I'm a Western expat who has lived in Saudi Arabia for many years. I found Saudia a delightful airline, and never had any issues with them, unlike others such as British Airways with its surly and camp staff. One of the great benefits in flying with Saudia is the lack of alcohol, which is responsible for so much trouble on other airlines.
Hi Kevin. I flew Saudia on the same route twice and return in 2022 in Business Class. I am sure there was a 2nd meal service before landing in KL and Jeddah. And of course there were coffee and snacks in between. But I observed you need to ask for it at least 2 hours before landing... otherwise you'll miss it. As for the lack of written menu they did have it previously when I flew the same route in 2019 but in 2022 it is no longer available. Not sure why.
I've seen reviews from after my flight date and some have menus, some don't- I think it's just a lack of consistency in the post-covid world we're in now. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I’m a Western expat living in Jeddah for the last 5 years. I’ve observed many changes during this time. Alcohol consumption is an interesting one - whilst I have chosen not to drink alcohol here, it is widely available and many Saudis do drink. Your prediction regarding alcohol becoming available in the new tourist resort is almost certainly correct. Tourism, which is clearly a very important part of the future economic plan in Saudi Arabia, will not flourish without alcohol being made available. However it is clear that there will be a lot of disapproval of this change by many Saudis and your suggestion that employing a new airline brand to soften the blow makes sense. That way Hajj and Umrah traffic (which comes into Jeddah) can choose alcohol-free Saudia whereas others can choose RIA.
I've heard alcohol will be available in international departures at the airports from next year. I wonder if its true! I saw some odd looking constructions in a Dubai fabrication yard recently, apparently they were "pods' destined for a resort on the Red Sea, yes, alcohol will have to be available if Saudi does wants to be a notable player in the tourist industry.
You say many Saudis DO drink? Saudis are Muslims there is no alcohol AT ALL in Saudi Arabia, it is bad for you to assume this for our people, our country.
I’ve done Saudia connections both through Riyadh and Jeddah. Night and day worth Jeddah being far far superior. You’re lucky to have gotten the new four across configuration. All of my flights have been the 6 across which is still good.
Things may have change, as I took a flight from JED to BKK, which was around 7 hours. At the beginning of the flight, a flight attendant introduced her self and explained the meal options, that you can dine when you wish. A paper menu was at the seat at the beginning, offering a main meal as well as a lighter meal. But the bedding as well as the amenity kit were the same. Really enjoyed the flight.
Thank you Kevin, very informative as always. Love your graphics. I recently almost booked a business class on Saudia and your look at their terminal is actually quite reassuring so I may do in the future.
My parents lived and worked in Saudi. In the 70s I had to travel from boarding school in the UK to Saudi to visit my parents who lived in Tabuk. I always flew Saudia. It was a Tri star back then from London to Jeddah and then a smaller plane from Jeddah to Tabuk. Once there was a shortage of seats from Jeddah to Tabuk and they asked my guardian if I would sit in the cockpit for the flight. Yep, yes I did. It would never happen these days
Thanks for the video, great info. I would be OK without alcohol for a $500 flight. Just wondering if you ever flown Jetstar from Australia to Bali for example - talk about cattle class with drunk tourists. Sometimes the alcohol just ruins peoples holidays. I am planning to go to Europe in August for my holidays, so will keep eye out for some deals. Thanks and look forward to your next review.
I actually have tha exact JQ flight coming up soon… luckily I got a very cheap “Business” class fare so hopefully the commotion stays behind the curtain haha. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Very pleasant video and that price was insane if I understand it to be the straight price without airline miles or some other redemption. I will check them the next time returning to USA from Vietnam. It will not be the quickest way but if business class can be obtained for that level of pricing it would be worth a few extra hours of travel and I could care less about the alcohol. Also looking forward to the Mandarin Oriental KL video as I stayed there about twenty years ago.
I think for a relatively affordable business class, this seems to be a pretty decent offering. Looking forward to seeing your impressions of Malaysia's Mandarin Oriental!
Yes they have some very affordable flights. I am looking at going from KL to somewhere and Saudi pops up always as the cheapest. As for the flight attendants being robotic I think I would be too with a 2.00am start. Thank you for video again helps me with my travels.
Hi. Good video. I used Alursan BC Lounge in Oct 2023 both ways from Mauritius to Dubai via Jeddah. Food was okaish perhaps because I was in the lounge at odd-hours in the night. One important point, the lounge was freezing cold! So be prepared. The flight was good, seat (1L) was layflat and comfortable on an 787-9 which looked a bit dated. Food was great by any standards on an airplane and I had beef steak, chicken briani, among others. I will be flying again the same route coing Oct 2024 so I hope I will see what has changed - hopefully for the better!
I don’t think RIA founded because the alcohol, it’s may possible to be allowed at every airliners or saudi in general, RIA can be a full service airliner working side by side with saudia like emirates and etihad on UAE, and focusing in one hub instead multiple hub which saudia has makes trouble with the 3rd hub (dammam) currently serve jeddah and Riyadh only, and the other route serves by other airlines
I have just booked this journey as part of a LON - KUL. The price is £1000s less than Qatar, Emirates or BA, so went for it. I'll ask for coffee in good time. The boarding with and thru economy is odd, but I will live with it.
