ALONE in NEW Saudia First Class Suites

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Saudia Airlines First Class.. this has been a long time coming. An airline that many of you won't be familiar with, today I'm finding out what their new First Class Suites are really like. Given that tickets are usually multiple thousands of dollars, it's not been easy to get onboard for this review. Coupled with Saudi Arabia being a notoriously secretive place, with a dislike of filming... it's yet another challenge of todays journey.
I'm starting my flight in Jeddah, in the brand new terminal which has opened just a matter of weeks ago. I'll be checking out their new lounge, overall premium ground service and of course a full trip report encompassing the bed/food/hard product onboard the Boeing 777-300ER, flying to London.
As always let me know what you think down below, and let me know if you'd fly Saudia Airlines / or if you've flown them before.

[@Trektrendy]

Head to squarespace.com/trektrendy to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code TREKTRENDY Follow my travels live on IG: instagram.com/will.luxurytravel

[@hassanalturki811]

Only 16 likes…

[@ptjzmemory]

$11,000 and you got an omelette? Wow. Not sure if that is worth it for a 6 hour flight.

[@hothotheat3000]

With POWDERED EGGS!!

[@soroushm2498]

Emirates is better and it costs 4900 $

[@mercuryk.1386]

More concerned about the no alcohol

[@A.K.L.D.]

@@mercuryk.1386 Same but maybe because of the airlines rules and country is strict

[@ptjzmemory]

@@pacmanc8103 I think that this reviewer sees a lot of value in an excellent lounge experience, and great food and drink on board. Just something to think about.

[@tellaqq]

As ex cabin crew for Saudia I can say that improvements has been made and they try to do better each time. Flying Saudia in the morning time is not the recommended (food reasons) i personally never liked the breakfast especially the omelette BUT their afternoon & dinner menu is a million times better and I would recommend any of the meals listed on the menu… the chicken biryani is a favorite amongst passengers and the fish is a favorite amongst crew😊 Caviar is mostly only served on US flights or afternoon/evening flights for other destinations. For the alcohol part well we as cabin crew loved the fact that there is no alcohol served on board and with the no alcohol policy and the prayer area at the aft of aircraft it makes them unique that is why most muslims prefer Saudi so they can pray and stay away from alcohol

[@SerenityScratch]

Thanks for the insight! I hope they got rid of their misogynistic check in line

[@Crazy-ej5gb]

Since you have a culture built on moral decadence, it is very normal for women to support working as porn actresses, being gay, or using them as a commodity for marketing or freedom of nudity, what is the result? In America there are 180 rape cases per day and 230 sexual harassment cases per day. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia gives more privileges and privacy to women with a culture based on Islamic morals. whats the result? 0 cases of rape 0 harassment and Saudi Arabia is one of the safest countries for women, and there are many women who visited Saudi Arabia and documented their visit. You can watch them and know the truth about Saudi Arabia. You must respect the culture of others and we do not accept anyone who is influenced by Fox News and CNN criticizing us, and he has never visited Saudi Arabia or knows its truth@@SerenityScratch

[@Eryaniii]

@@SerenityScratch plewse shut up and educate yourself

[@SerenityScratch]

@@Eryaniii Insulting people will never earn you respect

[@ibrahimmotala1069]

@@SerenityScratch I think you’ve completely misinterpreted the reason behind the separate check-in line, it’s anything but misogynistic.

[@charlesjaeger8145]

Brilliant review. The hard product looks incredible to be fair! Curious to understand how you booked that flight though? I enjoy when you explained how booked in your other videos! Can't wait for future reviews. Keep them going 😊

[@pchaynes]

If I'm going to pay $11,000 to fly first class there better damn well be champagne involved! 🥂

[@dasukimp]

well as saudi is majorly a muslim country alcohol isn't allowed

[@skzion2]

@@dasukimp Doesn't stop airlines from neighboring countries.

[@mxyzptlyk]

I totally agree. For that price and that level of no food choice and lousy lounge, there had better be champagne! I once commented on this subject on a previous flight review and someone said that if I can't go seven hours without a drink, I may have a problem. That is not the point, I often sleep for eight hours without a problem. When I pay for service, I expect service or I'm not coming back. Thankfully, these reports from Trek Trendy, et al help me to add these airlines to my 'Do Not Fly List'.

[@Yeviscount]

Emirates and etihad serve alcohol. Can't speak for qatar but I assume they do

[@jen93106]

😁🍾🥂

[@averagemoe7879]

Tip: if you get served in a coffee in an Arab country, always take it with your right hand! A tradition & sign of respect

[@cindyhammack68]

It's respect because they generally wipe their butt with their left hand. Probably not so much today but, that's how the right hand thing came about.

