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Web Directory and Rating of Travel Agencies offering Hajj and Umrah Services
Selecting a Hajj Travel Agent
- BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL of the various hajj & umrah packages being offered in Islamic Centers and masjids. Particularly, because of the following:
- Only five or six major Hajj and Umrah (C)ONSOLIDATORS are there in the US.
- There are many (I)NDEPENDENT OPERATORS that take a limited number of pilgims for Hajj and Umrah. These owner-operators, usually accompany the pilgrims personally. Hence, provide more accountable, reliable and trustworthy service.
- Most companies that distribute fliers and brochures at masjids are merely (R)ESELLERS of Hajj packages from other consolidators and even independent operators.
- Since the resellers are NOT usually present with the pilgrims in Arabia, their verbal promises are NOT always honored. The consolidators or independent operators have their own business agreements to fulfill.
- Nevertheless, most Consolidators provide safe and proven packages as they have more at stake. Both financially and with their reputation. Moreover, they generally have much greater clout in Arabia with the Saudi officials.
- Smaller operators frequently CANCEL their programs at the LAST INSTANCE if they do not have the "quota" of people signed-up. These untimely cancellations cause all kinds of problems.
- Some operators and resellers get a horrible reputation when Hujjaj, whom they mistreated during Hajj or Umrah, return. A few of the agents continue in the business by promptly changing the name of the company they operate. In fact, certain have a new name every year. See here for Example.
- Your Hajj or Umrah is very precious. WE RECOMMEND the following simple steps:
- Use a well known and well reputed travel agent. AVOID patronizing smaller, no-name operators, resellers or those agents who do not have a good track record.
- Arrange travel only with travel agents who have a contract with the Royal Saudi Government as per the requirements for Hajj 1421. These authorized travel agents are tagged with the logo
 on our TA Ratings page.
- Before you select a travel agent or a Hajj package, try this very USEFUL questionnaire for the Hajj travel agents you are considering. It is compiled by Br. Razi Mohiuddin.
- If possible, MAKE ARRANGEMENTS DIRECTLY with the MAIN tour consolidator or independent operator as they will provide reliable information about the different packages and options they offer. There are less chances of misunderstanding.
- Keep written records and request written confirmation from travel agent. If you have any SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS or CONDITIONS, send a WRITTEN NOTIFICATION (FAX, EMAIL or US MAIL) to the operator. Ask a person in PROPER AUTHORITY to send a WRITTEN COMMITMENT to help.
- Be WARY of bargains. Remember the cliche, "you get what you paid for". Moderately priced, mid-level Hajj packages are suited for most people. The expensive Hajj packages tend to sugar-coat the Hajj experience. Lavish comforts may steal rewards of a hard-earned Hajj. Real cheap Hajj programs make Hajj unnecessarily difficult.
- Contact other people who are going with your Hajj package. You could our mailing lists to iniate contact. Or organize your own friends in to a Hajj group and negotiate a discount.
- Look up the rating of the operator at: Travel Agency Listing and Ratings.
- "Bluntly" ask the travel agent representative speaking with you:
- How long have you been doing business?
- Will you personally go with us?
- How many Haji do you need to NOT cancel your program?
- Could I speak with Hujjaj that went with you last year?
- Complete our Travel Agency Survey on your return to help future Hujjaj.
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