It is unusual that there is no second meal in this flight. In their flights from USA (which is 12-13 hours long), there are two meal services, a small snack in the middle of the flight, and an open buffet (small sandwiches, chips and fruits in addition to beverages) at the middle of the flight.... And I am talking about Economy class, not business class. For flights from USA to Europe on different airlines (generally 7-9hours), they usually serve one meal, and one smaller snack prior to landing. I think for 9 hours flight, having two meal services is essential.
All of this would have been prevented if they had menus on board or just communciated the meal service plan at the beginning of the flight. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I don't think Flight attendants have issue with providing you coffee, It's just regulations from the general authorities of civil aviation that hot drinks can't be provided/served during seatbelt sign is on for your own safety and you knew and wrote (During turbulence) which can clearly be unsafe for you to have a hot drink. On the other hand it's also safety regulations to stop any service during the seatbelt sign is on and that's for the safety of the flight attendants as well from unexpected turbulence. Which is why "Iced coffee" can not be served either.
They were continuously serving food and drinks while the seatbelt sign was on. Many pax slept as soon as we took off and were then served their meal just before landing- at the time I asked for iced coffee. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Thank you for sharing your video :) Somehow saudia has improved its service,,from airport to aircraft :) the only bad thing is that there’s no second meal which is unusual for longhaul flight..i hope they would change it :)
I fly from Australia to Asia and then Paris. As the Asia to Paris is around 13 hours I'm trying to find the best value for comfort, usually Premium economy. Have you flown this route and do you have any thoughts tips etc.
It's not just because of Alcohol,Saudia were reluctant to move their headquarters to Riyadh which the Saudi Government wanted them to focus more on Riyadh but that didn't seem to impress the company hence they decided to continue to focus on Jeddah and RIA was formed to focus on Riyadh!!!
So you’re saying the Saudi government owned airline didn’t want to do what the Saudi government told them to do? 😅 perhaps you’re right! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft There were mixed opinions in the government according to what I heard, initially it was proposed to shift the Saudia headquarters to Riyadh but majority within the government opposed it due to various factors,also given the fact that demand for Umrah/Hajj pilgrimage is rising rapidly perhaps it was a better decision to just let Saudia focus on Jeddah and forming of new airline to focus on Riyadh!!!
My son travels frm Mumbai to LA by saudia business class in August bcz the fare is very affordable, inflight service and food is excellent..tho he has complained about the saudi airline staff being very loud at jeddah airport. And often confused and confusing in their operations
Yes. Found the deal on Google Flights and then booked direct with Saudia. I always recommend booking direct for flights. Thanks for watching & Happy New Year 🎉
I personally like that there is no alcohol onboard. It just makes sense. But you are probably right about the new airline. Saudi is trying to catch up to other countries in the region in terms of "international service and aesthetics". They want international tourism like UAE, Qatar etc. In any case, I wish them well. Great video btw. 👍
iPhone 14PM & 13PM. GoPros are crap for lowlight conditions which is what the inside of an airplane is 80% of the time. Plus I can’t stand the “stuttering” when panning with GoPros. 5 of my first 6 videos were shot on a GoPro 9- as soon as I saw how noisy the footage was on rainy days, I ditched it. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I also have a DJI Action 2 (same problems as GoPro… but more convenient than a GoPro in good lighting) and Insta360 something (I forget the model haha. The new 360 camera). Insta also has the same issues but is useful in some cases bc of post editing framing functionality.
Hi Kevin used them last year on a return asia europe and found their business class unremarkable.... food and service was nothing extraordinary, but just passable but slightly better than European airlines and of course better than american airlines ... the asian or arab airlines like Singapore or Qatar of course excels...
I'm yet to fly with Saudia for the first time (booked Business class in July for us), but from whatever I see in reviews, it seems to be better than most of our alternatives (e.g. Air India and Lufthansa) and much cheaper than flying other Middle Eastern carriers (e.g. Qatar Airways, Emirates). The later have increased their prices too much lately and we are only paying approx. 1200 Euro per person for return tickets from India to Europe, quite a steal deal
I’m likely doing a yearly version of that which may come out the first week of January. One video for flights and one for hotels. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I've been watching Saudia biz class reviews & common thing I noticed is that most of their flights leave around 11pm or 12:30am... do you know if this strategy costs less than leaving airports outside of this unholy hours? thanks
no coffee on waking up what is a terrible service .During one of our short flight from KUL to SIN a kind Malaysian Air flight attendant offered my son a hot pie 10 mins before landing because he was hungry and too busy playing video games during the main meal service . That what I called top notch service from Malaysian Air . Thank for sharing your video
