Flights to Makkah: Ultimate Guide for Pilgrims and Travellers
Placing your first step on the welcoming soil of Makkah once you descend the steps from your flight and feeling the spiritual energy of the Sacred Sanctuary adds to an ethereal experience for Muslims. The journey to Makkah addresses the entire spectrum of human experience, including physical, spiritual, and emotional experiences. Therefore, it is more than just a journey; it is a spiritual pilgrimage that nurtures the human soul and rejuvenates the humanity in the body.
If you are planning to visit Makkah or organising a pilgrimage to Makkah for Hajj or Umrah, Woking Travel’s ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know about flights to Makkah, preparing you for every aspect of your journey. This guide dives into exclusive Woking Travel flight hacks, secrets that will help you book cheap flights, tips on how to make your in-flight experience pleasant, and be prepared for what’s about to come.
The Journey Begins with Your Flight to Makkah
Your flight to Makkah is the first stair on the stairway to a spiritually fulfilling tour. This journey is not just about reaching Makkah, it is a revitalising journey for the soul. Therefore, you need to be prepared for the enlightening road ahead in all manners. Most of the airlines that cater to pilgrims offer additional facilities such as dedicated in-flight prayer spaces for their convenience, halal meals, and special instructions to guide pilgrims about their Ihram and the correct way to wear it. We recommend booking with air carriers that facilitate pilgrims with these special perks in order to make your journey convenient and delightful.
In addition, airlines that offer special flights for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims make particular arrangements by appointing religious scholars to enlighten the pilgrims throughout the flight about the proceedings of the pilgrimage. This not only makes it easy for pilgrims to learn about the purpose of their travel in depth but also makes the entire journey more pleasant.
When is the best time to book?
To avoid any hurdles in your journey, the first step is to plan your flights to Makkah from London or other international locations timely. Failing to do so may result in the unavailability of seats for Hajj or Umrah. Thus, to get the best deals, it is smart to follow the rule of thumb:
- 3–6 months in advance for Hajj and peak Umrah season (Ramadan).
- 6–8 weeks in advance for off-peak travel.
If you intend to fly for Umrah, it is important to know that the months of Rajab, Sha’ban, and Ramadan are popular for the performance of the sacred pilgrimage but can be teeming with other pilgrims. If you require a more personal experience to truly spend your time spiritually connecting with the purpose of your travel to Makkah, we recommend visiting during the off-season, as it tends to be less crowded. Moreover, flying in the winter season can turn out to be a pleasant experience for pilgrims, as they are more likely to be able to book cheap flight tickets to Makkah and enjoy a cool weather.
Best Airlines and Routes to Makkah
Before booking your flight to Makkah, it is advisable to research the most suitable airlines and routes to Makkah to make sure you are aware of all possible choices. Here is more information on which airlines offer direct and connecting flights and their routes:
- For Direct Flights: Taking direct flights provides the most convenient method of travelling to Makkah. Popular air carriers that offer direct flights to Makkah include Saudia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
- For Connecting Flights: While direct flights may cut down on the total flight duration, booking a connecting flight may cut down on your air ticket cost by 30%. Common stopovers in connecting flights to Makkah include Doha (Qatar), Dubai (UAE), and Istanbul (Turkey).
How to Find Cheap Flights to Makkah
As a traveller or a pilgrim looking to book air tickets that don’t drain your wallet, tare a few tips you can follow that will help you book affordable flights.
- By utilising airfare prediction tools such as Kayak and Skyscanner to assist your flight research, you can take control of your travel budget and make informed decisions about your flight bookings to Makkah.
- Flight search engines display data from multiple sources at one place; keep a track of flight prices over time and set alerts to be notified of any drops in airfare.
- The timing of your booking can impact the overall cost of your flight. Booking in advance can significantly reduce the fares you are presented with by airlines.
- It is advisable to consider flying into Jeddah or Madinah, then taking ground transport to travel to Makkah. This is because sometimes booking flights to alternative or close by airports is cheaper.
- Several airlines provide discounted group rates for families or pilgrim groups travelling collectively. This not only saves money but also enhances your pilgrimage experience, instilling a sense of community.
Packing Essentials for a Smooth Journey
Here are the travel items you absolutely can’t forget that will make your travel experience much more convenient:
- Ihram (for Umrah or Hajj pilgrims): Carrying an Ihram is the most essential for pilgrimage preparation. Ensure it’s packed in your carry-on bag for easy retrieval.
- A lightweight travel prayer mat: This will come in handy for prayers at the airport while you wait for your flight.
- Portable charger and a universal travel adapter: To stay connected with your loved ones back in your home country and to keep your cell phone charged, carry a portable charger and a universal travel adapter.
- Comfortable footwear: Travellers should expect that they will be walking a lot in Makkah. Therefore, it is highly crucial to pack comfortable footwear for a comfortable journey.
- Copies of your visa, passport, and travel documents: Remember to check which necessary documents you are required to carry with you. Keep both physical and digital copies for a smoother experience.
- A water bottle: To stay hydrated throughout your journey, carry a reusable water bottle and fill it up whenever you can. The temperatures can rise high in Makkah, unless you are travelling in winter months (November to February); therefore, it is important to take care of your water intake throughout the pilgrimage.
Here is a list of items we advise against packing since they could be an inconvenience:
- Excessive Luggage: When you are travelling for Hajj or Umrah, your airline may have certain luggage policies regarding what to bring and what not to bring. We recommend checking these policies before you pack for your journey to avoid any obstructions
- Certain Hygiene Products with Alcohol: Be sure to check if your hygiene products or products of personal use, in general, have any amount of alcohol in them. Although various perspectives may be found online, we advise checking an authentic source for a list of restricted products.
