Is it safe enough to secure Umrah packages from London online? This is among the common questions most Muslims are asking in recent years, especially those planning the religious trip of Umrah. Well, the answer to this very query is yes. Umrah packages can be safe, provided you go for a good travel agency. If you’re also worried about the legitimacy of deals for your next pilgrimage, you’ve come to the right place. Continue to read this post for more valuable insights!
How to Spot Fake Umrah Travel Agencies Online?
You might not know, but several pilgrims have lost a fair amount of money due to online booking scams. You can quickly pinpoint fake travel agencies online by following the tips below.
No IATA Certification
IATA protection helps continue your holy trip to Umrah without any hassle. If you’re looking for ways to secure a good Umrah deal, be aware of a travel agency that has no IATA certification at all. This is the sign that the company is not genuine. It may be a scam that you may regret later.
No Verified Customer Reviews
In case a travel agency doesn’t have any verified customer reviews, it is fake. There are various online portals, like Facebook, Google, and Trustpilot, that show authentic feedback from people who have already booked the company. If you can’t find such reviews, don’t go for that agency.
Questionable Payment Methods
No lawful agency will ask you to make payments through cash or bank transfers. That’s because they can be easily used to exploit pilgrims financially. Some may steal your sensitive data or account information without letting you know about it. Keep it in mind when booking an agency.
Missing Physical Office
If you’re scrolling the internet to find the best Umrah package to travel from London to Makkah, make sure to call the office of the travel agency. In case the company you’re trying to call has no phone number or even a physical address, it means the agency is not fully authorised to opt for.
Common Online Booking Scams You Need to Know
Umrah is a spiritual journey that is the dream of every Islamic follower. When it comes to booking a deal online, it can be a bit confusing. Here are common online scams you must know.
Website-Cloning Scam
Some scammers are skilled enough to clone authentic travel sites. It is the most prudent of people to mistakenly believe that the website is real. This is something that you should be familiar with. A legal site must start with https:// instead of http://, where the ‘s’ means secure.
No Confirmation Email After Payment
If you can’t get a confirmation email after the payment, it is a total scam. One of the top signs that the travel company has taken money from you but hasn’t booked anything is that you’ll not receive an email that confirms your trip. Whenever you secure a deal, you should know this fact.
Fake Last-Minute Discount Offers
In a hunt for the best Umrah deals from London, many pilgrims fall victim to ‘today-only’ or ‘last-minute’ offers. No genuine agency will offer a package for that low a cost, where they’re letting the deal go for 70% less. Some may even provide zero fund offerings, so be wary of them.
Safe Ways to Book Umrah Packages from London
You might be wondering how to book Umrah packages London safely, right? This is something that confuses every pilgrim each year. Let’s have a look at some safest ways for online booking.
Book Via IATA-Certified Agencies
The internet is full of travel agencies that offer deals on Umrah. Now, the question is how to book the right one. Make sure to browse the extensive list of verified companies to find the one that guartantees 100% IATA protection on Umrah packages. This is very important because it means you will travel to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and return home safely, even if there is some kind of unforeseen emergency during the pilgrimage. Try to follow this crucial tip!
Check Government Travel Advisories
Another essential tip is to keep track of the latest news from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia. This will help you determine the best time to book your Umrah package. A certified travel agency will suggest the same as the reliable authorities, rather than pushing you to book your travel at the earliest time. Not only this, but the company will also give you extra information about your visit to Makkah. It will help make the pilgrimage journey easier for you.
Ask for a Written Confirmation for the Booking
It is great if you’ve booked an Umrah package from a travel agency. But are you sure that the agency is reliable? One of the other ways for safe online booking is to ask for a written confirmation for the deal. When you secure a package from the authentic company, it will send you an email that confirms your flight tickets, hotel stay, and many other things. This is a very important tip that helps you book the right package so that you don’t fall prey to online scams.
In a Crux
Umrah is an act of worship that every Muslim wants to carry out once in a lifetime. It is a smart choice if you’re about to go on a minor pilgrimage from London with your family. That is where you need to book the right package. But is it really safe to secure Umrah deals online? Yes, it is possible only if you get in touch with the right travel agency. You should be well-aware of common scams to not fall victim to fraud. You can get in touch with accredited agencies, like Muslims Holy Travel, to ensure a secure booking of Umrah packages London. You will receive a confirmation of every detail showing that the company is IATA-certified and reliable to opt for.