Flip Flop is a frequent traveller so surely he knew better than most of us who doesn't fly. It made sense to me as flying is all about safety comes first than followed by service ... it is all about precaution to avoid disaster in the first place rather than to let disaster happened then try to resolve the problem and blaming or sue the airline ( poor nice cabin crew who were just follow the best thought and practised procedures that they are required to adhere ). As in aviation history more than 90% of airplane disasters happened during take off and landings, I love the fact that cabin crew care for me not to spill my hot coffee on me by me during landing. I love the fact that cabin crew care enough for me and let me to hold /eat warm snack but not holding a glass of cold coffee that the glass could break to pieces in emergency situation with greater possiblity during take off / landing and cut myself bleedingly and possibly affecting other passengers during emergency landing and evacuation. Once I was told by a caring and friendly cabin crew that everytime they prepare the cabin for take off and landing is as good as they prepare AS IF they were expecting emergency situation. Yes I paid my ticket and love to be pampered but at the same time I do realise that cabin crew are very much mortal human like us passengers and are not immune to pain, sickness and death. Whilst they are ensuring ( because they care ) all passengers to wear seatbelts, close and latch compartments which were left wide open by some irresponsible passengers ( whose heavy bags could be thrown out during air pocket and knock other fellow passengers unconscious ) etc while the cabin crew themselves weren't able to secure themselves while doing so. Therefore I rather them the cabin crew to secure themselves soonest possible for landing rather than standing in front of me explaining politely in long sentences all reasons in this world why they are unable do certain things at certain phase of flight. Yes I did miss my hot coffee a few times during flight but realizing that they cabin crew did so because they were care about me ( not because they are lazy ) and that I have arrrived safely at my destination without any bad incidents happened made me feel very grateful. Like Flip Flop did ... my hot coffee could always be enjoyed later at the airport as more importantly above all is fellow passengers ( and crew ) and I arrived safely at my destination. Yes of course it is different when I dine at a fine dining restaurant on ground where the staff do not face possiblity of such emergency situation and I couldn't think any situation that a staff could refuse me from ordering coffee. Life is short and sweet and left only time to treat others nice and kind 😊
Sorry, I'm getting pánic after reading all the comments about Saudia especially the flights going to Kuala Lumpur.Well the first flight will be Madrid- Jeddah.Later Jeddah - KL.We must travel businness class because health problems and we've tried many many other companies(Last one Emirates: great) but this time cannot afford a lot and my husband decided to try Saudia as it was cheaper(he is Malay and we go as often as we can to siendo time with brothers ,sisters children and kids)I'm not sure if you know that we looked yesterday and the price was rising fast every two days. Actually 2.600€/ return and in few days 2.800€ and so on.When I saw that plastic seat and that thin rug to cover yourself I felt really bad.Should we take a cosy warm rug for the trip? Another bad news: we usually go there to spend Hari Raya Aidilfitr with family and one week before all seats are taken. Do we have to go 2 weeks before Hari Raya or after it? Disgusting! We don't know what to do....Cant anybody tell me more about Saudia(good and bad) and if it's worth paying less and flying worse? Terima kasih .Thank you all.God bless.
Haah, had a flight from Kula Lumpur transiting through Jeddah in business. The flight was delayed/cancelled 2 days consecutively.. Airline was very unhelpful with alternative arrangements.. cancelled after the second time and took another airline..
I agree that the experience was decent for the fare you paid, however the crew did not know or care of the fare amount nor they would differentiate their level of customer care based on that. For that reason, I think you were too generous with your in-flight experience evaluation.
If Saudia had pricing that was in line with say, Singapore Airlines, then I’d have to agree- but Saudia is generally pretty cheap across the board. At the end of the day, I’d gladly fly them again for a similar fare. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
As a Saudi, I'm always shocked by travel youtubers getting really cheap fares on Saudia tickets. I couldn't dream of getting such cheap tickets from here to anywhere in the world really.😭
Your previous review on Saudia made me warm up to them and even consider them for future travels….After watching this review…not so much anymore, I’d rather stick to Qatar (even though a flight attendant with a Hello Kitty notebook sounds quite charming 😂) Fascinated now with Saudi Arabia’s future plans for tourism after hearing your information. What a world away from 30 years ago when I last stayed in Jeddah. There was just this gated beach club for expats and crew, where you could sunbath, have a drink and not wear your abaya 😅
Yes well certainly the cannot compete with Qatar… But if the same itinerary was available for $1500 on QR or $500 on SV… I’d probably go with SV and spend that $1000 on a nicer hotel room on arrival 😂 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I agree with most comments - Unfortunately I would never visit that kingdom and based on your excellent review, find nothing at all compelling to want to fly that carrier - looking forward to your next chapter - Thankyou
The amenity pouch I mentioned felt cheap, not looked cheap. Any other comments you have you’re welcome to post in any comments section. I read and reply to all. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
There is a 2nd meal provided. Which is an all day dining option. The crew is to ask you prior to your going to sleep and should have served 2 hours prior tô arriving and also possibly at anytime you want. Unfortunately, the service fell short. I apologize for that. And hope to see you fly with saudia again soon
I will fly the first time with Saudia. I think is a very bad service to have only one meal for this flight. I will ask at the start to not forget minimum a coffee before landing
Hope you will do same review on American and European airlines as well, beside doing all home work regaining who is the original owners and how successful or loser as you regularly do.
Some (most I think) are man made islands. I know a few are on the mainland (Six Senses for sure). Not the easiest project to get info on considering it’s still supposed to open this year.
I am saudi and SAUDIA is not my 1st or second choice for international travels especially out of gulf region . service is always bad at one aspect of the trip. no so fun
For Saudi Arabia to have many travelers especially females they need to make us feel safe. And not a mirage, i need to know i wont be in trouble for not covering my face or holding hand with me boyfriend. Also vacation mean i need a cocktail, i wont fly if you dont have wine for me.