[@lucaspena6827]

As a person who has lived in KSA for the last 7 years, this is not completely true. My parents are both left-handed and they have never had so much as a raised eyebrow from using their left hand.

[@Zeus_9137]

@@lucaspena6827 there's always an exception, it's just a sign of respect.

[@brutusp.8116]

Thanks for the advice. Learned something new today :)

[@brutusp.8116]

Btw do you shake hands in Saudi?

[@sharonbarnard]

I flew Saudia from Jeddah many years ago on Economy and loved it, crew were amazing and the experience of wondering around the Duty Free whilst waiting for my flight to Johannesburg at 04h00 was great having missed the crowds. 1st class is a dream

[@brentshirley477]

Hi, I love your content. QUESTION: If a female was attempting to fly alone, would they be questioned as to whether their male guardian allowed them to travel?

[@trvrsln]

That’s a question I had as well, and I found out they might not be able to enter the country, or even leave! So wild.

[@azizaj87]

Used to be. But not anymore female can fly solo

[@thnyyana2838]

Females could travel alone it’s not an issue anymore

[@thatguy7414]

You have to have a male guardian to allow them to travel, I might sound ignorant but is that true.

[@princesalmanofsaudiarabia2468]

@@thatguy7414 Not true the rules have since changed

[@ZoeAndHerTales]

Thank you for the most awesome videos. It really helps to get an insiders view of flights.

[@abdirisaq03]

amazing video Saudia can definitely improve their first-class product

[@_notYOU]

Can’t we all just Appreciate how much time he uses one these videos

[@rayanaltowayan9558]

Thanks for flying with us! Shame about the food, normally I found that Saudia serve a good amount of food. For example Riyadh - Kuwait (45 minute hop on the a320ceo) they give you a full meal, rice and chicken/meat + desert.

[@yanrivera5748]

Maybe his departure is still breakfast time, that's why it's egg. Saudia will not serve egg at noon or evening departure.

[@shijai]

I miss Saudia Air. We always flew them when we went home from Riyadh to the Philippines for about 10 years. I basically flew with them twice a year for 10 years. Was upgraded once to first class because there was a booking error on our tickets. Glad to see they're still competitive.

[@Kdjvamvj]

As someone from Saudi Arabia, the windows on the walls of the lounge are so recognizable

[@jen93106]

Great video and review as always! Nice to see you excited about getting to experience something new… not an easy find these days for such an accomplished pro like you!

[@cindyhammack68]

I've been to some shady areas in Saudi where the toilet had stalls and each stall was furnished with it's very own hole in the ground with deluxe hand toilet paper...

[@julianfp1952]

Fascinating. Did it have much of an in flight entertainment system beyond the map display visible in some parts of your video? My wild guess is that whatever it has is probably a million miles away from the Emirates IFE experience, at least as judged by our western perspectives.

[@Nonkohrrsaaa]

the Male-Female division gives women a bit more privacy at the security check

[@weshouldsaveourselves6780]

Yep I know my mum would love that. Privacy is so important in Saudia Arabia.

[@martinbaum5354]

not worth that price. Last time I had a dry flight, there was a smoking row at the back of the plane

[@editzking.1]

On February 15th I flew business from New York to Jeddah and Jeddah to Delhi then in March 18th I went to Hyderabad to Riyadh and Then Riyadh to New York. Service was absolutely amazing and privacy in very good. I would recommend flying on Saudia.

[@Hiro-eb4zx]

It's funny why showers are not offered in the lounge, despite being brand new. Back in 2014 when I used their Riyadh lounge, there too were no shower facilities despite everything else was quite decent, from food offering to even proper nap rooms. Why??

[@Rayoody1988]

all I can say that welcome to Saudi Arabia and SAUDIA. I hope you’re next trip would be miles better.

[@the5Al]

Great review 👏🏽 the prices right now (July 2022) for JED-LHR flight is ($6,900) round trip, much better than prices during the pandemic.

[@justoldthings]

glad to see Saudi has improved so much since the late 90s. another great video cheers.

[@schipholspottersams]

Oh wow, the new terminal is open. I dreaded transferring through Jeddah in the old terminal and lounge. It was so overcrowded. The new terminal is looking amazing

[@The4905]

yay! finally there is a review on saudia!

[@marcvdm1111]

I have been on Saudia several times between Paris and Riyadh in economy. Their economy seats are spacious and food (very good chicken biryani mostly) excellent for economy standards. That good that I was disappointed with the same dish served later in the hotel. Flown Air France as well between the cities, they simply stop serving wine when the border is crossed.

