Flight prices often make up the largest share of your Umrah budget, and for UK Muslims, this can be the difference between an affordable pilgrimage and a costly one. The good news is that by knowing the Best Time to Book Umrah Flights UK, you can save hundreds of pounds without compromising your journey.
Whether you’re traveling for a 7-day Umrah or planning a 14-day stay, timing your booking wisely is just as important as choosing the right package. In this guide, we’ll explore seasonal trends, booking strategies, airport comparisons, and real-life examples so you can confidently plan your Umrah at the lowest possible cost.
Table of Contents
Why Flight Timing Matters for UK Pilgrims
For UK pilgrims, the cost of flights to Jeddah or Madinah can fluctuate dramatically. Prices rise during peak seasons such as Ramadan, Hajj, and school holidays, while they drop significantly during off-peak months.
Moreover, airlines adjust fares based on demand, meaning your booking date could affect whether you pay £450 or £750 for the same ticket. Understanding these patterns helps UK travelers make smarter decisions.
Best Time to Book Umrah Flights UK: Seasonal Trends
The Best Time to Book Umrah Flights UK usually depends on Saudi Arabia’s religious calendar and UK holiday periods. Based on Skyscanner and Google Flights data:
- Ramadan & Eid: High demand → flights most expensive.
- Hajj season: Extremely expensive (most UK airlines prioritize Hajj groups).
- Post-Hajj months (Muharram & Safar): Lowest demand → cheapest fares.
- School holidays (December, July–August): Prices rise significantly.
- Mid-week flights (Tuesday–Thursday): Usually cheaper than weekends.
Key takeaway: Avoid Ramadan, Eid, and school holidays if you want the lowest fares.
Cheapest Months to Travel from the UK
| Month | Demand Level | Average Price (Return UK–Jeddah) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – February | Low | £450–£500 | Best for budget-conscious pilgrims |
| March – April (Ramadan) | High | £700–£850 | Expensive, but spiritually rewarding |
| May – June | Moderate | £500–£600 | Good balance of cost and comfort |
| July – August (Summer Holidays) | High | £650–£800 | Avoid if possible |
| September – October | Low | £450–£520 | Ideal for saving money |
| November – Early December | Moderate | £500–£550 | Stable fares |
| Late December (Christmas Holidays) | High | £650–£750 | Expensive period |
The cheapest time to book Umrah flights UK is typically January–February and September–October.
Advance Booking vs Last-Minute Deals – Which Saves More?
One of the biggest questions UK pilgrims ask is whether to book early or wait for last-minute deals.
- Advance Booking (3–6 months before):
- Best option for families and group travelers.
- Lock in cheaper fares before demand spikes.
- Ideal if you’re traveling during Ramadan or school holidays.
- Last-Minute Deals (1–3 weeks before):
- Can save money in off-peak months.
- Risky—limited seats and higher fares during peak.
- Works better for solo travelers with flexible dates.
Most experts, including Skyscanner, recommend booking 3–4 months in advance for the best balance of price and availability.
Direct vs Indirect Flights: Which is Cheaper?
UK travelers can choose direct flights (London/Manchester → Jeddah/Madinah) or indirect flights (via Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, etc.).
- Direct Flights
- Faster (6–7 hours)
- Convenient but usually £50–£150 more expensive.
- Best for families, elderly, or short-duration Umrah.
- Indirect Flights
- Cheaper (sometimes £400 return).
- Longer journey (10–15 hours depending on stopover).
- Great for those prioritizing savings over convenience.
If saving money is your main goal, indirect flights often provide the lowest fares.
Major UK Airports and Price Differences
The UK has multiple departure points for Umrah flights. Prices vary depending on location and demand.
- London Heathrow & Gatwick: Widest options, competitive prices (£450–£600).
- Manchester: Strong connections to Jeddah/Madinah, similar fares as London.
- Birmingham: Slightly higher fares (£480–£620) due to fewer options.
- Glasgow & Edinburgh: Limited direct flights, higher fares (£550+).
Tip: Sometimes flying from London is cheaper, even if you’re based in Birmingham or Scotland.
Airline Price Trends for Jeddah & Madinah
Popular airlines serving UK → Saudi routes:
- Saudi Airlines (Saudia): Direct, reliable, but slightly more expensive. Official Site.
- British Airways: London to Jeddah direct, premium option.
- Turkish Airlines: Popular indirect route via Istanbul, affordable.
- Qatar Airways: Smooth connection via Doha, mid-range prices.
- Emirates: Via Dubai, comfortable but often higher prices.
Best budget picks for Umrah flights: Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and Qatar Airways.
Tips for Finding the Lowest Prices Online
- Use flight comparison tools – Google Flights, Skyscanner.
- Book mid-week flights – Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheapest.
- Set fare alerts – Get notifications when prices drop.
- Clear cookies or use incognito mode – Prevent dynamic price hikes.
- Check alternative airports – Sometimes flying from Manchester is £50–£100 cheaper than London.
- Consider package deals – Travel agencies sometimes bundle flights + hotels at lower rates.
Mistakes UK Pilgrims Make When Booking Flights
- Booking too late during Ramadan.
- Only checking one airline instead of comparison sites.
- Ignoring indirect flights that could save £100+.
- Forgetting to check baggage allowances (budget airlines charge extra).
- Not considering visa and hotel timing with flight dates.
Real-Life Experiences of Pilgrims Saving Money
- A family from Birmingham booked 5 months in advance for Ramadan and saved £300 compared to neighbors who booked last-minute.
- A solo traveler from London chose Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and paid £430 return, while his friend paid £580 on a direct flight the same week.
- A student group from Manchester booked in October (off-peak) and got return fares for £460 each, compared to £700+ in July.
These examples highlight how timing and smart choices directly affect your budget.
Conclusion:
Finding the Best Time to Book Umrah Flights UK isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making your pilgrimage stress-free and financially manageable.
- Cheapest months: January–February and September–October
- Best booking window: 3–4 months in advance
- Cheapest routes: Indirect flights via Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai
- Best tools: Skyscanner, Google Flights, fare alerts
By planning wisely, you can save money and focus on what truly matters—your spiritual journey.
Looking for affordable Umrah packages with flights from London, Manchester, and Birmingham? Explore our Umrah Packages UK.
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