Updated May 2026. By the SkyIndoFly Editorial Team. Reviewed for Umrah-corridor logistics — see Editorial Standards.
Zamzam water may be carried home as check-in baggage on the 12 main Umrah-corridor airlines serving Indonesia, but the rules around volume, packaging, and fare class vary widely. Saudia, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air (Lion Umrah Service), Batik Air, and Citilink Hajj/Umrah grant a 5-liter free dispensation when the water is in the official Saudi-government zamzam-well container. Flynas does not provide any zamzam-specific dispensation — the water is counted as standard check-in liquid. Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Gulf Air, and AirAsia sit in the middle with transit-routing-dependent policies. For pilgrims carrying more than 5 liters home, excess-baggage fees range from Rp 80,000 to Rp 200,000 per kilogram depending on airline and route as of May 2026 (~USD 5–12 per kg).
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Disclaimer. This article is not a religious fatwa. For questions of religious interpretation, consult MUI / a qualified ustadz / a certified KBIHU. For the official PPIU list, see Kemenag SISKOPATUH. Airline rules may change — verify directly on each airline’s official site before departure.
Kemenag SISKOPATUH context: zamzam as travel logistics
According to the Kemenag SISKOPATUH database, Indonesian Umrah pilgrim dispatch from January through April 2026 exceeded 700,000 pilgrims, with most departing through Soekarno-Hatta (CGK), Juanda (SUB), Hasanuddin (UPG), and Kualanamu (KNO). Kemenag — via the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Affairs — treats zamzam as part of pilgrims’ travel logistics rather than a separate commodity that requires special customs declaration. The Saudi government, through the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), regulates that zamzam carried home must be in official sealed packaging that can be identified as a zamzam-well product — not in regular mineral-water bottles or local jerry cans.
Comparison table: 12 airlines on volume, packaging, fare class, and excess fees
The table below presents the official zamzam baggage policy for the 12 main Umrah-corridor airlines as of May 2026. Source data: each airline’s Conditions of Carriage / Baggage Policy, with IDR ranges reflecting May 2026 exchange rates (Rp 4,220 per SAR 1; Rp 16,250 per USD 1). Verify directly on the airline’s official site before departure — policies may change.
| Airline | Code | Max Free Volume | Official Packaging Required | Check-in / Cabin | Minimum Fare Class | Excess Fee (Rp/kg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudia | SV | 5 liters | Yes | Check-in | Economy Umrah-fare | Rp 120,000–180,000 | Dispensation separate from the standard 30 kg quota |
| Garuda Indonesia | GA | 5 liters | Yes | Check-in | Economy charter Umrah | Rp 100,000–150,000 | Dispensation applies to Umrah-charter flights only |
| Lion Air (Lion Umrah Service) | JT | 5 liters | Yes | Check-in | Lion Umrah Service bundle | Rp 80,000–120,000 | Bundle of 30 kg baggage + 5 L zamzam |
| Batik Air | ID | 5 liters | Yes | Check-in | Economy charter Umrah | Rp 100,000–140,000 | Mirrors Lion Group Umrah-charter policy |
| Citilink Hajj/Umrah | QG | 5 liters | Yes | Check-in | Economy Umrah-charter | Rp 90,000–130,000 | UPG/SUB/KNO–JED charter routes |
| Flynas | XY | 0 liters (no dispensation) | — | Check-in (counted as standard liquid) | Economy | Rp 130,000–180,000 | Zamzam counted as ordinary liquid; standard baggage quota only |
| Emirates | EK | 5 liters (transit-routing-dependent) | Yes | Check-in | Economy Special / Flex | Rp 150,000–200,000 | Dispensation on Special Fare CGK/SUB–JED via DXB |
| Etihad | EY | 5 liters (transit-routing-dependent) | Yes | Check-in | Economy Umrah-fare | Rp 140,000–190,000 | Only on Etihad Umrah-fare CGK–JED via AUH |
| Qatar Airways | QR | 5 liters (transit-routing-dependent) | Yes | Check-in | Economy Classic | Rp 130,000–180,000 | Dispensation on Umrah CGK/SUB–JED via DOH |
| Oman Air | WY | 5 liters | Yes | Check-in | Economy SuperSaver | Rp 120,000–160,000 | CGK–JED routing via MCT (Muscat) |
| Gulf Air | GF | 5 liters | Yes | Check-in | Economy Umrah-fare | Rp 120,000–170,000 | Routing via BAH (Bahrain) |
| AirAsia (Indonesia AirAsia) | QZ | 0 liters (no dispensation) | — | Check-in (separate bundle) | Value / Premium Flex | Rp 80,000–120,000 | Zamzam counted within standard bundle; no Umrah dispensation |
| Salam Air | OV | 5 liters | Yes | Check-in | SmartLite | Rp 110,000–150,000 | Routing via MCT (Muscat), similar to Oman Air |
Note: The 12 main airlines in the table include 3 Indonesian carriers (Garuda, Lion, Citilink — with Batik Air as a Lion Group entity), 3 Saudi/Omani carriers (Saudia, Flynas, Salam Air), 4 Gulf carriers (Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air), Oman Air, and AirAsia as an LCC option. For route selection and fare-class decisions, see our guide on Umrah transit Dubai vs Doha vs Istanbul and the Jakarta-Jeddah (CGK-JED) route page.
