Ihram on the plane: a calm routine for flights to Jeddah
Flying from Asia, Africa or Europe straight to Jeddah? Here is a simple routine so the miqat never catches you out.
Every flight into Jeddah crosses a miqat before landing. For most pilgrims from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Malaysia, that moment comes 30 to 60 minutes before touchdown, often while meals are being cleared and the cabin lights are dim.
A simple routine makes it easy.
At home or at the airport
Take ghusl, clip your nails and change into ihram before you leave home, or in the prayer room at the departure airport. Men can pack the upper sheet in hand luggage and put it on during the flight. Women travel in their normal modest clothes.
On board
You are wearing ihram but you are not yet in ihram. Eat, sleep and move about as normal. Set an alarm for about 90 minutes before arrival.
When the crew announces the miqat
Make your intention, Labbayka ʿumrah, and begin the talbiyah. If there is no announcement, check the flight map or ask the crew. If in doubt, make the intention a little early. Being early does no harm; being late does.
Starting in Madinah instead?
If you fly into Madinah first, none of this applies. You'll enter ihram at Dhul Hulayfah when you travel to Makkah.
Read the full miqat guide, or look up your route to see whether your flight crosses a miqat.