Yesterday I flew with Saudia (SV) for the first time. I’ve picked this direct flight option instead of the usual Gulf carrier route. Here is what Riyadh Air may soon compete with:
- Shopping: good schedule, direct day flights both ways, outbound 4pm – 11pm and return 9am – 2pm.
- Booking: simple return flight, on website, no issue. Seamless card payment. Booking confirmation by email with details.
- Post-booking: repeat messages about upgrades and extra room may be annoying. Skyteam may not have shared my travel profile and preferences.
- Online check-in: email prompt, no luck with mobile check-in but web check-in worked, requires detailed visa information
- Bag drop: no queue, travel doc and visa check, no issue. Desk manned by ground handler.
- Security and immigration are not related to the airline. Was smooth on a quiet day.
- Boarding: smooth, with jetway, no issue.
- Aircraft: 12-year-old Airbus 320
- Cabin: 15×6=90 seats in coach about 80% full, 5×4=20 seats in business, about 90% full.
- Seat: good legroom in coach (Pitch 32, Width 18), managed to get exit row. Reclined 2×2 seats in business (Pitch 54, Width 21), better than euro carriers with short haul 3×3 configuration (both cabins on pitch 30 and width 17)
- Inflight food and beverage: on par with average euro airline, below Gulf standards. Of course the flight is dry.
- Inflight service: good and above expectations. I asked for a drink not on the menu (cup of tea) and they brought a cup, twice
- Navigation: smooth flight, low turbulence, on time. Flew over Italy, Greece and Egypt, crossing the Red Sea south of Alexandria and over Al Ula, which safely avoided the conflict zone of the Gaza Strip.
- Deplaning: by bus. The air at midnight is warm and dry.
- Bag delivery: did not try as VIP service by Altanfeethi (Private bus, bag pickup and hotel transfer) was arranged by the event host.
Conclusion: overall good product and experience. The competition with Riyadh Air will be interesting. Opportunities lie between the lines of the story of this journey.
