Saudia’s SURPRISING Business Class: A Review, A320, Rome to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ส.ค. 2024
- WATCH: AZUMA: Britain’s NEW high speed train: • Britain's NEW high spe...
Tip jar: paypal.me/pauls... (all money goes towards paying for MORE content!)
Special thanks to my incredible $5+ Patrons:
DL James
Joe Pantry
Laila Bergman
Henry Bollington
Doug Gard
Jonathan O’Connor
Phil Kitchen
Natalie Napolitano
Cliff Hope
David Hackett
Mike Wooldridge
Julian Keutschegger
Steven Steffen
Bailey Courtney
Jose Nanin
Neil Smith
Stephen Newton
Anthony Crawford
Patrick McBride
Alexander Schoell
Rob Johnston
Joseph O’Brien
Amber Watts
Maulin Agrawal
Kodzo
Edward Powell
Sean Gorelik
Quintin Soloviev
Peter Harrison
Steve Cooksley
Tom Freeborough
Dan
Stephen James
Robert Livingston
Vista Aviation
Tore Morten
Peter Bos
Austin Matemba
Anonymous Donor
Anonymous Donor
Join them on PATREON and support me: / paulstripreports
Follow me on Twitter: @pauls_trips ¦ / pauls_trips
Follow me on Instagram: paulstripreports ¦ / paulstripreports
See my upcoming plans at BA97 here: ba97.com/repor...
Date of Travel: MAY 2018
Airline: Saudia
Livery: Saudia standard
Route: FCO-JED
Aircraft: Airbus A320
Registration: HZ-ASC
Flight Number: SV 202
Miles: 2087
Airborne time: 4h45m
Notes: Fourth of 25 legs, round the world
Cost to book: £407, fare details in the video (exchange rates and fare adjustment mean the same fare is now slightly more to book)
If you want to find out more about my future plans and join in conversations I have about travel, follow me on Twitter: @pauls_trips. I’ve started using it properly now and it would be great to see some of you there too.
Make sure you have your notifications set! 🛎
_____________________________________
Do you have any ideas for future trip reports? Something you've never seen on TH-cam before? Why not suggest it to me in the comments? I read every single one! 👍🏻
Enjoy the video, and thanks for watching. If you subscribe, then thanks for being part of the channel!
#paulstripreports #vlog #review #flying #travel #aviation #avgeek #trains #railfan
Music courtesy of TH-cam Audio Library
**DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!**
Happy Sunday :-) the first “exotic” airline of my World Tour... enjoy the video! Subtitles are now turned off by default, but you can still turn them on by going to the top right of the screen and clicking on the three dots, if you prefer to have them on.
Enjoy what’s left of the weekend. ✌🏻✌🏻😎
The reviews you post are always respectful and so honest - brilliant, always brilliant - Thanks so much for the doing these
SpongeBob SquarePants; you, sir, are a real man.
At 7:37 I swear that looks like you're getting served by the Flight Deck!
Paul, I ALWAYS enjoy your videos because of the thorough way you explain the entire trip, from the terminal, lounges, to the actual flight. My favorite airport amenity is the nap room. These are most welcome for long lay-overs and allow for privacy, a bed, and shower. The micro-suites are inexpensive and help keep one less tired after a long journey. The best I've found is Narita International Airport (NRT), Japan.
You're incredible, Paul. First of all, really consistent quality from all your trip reports I've viewed so far. You have a natural gift for this sort of thing, which is becomes increasingly evident the more content of yours I watch. 2nd, I can't imagine where you get all these cheap business class deals. I'm 53, worked in Travel, including Airlines and Cruise reservations. I also worked on board cruise ships for 8 years, therefore, flew a lot, to meet a ship, or conversely, depart a ship for home. I also was a beneficiary of Staff Travel and I have never seen the fares you have paid for Business Class, even using Staff Travel. (Except domestic Australia). I appreciate the candor and courtesy your offer in your approach to life. I've Liked, subscribed, recommended to friends, followed you on twitter, etc, etc....Kudos and many thanks to you.
Best one yet. Very interesting and good review.
Thanks Colin!
Best thing ever: put auto-generated cations on here 12:05 Something tells me that's not what the captain was really saying in Arabic
That's hilarious!! Good spot!
Yes!
I didn't see the captions.
Hey Paul. Great to see another video from you. I must say that i really like the new style with narration over your videos instead of just text descriptions. This gives this video a much more professional feel and you sound as equally knowledgeable as you are confident. May these great trip reports continue!