The country doesn't have to change to make people like you happy. And it is one of the safest countries for women. How do I know? I lived there for 13 years
Why would anyone pay $1000 more for the same seat on a different airline ONLY to be able to have a few glasses of $18 a bottle wine? Also… Air India is the only airline I know of that serves Buttermilk. Shall I boycott every other airline because I can’t get a glass of Buttermilk on board? 🤔
@@colonel_carlitodid you just not read the solid argument tfft just made? Airlines charge exponentially more for serving cheap alcohol. Plus its bad for your body. Lastly, your money , your choice. I personally love the concept of dry airlines as that means no unruly drunk passengers
As a bisexual male (who most people assume is fully straight, mentioned to emphasize it's not about me forcing anything on anyone but we all have our values & choices to make, diplomatically speaking) you couldn't pay me to fly them. Seriously, that seat does not look comfortable for sleeping & no 2nd meal service - not even a snack!? - is unacceptable in biz. Oh, and 100 million tourists? From the region maybe. Trying hard to out-Dubai Dubai. Will be some decades before package tourists from Birmingham or Cologne will hold their stag & hen parties on the Red Sea shore 😏.
The Saudia 787-10 is equipped with the Super Diamond pods in business class. It’s the best reverse herringbone seat out there, with wide footwells (critical for being able to turn over). Plenty of storage space, too. Not entirely sure what your sexuality has to do with anything, frankly. Somehow, I don’t think the Kingdom is targeting people throwing bachelor/bachelorette parties on Jeddah’s Corniche! 😂
![SAUDIA AIRLINES 🇸🇦 Jeddah to Kuala Lumpur 🇲🇾 BOEING 787-10 Dreamliner Economy Class [4K] السعودية](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9beA9-Tkauw/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm a Western expat who has lived in Saudi Arabia for many years. I found Saudia a delightful airline, and never had any issues with them, unlike others such as British Airways with its surly and camp staff. One of the great benefits in flying with Saudia is the lack of alcohol, which is responsible for so much trouble on other airlines.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
That's so true ( unfortunately).
Hi Kevin. I flew Saudia on the same route twice and return in 2022 in Business Class. I am sure there was a 2nd meal service before landing in KL and Jeddah. And of course there were coffee and snacks in between. But I observed you need to ask for it at least 2 hours before landing... otherwise you'll miss it. As for the lack of written menu they did have it previously when I flew the same route in 2019 but in 2022 it is no longer available. Not sure why.
I've seen reviews from after my flight date and some have menus, some don't- I think it's just a lack of consistency in the post-covid world we're in now. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I’m a Western expat living in Jeddah for the last 5 years. I’ve observed many changes during this time. Alcohol consumption is an interesting one - whilst I have chosen not to drink alcohol here, it is widely available and many Saudis do drink. Your prediction regarding alcohol becoming available in the new tourist resort is almost certainly correct. Tourism, which is clearly a very important part of the future economic plan in Saudi Arabia, will not flourish without alcohol being made available. However it is clear that there will be a lot of disapproval of this change by many Saudis and your suggestion that employing a new airline brand to soften the blow makes sense. That way Hajj and Umrah traffic (which comes into Jeddah) can choose alcohol-free Saudia whereas others can choose RIA.
Thanks for the insight and for watching 🙏🏻
I've heard alcohol will be available in international departures at the airports from next year. I wonder if its true! I saw some odd looking constructions in a Dubai fabrication yard recently, apparently they were "pods' destined for a resort on the Red Sea, yes, alcohol will have to be available if Saudi does wants to be a notable player in the tourist industry.
Aaah you are an expart, not an immigrant ? Lol
You say many Saudis DO drink? Saudis are Muslims there is no alcohol AT ALL in Saudi Arabia, it is bad for you to assume this for our people, our country.
I’ve done Saudia connections both through Riyadh and Jeddah. Night and day worth Jeddah being far far superior. You’re lucky to have gotten the new four across configuration. All of my flights have been the 6 across which is still good.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Riyadh will only keep getting better from here, it'll overtake Jeddah in terms of passenger experience and traffic soon!!!
Things may have change, as I took a flight from JED to BKK, which was around 7 hours.
At the beginning of the flight, a flight attendant introduced her self and explained the meal options, that you can dine when you wish. A paper menu was at the seat at the beginning, offering a main meal as well as a lighter meal.
But the bedding as well as the amenity kit were the same.
Really enjoyed the flight.
Good to know. I’ve got that same flight to BKK again next year. Thanks for sharing ✈️
Thank you Kevin, very informative as always. Love your graphics. I recently almost booked a business class on Saudia and your look at their terminal is actually quite reassuring so I may do in the future.
Thanks for watching 🩴
I really enjoy your Vlog. Your honesty and presentation are the best that I've seen. Thanks again.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Nice video enjoyed very much. It is quite informative . Hope to see more entertaining videos on your channel.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
My parents lived and worked in Saudi. In the 70s I had to travel from boarding school in the UK to Saudi to visit my parents who lived in Tabuk. I always flew Saudia. It was a Tri star back then from London to Jeddah and then a smaller plane from Jeddah to Tabuk. Once there was a shortage of seats from Jeddah to Tabuk and they asked my guardian if I would sit in the cockpit for the flight. Yep, yes I did. It would never happen these days
I honestly cant wait for Riyadh Air. Got to know about from this video, watching this again cuz ure just great!!