Indonesian carriers: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Citilink
Garuda Indonesia (GA) offers a 5-liter zamzam dispensation in the official zamzam-well container as part of Umrah-charter flights from Jeddah (JED) and Madinah (MED) to Soekarno-Hatta (CGK), Juanda (SUB), Hasanuddin (UPG), Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II (PLM), and Kualanamu (KNO). The dispensation is separate from the standard 30 kg check-in baggage quota. On regular non-Umrah Garuda flights, zamzam counts as ordinary baggage — no 5-liter dispensation applies. For pilgrims on regular Garuda tickets, we recommend confirming the dispensation with Garuda Indonesia’s Jeddah office before check-in. Official reference: garuda-indonesia.com under the Umrah Baggage section.
Lion Air (JT) — Lion Umrah Service offers a bundle of 30 kg check-in baggage + 5 liters of zamzam in official packaging on Umrah-charter flights from Jeddah and Madinah to 11 Indonesian cities, including CGK, SUB, UPG, BTH, and KNO. This bundle applies specifically to the Lion Umrah Service fare class — not to regular Saver class. Per the lionair.co.id newsroom (July 2025), Lion Umrah Service expanded its Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet for the Umrah-charter corridor with confirmed 5-liter zamzam capacity per pilgrim. For Lion Umrah Service packages, excess-baggage fees for zamzam beyond 5 liters start at Rp 80,000 per kg at walk-up counter rates, and are 20–25% cheaper when purchased online at least 24 hours before departure.
Citilink Hajj/Umrah (QG) provides a similar dispensation on Umrah-charter flights from UPG, SUB, and KNO to JED. As a Garuda Indonesia Group subsidiary, Citilink inherits the 5-liter zamzam dispensation structure with official packaging, though the standard baggage quota is different (typically 20–25 kg on Economy Citilink Umrah-charter). Citilink has a lighter total baggage allowance overall, so we recommend that Citilink Umrah Service pilgrims pack zamzam and souvenirs carefully so as not to exceed the combined quota.
Saudi and Omani carriers: Saudia, Flynas, Salam Air
Saudia (SV) is the main carrier on the Indonesian Umrah corridor, with direct routes from Soekarno-Hatta (CGK), Juanda (SUB), Hasanuddin (UPG), Kualanamu (KNO), and Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman (BPN) to Jeddah (JED) and Madinah (MED). Saudia grants a dispensation of 5 liters of zamzam water in original packaging as check-in baggage, per the Conditions of Carriage Article 9.2, which references GACA policy. The official zamzam-well label must be visible and undamaged. For business-class fare, the standard baggage quota is higher (40 kg), but the zamzam dispensation remains 5 liters — not a multiple. Excess zamzam fees on Saudia run Rp 120,000–Rp 180,000 per kg (~SAR 32–48 / ~USD 7–11) at the walk-up counter rate; pre-paid online via saudia.com Manage Booking is typically 20–30% cheaper.
Flynas (XY), the Saudi LCC serving the CGK–JED and SUB–JED routes, does not provide a special zamzam dispensation. Zamzam water is counted as standard check-in liquid and falls under the total baggage allowance. For Flynas pilgrims looking to bring home 5 liters of zamzam, a practical option is to add paid extra-baggage at booking time — Flynas excess-baggage fees are Rp 130,000–Rp 180,000 per kg as of May 2026. Because there is no formal dispensation, some PPIUs that use Flynas as their Umrah-charter carrier offer separate zamzam shipping via cargo (cargo zamzam) at Rp 350,000–Rp 500,000 for 5 liters — an alternative worth considering if your baggage quota is already full.
