Re: Packing for Hajj…
Jeddah - Is it true the wait in Hajj terminal is 3-4 + hours? 
No, it is usually a lot longer … well at least for Canadians. We were told before going to expect to wait at the Hajji terminal for at least a minimum of 8-12 hours. We got out of immigration fairly quickly. We got our luggage quickly too. The staff there were great. However, we had to wait about 10 hours for the bus to pick us up. It wasn’t in our control, or our Hajj group’s control at all. So, in total, we spent about 12-15 hours at the airport. 
Beware of the washrooms at the terminal. They are literally filthy holes in the ground.
How many checkpoints between Jeddah and Mecca and how long does the coach journey take? Please tell me the 3-4 hr rumours are wrong 
I think it was over an hour, but I can’t give you exact hours as I slept through most of the journey.
Luggage - How much did you pack for the pilgrimage in terms of clothes?
Well you are in the same Ihram during all of Hajj, so you probably will need another Ihram for umrah and maybe one more cause it will probably get dirty. It’s up to you how much ‘western’ clothes you take, but you won’t be needing it during Hajj. A little tip, if you end up getting sick and go to the doctors after Hajj is over, if you are in western clothes, you will get better treatment. 
Don’t forget to pack a small towel too!
What about slippers? - I heard they get stolen, lost or just taken by others so is it worth buying expensive slippers (comfortable ones) or just have a load of cheap ones? Can you take them into the Haram by hand and place them next to where you pray? How about during tawaf, it is practical to place them in a gym bag wrapped around your back?
Just take a cheap pair of flip flops. You *can *take shoes inside with you, but it’s rude to do so, don’t you think? Would you take your shoes into a masjid in London? Probably not. So why would anybody do that in the most holiest places? This really pissed me off cause people would be carrying their shoes inside, and believe me, they get in the way, while you are reading namaz, while you are trying to kiss the Kaba, your shoes will be rubbing up against it … it’s just shoes, leave it outside. I would just leave mine outside. If someone takes them, which they probably will, so what?
Tawaf - How long does tawaf take on the upper levels compared to the crowded ground level?
It’s long. The closer you are to the Kaba, the shorter the tawaf is, but the closer you are, the more intense the crowd is, the more harder it becomes to breath. Keep that in mind. We did two tawafs on the main floor and they took just over an hour I think. One we did on the middle level and it took up to 3 hours cause it’s a lot longer. It depends on you, how much energy you have, etc.
Money - how much should you take with you, and when there, how much cash should you carry around in your body pouch?
I don’t know, my dad dealt with that.
Security :maulvidis - Do they body search everyone before entering the Haram? Is there any way you could sneek in a digicam/camfone? Would strapping it to your waist work? 
They do check you before you go in. No, they check the women cause they hide stuff under their abayas. You can sneak a camera in and take pics with your cell phone, but keep in mind, there are cameras in there watching you and they will find you if they see you with a camera. That risk is totally up to you … and bear in mind, it’s forbidden for a reason.
Can you take food items into the Haram?
I believe so.
Mina/Muzdalifah/Arafah - How much luggage/items did you take with you? Is a backpack or gym bag enough?
You aren’t changing your clothes. You aren’t using any soap or toothpaste … you don’t really need anything other than a pillow and a sleeping blanket.
Would a blanket suffice for the night in Muzdalifah or would you recommend taking a sleeping bag?
It will be COLD. Take a sleeping blanket.
Saudi Police 
- are they really nutcases or are these just stories?
Well, all we saw them doing our entire time there was literally sitting on their backsides smoking under the big “no smoking” signs. You can ask them for directions or help, and they will ignore you. They ignored us when we asked them questions so I know.
Pickpockets 
- Any tips to spot them?
During tawwaf, be careful. We thankfully never had any problems, but we were told that was the time they like to strike.
Anyway, no, they won’t stop you or do anything if you carry your shoes in. I did see some people try and sneak a camera in and the guard pulled on the guy’s Ihram while he tried to run into the masjid and there was a dispute between them. I really wouldn’t mess with them if I were you.
I don’t know if they wet themselves during the wait. It is really hard for elderly people though. My nani ammi was with us and it was hard for her cause we had to find a western type toilet for her everywhere and most places just didn’t have it.