Thanks for watching 🩴
Always a pleasure @@tfft
I really want to visit Saudi Arabia. I don't really know how tourist friendly it is yet but it looks so interesting
Only one way to find out! Thanks for watching 🩴
brb need to tell my mom I finally have a favorite flight reviewer
hahaha take your time, I'll be here editing 😂
Thanks for the video, great info. I would be OK without alcohol for a $500 flight. Just wondering if you ever flown Jetstar from Australia to Bali for example - talk about cattle class with drunk tourists. Sometimes the alcohol just ruins peoples holidays. I am planning to go to Europe in August for my holidays, so will keep eye out for some deals. Thanks and look forward to your next review.
I actually have tha exact JQ flight coming up soon… luckily I got a very cheap “Business” class fare so hopefully the commotion stays behind the curtain haha. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Very pleasant video and that price was insane if I understand it to be the straight price without airline miles or some other redemption. I will check them the next time returning to USA from Vietnam. It will not be the quickest way but if business class can be obtained for that level of pricing it would be worth a few extra hours of travel and I could care less about the alcohol. Also looking forward to the Mandarin Oriental KL video as I stayed there about twenty years ago.
Yes it was a straight cash ticket. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I watch a lot of aviation reviews and just happened across this one, I LOVE your "style" with these. Just saying :-)
Appreciate that!
I think for a relatively affordable business class, this seems to be a pretty decent offering. Looking forward to seeing your impressions of Malaysia's Mandarin Oriental!
I agree! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft impressive worthy to subscribe.. How much did you say the fare was in BCLASS.. thanks
The fare I paid is always in the description. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Hi Kevin I really enjoy your videos. Huge fan of airlines and enjoy watching airline reports. Cheers from Guatemala
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Yes they have some very affordable flights. I am looking at going from KL to somewhere and Saudi pops up always as the cheapest. As for the flight attendants being robotic I think I would be too with a 2.00am start. Thank you for video again helps me with my travels.
Fair enough, but I’ve also had some pretty fantastic service at 2:00 before 😅 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Hi. Good video. I used Alursan BC Lounge in Oct 2023 both ways from Mauritius to Dubai via Jeddah. Food was okaish perhaps because I was in the lounge at odd-hours in the night. One important point, the lounge was freezing cold! So be prepared. The flight was good, seat (1L) was layflat and comfortable on an 787-9 which looked a bit dated. Food was great by any standards on an airplane and I had beef steak, chicken briani, among others. I will be flying again the same route coing Oct 2024 so I hope I will see what has changed - hopefully for the better!
Thanks for watching 🩴
I don’t think RIA founded because the alcohol, it’s may possible to be allowed at every airliners or saudi in general, RIA can be a full service airliner working side by side with saudia like emirates and etihad on UAE, and focusing in one hub instead multiple hub which saudia has makes trouble with the 3rd hub (dammam) currently serve jeddah and Riyadh only, and the other route serves by other airlines
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I ❤the service on Saudia airline back in Febuary I ❤there service
I have just booked this journey as part of a LON - KUL. The price is £1000s less than Qatar, Emirates or BA, so went for it. I'll ask for coffee in good time. The boarding with and thru economy is odd, but I will live with it.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
It is unusual that there is no second meal in this flight. In their flights from USA (which is 12-13 hours long), there are two meal services, a small snack in the middle of the flight, and an open buffet (small sandwiches, chips and fruits in addition to beverages) at the middle of the flight.... And I am talking about Economy class, not business class. For flights from USA to Europe on different airlines (generally 7-9hours), they usually serve one meal, and one smaller snack prior to landing. I think for 9 hours flight, having two meal services is essential.
All of this would have been prevented if they had menus on board or just communciated the meal service plan at the beginning of the flight. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I'm obviously catching up here, but I just noticed the #FLIPFLOPMAS in the description box, and it made me laugh, so thanks for the giggle 👍
This year will be Christmas in July hopefully haha.
Great Video Thanks, I will fly Saudia Business Class From KL to Milan next month!
Enjoy your trip 🗺️
I don't think Flight attendants have issue with providing you coffee, It's just regulations from the general authorities of civil aviation that hot drinks can't be provided/served during seatbelt sign is on for your own safety and you knew and wrote (During turbulence) which can clearly be unsafe for you to have a hot drink. On the other hand it's also safety regulations to stop any service during the seatbelt sign is on and that's for the safety of the flight attendants as well from unexpected turbulence. Which is why "Iced coffee" can not be served either.
They were continuously serving food and drinks while the seatbelt sign was on. Many pax slept as soon as we took off and were then served their meal just before landing- at the time I asked for iced coffee. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I love your graphics and camera shots and commentary
Thanks very much!
@The Flip Flop Traveller yw
Happy journey
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Thanks for Sharing a Valueable knowledge.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Thank you for sharing your video :)
Somehow saudia has improved its service,,from airport to aircraft :) the only bad thing is that there’s no second meal which is unusual for longhaul flight..i hope they would change it :)
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I fly from Australia to Asia and then Paris. As the Asia to Paris is around 13 hours I'm trying to find the best value for comfort, usually Premium economy. Have you flown this route and do you have any thoughts tips etc.
Asia is a pretty big place lol- have multiple videos on the channel flying into CDG.
Nice Video. Was there a separate first class lounge?
Separate section within the same lounge
Just came across your channel. Love your content. New subscriber
Welcome to the channel and thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Your channel is developing day by day
It is going at a nice pace these days 🙂 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
It's not just because of Alcohol,Saudia were reluctant to move their headquarters to Riyadh which the Saudi Government wanted them to focus more on Riyadh but that didn't seem to impress the company hence they decided to continue to focus on Jeddah and RIA was formed to focus on Riyadh!!!