Salam Air (OV), the Omani LCC serving the CGK–JED route via Muscat (MCT), follows a policy similar to Oman Air’s: a 5-liter zamzam dispensation in official packaging on the SmartLite Umrah-fare class. For pilgrims choosing Salam Air, note that the Muscat transit makes the total travel time roughly 14–16 hours (vs. Saudia direct’s 10 hours). The zamzam container must be sealed tightly to prevent leaks during the two-segment transit.
International carriers: Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Gulf Air, AirAsia
Emirates (EK) applies a 5-liter zamzam dispensation that is transit-routing-dependent. On Economy Special Fare for the CGK/SUB–JED Umrah corridor via Dubai (DXB), a 5-liter dispensation in official packaging is available — but it must be flagged at booking time, not automatically. On regular Economy Saver Fare for non-Umrah travel, zamzam receives no special dispensation and counts as standard baggage. Emirates excess zamzam: Rp 150,000–Rp 200,000 per kg (~USD 9–12). For long Dubai transits, the zamzam container must be confirmed sealed because of the two baggage-handling cycles (CGK–DXB and DXB–JED).
Etihad (EY) grants a 5-liter dispensation on the Etihad Umrah-fare CGK–JED via Abu Dhabi (AUH). Etihad refers to this fare class as “Special Umrah” — it must be booked through a registered Umrah agent or Etihad’s office directly. On the regular Etihad Economy Saver fare, the dispensation is not automatic. Excess: Rp 140,000–Rp 190,000 per kg.
Qatar Airways (QR) offers a 5-liter dispensation on the Economy Classic Umrah-fare CGK/SUB–JED via Doha (DOH). As a Skytrax 5-star carrier, Qatar maintains tighter baggage-handling standards — the zamzam container must be official with a legible label. Excess fees: Rp 130,000–Rp 180,000 per kg. See also our Umrah transit Doha vs Dubai guide.
Oman Air (WY) and Gulf Air (GF) both grant 5-liter dispensations on economy Umrah-fare via Muscat (MCT) and Bahrain (BAH) respectively. Both carriers are popular options for pilgrims from eastern Indonesia who want fares cheaper than Emirates/Etihad/Qatar — excess fees: Rp 120,000–Rp 170,000 per kg, about 15–20% cheaper than the three main Gulf carriers.
AirAsia / Indonesia AirAsia (QZ), as an LCC, does not provide a special zamzam dispensation. On AirAsia Umrah-charter flights (when available, typically seasonal during Ramadhan), zamzam is counted as part of the standard baggage bundle. For AirAsia pilgrims, the most efficient option is to purchase a 30 kg + extra 10 kg baggage bundle at booking — total cost is typically Rp 600,000–Rp 900,000 for 40 kg, far cheaper than the walk-up rate of Rp 80,000–Rp 120,000 per kg at the counter.
How to pack zamzam safely: IATA rules and practical guidance
Per the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 2026 edition, zamzam water is not classified as dangerous goods. Its classification as ordinary mineral water means there are no special security restrictions — the limits are operational (cabin liquid volume per IATA Cabin Baggage Regulations: maximum 100 ml per container, total 1 liter in a transparent bag) and packaging-related (official zamzam-well label per GACA and Kemenag SISKOPATUH guidance).
Below are packaging practices we have compiled from official guidance by Saudia, Garuda Indonesia, and Kemenag:
1. Use official zamzam-well packaging. The Saudi government provides zamzam packaging with an official label (typically a blue plastic jerry can or white 5-liter container with a seal and an Arabic + English label stating “ZamZam Water — Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”). These are available at official zamzam fill stations in Mecca and Medina, usually free for Umrah pilgrims or at a small fee of SAR 5–15 (~Rp 21,000–Rp 63,000).
2. Check the seal before check-in. Before handing the container to the counter, confirm that the seal is intact and not cracked. Airlines reserve the right to refuse damaged or unofficial packaging.
3. Add protective layers. Wrap the zamzam container in plastic wrap or a waterproof bag, then place it in the middle of an anti-impact suitcase surrounded by clothing as padding. Some pilgrims use dedicated zamzam suitcases (zamzam-koper) available at Umrah supply stores for Rp 250,000–Rp 500,000.
4. Do not pack alongside electronics. Although zamzam is not dangerous goods, leakage can damage laptops, phones, and documents. Keep electronics in your cabin bag or in a separate suitcase.
5. Label the suitcase. Add a “FRAGILE — Liquid: ZamZam Water” tag to the suitcase to help baggage handlers treat it appropriately. Some airlines (Saudia, Garuda) provide dedicated zamzam labels at the counter on request.
