Simchas Torah War - Flights Discussion Thread

[shapsam]

"The initial Newark-Tel Aviv flights on March 2 and 4 will stop in Munich to ensure all service providers are ready to support non-stop service to and from Newark."

What does this mean?

+1
Anyone explanation for what it means they need to make sure their service providers are ready?

[ShimonFly]

ITA airways to resume service on March 1st

Starting from 1 March, connections between Rome Fiumicino and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion will be gradually resumed. Initially, there will be three weekly frequencies, which will be increased during the summer season of 2024, in line with the evolution of the geopolitical scenario.

Source: https://www.ita-airways.com/en_il/fly-ita/news-and-activities/news/tel-aviv-airport.html

[iambarry]

Just rebooked on LY J, a points ticket I originally booked only 2 weeks ago. Was about a 10 minute phone call for 2 passengers.

I was finally able to get Priceline to rebook my VS end of May TLV/LHR segments on LY today.  It took 4 phone calls over the past 10 days, with the call today at just under 100 minutes.  I wouldn't have used Priceline in the first place except it was a lot cheaper than booking directly through VS's website.

Original and rebook both in J.  Original booking date Jan 30.

[Mr. CC]

Hi Y,

We have identified a minor schedule change made by the airline. No action is required on your part. Please review your flights below.
...
JFk-TLV
----
Return: Tue, Apr 09, 2024
MAD-Different airport
JFK
American Airlines

This is how Chase let me know that the 1st leg of my return flight from TLV was canceled.

[AsherO]

This is how Chase let me know that the 1st leg of my return flight from TLV was canceled.

“No action is required” 

[bp27]

Booked my kids in Premium Economy TLV-ZRH-EWR for 55k United miles (TLV-ZRH on Swiss, and ZRH-EWR on United). As expected, last week Swiss cancelled the morning flight from TLV and put them on the previous evening flight, necessitating an overnight stopover. Now that United announced they are starting to fly direct, we took a chance and called to be changed to a direct flight. It worked!

Not bad getting a direct TLV-EWR flight in Premium Economy for 55k each. Might be my best points redemption yet.

[mevinyavin]

“No action is required” 

Is that because they can just stay where they are instead of getting the flight?

[Luvtotravel]

How is it that there are no direct flights from tlv to nyc on Sunday Mar 10?

[Luvtotravel]

I booked United tlv to nyc Monday Mar 11 on basic economy need to change to sunday. Any hope they 'll do this for me without flights being avail for sale Sun?

[Dan]

How is it that there are no direct flights from tlv to nyc on Sunday Mar 10?

Sold out?

[Luvtotravel]

Sold out?

guess so. Any chance something could still open?

[shmooz]

why did they sell out on a random day in march?

[SHL]

why did they sell out on a random day in march?

Search around
There are others
Sundays are especially common as visitors often return on Sunday so they can work Monday (yes there are many visitors going in and out)

[yochai]

guess so. Any chance something could still open?

Definitely. With free changes and cancellations, many people hold on to their tickets till a few days before the flight.

[Dan]

why did they sell out on a random day in march?

Other than capacity in the US-TLV market being down by more than 50%?

[yfr bachur]

havent weekend flights been more or less at capacity for months?

[Mr. CC]

How is it that there are no direct flights from tlv to nyc on Sunday Mar 10?

most 'regular' travel agents can wait list you on Elal. Since the wat started, they have been holding some/many seats until the last two days.

[yitzyul]

2 seperate tickets.
Emirates: ewr- Ath
Israir: Ath- Tlv

At checkin agent asked me where my final destination & flight#. Then she checked in bag all the way thru?? They aren't partners so not sure how they did that (w/o even seeing boarding pass)  Luggage tag clearly shows TLV
Whats interesting is that Israir charges for luggage so not sure how that will work.

[yochai]

2 seperate tickets.
Emirates: ewr- Ath
Israir: Ath- Tlv

At checkin agent asked me where my final destination & flight#. Then she checked in bag all the way thru?? They aren't partners so not sure how they did that (w/o even seeing boarding pass)  Luggage tag clearly shows TLV
Whats interesting is that Israir charges for luggage so not sure how that will work.

Amazing!
Had a client who did the same. Emirates offered to check the bag through but when she told them it’s Israir they said they couldn’t do it.
In general I’d love to hear DPs about interlining bags when only the first flight includes checked bags.

[SHL]

I remember having the opposite a while back traveling on an AA issued ticket with the connection operated by LA
Upon arrival bag was not on the belt upon inquiry was told it was being held because the bag fee was not paid
Was a fight until they agreed to contact higher up ....