The Safe Flight Guide: 5 Things to Do Before Every Vacation Abroad
The travel season is in full swing, and with the holidays approaching, we have prepared 5 winning tips to lower your vacation costs and ensure a stress-free flight. From utilizing frequent flyer points to real-time flight tracking and affordable smart luggage tags, these steps will guarantee maximum flexibility and fewer surprises.
In collaboration with FLY CARD.
Flying seems simple: you book your tickets, arrive at the airport, clear security, and board your plane. But in reality, many factors can go wrong. Without proper preparation, a long-awaited vacation can quickly turn into a stressful experience. Even if you have your passports and luggage ready, it is easy to overlook details like airline reliability, ticket inclusions, service standards, or frequent flyer benefits.
Proper preparation is a small investment that yields significant returns, reducing stress and the likelihood of unexpected glitches. This guide is designed to help you minimize risks and start your vacation with peace of mind.
1. How to choose an airline that provides peace of mind?
The most critical stage of vacation planning is choosing the right airline. A reliable carrier offers more than just transport; it provides a comprehensive, safe, and familiar experience from start to finish. When choosing, consider operational stability, flight frequency, and the availability of customer support in your language. For many, adherence to kashrut and services for families with children are also key factors. Feeling comfortable with your airline from the moment you board is the best way to start a vacation.
2. Money, points, and savings: how to get a flight ticket as a gift
Aviation benefits are a powerful tool for smarter travel planning. By using frequent flyer club points, you can turn everyday expenses into travel value. For example, the FLY CARD credit card from the El Al Frequent Flyer club allows you to convert routine purchases, like weekly grocery shopping, into points. These points can be redeemed for flight tickets, upgrades, and other benefits. Last year alone, over a million tickets were purchased using these points, proving that this is a practical way to save. Additionally, FLY CARD customers enjoy exclusive perks like "Tuesdays" with up to 50% off in points, and new members in August can receive a gift flight ticket to various European destinations.
3. Where is my suitcase?
The world of tracking tags has undergone a revolution. Once an expensive luxury, tracking tags are now affordable and highly effective. Modern versions, often shaped like thin credit cards, fit easily into wallets or suitcases, feature rechargeable batteries, and are fully compatible with Apple Find My and Android systems. A pro tip: place the tag deep inside your suitcase rather than on the external handle to prevent it from falling off during transit.
4. Real-time intelligence: the tools of the professionals
Online check-in is standard, but to truly know what to expect, use real-time intelligence tools. Apps like Flightradar24 allow you to track your flight days in advance, check the airline's recent punctuality, and even follow the specific aircraft assigned to your route. Before leaving for the airport, always check the official Ben Gurion Airport departures board to confirm your terminal and ensure there are no last-minute delays.
5. Destination arrival procedure: smart preparation for landing
Real preparation is measured in the first few hours after landing, when fatigue and uncertainty can cause the most stress. Don't rely on luck; arrange your arrival logistics in advance, whether it's a hotel shuttle, a train, or a taxi app. Ensure you have an active data package or eSIM before your wheels touch the runway so you can stay updated. Finally, message your accommodation with your flight number and estimated arrival time to ensure your room is held even if you face unexpected travel delays.
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For those joining according to promotion regulations until 31.8.26. Subject to purchases totaling 10,000 NIS until 30.11.26. Subject to payment of taxes and fees on the ticket. Eligibility for the 1+1 benefit starting from 2027. Issuing the card and credit limit are subject to the sole discretion of Isracard Ltd. and/or the bank. Failure to repay credit may result in interest on arrears and legal proceedings. Subject to FLY CARD Isracard regulations.