So you’re saying the Saudi government owned airline didn’t want to do what the Saudi government told them to do? 😅 perhaps you’re right! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft There were mixed opinions in the government according to what I heard, initially it was proposed to shift the Saudia headquarters to Riyadh but majority within the government opposed it due to various factors,also given the fact that demand for Umrah/Hajj pilgrimage is rising rapidly perhaps it was a better decision to just let Saudia focus on Jeddah and forming of new airline to focus on Riyadh!!!
Very nice view my dear
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
My son travels frm Mumbai to LA by saudia business class in August bcz the fare is very affordable, inflight service and food is excellent..tho he has complained about the saudi airline staff being very loud at jeddah airport. And often confused and confusing in their operations
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Great Video thank you.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Jed to kul use to be by memorable journeys of life😒😒😒😒Miss Jeddah and KL a lot😒😒😒 Thanks for reminding me my old golden memories 😒😒😒
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft 👍
Do you think RIA will join star alliance like Qatar did with oneworld, or will it stay unaffiliated like Emirates?
They're already 5 months late in launching... let's just get them flying first lol.
Very nicely done 👍
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Dream Liner is one of the most beautiful models
One of them… but the A350 is still my #1. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
thank for your informative videos, where did you book your flight if you dont mind me asking? Saudai website?
Yes. Found the deal on Google Flights and then booked direct with Saudia. I always recommend booking direct for flights. Thanks for watching & Happy New Year 🎉
@@tfft happy new year to you too... when I tried their website there was a glitch I will try again thank you for your reply
Nice flight review.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I think Saudia will be focus on Umrah and Hajj and RIA will be purely tourism driven. Great review.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I personally like that there is no alcohol onboard. It just makes sense.
But you are probably right about the new airline. Saudi is trying to catch up to other countries in the region in terms of "international service and aesthetics". They want international tourism like UAE, Qatar etc. In any case, I wish them well.
Great video btw. 👍
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
ติดตามช่องคุณตลอด คุณทำได้ดีมาก... เป็นธรรมชาติที่สุด
Thanks very much, I appreciate the comment 🙏🏻
I like the beginning of the video. No sponsors👍. I hope you will get money by we liking your video
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
very nice new terminal. do you all still remember JED old terminal? 🤣
I’d never been there myself but I’d seen many videos about it’s horrors haha. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Welcome to Saudi Arabia
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Great video as always, Kevin. You seem to have a great ability to offer insight without having one of those "TH-camy", all-caps personalities.
Hahaha that gave me a good chuckle 😅. Certainly I am not an ‘all-caps’ kinda guy! Thanks very much for watching 🙏🏻
Saya suka dengan hampir semua video mu yang jujur 😅🤗
Appreciate that!
Nice video man, what camera are you using? I use a Gopro 8 for my trip reports but I'm not very happy with the quality tbh
iPhone 14PM & 13PM. GoPros are crap for lowlight conditions which is what the inside of an airplane is 80% of the time. Plus I can’t stand the “stuttering” when panning with GoPros. 5 of my first 6 videos were shot on a GoPro 9- as soon as I saw how noisy the footage was on rainy days, I ditched it. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft I noticed the lowlight conditions too. Are you familiar with DJI camera or you just use your mobile phone?
I also have a DJI Action 2 (same problems as GoPro… but more convenient than a GoPro in good lighting) and Insta360 something (I forget the model haha. The new 360 camera). Insta also has the same issues but is useful in some cases bc of post editing framing functionality.
@@tfft clear, what you recommend besides a IPhone 14 or 13?
Nothing 😅 one of them is all you need.
I had paper menus on both flights ATH-JED and JED-KUL. I am surprised to see that you did not have any…
🤷🏼♂️ perhaps my flight was before yours… or mine was a one off. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft I flew in September. When was your flight? The missing bedding bothered me as well but I paid 850€ vice versa so no complaints
I was August
Hi Kevin used them last year on a return asia europe and found their business class unremarkable.... food and service was nothing extraordinary, but just passable but slightly better than European airlines and of course better than american airlines ... the asian or arab airlines like Singapore or Qatar of course excels...
Thanks for watching and Happy New Year 🍾
I'm yet to fly with Saudia for the first time (booked Business class in July for us), but from whatever I see in reviews, it seems to be better than most of our alternatives (e.g. Air India and Lufthansa) and much cheaper than flying other Middle Eastern carriers (e.g. Qatar Airways, Emirates). The later have increased their prices too much lately and we are only paying approx. 1200 Euro per person for return tickets from India to Europe, quite a steal deal
I observed in other reviews. They offer light menu too where you can order other type of meals instead of just having a breakfast.
If that was available on my flight, then you would have observed that in my flight as well……
@@tfftyeah true, that’s strange they didn’t offer you.
No wonder the airport in Jeddah looks different. It was horror when I was there late in 2018.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
What about any wifi facilities on board for business ?
