What is meant by group Umrah tickets?

Group Umrah Tickets Explained

people in white hijab standing on brown field during daytime

You may have heard terms like Group Umrah Ticket and Block Umrah Ticket, but many people are unsure about what they mean. Often, travelers ask what a group Umrah ticket is, so let’s explain the difference between a regular ticket and a group Umrah ticket in simple terms.

Group Umrah Tickets Explained:

Different airlines sell Umrah sector tickets in bulk to boost their business. Since a large number of tickets are sold at once and the payment is received in advance, airlines offer these tickets at a lower price compared to their regular fare system. However, these discounted tickets come with certain conditions:

Non-refundable and Non-changeable: Once you purchase a group ticket, you cannot get a refund or change the ticket. You must use the ticket on the specified date and time. If you are unable to use the ticket for any reason, you cannot demand a refund or exchange it for another ticket from the airline.

Why Airlines Offer Group Umrah Tickets:

Guaranteed Sales: By selling a large number of tickets in advance, airlines ensure that they do not have unsold seats, reducing the risk of loss.
Advance Payment: Airlines receive the money upfront, allowing them to utilize it well before the travel date.
Double Profit Opportunity: If some passengers fail to travel, airlines can resell those seats at a higher price to last-minute travelers, often doubling their profit. This is why many airlines have made it a policy to sell a specific number of seats on each flight exclusively as group tickets.

Who Can Buy Group Umrah Tickets?

Airlines do not sell group Umrah tickets directly to customers. Instead, they sell these tickets to registered travel agents who have agreements with them. Here’s why travel agents benefit:

Lower Purchase Price: The tickets are sold to agents at a price much lower than the regular fare displayed on the airline’s website.
Customer Attraction: Since Umrah travelers only see the rates on the airline’s website, they prefer to buy group tickets at a lower price offered by travel agents.
Agent’s Profit: The profit an agent makes on these tickets depends on their bargaining power, as these tickets are now their property, having paid for them in advance. Unlike system tickets, where the profit margin is capped, agents can earn more on group tickets.

However, there is a risk for travel agents too. If the tickets are not sold by the travel date, they may incur a loss.

Benefits for Umrah Travelers:

For Umrah pilgrims, the main advantage of a group ticket is that it is cheaper than a regular ticket, even though it is non-refundable and non-changeable. Despite these restrictions, pilgrims prefer group tickets because they are more affordable, and most Muslims do not change their Umrah plans unless faced with a major emergency.

Top Airlines Offering Group Umrah Tickets:

The leading airlines that take Umrah passengers directly from Pakistan to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah include:

PIA (Pakistan International Airlines)
Saudi Airlines
Airblue
Airsial
Serene Air

In addition to these, airlines like Salam Air, Etihad Airways, and Jazeera Airways also offer group Umrah tickets.

Key Points to Consider When Buying Group Umrah Tickets:

Cost-Effective: Group tickets are usually cheaper but come with strict non-refundable and non-changeable policies.
Advance Purchase: Buying early can save you money, but make sure your travel plans are confirmed to avoid losing money.
Consult Travel Agents: Always work with a registered and trusted travel agent to ensure you get the best deal on group tickets.
Understand the Conditions: Be fully aware of the terms and conditions before purchasing a group ticket.

By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether to opt for a group Umrah ticket or a regular ticket, based on your travel needs and budget.