[@gladegaming5225]

Can you do IFE reviews in your video?

[@DanielSMarriott]

That price tag for that food and NO booze. Pass lol

[@zr1114]

I have never been this excited for one of your videos! Keep up the great work!

[@stephaniejanestachura9020]

Really enjoyed the video has always great content and in my opinion your videos are fantastic and informative, you say it has it is which is really honest your one of my favourite KZbin channels xx stay safe and well

[@Bangpaulxu]

Your reviews and story telling is amazing. Love it!!!!

[@brutusp.8116]

Thanks for the video. Could you consider reviewing the entertainment options (TV screen) in your reviews going forward?

[@danielrahimi5843]

separate gate security is because most saudi women wear headscarfs and the female security could possibly ask them to remove it for inspection, and being separated allows them to do it without men being present.

[@expatchris]

Seatless toilets in a first class lounge? I’ve gotten used to that in many lower economic barrios in South America - however, I would NEVER expect that in a First Class Lounge serving international travelers.

[@lucaspena6827]

That lounge was only open for a few months. They have a new one that has way better toilets.

[@Sedna063]

@@lucaspena6827 It's first class. It must be ready on day one.

[@lucaspena6827]

@@Sedna063 They just opened the new terminal and there was a huge delay in construction. This is a huge upgrade from the old lounge

[@HanzalaFayaz]

Great review @TrekTrendy! The Product is great! but, the food could've been better. Can't wait till the next review!

[@kingdrmemes1348]

Great review. In Saudia’s defense, I believe they still are a little new to the game versus the other gulf carriers (plus Covid things). I suspect if you were to repeat this travel review five years from now baring any crazy circumstances, the soft product should definitely catch up to the hard product.

[@jonathanz9889]

Yes cause everyone here will be patiently waiting for 5 years from now

[@Swainmtb1]

Favourite av KZbin, well edited straight to the point and dose the faff about with all the on the ground stuff. Shows us all we want to see. Class job mate

[@julius8763]

This is gonna help know what airline I’m gonna fly

[@chargoesboom6990]

Its actually very addictivly fun to watch

[@renaudadorno]

On a side note. What exactly is the model of his Timberland shoes? I love them. Any links? Want to buy them right now lol 😂 thanks!

[@Box0rz]

timberland greenstride edge sneakers

[@paulkazzer]

Thats a bit disappointing. In the 1970s Saudia had L1011 Tristars with circular dining tables that seated 4 for dining on sumptuous food. Hopefully later flights have better food. Great review as always.

[@robinlillian9471]

All airlines had much better service back then.

[@AussieinUK-x8z]

I remember the tristars. They were great

[@edward88881]

Although I wouldn't fly Saudia (because it's a dry airline) I really appreciate the video and chance to look inside their aircraft. The lounge is really peculiar, no airport view and the wall structures look like they came from a pipe organ in a European cathedral.

[@laurastuart3814]

You can't go even a few hours without alcohol?

[@moanlelegito2355]

Ur not going to die if you didn’t drink alcohol for few hours

[@edward88881]

@@moanlelegito2355 USA to Asia is 24+ hours and well over $5000. It's a splurge, a celebration, an indulgence to sit in First Class. Something we might try only a few times in our lifetime if we're lucky. Watch other KZbin reviews and you'll see obvious differences between airlines. Comparison shop choose what you think is the best (seat, food, beverage, entertainment, service). As consumers that is what we do every day with everything we purchase.

[@moanlelegito2355]

@@edward88881it’s there rules tho

[@PabloMartinez-zw9ed]

for a first class it seems quite disapointing compared to its middle east competitors

[@AHMEDGAIUSROME]

It sucks, indeed

[@jen93106]

Agreed, and compared to its price level competitors in general! Love the Missoni partnership and bedding, though. Oh, and the coffee services.

[@HA_Hojlund]

You cant compare saudia to emirates, ethiad and qatar

[@AHMEDGAIUSROME]

@@pacmanc8103 coz other companies fly there too dummy ;-), and i bet you're a saudi citizen

[@flyoverfredusa]

are you robbing banks in your spare time ? ;) 11K for an omelette and a tomato is bonkers

[@gideonlee7935]

It’s amazing how energetic he is without sleep. Respect

[@user-dw8ud2hw5d]

a very unusual but GREAT review... well done...The ground service looked worse than BA - that's novel, but the hard product looked good, but the price WOW... Did you need special permission to get into Saudi? When Saudi holiday resort plans start in a year or two, the airline will certainly have to up its game is the country tries to offer 'Dubai style holidays'

[@AussieinUK-x8z]

used to fly Saudia LHR to Jeddah/Tabuk/Taif many years ago. It was an ok airline other than being a dry flight

[@bayerischemontanawerke5678]

Is it the same with garuda indonesia first class? It looks so similiar tho 🙊

[@ibzz144]

I don't think that they are anywhere close to their middle eastern competitors for first class however they are very close to them for economy class!

[@johnclayden1670]

I've flown Saudia a few times over the years. It's always been in C, not F. Being dry is not a big issue for me, even though I am not at all teetotal. Part of Skyteam was a plus too. Cabin service was good on all occasions. Best lounge was the little one at Dammam - very friendly there too.

[@robinlillian9471]

It's not as if you could get alcohol legally in Saudi Arabia once you land. If it's that important to you, you should not go to Saudi Arabia.

[@Krystian10]

Couldn't pay me enough to fly with or even transit through Saudi.

[@skzion2]

@@pacmanc8103 Troll.

[@Mbs2030ksa]

With the largest economy in the region I doubt “Krystian Tatars’s” refusal to transit in Saudi Arabia will have a significant impact!

[@shjr5148]

uh nobody cares. SAUDIA will do just fine without you!

[@Sedna063]

@@Mbs2030ksa You mean the economy that is so oil dependent? Where the government now aims for 100 million tourists by 2030? Where they talk about a new airline to compete with Emirates? If Krystian Tatara doesn't fly first with you it will be noticeable by the airline. Flying an 11,000 Dollar seat empty is not cheap.

[@yendor2043]

Thank you for posting this. I enjoyed watching your experience.

[@thijmenkoster2603]

Can you try KLM business class?

[@naitcst]

Do westjet 787 from Calgary to Amsterdam on economy or business class

[@aronyak1]

Forget the omelette, just be thankful you weren't dismembered.

[@Koalakt]

What timbs are those?

[@mdw3148]

Frosty perhaps due to the near chinstrap v. mask? Those blue hospital dealies may not look fashionable but they rarely slip down my face. Probably why they've become nearly ubiquitous here at home lately.

[@bradtaylor6415]

What do you do with the pajamas when you change back to your clothes?

[@patriciadavis646]

Hello, I have been watching your videos for a while now. I have just one question. What is up with you and the NASA shirts?

[@l_0082]

It’s sad that there aren’t yummy food from covid but before covid came there were delicious food.

[@steveschutte4990]

Emirates flies the A380 for the short hop to Jeddah because of hajj. Fly through Jeddah in early-July 2022 and the airport will be crowded beyond belief.

[@HexVideos500]

@Trek Trendy What flight is this? 8:22

[@rohaanpremji2446]

What app do you use to show the flights? Like when you did Dubai - Jeddah after showing the A380

[@rasheedd1488]

Great review! How did you book this?

[@markwils5042]

I know it should not matter that they don't serve Premium Champagne in First, but it does. I totally understand the rationale, but the option should exist to maintain competitiveness.

[@cindyhammack68]

Saudi Arabia is one - if not THE one of the most Muslim countries that strictly adheres to Muslim laws. Not drinking any alcohol is one of those laws. Veiled women and separation of genders. You'll never get alcohol on any of their flights. Period. I was in the Persian Gulf war and the closest thing we could find was "near beer." Non-alcoholic beer. So we used to pretend we were "near drunk." Oh, the fantastical dreams of bored soldiers...

[@markwils5042]

@@cindyhammack68 I'm sure that is the case.

[@rahamanbhuiyan5317]

The first suites also are available at IAD too.

[@Aviator96]

The best video I've ever watched. 7:32 is my fave part. 😍

[@mattrisk2658]

Love your vids Will. My fav part is always the mad dash to have board the plane no matter where you are in the world haha. Must be those slammers in the lounge :-)

[@johnvsymons]

Hi Will. Nice review. I really like private suites like the one shown here. I have always assumed (incorrectly as it seems) that if an airline doesn't serve alcohol that they will use the money saved to upgrade their menu options. Doesn't look like my theory is correct considering the mediocre food that you were given at such an exorbitant price. Where was the pre-departure prayer for a safe flight? Has Saudia discontinued that custom? Have a pleasant and rewarding week and if you happen to be Stateside this week, have a Happy Thanksgiving. 👍🤗❤🦃🥧🥮🍁🍂

[@cindyhammack68]

I think all of the food was pre-prepared. Since there was only one person flying first class there's no need for choices. One or two meals would be wasted.