Hey Paul,
Once again I am stunned by how much detail and effort you put into these videos, especially with your commentary. This is what I and I think a lot of other viewers love about your style of videos and this channel. Already looking forward to the next video! :D
My Dad did Business in Saudi - always travelling biz class on SV and this video brings back memories of seeing him off at MAN on BD en-route to LHR and RUH.
THANKS!
First time watching a clip from Saudia - and it looks really good! I enjoy not only alcoholic beverages but coffee as well, and love Middle Eastern cuisine. Perhaps I should give it a try for the coffee!
Love your attitude about trying what others do not favour. I always like to make up my own mind . You do a great job and I would definitely give Saudia a go ... Thank you
Hello Paul 👋🏻. Once again, a well produced/documented video 😉. The cabin color scheme looked calming but it’s a bit dodgy and dated no? You asked us to list our favorite lounges. Mine are ... Lufthansa’s “First Class Terminal “ in Frankfurt (only for First Class passengers/chauffeured to connecting flight by Audi A8L, BMW 750, Mercedes S Class). It’s a quiet retreat and when I travel from the States to ZRH to visit my family, I always book a 3 hour layover here to refresh and sit down for a nice meal. I also have a collection of the famous Lufthansa yellow ducks 😁. Speaking of ZRH, in the summer I do enjoy the outdoor terrace which offers a splendid view of ramp operations and runways. In Asia, my favorite is Cathay Pacific First Class lounge “The Pier”. Lastly, I agree with your assessment of the bare footed passenger seated behind you. 🙄
I agree about Lufthansa's First Class lounge in Frankfurt. I was most impressed that when I ordered a G&T I had the option of Fentiman's tonic (much better than you know what!).
The new Swiss First Class lounge in Zurich is really excellent too. The old one was pleasantly intimate, but I took the chance to have something to eat a small meal when I was there. It was really excellent.
With Thai, the lounge service was good, the massage being a nice extra. I didn't go for the full body massage. Whether the massage made a difference I don't know, but I was nodding off while the lass was doing it, it was so relaxing.
The worst First Class lounge I've been in was Singapore at Changi in Terminal 2. Not only was there intrusive muzak (which I hate intensely) but the bar staff packed up at 9 at night.
rewatching this playlist. You are my favorite youtuber! loved the Australian ones recently those were incredible. Thank you for the consistent great quality.
WOW, that food look well nom, and I also loved the decor of the airline. I Love your reviews, it really gives an insight into travelling. I look forward to the next adventure with you :)
Great video. I love shots like those at 11:40 where you can see the thrust reverser kicking in.
Fantastic video as always! I love the touch by having a prayer before take-off. As cabin crew on flights to Tel Aviv, we always allow passengers to pray and we always find space for them, even though we're on Airbus A320 with maximum seating capacity!
Vortex Aviation How do you manage to do that? Do Orthodox Jews have to prostrate themselves like Muslims do? (The Saudia 777 actually features a prayer room!)
We reserve the galley space at the back of the aircraft for them, it's a difficult game of when to do the service and monitor toilet qeues, the space is tight at the back but we need full access into the flightdeck in case something happens.
paul would absolutely love for you to try out Israels 'El Al' airline!
Wow, that business class fare to Jakarta is insane! The bare foot intruding into your personal space, I would've been sorely tempted to find a safety pin and stick it... I was certainly not impressed with the seats (and that shabby seatback pocket), but the food and service looked good. Saudia is not an airline I would choose, but your report was most interesting and kind.
Yup. I appreciate it, too. Just because we're not used to something, don't like it don't agree with it, there's still no reason to be an arse.
Thanks for new trip report. The way you present your trip report before is more comfortable and live to us I think..
I've had many flights on Saudia Air and found the Business Class flying into Riyadh was great. On my flights out of Riyadh, I was always seated in First Class, though I have no explanation as to why, as my ticket was for Business Class. While Business Class was nice, Saudia's First Class is definitely a step up. On one flight there were only three of us in First Class. Since the flight departed around midnight, it wasn't long before I was asleep. When I awoke, I was surprised to see a fairly large bag in the seat next to me. Thinking perhaps someone had occupied that seat and was in the restroom I didn't give the bag a second thought. A bit later one of the flight attendants came by and asked if everything was ok with my travel kit from Saudia? My puzzled expression must have told her I had no idea what she was talking about. Smiling she pointed to the bag. Sure enough it was loaded with goodies - large bathrobe, pajamas, slippers, top shelf toilet items, etc. I took everything with at the transfer to a domestic flight from London to Edinburgh, Scotland where I was to meet my wife and daughter. Glad I did, as their bags were lost for several days. The bag provided by Saudi had enough stuff for the ladies to be comfortable for one night until we could do a bit of shopping.
