How to Read an Umrah Quote

A written quote is the most important document in planning Umrah. It is what you compare, what you accept and what you rely on if something changes. Here is how to read one line by line, what each section should tell you and the red flags to look for.

The sections of a good quote

Confirmed vs on request

Every item on a quote is in one of two states. Confirmed means the airline, hotel or supplier has confirmed it in writing. On request, subject to availability means it has been priced or requested but could still change. Flights are not held until ticketed, and train seats are not confirmed until tickets are issued. A clear quote tells you which is which.

Understanding the price

• Per person by occupancy: the price each traveler pays depends on how many share the room; see Umrah Room Sharing Explained
• Air-inclusive or land-only: whether international flights are in the price
• Children: child pricing depends on age and supplier rules
• Season: Ramadan, Thanksgiving, December and spring break cost more

For what drives the numbers, see What Affects Umrah Package Prices and our guide to how much Umrah costs from the USA.

Comparing two quotes

Quotes only compare fairly when the same things are included. Line them up on:

1. The same hotels, room types and meal plans
2. The same number of nights in each city
3. The same occupancy
4. Flights included or not, with the same baggage
5. The same transfers and train legs
6. Similar cancellation terms

Examples

• A New York family of four comparing two quotes: one includes breakfast and private transfers, the other does not; once matched, the gap narrows
• A Houston couple on a land-only quote: the quote lists hotel check-in and check-out times, so they can buy flights that match
• A Los Angeles group: the quote shows the train as on request, with a coach as the fallback if seats are not available

A worked example, in words

Here is how a clear quote for a Chicago family of four might read, section by section, without the prices:

• Travelers: two adults and two children aged 8 and 12, sharing one quad room in each city
• Dates: arrive Madinah December 20, four nights; Makkah December 24, six nights; depart Jeddah December 30
• Hotels: each named, with room type, breakfast included and a description such as “about a 5-minute level walk to the mosque gates”
• Flights: airline, flight numbers, one connection, two checked bags each, “subject to confirmation until ticketed”
• Transfers: private van at Madinah airport; train Madinah to Makkah on request, subject to availability, with a road fallback; private van Makkah to Jeddah airport
• Excluded: lunches and dinners, ziyarat, travel insurance
• Terms: price per person by occupancy, valid until a stated date, deposit and payment dates, and cancellation terms by date

Words you will see

• Ticketed: the airline has issued the ticket; before that, a fare can change
• Non-refundable: a rate or fare that cannot be refunded if you cancel, and sometimes cannot be changed
• Haram view or city view: the outlook from the room, which affects the price
• Bed and breakfast, half board: breakfast only, or breakfast and one other meal
• Option or hold date: how long a price or room is held before it is released

Red flags

• “Hotel or similar” with no named property
• No description of how the hotel reaches the Haram
• Flights with no airline, routing or baggage stated
• No validity date or cancellation terms
• Pressure to pay before you have a written quote
• Promises of guaranteed visas, Rawdah appointments or facilities

For more, see Questions to Ask an Umrah Agency, and if plans change after you accept, When Umrah Plans Change.

Before you accept

• Every traveler’s name matches their passport
• Passports are valid six months beyond arrival
• Dates fit your leave, your visa and the Umrah season
• You understand the deposit, payment dates and cancellation terms
• You know which items are confirmed and which are on request
• You have read the current State Department advisory

This guide is general travel information. Official rules, operator plans and airline policies change, so check the official source before you travel and confirm the details of any booking in writing.

Every quote we prepare is written, itemized and free, with no obligation. Request a personalized quote, or compare air-inclusive and land-only packages. Everything is arranged on request, subject to availability.