Turkey

We touched down in Istanbul around 11:20 local time - a 7 hour difference from New York. Our flight to Jeddah is scheduled to leave at 2:30pm. We rushed to use the wash room, make wudhu (ritual washing) and change into our Ihraam in preparation to perform 'Umrah. The Ihraam is 2 pieces of cloth which the males intending to perform 'Umrah must wear. The men are not allowed to wear anything else besides these 2 pieces of cloth except a pair of sandals and a belt - no underwear, jacket, shoes, hats, shirts, trousers, etc.

After changing, we sat around trying to get accustom to our new threads while waiting for our flight.

We boarded the flight to Jeddah about 2:30 and set off for a 3 hour flight. About 2 hours into the flight, we passed over the Meeqaat. The Meeqaat is an imaginary boundary around Makkah. Those who are coming for 'Umrah or Hajj must be in the state of Ihraam at this point (which is why we had don our garments at the airport in Turkey). At the Meeqaat, the hopeful haji will also begin the recitation of the Talbiya -

Labaik Allahhumma Labaik
Labaika laa shareeka laka labayk
Innal hamda wa ni'matta laka wal mulk
laa shareeka lak.

Here I am O Allah (in response to Your call), here I am
Here I am, You have no partner, here I am.
Indeed all Praise and Sovereignty belong to You.
You have no partner.

At around 6:10 (Jeddah time), the pilot of the aircraft announced, "For those who intend to perform Hajj, we are passing over the Meeqaat now!"
The entire plane load of hujaaj began reciting the Talbiyah. When one contemplated on the meaning of the recited words, it brings tears to the eyes.

Here we are, complying with the commands or our Lord and Master, attempting to fulfill our obligations as was directed to us by our noble Messenger, Muhammad (saw) - what could be a better thing to do?