Aliya flight-earning miles and qualifying for status-reimbursement success?

[hgeek23]

Hi guys,
Next month I am making Aliya officially.
Thing is:
a) I am based not in NY and the only flight in the timeframe is from JFK so i'd have to pay to get to JFK, and it'd cost me a bunch extra as well with my bags I need to check internationally.
b) The flight's on El Al which won't help me re-earn status on *A which I rely on to waive baggage fees year round on my sports-related travels.

I heard that you can be reimbursed under circumstances for flights you book yourself. Anyone ever have success with this?  Just confirming that el al also doesn't credit to anyone else really?

Thanks!

[Ergel]

Mazal tov!

Are you using nefesh bnefesh? I would contact them. But my understanding is you don't need to take the group flight

[hgeek23]

Mazal tov!

Are you using nefesh bnefesh? I would contact them. But my understanding is you don't need to take the group flight

Thanks Ergel.
I am using NBN.   I'll order my own flight and pray.

[GettingReady]

Hi guys,
Next month I am making Aliya officially.
Thing is:
a) I am based not in NY and the only flight in the timeframe is from JFK so i'd have to pay to get to JFK, and it'd cost me a bunch extra as well with my bags I need to check internationally.
b) The flight's on El Al which won't help me re-earn status on *A which I rely on to waive baggage fees year round on my sports-related travels.

I heard that you can be reimbursed under circumstances for flights you book yourself. Anyone ever have success with this?  Just confirming that el al also doesn't credit to anyone else really?

Thanks!

Can't answer your question but wanted to wish you the best with making Aliyah. My son and I spent a month in Jerusalem 16 years ago with a group considering Aliyah. I still remember going to Ulpan. The experience had a profound affect on me. My grandparents were Orthodox, but I wasn't raised in that culture.

[flugal]

Thanks Ergel.
I am using NBN.   I'll order my own flight and pray.

NBN/Jewish agency should be involved in arranging the flight for you.
I can't imagine you'll get reimbursed if you do it on your own without their prior approval.