When planning your journey to Jeddah, one of the key decisions you’ll face is whether to take a direct flight or opt for a connecting one, and your choice can impact your overall travel experience! In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
Direct Flights to Jeddah:
Pros:
- Speed and Convenience: Direct flights cut down on travel time, reducing travel fatigue, and eliminate the hassle of changing planes and navigating airport security.
- Reduced Risk: With no layovers, there’s a lower risk of losing your luggage or missing your flight.
- Punctuality: There is a better chance of arriving in Jeddah on time as there are no potential delays during layovers.
Cons:
- Cost: Direct flights are typically more expensive than connecting ones, making them less budget-friendly.
- Limited Choices: Fewer airlines operate direct flights, limiting your options, especially if you’re departing from specific locations. If you are departing from Singapore, some airlines, like Scoot and Saudia, offer direct flights.
- Long Sitting Times: Extended period of sitting can be uncomfortable, so be prepared for the long-haul journey!
- Ihram Dressing: For travellers who are going to Makkah first, it’s essential to don Ihram clothes either before boarding or during the flight, which may be inconvenient, especially for men.
Connecting Flights to Jeddah:
Pros:
- Cost-Efficiency: Connecting flights are generally more budget-friendly, making them ideal for travellers with tight budget!
- Exploration Opportunity: You’ll have an opportunity to explore the city that you are stopping by for transit.
- Relaxation Time: After a long flight, you can take a break during transit, stretch your legs, and relax before your next flight.
- Ihram Preparation: You have ample time to change into your Ihram clothes during transit!
Cons:
- Increased Risks: Connecting flights carry a higher risk of missed connections and lost luggage, which can be stressful.
- Longer Travel Time: Expect a longer overall travel time, especially if there are delays with your connecting flight.
- Transit Hassles: The rush and procedures of transit can be bothersome for some travellers.
Consider Open Jaw or Multi-City Flights
Whether you’re booking a direct or connecting flight, you should explore the option of open jaw or multi-city flights. This means you can arrive in Jeddah and depart from Madinah, or vice versa, eliminating the need to backtrack for your return journey. While these flights might come with a slightly higher price than a standard round-trip, the convenience, along with savings in time and transportation costs, makes them a worthwhile choice! Multiple reputable airlines, such as Saudi Arabian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines, provide open jaw flight options for your Umrah pilgrimage. To discover and book these multi-city (or open jaw) flights, visit here!
