Saudia Airlines, also known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, has quietly transformed over the past decade from a conservative, regionally focused airline into a globally competitive carrier. I’ve flown with Saudia multiple times over the last few years, on both regional routes within the Middle East and long-haul flights to Europe and Southeast Asia. It’s an airline with distinct cultural nuances, a strong emphasis on national identity, and a surprising number of upgrades in service, aircraft, and passenger experience.
In this review, I’ll break down exactly what it’s like to fly Saudia, based on my direct experiences and factual industry data. Whether you’re planning a pilgrimage to Jeddah, a layover in Riyadh, or a long-haul flight to Asia, this article will give you a clear, comprehensive picture of what to expect onboard and on the ground.
Who Is Saudia Airlines and What Does It Offer?
Saudia is the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, headquartered in Jeddah. It’s part of the SkyTeam Alliance, alongside airlines like Air France, KLM, and Korean Air. The airline operates a growing network of over 95 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
Saudia has undergone significant modernization since 2016, in line with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 agenda. While it retains strong ties to Islamic tradition (like prayer calls before takeoff and alcohol-free flights), it now features a modern fleet, new cabin designs, and a much more global approach to service and route planning.
The current long-haul fleet includes Boeing 777-300ERs, Boeing 787-9/10 Dreamliners, and Airbus A330s. For regional operations, it uses Airbus A320s and A321s. Across both cabin and operational experience, there’s a sharp divide between the older, pre-2015 Saudia and the far more refined product it offers today.
Booking Experience: Efficient, but Varies by Region
Booking with Saudia is straightforward if you’re using the official website or app. The airline’s online portal supports English, Arabic, and French, and payments can be made in multiple currencies. That said, some inconsistencies do appear, especially when booking through third-party websites.
The fare structure includes four cabin classes:
- Economy (Guest Class)
- Business (Business Class)
- First Class (on select long-haul 777 routes)
- Saudia Alfursan Elite (Special Upgrades/Status Offers)
I recommend booking directly through the Saudia website, especially if you’re flying to/from Saudi Arabia, because partner platforms don’t always reflect seat availability or upgrade options accurately. Upgrades to Business are often available at competitive prices, especially on flights from Asia or Africa into Jeddah or Riyadh.
Cabin Quality: What Does Saudia’s Seat Experience Feel Like?
Across multiple flights, I’ve found Saudia’s hard product to be a strong point, particularly on its newer wide-body aircraft.
Economy Class
Economy on the Boeing 787-9 and 777-300ER is arranged in a 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 layout. Seat pitch averages 32 inches, with a recline of about 6 inches. On long-haul flights, all seats include entertainment screens, USB charging, and footrests. Headphones and a small amenity kit are also provided.
Short-haul aircraft, especially older A320s, can feel more basic and lack entertainment screens. Still, legroom is fair, and the cabins are kept clean and well-maintained.
Business Class
Saudia’s Business Class is a big step up. On newer aircraft like the Dreamliner, the Business cabin uses a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout, offering direct aisle access and fully flat beds. I found the seat comfort excellent for long-haul flights, spacious, private, and with enough personal storage.
On older aircraft like the 777-300ERs, you may find the older 2-2-2 layout, which is less ideal for solo travelers. However, even those seats offer full recline, large IFE screens, and a premium amenity kit with products from luxury brands.
First Class
Only available on select Boeing 777 routes, Saudia’s First Class includes private suites with doors, fully flat beds, caviar service, and large privacy dividers. It’s a unique experience, rooted more in traditional luxury than flashy tech. While not as modern as Emirates First, it holds its own with refined service and cultural authenticity.
Onboard Service: Traditional, Respectful, and Improving
Saudia’s inflight service reflects Saudi culture: respectful, formal, and measured. Don’t expect over-the-top cheerfulness; instead, the cabin crew is efficient, polite, and quietly attentive.
Meals are halal-certified, and alcohol is not served on board. On long-haul flights, you can expect two full meal services, with options often including Middle Eastern and international dishes. I’ve had lamb machboos, chicken tikka, and creamy pasta, all well-prepared, served warm, and with fresh side dishes.
In Business Class, meals are plated restaurant-style and served in multiple courses. The absence of alcohol is noticeable if you’re used to a wine list, but Saudia makes up for it with high-quality juices, Arabic coffee, dates, and mocktails.
In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity
IFE is available on most medium- and long-haul aircraft, with screen sizes depending on the aircraft type and cabin class. The interface is modern, and the selection includes Hollywood, Bollywood, Arabic, and Asian films, as well as religious content like Quran readings and Mecca live feeds.
In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)
- IFE Brand: Saudia SkyFi
- Screen Size:
- 13–17 inches in Business
- 10–12 inches in Economy
- Content: 300+ movies (Hollywood, Arabic, Bollywood, Asian), TV, Islamic content, games
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi available on most widebody aircraft
- Packages range from $5 (chat only) to $20 (streaming)
- Power and USB ports at every seat in Business and most in Economy
Content is family-friendly and curated in line with cultural norms, no explicit or controversial content. I streamed email and light browsing with no issues over the Arabian Sea.
Punctuality and Operational Performance
Saudia has improved its punctuality significantly. In 2023, the airline recorded an on-time departure rate of over 81% (OAG data), putting it above the regional average in the Middle East.
However, ground operations at Jeddah and Riyadh can be inconsistent. Terminal changes, last-minute gate swaps, and limited lounge space during busy seasons (especially Hajj and Umrah periods) can be frustrating. I always recommend arriving early, especially during religious holidays or peak travel times.
Lounges and Ground Services
Saudia operates its own lounges at major hubs in Saudi Arabia, including the Alfursan Lounge in Jeddah and Riyadh. They are well-equipped but can get crowded.
In Jeddah’s new Terminal 1, the lounge features buffet dining, prayer areas, quiet zones, and private shower suites. Business and First Class passengers have dedicated check-in counters, fast-track immigration, and priority baggage handling.
Outside Saudi Arabia, Saudia partners with SkyTeam lounges or third-party operators, which vary in quality depending on location.
Baggage Policy: Generous but Structured
Saudia offers a generous baggage policy by international standards. For long-haul flights:
- Economy: 2 checked bags (23 kg each)
- Business: 2–3 checked bags (32 kg each)
- First: 3 checked bags (32 kg each)
Cabin baggage allowances are:
- Economy: 7 kg
- Business/First: 9–12 kg (varies)
Excess baggage is reasonably priced, but weight limits are strictly enforced, especially at Saudi airports. Prepaying online often gets you a discount.
Loyalty Program: Alfursan
Saudia’s Alfursan loyalty program is integrated with SkyTeam, so you can earn and redeem miles on carriers like Delta, KLM, and Korean Air.
Elite tiers include:
- Alfursan Silver: Lounge access with Saudia, priority check-in
- Alfursan Gold: SkyTeam Elite Plus benefits, extra baggage, upgrade priority
Miles expire after 3 years, and redemption availability is fair, though upgrades on busy routes can be limited.
Safety and Compliance
Saudia is IOSA-certified and regulated by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia. Its safety record is solid, with no major incidents involving fatalities in over a decade.
Aircraft maintenance is handled internally and through agreements with Lufthansa Technik and Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI).
How Does Saudia Compare to Other Regional and Global Airlines?
Comparison: Long-Haul Business Class (2025)
| Airline | Seat Type | Alcohol | Lie-Flat | Wi-Fi | Lounge Access |
| Saudia | 1-2-1 / 2-2-2 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Qatar Airways | Qsuite/1-2-1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Emirates | 2-2-2 or 1-2-1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Turkish Airlines | 1-2-2001 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Saudia holds its own in terms of seat comfort and amenities, though it intentionally omits alcohol, and its service tone is more reserved.
What’s the Value and Pricing Like?
One of Saudia’s biggest advantages is aggressive pricing, particularly in business and premium economy on long-haul routes.
Sample One-Way Fares (May 2025)
| Route | Economy | Business Class | Notes |
| JED – LHR | $420 | $1,250 | Lie-flat business |
| RUH – JFK | $530 | $1,600 | 787 with 1-2-1 configuration |
| JED – KUL | $400 | $980 | Direct, no alcohol onboard |
These fares are often 20–30% cheaper than Emirates or Qatar Airways, making Saudia a value-driven premium experience.
Is Saudia Airlines Worth Flying?
Yes, if you know what to expect and choose your aircraft wisely, Saudia offers a uniquely refined and culturally distinctive flying experience. For religious travelers, families, and anyone flying to or through Saudi Arabia, it’s a strong option. Business Class, particularly on the Dreamliner, is comparable to major global carriers. Economy is spacious and serviceable, and First Class still holds a touch of understated royal charm.
Just be prepared for cultural differences: no alcohol, religious announcements, and a conservative onboard atmosphere. If you’re comfortable with that, and many are, it’s a clean, safe, and increasingly modern airline that punches above its reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saudia
Is Saudia Airlines dry (no alcohol)?
Yes. Saudia does not serve or allow alcohol on any of its flights.
Is Saudia safe to fly?
Yes. Saudia has a strong safety record and is IOSA-certified with a young fleet.
Does Saudia have lie-flat seats in Business Class?
Yes. All long-haul Business Class cabins feature lie-flat seats.
Do women face restrictions when flying Saudia?
No, but cultural norms apply (modest dress encouraged). Female passengers are treated professionally.
Can you use SkyTeam miles on Saudia flights?
Yes. You can redeem or earn miles with programs like Delta SkyMiles, Flying Blue, and Korean Air SKYPASS.