Ihram on a Plane What You Need to Know

When to Wear Ihram While Flying for Hajj or Umrah

Preparing for Hajj or Umrah involves both spiritual readiness and practical planning. One of the key steps is knowing when and how to enter the state of Ihram, particularly when you’re travelling by air.

The Importance of Timing

Entering Ihram must be done before crossing the miqat, a boundary defined by the Prophet ﷺ. If you’re flying, you’ll cross this boundary in the air, so preparation before your flight is crucial.

This guide covers what to do when flying directly to Jeddah or Madinah, using either Islamic or non-Islamic airlines, or traveling with stopovers.

Entering the State of Ihram While on a Plane

To correctly enter Ihram, two actions are required:

1. Wearing the Ihram garments (for men, two unstitched white cloths)

2. Making your intention (niyyah) and reciting the Talbiyah

You can wear the garments before boarding your flight, but the intention and Talbiyah must be done before you cross the miqat. Delaying this until after the miqat is not allowed.

Example Journey: UK to Jeddah

If you are flying from London Heathrow to Jeddah for Umrah:

• Before your flight: After checking in, change into your Ihram garments at the airport’s prayer room or restroom.

• During the flight: Around 30 to 45 minutes before reaching the miqat, Islamic airlines usually announce its approach. This is the time to make your intention and recite the Talbiyah.

• On non-Islamic airlines: There may be no announcement, so ask the flight crew when you’ll cross the miqat — or make your intention early, to be safe.

While changing clothes mid-flight is technically allowed, the limited space makes it difficult. It’s better to be prepared beforehand.

Stopover Flights and Ihram

If your journey includes a stopover — for example, in Turkey or Qatar — it’s best to change into Ihram garments at the stopover airport. International airports usually have clean, well-maintained prayer rooms and restrooms that make this step easier than doing it onboard.

Flying to Madinah First

If your flight lands in Madinah first, there’s no need to wear Ihram or make the intention on the plane. Madinah is not a miqat point. You will assume Ihram later, when traveling to Makkah, from the designated miqat at Dhul-Hulayfah (also called Abyar Ali), located just outside Madinah.

Can You Enter Ihram at Jeddah Airport?

No — Ihram must be entered before crossing the miqat, which happens in the air before landing in Jeddah. Some travelers change clothes at Jeddah Airport, but this is only acceptable if they’ve already made their niyyah and recited the Talbiyah during the flight.

Changing into Ihram garments after landing without having entered the state of Ihram in the air is not valid and requires a penalty (dam).

Common Scenario: Delayed Ihram Garments

Some pilgrims recite the Talbiyah and make the intention mid-flight but delay wearing the garments until arriving at Jeddah. While this is technically valid, it’s discouraged — especially for men — because wearing stitched clothing after entering Ihram is not permitted, and a dam may be required.

Summary of Key Rulings

Benefits of Choosing an Islamic Airline

Flying with an airline that understands pilgrim needs, such as Saudia or Royal Jordanian, offers added convenience:

• Miqat announcements are made before arrival

• Screens display reminders for Ihram

• Prayer areas may be available on board

• Crew members are trained to support pilgrims

Even then, it’s a good idea to wear your garments about an hour before miqat time to avoid last-minute stress.

Helpful Travel Tips

• Carry your Ihram garments in your hand luggage

• Change before boarding if possible

• Avoid scented products after making your intention

• Use a secure, Ihram-friendly belt or bag for valuables

• Stay mentally focused and spiritually prepared

Prepare for Your Journey with MakkahMadina.co.uk

At MakkahMadina.co.uk  we offer a wide range of travel-ready products to help you stay organized and spiritually focused during your Hajj or Umrah journey. Our 2025 collection includes:

• Ihram Cloth for Men – soft, absorbent, and ideal for long flights

• Anti-Theft Waist Bag and Ihram Belt – practical, secure, and Ihram-friendly

• Travel Bags for Women – modest and convenient storage options

• Travel Bags for Men – lightweight and easy to carry

• Pebble Bags for Jamarat – clean, compact, and easy to use

• Drawstring Shoe Bags – perfect for use during prayers and tawaf

Each item is designed with both comfort and religious compliance in mind, so you can focus completely on your worship.