How to Make Your Flight Comfortable
Long-duration flights to Makkah, such as connecting flights, can take a toll and cause fatigue, but by using our tips and tricks, your travel will be more manageable and comfortable. This will ensure that you are not exhausted by the time you land in Makkah. Here are some of our favourite tips for a cozy flight:
Choosing the right seat
- It is important to take your seat preference into consideration for a comfortable flight. During the booking process, it is important to book the right seat to avoid any problems later
- Booking a window seat is great if you intend to sleep on the flight or keep yourself busy with the wonderful views that come with the seat.
- Aisle seats are a good option if you are someone who struggles with having enough leg room or space. Moreover, if you need to use the restroom or move around frequently, aisle seats provide for easier movement.
Stay Hydrated
- Since airplane cabins tend to be less humid, it is important to stay hydrated when you are on a long-haul flight.
- We recommend not drinking excessive caffeine since it can dehydrate you further and may cause jetlag
Download Media
- To spend the time of your flight productively, we recommend downloading videos, podcasts, or books about Hajj or Umrah to your devices before you board the flight.
- For booklovers, bringing a book about the essence of pilgrimage to your flight can make it an insightful experience
- To avoid getting distracted, bringing noise-cancelling headphones on the plane is how you can create your own quiet space.
Additional Tips
- We advise putting on comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to ensure ultimate comfort throughout the flight.
- If you find it hard to sleep on flights, bringing an eye mask and earplugs can help block out the light and noise, helping you sleep.
- A neck pillow and travel blanket can further enhance the quality of your flight.
Arriving in Makkah: What to Expect & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Airport Navigation, Immigration, and Transfers
After your flight to Makkah makes its final descent, Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport) is the main gateway to the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina for pilgrims undertaking Hajj and Umrah. Moreover, for those traveling to Madinah, Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport is a direct arrival point.
If you are travelling during peak travel months, you can expect to see long queues once you step off the plane. To avoid any hurdles at the immigration checks, make sure all the required documents are easily retrievable to speed up the process.
Don’t forget to make arrangements for your transfer from the airport to your destination before flying. Your options include:
- Haramain High-Speed Train: This railway connects Madina and Jeddah to Makkah and is one of the fastest ways to travel to Makkah if you do not plan on staying anywhere else.
- Taxis & Ridesharing: Uber and Careem operate extensively in Saudi Arabia and are a convenient travel option for transfer.
- Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels offer free airport pickup services.
- Woking Travel Transfers: We offer swift transfers from the airport to your hotel, providing a convenient travel option.
Where to Stay Near the Haram
There are multiple accommodation options once you arrive in Makkah
- Luxury Options: Pilgrims can experience the height of hospitality with these premier choices: the Fairmont Makkah, Raffles Makkah Palace, and the Conrad Makkah,
- Mid-Range Options: For pilgrims looking to book an accommodation that does not break the bank, some mid-range options include Swissotel Al Maqam and Hilton Makkah.
- Budget-Friendly: For pilgrims seeking comfortable and affordable accommodations, options like Ajyad Makkah Hotel and Al Kiswah Towers Hotel provide excellent value.
Cultural Etiquette: Respecting Local Traditions
When you travel to another country, it is highly crucial to be respectful of the country’s culture, customs, and traditions. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a country that has strict laws and regulations which travellers and pilgrims are required to follow.
To fully adapt yourself to the sacred atmosphere of Makkah and Medina, and to demonstrate your respect for the local customs, embrace modest attire to align with the dress code. Maintain a respectful distance in public interactions to stay respectful of the local customs. It is important to gracefully observe the sanctity of prayer times and head to congregated prayer spaces from wherever you are.
Technology for Pilgrims: Apps and Tools
With modern advancements in technology, pilgrims can make use of the latest technology to make their journey convenient. Digital tools, such as the ‘Hajj & Umrah Guide’ app, offer helpful features like prayer time notifications, accurate Qibla direction, and accessible offline maps of the holy cities for easier navigation. For enhanced practicality, pilgrims can utilise tools that facilitate expense monitoring, language interpretation, and social interaction with fellow pilgrims. For non-Arabs, translation tools can come in handy everywhere across Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
The act of booking flight to Makkah is more than just travel; it’s the beginning of a profound spiritual journey, one that holds immense significance in the religious perspective. Follow the ultimate Woking Travel guide to booking flights to Makkah for a smooth journey and enjoy a seamless pilgrimage!
FAQs
The best time to book flights to Makkah is 3-6 months in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons like Hajj or Ramadan. For cheaper options, consider traveling during off-peak months like November to February.
Use flight comparison websites, set price alerts, and consider flying during off-peak seasons. Look for airlines that offer special discounts for pilgrims or group bookings.
Airlines like Saudia, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines often provide special services for pilgrims, including halal meals, prayer spaces, and guidance on Ihram clothing. Check for “Hajj and Umrah” packages when booking. Get in touch with Woking Travel Centre for amazing deals on Hajj and Umrah.
Yes, most travellers require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims can apply for a Hajj or Umrah visa through authorised travel agencies. Pilgrims should ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months from their travel date.
Flight times vary depending on your departure city.
For example:
- London to Jeddah: 6-7 hours
- New York to Jeddah: 12-14 hours
- Dubai to Jeddah: 2-3 hours
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