Going for Umrah 15D 14N with MAS for Less than RM5000?

Performing Umrah after Ramadan and before the Hajj season is a great opportunity to experience a less crowded pilgrimage while still gaining immense spiritual rewards. However, it is crucial to ensure that you use the correct visa type and not misuse a tourist visa for Hajj, as the penalties are severe, and misuse could lead to restrictions on future travel benefits. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your Umrah journey effectively.

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Estimated Total Cost Breakdown

• Flight (Malaysia Airlines): RM 2,516
• e-Visa: RM 480
• Vaccine: RM 150
• Hotel (RM 200 per night for 14 N. shared by 4): RM 700
• Transportation (Bus) : RM 300
• Food (RM 25 per day for 15 days): RM 375
• Contingencies (10%) : RM450
• Total Estimated Cost: RM 4,971 (within RM 5000 budget!)

Flight Options & Costs

If you book three months in advance directly from airline platforms, here are your flight options and their approximate costs:

Travelling dates : From 28 April 2025 to 12 May 2025

1. Malaysia Airlines – From MYR 2,515
2. Etihad Airways – From MYR 2,674
3. AirAsia – Not available
4. Qatar Airways – From MYR 2,898
5. Turkish Airlines – From MYR 3,380
6. Emirates – From MYR 3,516

Set Umrah Lelaki

Comparing Your Flight Options: Pros & Cons

1. Malaysia Airlines (MAS) – MYR 2,515

• Pros: Direct flight; one of the most affordable options
• Cons: Limited international loyalty program benefits; customer service varies
• Best for: Travelers who prefer a non-stop journey at a reasonable price

2. Etihad Airways – MYR 2,674

• Pros: Stopover in Abu Dhabi with potential sightseeing opportunities; excellent in-flight service; good loyalty program (Etihad Guest)
• Cons: Slightly longer travel time due to layovers
• Best for: Those who enjoy stopovers and premium services

3. Qatar Airways – MYR 2,898

• Pros: High-quality service; Doha stopover options; world-class airport experience; excellent Privilege Club rewards program
• Cons: Slightly more expensive than Malaysia Airlines and Etihad
• Best for: Premium travelers who value comfort and stopover benefits

4. Turkish Airlines – MYR 3,380

• Pros: Opportunity to explore Istanbul during layovers; known for its gourmet in-flight meals; Miles&Smiles loyalty program
• Cons: Higher ticket price; longer journey time due to transit
• Best for: Travelers who want to explore Istanbul on their way to Jeddah

5. Emirates – MYR 3,516

• Pros: World-class service; luxurious in-flight experience; Dubai stopover potential; Skywards miles rewards
• Cons: Most expensive among the listed options
• Best for: Luxury travelers who enjoy premium service and stopovers in Dubai

Cawat Ihram

Booking Tips: Why Book Directly on Airline Platforms?

While flight search platforms like Aviasales or Trip.com are great for comparing fares, booking directly from the airline's website is often the best choice. Here’s why:

• Better Customer Service: If you need to make changes or request a refund, dealing directly with the airline is easier.
• More Loyalty Benefits: Airlines often give extra miles or points for direct bookings.
• Lower Risk of Hidden Fees: Some third-party sites may have extra service charges.
• Easier to Manage Flight Changes: In case of rescheduling, airlines prioritize direct customers over third-party bookings.

Kasut Tawaf & Saie

Additional Travel Insights

1. Best Time to Book

• Booking three months in advance is a good strategy to secure competitive prices.
• Prices may fluctuate, so consider setting up fare alerts for potential discounts.

2. Airport Experience

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA): Well-connected with public transport, offering comfortable lounges.
• King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED): The new terminal is modern and well-equipped, especially for Hajj and Umrah travelers.

3. Stopover Tips

• If you choose Etihad, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, or Emirates, take advantage of stopover packages to explore Abu Dhabi, Doha, Istanbul, or Dubai.
• Some airlines offer free hotel stays for long layovers – check their policies.

Arabian Adventures - Abu Dhabi

4. Loyalty Programs Worth Considering

• Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Emirates Skywards are excellent for frequent international travelers.
• If you fly Malaysia Airlines frequently within ASEAN, Enrich Miles may be useful, though less valuable for global travel.

Foldable Water Bottle

Final Thoughts

If you prioritize direct flights and affordability, Malaysia Airlines is your best bet. However, if you enjoy premium service and interesting stopovers, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, or Emirates offer excellent experiences.

Happy travels and enjoy your Umrah journey from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah!