Struggling to figure out everything about Saudi Arabia Airlines for your next trip? You’re in the right place! Saudi Arabia Airlines, often simply called Saudia, is the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, and it’s been around since 1945, starting with just one DC-3 aircraft. Fast forward to today, and it’s a major player connecting Saudi Arabia with the world, offering flights to over 100 destinations across Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America.
Now, flying with any airline can be a bit of a journey in itself, even before you hit the airport. From figuring out how to book, what to expect on board, to managing your flight and understanding their policies, it’s a lot to take in. My goal here is to give you the inside scoop on everything Saudia, making your travel planning as smooth as possible. We’ll cover how to snag the best deals, what their different classes are like, how to get in touch if you need help, and even what other travelers are saying about their experiences. If you’re looking to book a flight with Saudia or just want to learn more about them, stick around! And hey, if you’re on the hunt for some great flight discounts, you might want to check out some amazing deals right here: 👉 Find the best discounts on flights. It’s always a good idea to compare and see what works best for your journey.
Saudia is more than just an airline. it’s a symbol of Saudi Arabian hospitality on a global scale. As the Kingdom’s national carrier, it plays a massive role in connecting people and cultures. It’s also been a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance since 2012, which means you can enjoy benefits like earning and redeeming miles across a whole network of airlines.
The airline’s main operational bases, or hubs, are at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. They’ve got a pretty impressive fleet, too, boasting around 149-150 aircraft as of 2025, including modern Boeing 777s, Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Airbus A320s, and Airbus A330s. Plus, they’re not slowing down. plans are in motion to grow their fleet to over 200 aircraft by 2030, with future acquisitions including more Boeing 787s and Airbus A321neo and XLR variants. This expansion is all about enhancing their long-haul capabilities and reaching even more destinations, with a goal of serving 150 destinations worldwide by 2030.
They’ve even made some pretty cool tech-focused moves, like launching an AI travel assistant called “SAUDIA” using Open AI’s GPT-4, and are exploring innovative urban mobility solutions with electric vertical takeoff and landing eVTOL aircraft. Pretty futuristic, right?
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Booking Your Saudia Flight: Tips for a Smooth Start
you’ve decided to fly with Saudia. The next step is getting your ticket sorted. The good news is, they make it pretty straightforward. You’ve got a few options: you can book directly through their official website, use their mobile app, give their reservation offices a call, or go through a travel agency.
For most of us, booking online is super convenient. Just head to their website, www.saudia.com, or open up the Saudia mobile app. On the homepage, you’ll usually see a “Book” button. From there, you just choose your trip type one-way, round-trip, or multi-city, pop in your departure and arrival cities, travel dates, and how many people are traveling with you. After that, you hit “Search Flights,” and you’ll get a list of available options.
Here’s a cool feature: Saudia offers a “Time to Think” service. This lets you hold your booking for a certain period, usually for an extra fee, which can be super helpful if you need a little more time to confirm your plans without worrying about fare changes. You can usually find this option on the payment page.
When it comes to paying, they’re pretty flexible. You can use major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, and in Saudi Arabia, Mada debit cards and SADAD billing are also options. The app even lets you scan your credit card number with your camera, which is a neat little time-saver.
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll get an email with all the details, including your booking reference number also known as a PNR and your e-ticket number. Keep these handy, as you’ll need them for checking your flight status, managing your booking, or any other inquiries. How to Snag Super Cheap Tickets to Saudi Arabia: Your Ultimate Guide!
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Understanding Saudia’s Cabin Classes
Saudia offers different cabin classes to suit various budgets and travel preferences. Knowing what each one entails can help you pick the best option for your journey.
Economy Class: Comfort and Value
The Economy Class, which Saudia calls “Guest Class,” is designed to give you a comfortable and reliable travel experience without breaking the bank. On international flights, passengers typically get to check in two bags, each weighing up to 23 kg. For domestic flights within Saudi Arabia, it’s usually one piece of luggage up to 23 kg.
When you’re onboard, you can expect complimentary meals and access to their in-flight entertainment system, “SaudiaBEYOND.” While reviews on the variety and quality of entertainment and food can be a bit mixed, many passengers find the seats generally comfortable with decent legroom. You can also select your seat during the booking process or through “Manage My Booking,” though some seat options might have a small fee.
Business Class: Stepping Up the Experience
If you’re looking for a bit more space and enhanced service, Business Class or “Horizon Class” as it was once known is a great step up. For international routes, Business Class passengers typically get a more generous baggage allowance, usually two bags each weighing up to 32 kg. How to Snag Super Cheap Flights from Lahore to Karachi (Your Ultimate Guide!)
In terms of the inflight experience, Business Class usually means more comfortable, wider seats, often with more recline or lie-flat options on longer flights. Many travelers appreciate the upgraded dining options and the dedicated cabin crew service. You’ll also likely get priority boarding and access to Saudia’s luxurious lounges at key airports, offering a quiet space to relax before your flight with comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and a selection of snacks and beverages.
While some reviews point to inconsistencies, particularly regarding the in-flight entertainment system or occasional service issues, many passengers report a positive experience with good cabin comfort and overall service. If you’re traveling from airports like JFK, these lounges can be a real game-changer for a more relaxed start to your journey.
First Class: The Ultimate Indulgence
For the most premium travel experience, Saudia’s First Class offers top-tier comfort and service. While details can vary by aircraft, expect spacious, often private, suites with fully lie-flat beds, gourmet dining, and personalized attention from the cabin crew. First Class passengers also enjoy the highest baggage allowances and exclusive access to premium lounges, ensuring a truly luxurious journey from start to finish.
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Navigating Saudia’s Customer Service
Dealing with customer service can sometimes feel like a maze, but Saudia offers several ways to get help, whether you have a quick question or a more complex issue. Cheap airline tickets
If you prefer talking to someone, their call centers are available around the clock. For those in Saudi Arabia, you can reach them at 920022222. If you’re calling from the USA, the number is 1-800-472-8342. They also have specific numbers for other countries like Canada 1-855-588-0999 and the UK +44 0 1217900430, among others. It’s always a good idea to have your booking reference number, travel dates, and passenger names ready when you call to speed things up.
For less urgent matters or if you prefer to type, you can use their online feedback and complaint forms on the Saudia website. Just remember, these forms are usually for past flights or services. If your inquiry is about an upcoming flight, like a reservation change or payment difficulty, it’s best to call the sales support or general call center.
The Saudia mobile app is also a handy tool for self-service. You can manage your bookings, check flight status, and access various other features directly from your phone. While not always a direct “live chat” with an agent, the app aims to streamline many common customer service needs. Remember, prompt and effective support, whether digital or physical, is crucial for a smooth customer experience.
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Checking Your Flight Status and Managing Your Booking
Staying on top of your flight details is super important, especially with the unexpected changes that can happen in travel. Saudia makes it easy to keep track of your flight and make changes if needed. Cheapest Air Ticket from Uganda to Dubai Today: Your Ultimate Guide to Scoring a Deal
To check your flight status, you’ve got a couple of straightforward options, either through the Saudia website www.saudia.com or their mobile app.
- By Flight Number: This is usually the quickest way. Just head to the “Flight Status” section on their website or app, select “Flight Number,” and type in the specific flight code like SV101 or SA456 along with your travel date.
- By Route: If you don’t have the flight number handy, you can search by your departure and arrival cities and the travel date.
Both methods will give you real-time updates on whether your flight is on time, delayed, or has already departed or landed. This can really help you plan your airport arrival and avoid unnecessary waiting.
When it comes to managing your booking, Saudia’s “Manage My Booking” feature is incredibly useful. All you need is your booking reference PNR or e-ticket number and your last name. From there, you can:
- Change or Cancel Flights: If your plans shift, you can often modify your travel dates or even cancel your flight, subject to the fare rules of your ticket.
- Upgrade Your Cabin: Feeling like a bit more luxury? You might be able to bid for an upgrade to a higher class.
- Add Extra Baggage: If you realized you packed too much, you can purchase additional baggage allowance before you get to the airport.
- Select Your Seat: Pick your preferred spot, whether it’s a window seat to enjoy the views or an aisle seat for easy access. Note that some seats, especially those with extra legroom, might incur a fee.
- Choose Your Meal: If you have specific dietary needs or preferences, you can often pre-select your meal.
The Saudia app is particularly good for this, letting you retrieve bookings made outside the app and manage everything in one place, even offline.
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What to Expect at the Airport: Focus on Key Hubs
Getting through the airport smoothly can set the tone for your whole trip. Here’s what you should know when flying with Saudia, especially at major international gateways.
Check-in and Baggage
Saudia typically allows online check-in between 48 hours and 60 minutes before departure for most domestic and selected international flights. This is a great way to save time and avoid queues at the airport. You can also get your boarding pass digitally on your phone.
When it comes to checked baggage, the allowance varies by travel class and destination. For international flights in Economy Guest Class, you can generally check two bags, each up to 23 kg. First and Business Class passengers usually get two bags, each up to 32 kg. For domestic flights, it’s typically one piece of luggage up to 23 kg. Be aware that extra fees apply for overweight or oversized bags. For example, if a piece exceeds 23 kg but is within 32 kg, there’s usually a charge. If it’s over 32 kg or exceeds certain dimensions, it might need to go via cargo.
Carry-on baggage usually allows one bag up to 7 kg for Economy and up to 12 kg for Business/First Class, with specific dimensions. You can also bring a smaller personal item like a laptop bag or handbag. If you’re flying to or from the USA or Canada, there are specific carry-on rules, usually limiting you to one bag not exceeding 16 lbs 7 kg. Also, important to note for flights from Riyadh to the USA and Canada: checked baggage must be sealed using safe wrap before being accepted.
At Major Airports Like JFK
If you’re flying out of John F. Kennedy International Airport JFK in New York, Saudia operates from Terminal 1, using gates 1-11. It’s a busy terminal, so Saudia advises passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure to allow plenty of time for check-in and security. How to Score the Cheapest Flight Ticket from Abu Dhabi to Manila: Your Ultimate Guide
Terminal 1 at JFK offers a range of amenities to make your wait more comfortable. This includes dining options, duty-free shopping, and efficient check-in services with self-service kiosks. If you’re flying Business or First Class, you’ll likely have access to luxurious lounges that provide a tranquil escape with comfortable seating, high-speed Wi-Fi, and complimentary snacks and beverages. These lounges are equipped with workstations, which is handy if you need to catch up on work before your flight. Accessibility is also a key focus at Terminal 1, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Saudia offers direct flights from JFK to Jeddah and Riyadh, so you can get straight to your destination in Saudi Arabia.
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Considering a Career with Saudia?
Ever wondered about working for an airline that spans the globe? Saudia, as the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, is a pretty big employer and frequently has career opportunities across various departments. They are always on the lookout for dedicated and skilled individuals to join their team.
You’ll find opportunities in areas like: Your Ultimate Guide to Flying from Abuja to Lagos
- Cabin Crew: This is more than just serving meals. it’s about ensuring passenger safety and comfort. Positions can range from Flight Attendant to Senior Flight Attendant and even Cabin Manager.
- Ground Services: These roles are essential for smooth airport operations, covering everything from check-in to baggage handling and customer assistance.
- Customer Service: Whether it’s at the airport or in call centers, these roles involve assisting passengers with bookings, inquiries, and problem-solving.
- Technical Positions: Maintaining their large fleet requires a skilled team of engineers and technicians.
Generally, eligibility criteria often include a high school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in English and Arabic preferred, and good communication and interpersonal skills. If you’re looking for growth, Saudia emphasizes professional development, with opportunities to advance your career within the company. They even have programs like “S.O.A.R” which aim to develop aspiring individuals. If working for a world-class, multicultural airline sounds like your next challenge, keeping an eye on their official careers website careers.saudia.com is your best bet.
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Saudia Reviews: Real Talk from Travelers
When you’re planning a trip, looking at what other travelers have to say can be super helpful. Saudia has a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to reviews, which isn’t uncommon for major airlines. On average, travelers rate it around 7.5/10 on platforms like Flight-Report. AI analysis of thousands of reviews also gives it a “decent” overall rating of 3/5.
What travelers often appreciate:
- Comfort and Cleanliness: Many passengers highlight the comfort of the seats and the cleanliness of the planes, especially on newer aircraft.
- In-flight Entertainment & Meals: While feedback here can be a bit inconsistent, a good number of reviews praise the in-flight meals and the “SaudiaBEYOND” entertainment system. In fact, Saudia was ranked first for “Best Economy Class Airline Catering” by Skytrax in 2024.
- Safety Record: Saudia generally has a good safety record, which is always a top priority for travelers.
- Wide Network: People appreciate the extensive range of destinations Saudia covers, connecting many parts of the world to Saudi Arabia.
- Staff Service: Some passengers report excellent experiences with polite and attentive cabin crew, noting that their professionalism exceeded expectations. Saudia even won “Best Airline Staff Service” at the 2025 Skytrax Awards.
Areas where travelers sometimes point out issues: Abuja to London: Your Ultimate Flight Guide
- Occasional Delays: Like many airlines, Saudia sometimes faces flight delays, which can be a source of frustration for passengers. Some reviews mention frequent delays and poor communication during these times.
- Inconsistencies in Service/Amenities: While many praise the in-flight entertainment and food, some reviews indicate that the quality or variety can be inconsistent, with a limited number of movies or basic meals.
- Customer Service Mixed Feedback: While some report friendly and helpful staff, others describe issues with customer service, especially concerning handling delays or baggage problems.
- Airport Experience especially Jeddah transit: Some Reddit discussions mention that the transit experience, particularly at Jeddah airport, can be challenging for international passengers, with limited lounge access for transit passengers and additional security checks at the gate.
So, what does this all mean for you? If you find a good deal and the flight schedule works, many travelers say “go for it!” Saudia is a decent and reliable airline. Just be prepared that like with any airline, experiences can vary, and it’s always a good idea to stay informed about your flight status and baggage policies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal does Saudia use at JFK Airport?
Saudia operates out of Terminal 1 at John F. Kennedy International Airport JFK in New York. You’ll find their check-in, departures, and arrivals all at this terminal, typically utilizing gates 1-11.
How can I check my Saudia flight status?
You can easily check your Saudia flight status in real-time by visiting their official website www.saudia.com or using the Saudia mobile app. You have the option to search either by your flight number or by your departure and arrival cities and the date of travel.
What is the baggage allowance for Saudia international flights?
For international flights, the checked baggage allowance typically depends on your class of travel. Economy Guest Class passengers are generally allowed two pieces of luggage, each weighing up to 23 kg. Business and First Class passengers usually get two pieces, each up to 32 kg. Carry-on limits also apply, usually one bag 7kg for Economy, 12kg for Business/First plus a personal item. Always double-check your specific ticket details, as allowances can vary by route and fare type. Finding Your Cheapest Ticket from Abu Dhabi to Manila: Your Ultimate Guide
How do I contact Saudia customer service from the USA?
If you’re in the USA and need to contact Saudia customer service, you can call their dedicated phone number: 1-800-472-8342. They also have various other international call center numbers listed on their website, and you can use their online feedback forms for non-urgent inquiries.
Can I manage my Saudia booking online?
Yes, you can absolutely manage your Saudia booking online through their official website www.saudia.com or their mobile app. You’ll need your booking reference PNR or e-ticket number and your last name. This feature allows you to change flights, select seats, add extra baggage, request special meals, and check in online.
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