The quality of this channel at these days is just outstanding! I've been with you since the early days and you're doing a fantastic job!
All that legroom and your flight neighbour had to do THAT ! Great video Paul, and I have told a pilot friend of mine to watch your round the world journey.
*Fantastic* work on this one Paul! I never regret having the notification on for your channel. Keep it up just like that 😊
Really nice review, Paul. I didn't know about the fire at Rome. Was there in 2000 and that probably would have been the terminal I flew out of on my Rome-Newark-Houston route. Regarding the Saudia A320 interior, love the color scheme. I follow quite a few travel reports, but yours are absolutely the best. The format, the content, and you make them the best.
Another great video Paul..very informative and very consistent throughout, very well done and thank you for sharing!
Thank you for the warning. Will avoid at all costs! 😂🤣😂
Can't beat your videos! Looking forward to the next one.
Great video as usual, thanks for taking us on your flight's around the world showing places that some of us can only dream about.
Looking forward to seeing the next installment. Take care.
Great video....a girl I went to school with in the U.S. married a Saudi Airlines Pilot and they live in Jeddah most of the year when they are not back in Florida. Your voiceovers are excellent....you have a real knack for it.
Good grief Paul, I can tell you’ve really now got into the groove of editing your new style trip reports. That was AWESOME my friend, absolutely spot-on! And I like the look of Saudia - as someone who doesn’t drink I object to having to pay for it anyway in my fare! And I actually quite like the idea of the dress code - one of the many things I appreciate about the Islamic Culture from the many folks I have met and have worked with is the value of respectfulness. Looking forward to the next one! 👍
Another excellent video Paul; I especially appreciate the detailed voice-overs.
Tried the same lamb dish on my Saudia flight in Oct 2019 from Jeddah to Kuala Lumpur and I was quite disappointed as the lamb was so hard to the point where slicing and chewing the damn meat was almost impossible. The cake was top notch though
Royal Jordanian Airlines' Embraer at 5:11 looks absolutely stunning! Great catch!
I really enjoy your videos. Although I probably would never fly on an Arabic airline, your insight was really worth watching. Can't wait for the next adventure. Good luck and happy flying.
Just to be clear, does this mean that you would not want to fly on Emirates, or
Etihad, or Qatar Airways?
I like your presentation . You are on the level of the average traveller . There are too many reviewers who only fly business or first classes , you portray to the majority and that’s good . I’ve only ever flown Business Class once , many years ago on a short European flight , but seeing this review makes me want for more . Well done Paul and keep em coming .
Been looking forward to his one for a while, all I'm missing is popcorn...
You get better every time Paul.
Excellent trip report.
Can't wait for next hop to Jakarta.
Really enjoyed this review, Paul. I normally stick to Oneworld airlines as often as possible but it is nice to see Saudia from someone else's perspective. Looking forward to the rest of the Trip Reports on this series. Of course another trip is due when the new terminal in JED is in full operation towards the end of the year. I have plans to use their new terminal in January 2019. Hope all is well at your end!
Cheers! I think Saudia will have a compelling offer once they move completely into the new terminal - the only big downside is the transfer experience in JED.
Paul's Trip Reports Hopefully the transfer experience will be much improved when the new terminal becomes fully operational. Current terminal simply cannot handle the amount of PAX passing through.
The voice-overs on these videos really are outstanding! Excellent watch once again
i am loving this series sooo much. i have been wanted to do an around the world trip for the longest time. its on my bucket list. i haven't finished the series yet but can't wait.
Great review !!! Your narration of the the trip was excellent and with great advice !!! Keep up the good work 🙂
You earned a new subscriber. I think that everything you say really makes sense in the way that everything you say conveys some information or opinion. Not just some jibberish to fill the video. Good shots, too 👌
Another well done video and always informative. I have flown Saudia 777 economy and it was delightful, very accommodating, super good service, great meals, the best ever going from Washington DC to Jeddah, awesome service and all flight attendants professional and courteous, excellent food and great inflight entertainment, the airline well surpassed the majority of other airlines i have flown, and btw, i am female and i received such gracious respect and treatment that it was jarring to be back in US and have a 20 year old punk at security treat me with disrespect and lack of decency even though he was young enough to be my grandchild; looking forward to your next video
I like this comment :-)
Really stepped it up with this video. Fantastic work
Saudia is a great value proposition, especially their premium cabins. You really have to check your expectations for that price. I have flown with them more than any other airline primarily because of that. It's good to find a balanced trip report about them.
