For Muslims around the world, Umrah is an exciting and spiritually enriching experience. They feel excited to embark on this journey, but what drains them is packing. It can seem burdensome, especially when one is not familiar with the baggage policies of the airline they are flying with. No matter what you are taking along, Ihram, personal care items, or any other thing, make sure that you stay within the airline baggage limit. This will ensure you enjoy an easy and hassle-free journey.
In this article, we will help pilgrims, especially from the UK, understand the luggage guidelines. We will cover everything from the baggage policies of different airlines operating from the UK to smart packing tips. This will help pilgrims to check the policies of the airline while booking the Umrah Packages.
What You Need to Know About Airline Baggage Policies for Umrah?
If you are booking an Umrah package in 2025, make sure to check the baggage allowance of the airline you are travelling with. At this time, different airlines are operating from the UK to Saudi Arabia. Each of them has specific baggage allowances that vary based on the carrier, class of travel, and ticket type. Therefore, you need to familiarise yourself with these policies to avoid unexpected fees or complications at the airport. General baggage allowance for checked baggage ranges from 30 to 35 kg. This is for those pilgrims travelling in economy class. However, those travelling in business class may enjoy allowances of up to 40 or 50 kg. For carry-on baggage, passengers are permitted to carry one piece of hand luggage weighing between 7 and 10 kg, along with a personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag.
Different Airlines and Their Specific Baggage Policies
This section provides a highlight of the baggage policies of different airlines operating from the UK for Umrah. Understanding their policies will help you focus more on your spiritual journey by freeing yourself from the logistical concerns of the trip.
Saudi Airlines
First of all, we will discuss Saudi Airlines, also known as Saudia. It is a popular airline and the top choice of pilgrims going for Umrah from the UK. It offers generous baggage allowances for Umrah travellers. If you travel in economy class, you can carry checked baggage of a weight of 23 kg. For the hand luggage, you will be allowed 8 kg. On the other hand, business class travellers can enjoy more perks, as they can carry between 32 to 35 kg of checked baggage. For the carry-on luggage, they are permitted to take 12 kg. In addition to this, this airline allows each pilgrim to bring up to 5 litres of Zamzam water on their return journey, separate from the standard baggage limit.
Emirates Airlines
Emirates Airlines is also flexible when it comes to its baggage policies. For the economy class travellers, the Umrah luggage size needs to weigh 30 kg if it is checked baggage. Whereas, for carry-on luggage, it must be 7 kg. As for the business class travellers, they can easily carry between 40 and 50 kg of checked baggage and 10 kg of hand luggage. Moreover, if you are carrying Zamzam water with you, the airline allows you to carry 5 litres of it, but you will have to pay for it, as this is not counted in the standard baggage allowance. This airline and its services are best for those pilgrims who book Family Umrah Packages.
Qatar Airways
Another top-notch airline is Qatar Airways. It is also a popular choice for most of the UK pilgrims due to its smooth travel and quality services. If a pilgrim books his seat in economy class, he can avail himself of 30 to 35 kg checked baggage allowance and 7 kg hand luggage. In contrast to this, business class travellers can enjoy 40 kg of checked baggage and a 15 kg hand luggage allowance. In addition, each pilgrim, no matter from the same family, can bring back 5 litres of Zamzam water, without its allowance being counted in the standard baggage limits. Due to Qatar Airways extended baggage allowance and cheap rates, it is often a part of various all inclusive Umrah packages.
Turkish Airlines
At last, we have Turkish Airlines, an airline known for its reputable baggage services. When passengers book their seats in its economy class, they are permitted to carry checked baggage weighing 23 kg. For the hand luggage, it needs to weigh 8 kg. If you choose a luxury Umrah package, then you will be offered business class seats. Passengers travelling in this class are allowed to carry checked baggage of weight of 32 kg. For the hand luggage, they are permitted 10 kg in weight. Additionally, Turkish Airlines also allows pilgrims to carry 5 litres of Zamzam water separately from their standard baggage allowance.
How to Pack Smartly to Meet Baggage Guidelines?
If you want to make the most of your baggage allowance, you need to follow these tips to avoid extra charges at the last moment.
First of all, pick the right Umrah luggage size. This means that you need to look for a medium-sized suitcase with an inbuilt locking system. These suitcases usually comply with airline size restrictions as well, saving you from last-minute hassle. Next, focus on packing essential items only. Do not overstuff your bags with unnecessary things. Just two sets of Ihram are enough to carry along. Make sure that they are comfortable, lightweight, and suitable for Saudi Arabia’s climate. In addition to clothing essentials, you must pack personal hygiene items and necessary medicines. It is also good if you take a travel prayer mat, Quran, and tasbeeh with you.
You need to be familiar with space-saving methods. Instead of folding your clothes, try rolling them. You can also use compression bags to maximise the available space in your luggage. Lastly and most importantly, weigh your bags before heading out for the airport. Check the weight limits of the airline you are flying with and make sure your baggage complies with them.
Wrap Up
An Umrah becomes successful and smooth when you plan smartly for it. One of the key factors that determines its success is understanding the baggage policies of the airlines. So, if you are planning an Umrah, you must familiarise yourself with the luggage allowances of different airlines operating from the UK. Moreover, you need to pack smartly to adhere to the set guidelines. If you want to enquire more about these guidelines, you can reach out to Muslims Holy Travel. It is a leading Umrah travel operator in the UK, known for providing Umrah packages at the best rates. Its team of experts will also guide you throughout your spiritual journey.