It was not offered on board my aircraft. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
a david letterman top 10 montage each quarter of best places would be popular. my opinion
I’m likely doing a yearly version of that which may come out the first week of January. One video for flights and one for hotels. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I've been watching Saudia biz class reviews & common thing I noticed is that most of their flights leave around 11pm or 12:30am... do you know if this strategy costs less than leaving airports outside of this unholy hours? thanks
Not all of them, but they have banked schedules similar to Emirates and Qatar since the main purpose is transit passengers.
no coffee on waking up what is a terrible service .During one of our short flight from KUL to SIN a kind Malaysian Air flight attendant offered my son a hot pie 10 mins before landing because he was hungry and too busy playing video games during the main meal service . That what I called top notch service from Malaysian Air . Thank for sharing your video
Yupp- I was offered a hot meal on a LCC from BLR-MAA last week… a 28 minute flight. No excuses for no coffee. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Flip Flop is a frequent traveller so surely he knew better than most of us who doesn't fly. It made sense to me as flying is all about safety comes first than followed by service ... it is all about precaution to avoid disaster in the first place rather than to let disaster happened then try to resolve the problem and blaming or sue the airline ( poor nice cabin crew who were just follow the best thought and practised procedures that they are required to adhere ). As in aviation history more than 90% of airplane disasters happened during take off and landings, I love the fact that cabin crew care for me not to spill my hot coffee on me by me during landing. I love the fact that cabin crew care enough for me and let me to hold /eat warm snack but not holding a glass of cold coffee that the glass could break to pieces in emergency situation with greater possiblity during take off / landing and cut myself bleedingly and possibly affecting other passengers during emergency landing and evacuation. Once I was told by a caring and friendly cabin crew that everytime they prepare the cabin for take off and landing is as good as they prepare AS IF they were expecting emergency situation. Yes I paid my ticket and love to be pampered but at the same time I do realise that cabin crew are very much mortal human like us passengers and are not immune to pain, sickness and death. Whilst they are ensuring ( because they care ) all passengers to wear seatbelts, close and latch compartments which were left wide open by some irresponsible passengers ( whose heavy bags could be thrown out during air pocket and knock other fellow passengers unconscious ) etc while the cabin crew themselves weren't able to secure themselves while doing so. Therefore I rather them the cabin crew to secure themselves soonest possible for landing rather than standing in front of me explaining politely in long sentences all reasons in this world why they are unable do certain things at certain phase of flight. Yes I did miss my hot coffee a few times during flight but realizing that they cabin crew did so because they were care about me ( not because they are lazy ) and that I have arrrived safely at my destination without any bad incidents happened made me feel very grateful. Like Flip Flop did ... my hot coffee could always be enjoyed later at the airport as more importantly above all is fellow passengers ( and crew ) and I arrived safely at my destination.
Yes of course it is different when I dine at a fine dining restaurant on ground where the staff do not face possiblity of such emergency situation and I couldn't think any situation that a staff could refuse me from ordering coffee.
Life is short and sweet and left only time to treat others nice and kind 😊
Sorry, I'm getting pánic after reading all the comments about Saudia especially the flights going to Kuala Lumpur.Well the first flight will be Madrid- Jeddah.Later Jeddah - KL.We must travel businness class because health problems and we've tried many many other companies(Last one Emirates: great) but this time cannot afford a lot and my husband decided to try Saudia as it was cheaper(he is Malay and we go as often as we can to siendo time with brothers ,sisters children and kids)I'm not sure if you know that we looked yesterday and the price was rising fast every two days. Actually 2.600€/ return and in few days 2.800€ and so on.When I saw that plastic seat and that thin rug to cover yourself I felt really bad.Should we take a cosy warm rug for the trip? Another bad news: we usually go there to spend Hari Raya Aidilfitr with family and one week before all seats are taken. Do we have to go 2 weeks before Hari Raya or after it? Disgusting! We don't know what to do....Cant anybody tell me more about Saudia(good and bad) and if it's worth paying less and flying worse?
Terima kasih .Thank you all.God bless.
What on earth about my video or the comments has you as horrified as you are? It’s a solid, affordable option.
Haah, had a flight from Kula Lumpur transiting through Jeddah in business. The flight was delayed/cancelled 2 days consecutively.. Airline was very unhelpful with alternative arrangements.. cancelled after the second time and took another airline..
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I agree that the experience was decent for the fare you paid, however the crew did not know or care of the fare amount nor they would differentiate their level of customer care based on that. For that reason, I think you were too generous with your in-flight experience evaluation.
If Saudia had pricing that was in line with say, Singapore Airlines, then I’d have to agree- but Saudia is generally pretty cheap across the board. At the end of the day, I’d gladly fly them again for a similar fare. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
very good
Thanks for watching & Happy New Year 🎉
Parabéns pela qualidade do trabalho. Ótimo equipamento, ótimo report.
Obrigado pelo elogio 🙏🏻
Thank you
Thanks for watching & Happy New Year 🎉
@@tfft You too
As a Saudi, I'm always shocked by travel youtubers getting really cheap fares on Saudia tickets. I couldn't dream of getting such cheap tickets from here to anywhere in the world really.😭
Originating from Saudi, I cannot comment on- but between Europe or North Africa and Asia They’re at times absurdly cheap.
How did you find this $500 rate?