I tend to download your train trips, which I've appreciated very much. It would be great if you made a few in Asia.
Looking forward to the next leg, to Jakarta. 👍🌍
awww thought we were going to get a trip report round Tesco at the end haha
Great video, Paul, as usual. I'm pleased that there were no subtitles on this one. Whilst I appreciate that some viewers will find them indispensable, for me personally they are a bit of a distraction as I'm drawn in to read them rather than concentrating on the footage itself. You just can't please everyone all of the time!!!
Since birth until graduating(Riyadh) I have been in annual flights via Saudia Airlines. The used spoon, forks and other curtleries are DISPOSED in the desert just across KKIA in Riyadh. Some Asian workers usually salvage them and bring them home or sell to others. As we speak, our household has a LOT of Saudia kitchen stuffs.
Good video that Paul, enjoyed it
Great video Paul, yes very surprised, well done.
Excellent video mate, and definitely would consider Saudi an option in future. Have traveled with Emirates and Etihad on a regular basis but dont think Saudi come as far south as Oz and NZ at moment. Really enjoying your trip reports especially from the perspective of someone who views the trip as the end as opposed to the destination...Keep up the good work, and following you on Instagram now as well, I'm hooked on your travel...cheers Roger.
Bare feet 🤮 Why would anybody think that’s acceptable on a plane.
You'd be surprised. Last year, I had the woman behind me stick her foot forward between the wall and the side of my seat. A couple of minutes later the attendant was doing drink service & noticed the foot. She pushed the cart forward and had a short, sharp discussion with the passenger in German (Lufthansa flight) and the foot disappeared never to return.
Lord alone knows, I got that in economy once. I was sitting in the middle, at night and the person behind put their feet on the arm rest. I ended up moving my arm around and pulling my elbow back sharply, a few times. Feet disappeared. Not to return.
Quite obviously Saudi sensibilities doesn’t extend to feet. Having said that of it was a devout Muslim their foot would have been washed 5 times. It’s probably more offensive to eat in front of your fellow travellers during Ramadan.
Look at Passenger Shaming on FB. You will be flabbergasted at what people do.
Arab countries really don’t like bare feet - or at least bare soles. There were no people who were obviously Muslims in the business class cabin. There is also no problem whatsoever with eating airline food on Saudia during Ramadan. I don’t think anyone in the cabin refused a meal, as the airline (as you can tell by the fares!) is trying to cater to people from Europe too, these days.
Showers are my favourite facility in airports too, particularly while transiting. Completely rejuvenates you!
Good to see you branching out to "exotic" airlines! As a child during the 1980s, I flew several times on Saudia between Dhaka and Riyadh. Lockheed L-1011 Tristars. Have great memories of the service in Economy class!
Lived for 5 years in Makkah, where my Dad used to work. I found your comment on finding the desert evocative spot on. Ah, Saudi Arabia, an amazing mix of beauty and brutality....
Worth the wait Paul, another great trip report!
Well, I’m not really a fan of narrow body jets on such routes, but I must say they seem to have done a wonderful job with the onboard service. Great video once again!
Paul, you flew with their old fleet. Saudia's fleet were updated with beige & brown leather seats couple years ago. I think the last time I flew with their blues seats was in 2008 or something.
It’s a pleasure to have you in Saudi Arabia I hope that you will enjoy your stay!
Brilliant video as ever, I love the good vibes and positivity of your videos in this rather depressing world, keep it up!
What a superb video. Thank you Paul.
Why am I not surprised at all that you would chose the lamb dish Paul ?? Haha !!
I used to fly domestic on Saudia between Jeddah and Riyadh and Dammam, it's funny how they used to assign triple sevens on these very short routes which hardly ever filled more than 20% when I flew them, the almond dates and saudi coffee were to die for. Now I would never have chosen Saudia for longer flights, no need to explain why, you've explained that thoroughly.
You're very respectful, at not filming people praying.
Great report Paul👍😊
That price for Business class is a steal. It's a pity that their dress code doesn't extend to bare feet
Hi! Welcome to Jeddah! I hope you have a great time :) The airport was probably shite wasn't it? New terminal coming soon! :) Anyway, I'm living in Jeddah if you need anything or you want a tour around town don't hesitate to ask. In my opinion, Saudia used to be really one of the worst airlines to exist just several years ago, they've vastly improved but they've still got a long way to go.
