AT WAR: Tourists Remain Stranded, State Department Not Helpful
Published Tuesday, October 10, 2023 4:59 PM IST


As previously reported, Chaim V’Chessed continues to be inundated with calls from tourists who came to Israel for Sukkos and now find themselves stranded, as their flights home have been canceled. Most airlines have ceased operations to and from Israel. With the exception of El Al, no direct flights are operating to or from the USA.  Some larger airlines like Turkish Air and British Air continue to operate.

 There has been considerable talk of charter flights set to leave Israel. As of now, these flights have largely not materialized. The handful which do seem poised to operate are long sold out. Some travelers have succeeded in purchasing tickets to random destinations such as Athens, Cyprus and Dubai, and making their way home from there.

Chaim V’Chessed has dialogued with State Department officials, seeking an avenue for these US citizens to return home. However, we have not seen much practical movement  or definitive plans on their part. The officials have averred that ‘there is no emergency; the airport is open’. While it is technically true that Ben Gurion Airport remains open, this is disingenuous, as there are scarcely any flights available.

We have been in contact with numerous elected officials who are attempting to alleviate the situation. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) sent a letter to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken urging his involvement in this troubling situation. It would certainly be beneficial if other Congressmen and Senators get involved in this effort, as well.

Lastly, a report circulating on the Internet claims that the US is considering using US Navy boats to extract its citizens. To the best of our understanding,  there is no basis or official corroboration for this report.

[tavster]

@Dan was referring to flights from PRG not TLV

Sorry I picked up the conversation half way through