Saw it in multiple Facebook groups some months ago, but personally found it on Google Flights. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Flipity flopity floopity fleep
🩴🩴🩴🩴🩴🩴🩴🩴
😂
Your previous review on Saudia made me warm up to them and even consider them for future travels….After watching this review…not so much anymore, I’d rather stick to Qatar (even though a flight attendant with a Hello Kitty notebook sounds quite charming 😂) Fascinated now with Saudi Arabia’s future plans for tourism after hearing your information. What a world away from 30 years ago when I last stayed in Jeddah. There was just this gated beach club for expats and crew, where you could sunbath, have a drink and not wear your abaya 😅
Yes well certainly the cannot compete with Qatar… But if the same itinerary was available for $1500 on QR or $500 on SV… I’d probably go with SV and spend that $1000 on a nicer hotel room on arrival 😂 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
God Bless you
Thanks for watching & Happy New Year 🎉
I am interested to know how you paid Fare: $500.76 USD (ATH-JED-KUL) for a business class.
That was the price when I booked it lol. Just gotta search.
Interesting, it is certainly not the price now
I agree with most comments - Unfortunately I would never visit that kingdom and based on your excellent review, find nothing at all compelling to want to fly that carrier - looking forward to your next chapter - Thankyou
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
good
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Thanks
Thank you as always for the support 🙏🏻
Nassau or Suffolk county? 😅
Suffolk, of course 😊
Hi there. Would like to ask for a few input
Sorry?
You mentioned the amenities look cheap. Even with a brand of missoni? Not sure how to get connected with you for more constructive input. LinkedIn?
The amenity pouch I mentioned felt cheap, not looked cheap. Any other comments you have you’re welcome to post in any comments section. I read and reply to all. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
There is a 2nd meal provided. Which is an all day dining option. The crew is to ask you prior to your going to sleep and should have served 2 hours prior tô arriving and also possibly at anytime you want.
Unfortunately, the service fell short. I apologize for that. And hope to see you fly with saudia again soon
Good to know, but they made it quite clear nothing else was on offer on this particular flight lol.
should be 2 meals for that distance
Thanks for watching 🩴
I will fly the first time with Saudia. I think is a very bad service to have only one meal for this flight. I will ask at the start to not forget minimum a coffee before landing
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I had waffles for breakfast
really 8 hrs flight 1 meal 🤨🤔😑
Thanks for watching 🩴
Hope you will do same review on American and European airlines as well, beside doing all home work regaining who is the original owners and how successful or loser as you regularly do.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Wait, what?? All those hotels you listed are they all being built on a man made island in the red sea? That sounds like an ecological disaster 😳
Some (most I think) are man made islands. I know a few are on the mainland (Six Senses for sure). Not the easiest project to get info on considering it’s still supposed to open this year.
No coffee?? Breakfast at 02.10. it's a big no. Crap blankets too.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I thought you’re using flip flop 😂
I do when I can! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft thank you for existing! Love how you tell a story ❤️
É barato, não? Mas não servem champagne...aí...não dá para mim. Então, um brinde!🥂
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
The seat was business class, but it sounds like everything else was premium economy.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
sounds disappointed, only one meal, no coffee, no ice on coffee, will not take this airline !!!! forget it !
No alcooll ????
It’s a dry country…
It’s a dry country…
Fly high and Dry in the sky...lol..No wonder its so cheap.
So if they added a few $20 bottles of wine, it would be okay to charge $500 more per pax? lol
I'll pass.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
They won’t give a damn.
I am saudi and SAUDIA is not my 1st or second choice for international travels especially out of gulf region . service is always bad at one aspect of the trip. no so fun
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
For Saudi Arabia to have many travelers especially females they need to make us feel safe. And not a mirage, i need to know i wont be in trouble for not covering my face or holding hand with me boyfriend. Also vacation mean i need a cocktail, i wont fly if you dont have wine for me.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
The country doesn't have to change to make people like you happy. And it is one of the safest countries for women. How do I know? I lived there for 13 years
Why would anyone want to fly with an airline which dictates what you can and cannot eat or drink?
Why would anyone pay $1000 more for the same seat on a different airline ONLY to be able to have a few glasses of $18 a bottle wine?
Also…
Air India is the only airline I know of that serves Buttermilk. Shall I boycott every other airline because I can’t get a glass of Buttermilk on board? 🤔
Grt Job mate..👍🏻
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
what a waste of money. business class with no alcohol
Yes you are totally correct. Makes much more sense to spend $700 more so you can enjoy a few glasses of $18 a bottle wine.
@@tfft its like buying an electric car but it costs the same as a petrol to run. there's just no incentive
@@colonel_carlitodid you just not read the solid argument tfft just made? Airlines charge exponentially more for serving cheap alcohol. Plus its bad for your body. Lastly, your money , your choice. I personally love the concept of dry airlines as that means no unruly drunk passengers
As a bisexual male (who most people assume is fully straight, mentioned to emphasize it's not about me forcing anything on anyone but we all have our values & choices to make, diplomatically speaking) you couldn't pay me to fly them. Seriously, that seat does not look comfortable for sleeping & no 2nd meal service - not even a snack!? - is unacceptable in biz.
Oh, and 100 million tourists? From the region maybe. Trying hard to out-Dubai Dubai. Will be some decades before package tourists from Birmingham or Cologne will hold their stag & hen parties on the Red Sea shore 😏.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
The Saudia 787-10 is equipped with the Super Diamond pods in business class. It’s the best reverse herringbone seat out there, with wide footwells (critical for being able to turn over). Plenty of storage space, too. Not entirely sure what your sexuality has to do with anything, frankly. Somehow, I don’t think the Kingdom is targeting people throwing bachelor/bachelorette parties on Jeddah’s Corniche! 😂