[@bfg_travels]

$11k for that ? Wow, what a ripoff

[@MattCook206]

Interesting product ! Thanks for the video

[@gwenb4531]

This might be a silly question but do you get to keep the PJ's?

[@briefcandle2005]

you landed at the same time as me! i saw my plane! it was the Aegean one

[@javindo]

This is awful... I seem to recall you paid about $10k for La Premiere and they went out of their way to get you a bottle of champagne they didn't already have in the lounge, complete with a full menu and private shuttle to gate service and so on... this costs more for what basically seems like a low tier business class suite

[@The-Storm-That-Is-Approaching]

you have to wait 10 hrs for your flight to come in jeddah cuz its so busy with saudia air fly a deal flynas emirates air arabia etc

[@bethjohnstone6207]

Any chance of getting the price in English for the posh train in London and not dollars please the one thats really posh forgot the trains name im disabled and would live to go on a really posh train

[@nickwestedt2344]

la premiere Air France is the thing

[@piotrlizonczyk7476]

Almost feels as if their clientele was using private jets anyway and the first class is an afterthought.

[@scottdavidreynolds]

Will. Use a fork to eat your fruit! 😀you could catch something as your fingers are touching all those dirty surfaces. Love your videos and been watching you since you started during the pandemic!

[@jason41a]

i dropped a like for the @3:15 "bloody hell"

[@-k3178]

I don’t know why the food was so bad. When I went, I ate many delicious meals.

[@terryhsiao1745]

brand new airport.!! 2 years ago it was not like this!

[@lucaspena6827]

That lounge was only a temporary one while they finished the real one. The new one is large and has all the amenities you would find in a in a Emirates or Etihad lounge. I went there while I traveled to DC for Christmas and it is way better than the one you experienced.

[@talaalk5706]

There is a separate line for first class and business same goes for boarding not sure why you didn’t follow it

[@Trektrendy]

I went as directed by the airport staff

[@anlewi1]

I've been watching your videos and I don't think their first class was as good as the other ones you've shown. Just my opinion though.

[@himebaughchris4026]

The Old Squat Pot.

[@MaTaDor1314]

SOMEONE TOOK THE TOILET SEAT FOR MEMORY!!!!

[@kierankieran8849]

Are the PJs for keeps?

[@TheK8leen]

I had better experience flying Business Class from Riyadh. Since I work in a government hospital, we fly economy for free but we can upgrade it to Business class for less than $140. I was lucky that I always upgrade coz there was this one time where the luggages could not be loaded because of a faulty carousel and the flight had to be delayed. While it was utter chaos in the economy, I was able to check in my almost 70kgcheck in luggages hassle free. Then I went to their assigned lounged where there was an array of hot meals and snacks. Then boarding came and of course we were ushered first. Then meals had silver cutlery and our free overnight kit was as always from Ferragamo. Though no PJs. But the seats were reclining ang comfy too. 2 meals for a 9 hr flight. Best part is that we always get our luggages first too.Meanwhile the econony passengers got theirs 3 days after. Looking back it was the best $140 dollars spent.

[@ronniewall1481]

ENJOY YOUR WORK.

[@Greatanotherchannel]

Saudia and then the flashback to the saudia flight that burned up after they landed comes to mind

[@MrLee025]

Mad. One will assume all of their flights are dry? Still makes me scratch my head how Saudi expect any sort of western tourism without any alcohol.

[@visionist7]

You can bring your own alcohol though I think

[@cindyhammack68]

The entire country is dry and, no you cannot bring your own. Where would you buy it anyway?

[@zifo29]

Seatless toilets?! Did they manage to master taking dumps whilst hovering?

[@cindyhammack68]

Yep, they sure have. If you ever get over there, go to a gas (petrol) station with exterior toilets... been there, done that. If you wanna wipe your butt with something other than your left hand you better bring your own TP.

[@andreicaprau1496]

love the videos man

[@unrealladynoshoes3554]

Saudia was used to be notorious with their last minute flight change and daredevil pilots. But it's also the only two of the best landing i've experienced in my 20 years of international traveling.

[@keithtynan7469]

Excellent review.

[@ekuche8335]

Dry airline.. no thanks. When I fly first class international the best thing is drinking some great wine or cocktails at 38,000 feet while eating dinner.

[@wainber1]

Some communities in Canada's territories are also dry although unlike with Saudi Arabia, such communities are dry because of severe alcoholism problems among local residents.

[@visionist7]

If you went to Riyadh you could have attended the Riyadh Season Car Show

[@shakesnbake]

Facinating. Do you think they will improve as the country opens up to more visitors? eg like with the F1 etc? Great review as always #Tims