Edit: Oh, you were travelling in Ramadan, so that was a time ago. Anyway, if you ever come back here I'd love to show you around.
Aren't non-believers barred from entering Jeddah (Maqqah)? I've seen highway-signs stating that.
Jeddah is a different place to Makkah (Mecca).
Question: What do you do in each city you land in or train travel to? Do you stay a few days, sightsee? Or do you connect to your next flight, immediately? Having just found your channel, I LOVE it! I feel like I am traveling with you, and experiencing the world. Beautiful videography, narration! Love your music choices. Strange....but I can feel your plane taking off....like my feet aren't touching the ground, upon "lift"....lol. I LOVE takeoff...my favorite feeling, in flight. Thanks for your awesome contributions, in educating and informing us, about trains & air flights. Amazing!
Singapore plaza lounge and also ambassador transit hotel both very clean and comfortable.. highly recommend the terminal 3 transit hotel 5 star comfort.
A great video cannot wait for the next instalment.
Not surprised that it wasn`t full as no alcohol can be a downer especially if you`re paying top dollar for business class but Ramadan is stay at home family month so no surprise on the price. I`ve used Saudia from Riyadh to Bahrain many times in economy but it is quite smelly for 45 mins as there`s a lot transiting on to Karachi.
That is a great series you have started.
That looked a great flight! Amazing legroom as well!
I took a Saudia flight from KUL to MED in 2017 and what a surprise, i must say it was comparable with Emirates or even Qatar with excellent meals as well. And i was in economy class, i’d give 8.5 out 10 stars.
Looks like the SFO served you lunch...
That's an incredibly low price for business class. I'm shocked!
I really enjoy these videos even in relation to the other videos, i think that the voiceover is way more relaxing to listen to than reading the text, you should keep doing voiceover!!!
Good one again Paul, information on your planning etc would be great, make a PDF book and sell it, I'd buy one now....
Another winner Paul. As you say unless you try you cant really judge. I always pause when you show the menu and "make my meal selection", then see what you have. In this case you went with "my" choices, and it looked very nice. Shame about the foot, maybe a headphone lead dangled to tickle it might have seen it retreat
Your reviews just seem to get better and better although I get a sneaking suspicion that the outro was filmed in a supermarket carpark ;) . Great review Paul!
Nice one - reminds me of Dennis Bunniks videos - and his are great.
Nice beard! 😄 It suits you! 👌
Great review as usual Paul!
Looks enticing. Wondered why you took that route as it's unusual. Fare explains all!
Great review Paul. Really looking forward to the next few videos. For me one thing I always look out for in airports are charging stations. A necessity!
Well, that made me feel truly inspired for travel! It's a massive improvement hearing you speak in the background, I think this sounds more interesting. Keep up the great work :)
One of my favourites so Paul. Looking forward to get your tips on purchasing low cost fares
Great video.....those headphones looked a bit manky though lol
Great video! It would be great to learn some of your travel tips for getting good fares in the air! Thank you for offering to share these with everyone.
Great video Paul. Got to admit, you can't beat a bit of Spongebob!
Great stuff as always!! Really enjoyed the travel outside of Europe. Good to see how airlines who I may never fly with perform.
I was at the Rome airport not long after the fire. We had to do our check-in and security check in what was basically a warehouse. And some of the airport employees were on strike. All that to say that it was not a nice experience.
8:11-8:12
you know its good when pauls eye's go like that
Great idea to share how you find those decent premium-class fares - looking forward to that
dirty bugger behind you,other than that another top vid pal.loveing this trip.
Great video. Getting better with that voice over Paul! The fare is still there and a lot of it £432 one way, might do it on the way to Asia in November :)
Agree - nothing like a good shower at an airport. Especially between connections of after a long day out.
my favorite airport facility is a outdoor deck to watch planes. theres a great one at sfo terminal g and its free and right next to the gates
Damn you’re on 45K good on ya Paul mate, keep up the good work lad you never know you’ll probs reach 100k sometime in the future! 👍🏻💪🏻
That was a nice video - I'm absolutely convinced you've done the right thing now going over to voice-over. I'd still like a little bit more real-time just after take-off as that's my favourite part of a flight, but I know I'm probably in the minority!
Awesome report!
i flew with saudia alot when i was young, back before the smoking ban. i remember one plane was falling apart and when we hit turbulence all the luggage bins opened haha
Rome > Jeddah > Tescos
Great video, surprising business class rate for such a distance!