For a fuller packing guide with illustrations, see how to pack zamzam safely.
Excess-baggage costs by airline: per-kg math in IDR
For pilgrims looking to bring home more than 5 liters of zamzam (for example, 10 liters to share with extended family), the excess-baggage calculation becomes important. The table below shows estimated costs for an additional 5 liters (~5 kg, given water density ≈ 1 kg/L) as of May 2026:
| Airline | Walk-up Rate (Rp/kg) | Pre-paid Online (Rp/kg) | 5 kg Walk-up Estimate | 5 kg Pre-paid Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudia | Rp 120,000–180,000 | Rp 95,000–140,000 | Rp 600,000–900,000 | Rp 475,000–700,000 |
| Garuda Indonesia | Rp 100,000–150,000 | Rp 80,000–115,000 | Rp 500,000–750,000 | Rp 400,000–575,000 |
| Lion Air | Rp 80,000–120,000 | Rp 60,000–90,000 | Rp 400,000–600,000 | Rp 300,000–450,000 |
| Batik Air | Rp 100,000–140,000 | Rp 75,000–110,000 | Rp 500,000–700,000 | Rp 375,000–550,000 |
| Citilink | Rp 90,000–130,000 | Rp 70,000–100,000 | Rp 450,000–650,000 | Rp 350,000–500,000 |
| Flynas | Rp 130,000–180,000 | Rp 100,000–140,000 | Rp 650,000–900,000 | Rp 500,000–700,000 |
| Emirates | Rp 150,000–200,000 | Rp 115,000–160,000 | Rp 750,000–1,000,000 | Rp 575,000–800,000 |
| Etihad | Rp 140,000–190,000 | Rp 110,000–150,000 | Rp 700,000–950,000 | Rp 550,000–750,000 |
| Qatar Airways | Rp 130,000–180,000 | Rp 100,000–140,000 | Rp 650,000–900,000 | Rp 500,000–700,000 |
| Oman Air | Rp 120,000–160,000 | Rp 95,000–125,000 | Rp 600,000–800,000 | Rp 475,000–625,000 |
| Gulf Air | Rp 120,000–170,000 | Rp 95,000–135,000 | Rp 600,000–850,000 | Rp 475,000–675,000 |
| Salam Air | Rp 110,000–150,000 | Rp 85,000–120,000 | Rp 550,000–750,000 | Rp 425,000–600,000 |
| AirAsia (QZ) | Rp 80,000–120,000 | Rp 55,000–85,000 | Rp 400,000–600,000 | Rp 275,000–425,000 |
Pattern to remember: Lion Air and AirAsia offer the lowest excess-baggage fees per kg, but both have smaller total baggage quotas. Saudia and Garuda sit in the middle with a 5-liter free zamzam dispensation that the Gulf carriers no longer match. Emirates and Etihad rank as the most expensive for excess but deliver more comfortable transits, particularly for elderly pilgrims.
For end-to-end cost estimation of a full Umrah package including this component, see Ramadhan 2026 Umrah pricing per week, which includes a worked example.
FAQ for first-time pilgrims: 8 questions on zamzam baggage
How many liters of zamzam water are allowed on Garuda Indonesia?
Garuda Indonesia grants a 5-liter zamzam dispensation in the official Saudi-government container as check-in baggage on Umrah-charter flights from Jeddah or Madinah. The dispensation is not automatically available on regular non-Umrah flights. Verify at garuda-indonesia.com under Umrah Baggage.
Is official Saudi-government packaging required for zamzam water?
Most Umrah-corridor airlines — including Saudia, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Citilink — require official packaging with the zamzam-well label. Unofficial packaging (mineral-water bottles or local jerry cans) risks rejection at the baggage counter.
What happens if the zamzam container breaks during baggage handling?
Zamzam water is not classified as dangerous goods by IATA, so airlines do not provide full coverage for container damage. Some carriers (Saudia, Garuda) offer limited replacement of official containers on Umrah-charter flights. We recommend adding a plastic wrap layer and placing the container in the middle of the suitcase with clothing padding.
Can I carry zamzam water as cabin baggage?
Not on international flights. IATA limits cabin liquids to a maximum of 100 ml per container, totaling 1 liter in a transparent bag. The 5 liters of zamzam water must be in check-in baggage.
Does the zamzam allowance depend on fare class?
On Saudia and Emirates, fare class affects the total baggage quota but the 5-liter zamzam dispensation is generally the same for economy Umrah-fare and business-fare. On Lion Umrah Service, the bundle of 30 kg + 5 liters of zamzam applies specifically to the Umrah-charter fare class.
