✈️ How to Get the Cheapest DIY Umrah Flights: Step-by-Step Guide Using Trip.com Price Alerts

🕋 Introduction

For many DIY Umrah travelers, the biggest expense is flights. But the good news? You can control this cost — and even save hundreds or thousands of ringgit — by being smart and flexible.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly:

• How I use Trip.com price alerts to find the lowest airfare.
• How to cross-check fares on airline websites.
• What to consider beyond just ticket price — like baggage allowance, refund rules, stopovers, and airline service levels.

With a little effort, you’ll have the freedom to choose flights that suit your budget and comfort, without depending on travel agents.

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🚀 Why DIY Umrah Travelers Can Save More

Here’s why you have the upper hand:

1. DIY Umrah Flexibility
   You’re not locked into fixed group travel packages. You control your travel dates, which means you can book during cheaper periods.
2. Flexible eVisa Application
   Thanks to Saudi Arabia’s eVisa system, you can apply online at your convenience, making it easier to adjust dates based on better airfare.
3. Technology at Your Fingertips
   Tools like Trip.com price alerts and airline apps allow you to monitor prices anytime, anywhere — all on your phone.
4. Full Control Over Airlines & Perks
   You choose the airline based on what’s important to YOU: lowest price, direct flight, baggage included, meals or loyalty points.

🏢 Quick Overview: Know Your Airlines

Understanding the type of airlines available helps you make smarter choices:

✈️ Direct vs Stopover Flights: Which Should You Choose?

Direct flights are ideal if you prefer quicker travel, while stopover flights can provide added value with better service (and even a bonus city visit!).

📲 How to Use Trip.com Price Alerts

Step 1: Search Your Route & Travel Period

Example:

At Trip.com, search for Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Jeddah (JED) flights, with travel period between April 8 to April 22, 2025.

Step 2: Analyze the Search Results

Trip.com will show multiple date combinations:

• April 9 – April 23
• April 10 – April 24
  … and so on.

Example Results:

• Flynas/Batik Air Malaysia: MYR2,844 (April 9 – 23)
• Etihad Airways: MYR2,783
• Qatar Airways: MYR3,601
• Malaysia Airlines: MYR4,288
• AirAsia X: MYR2,500 – MYR2,900 depending on date

Step 3: Check the Flight Details

Click on each option and check:

• What’s included: Checked baggage? Meals? Cabin baggage?
• Refund policy: Is cancellation refundable, or voucher-only?
• Booking rules: Some may only allow one passenger per booking, or restrictions on name changes. 

Below is a screenshot showing the price rules for Flynas/Batik Air Malaysia: MYR2,844 (April 9 – 23).

Based on these conditions, I would prefer to look for better alternatives that:

• Allow bookings for more than one person (at least two or more passengers).
• Include checked baggage allowance in the fare.
• Offer direct refunds in case of cancellation, rather than refunds issued as airline vouchers.
   

🌐 How to Check Airline Websites Directly

Even if Trip.com shows you a good deal, always check official airline sites:

Steps:

1. Go to the official website.
2. Enter the same travel dates & route.
3. Compare:
   • Total price after taxes and fees.
   • Inclusions: Baggage, meals, refund options.
   • Promotions: Sometimes, credit card discounts or app-exclusive deals!

🛑 Why Is the Price Sometimes Higher on Airline Websites?

1. Trip.com May Have Special Deals: They sometimes get lower prices from airlines through bulk bookings.
2. Currency Conversions: Airline sites may price in USD or SAR; conversion rates vary.
3. Dynamic Pricing: Airlines adjust fares based on demand or even your browsing behavior!
4. Trip.com Promotions: Some discounts only apply through Trip.com’s platform.

Tip: If the price difference is small, compare the total value (baggage, flexibility, service) before deciding.

✈️ Comparison Example: KUL to JED Flights

🛍️ Stopover Options (Etihad & Qatar Airways)

Choosing a stopover flight? Here’s what to expect:

Some travelers even take the opportunity to explore the stopover city (visa policies allowing).

💡 Pro Tips: Maximize Your Savings

1. Set Trip.com Price Alerts Early
   Start monitoring flights 3-6 months before your planned Umrah trip.
2. Use Airline Apps + Credit Card Promos
   Airlines like Malaysia Airlines, Etihad, or AirAsia often have special app-only or cardholder discounts.
3. Calculate Total Cost (Not Just Ticket Price)
   Always factor in baggage, meals, refund flexibility, and other fees.
4. Book at Off-Peak Dates
   Adjust your travel to take advantage of cheaper date windows.
5. Check Baggage Fees Carefully
   Don’t be fooled by low fares — calculate total price including baggage, meals, etc.
6. Avoid Last-Minute Booking
   DIY Umrah = flexibility. So take advantage of off-peak travel dates.

🎯 Conclusion: Control Your DIY Umrah Costs Like a Pro

Booking your Umrah flights doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. By combining Trip.com price alerts with extra research on airlines' official sites, you’ll make smart, budget-friendly decisions.

The flexibility of DIY Umrah gives you freedom to pick the right airline, right flight, and right price for you.

👇 Disclaimer:
This post contains affiliate links, including those for Trip.com, Flynas, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Qatar Airways Holidays, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, HalalBooking, and other partners. We may earn a commission if you make a booking through these links, at no additional cost to you. Please note that we are not authorized to sell Umrah packages; all bookings are made directly with the respective providers.