How much is excess baggage for zamzam water beyond 5 liters?
Fees vary: Saudia Rp 120,000–Rp 180,000 per kg, Garuda Rp 100,000–Rp 150,000 per kg, Lion Air Rp 80,000–Rp 120,000 per kg, Emirates Rp 150,000–Rp 200,000 per kg, and Qatar Airways Rp 130,000–Rp 180,000 per kg as of May 2026. Online pre-payment before departure is typically 20–30% cheaper than the walk-up rate.
Do official PPIU operators automatically handle pilgrims’ zamzam baggage?
PPIUs registered at Kemenag SISKOPATUH usually provide zamzam in official packaging as part of the Umrah-charter package. However, the 5-liter allocation per pilgrim is not automatic — some PPIUs charge an additional Rp 100,000–Rp 250,000 fee for zamzam handling. Confirm with your PPIU before departure.
Is zamzam water classified as dangerous goods?
No. Per the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 2026 edition, zamzam water is ordinary mineral water and is not classified as dangerous goods. Restrictions are operational (cabin liquid volume, check-in baggage weight) and packaging-related (official zamzam-well label), not security-based.
Compare official Umrah airline fares
To compare official fares across the 12 Umrah airlines in a single search, we provide a price-comparison path via Aviasales. Aviasales prices match airline direct prices — the platform aggregates 1,000+ airlines including all major Umrah-corridor carriers, with adjustable filters for transit duration, baggage inclusion, and fare class.
- Compare Jakarta–Jeddah (CGK–JED) fares on Aviasales — Saudia, Garuda, Lion Air, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways
- Compare Jakarta–Madinah (CGK–MED) fares on Aviasales — Saudia direct to Madinah, Garuda, Lion Air
- Compare Surabaya–Jeddah (SUB–JED) fares on Aviasales — Saudia, Garuda, Lion Air, Citilink charter
Related guides
- 8-step Umrah-mandiri guide: passport, Saudi e-visa, meningitis vaccination, tickets — End-to-end worked example with IDR breakdown.
- Ramadhan 2026 Umrah pricing per week: early vs. middle vs. late/itikaf — Aggregated price-curve table.
- How to pack zamzam safely: anti-impact suitcase and IATA labels — Technical packing guide.
- Umrah transit Dubai vs Doha vs Istanbul: IDR cost and time math — Per-corridor transit economics.
- Saudia (SV): CGK/SUB/UPG/KNO–JED schedule and baggage policy — Carrier profile with zamzam policy Article 9.2.
- Garuda Indonesia (GA): Umrah baggage and charter flights — Carrier profile with Umrah-charter routes.
A closing note from the Umrah editorial desk
Umrah travel calls for careful logistical planning — from passport and e-visa to meningitis vaccination, all the way to zamzam baggage. Zamzam baggage rules vary across airlines, with dispensations ranging from 0 liters (Flynas, AirAsia) to 5 liters (the other 10 carriers), and excess fees ranging from Rp 80,000 to Rp 200,000 per kg. InsyaAllah, with careful planning and zamzam packaging that meets official rules, your family’s pilgrimage journey can run smoothly.
This article was prepared by the SkyIndoFly Editorial Team based on official sources: Kemenag SISKOPATUH, the Conditions of Carriage for 12 Umrah airlines, the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 2026 edition, and logistical references from the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia. We re-verify airline-policy updates quarterly — last verified May 2026. If you encounter discrepancies with the latest airline policy, please contact us at contact form for corrections.
Official sources cited:
- Kemenag — kemenag.go.id
- SISKOPATUH Kemenag (official PPIU database) — siskopatuh.kemenag.go.id
- Haji Kemenag — haji.kemenag.go.id
- Saudia Conditions of Carriage — saudia.com
- Garuda Indonesia Umrah Baggage — garuda-indonesia.com
- Lion Air Lion Umrah Service — lionair.co.id
- Flynas Baggage Policy — flynas.com
- Emirates Baggage — emirates.com
- Etihad Baggage — etihad.com
- Qatar Airways Baggage — qatarairways.com
- Oman Air Baggage — omanair.com
- Gulf Air Baggage — gulfair.com
- AirAsia Baggage — airasia.com
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations — iata.org
- Imigrasi Indonesia — imigrasi.go.id
Last verified: May 2026. Reviewed by the SkyIndoFly Editorial Team. For corrections on airline policy, contact /contact/. Editorial standards and citation policy: /editorial-standards/.