BRUTALLY HONEST | Jeddah to New York in ECONOMY aboard Saudi Arabian Airlines' Boeing 777-300ER!

[@maryem_o]

As a flight attendant in Saudia, I take pride in working for this airlines. Happy to see this great review, and it pushes us to keep the high standard up 😊🙏🏻

[@prince12my]

Saudia is worse...I got problem when I was diagnosed with Covid on 1 Apr 2022 in Frankfrut so couldn't fly back to Msia on 2 Apr 2022. I went to their office in Frankfurt for help but funnily enough there was no right person to help. Until now they never responded to my phone calls and emails.Poor service!!!

[@teukuzalditeupinsiron]

Okay,no problem

[@shook9702]

@@teukuzalditeupinsiron stop

[@aterondennis184]

Yes I would enjoy it if that virus hadn't broken out I saw a lot of good reviews on this airline from different airline video geeks

[@jamesdean354]

The trip advisor reviews on this airline are terrifying.. How can an airline be so scary. I'm flying soon if they don't randomly just cancel my flight. I'm scared

[@ianbradley5314]

Working in Saudi I must agree that international flights with Saudia is a comfortable experience even in economy with their generous economy seats that give much more room than the majority of airlines I have flown with.

[@Bobrogers99]

This flight would have exceeded my expectations for Economy. The seating/legroom was better than most other airlines, the amenity kits were generous, and although the food offerings weren't spectacular they were served with a bit of class.

[@slovelyyx7718]

Was there wifi???

[@Sbottish]

Flew on Saudia once before on my way for Hajj (Pilgrimage) and had an absolutely wonderful flight! The plane was a 787-8, Manchester-Jeddah. Seats were superb and IFE was also pretty good. I really liked the space for prayer, and how there was so much culture implemented in the flight. Glad to see a brutally honest on it!

[@ragavanarivazhagan4784]

@loploploploplopkol no one cares

[@shuja5044]

787-9*, they don't have any -8s

[@ragavanarivazhagan4784]

@@shuja5044 what is the best way to learn about all these aviation facts like plane models and etc?

[@Sbottish]

@@shuja5044 yep I realised, didn't mean to type that

[@3li7alid52]

@@Sbottish may allah accept your hajj

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

For me, it's the little things that count. And the detail for each mask representing a different region of the country is the chef's kiss. They love their country and embrace it. And while I may not be a Muslim, I can still appreciate their devotion to their religion. No matter what religion you practice, or if you don't practice what so ever, you and them have the right to believe in whatever you want.

[@lucidniprogramer589]

Thank you for saying this. It seems that the governments of the Gulf want to appeal to the Westerners by removing Islam from public realm of life, when in reality, most non-Muslims at the very least respect and acknowledge it.

[@ATIMELINEOFAVIATION]

Wow! Saudia is really amazing! 🇸🇦

[@usayeed727]

I’ve flown with Saudia a handful of times- last time was back in 2012. Even back in those days, it wasn’t a bad airline and their economy class was pretty decent. Their entertainment selection is expectedly not going to be the best due to how religiously conservative the carrier is, but they more than make up for it by their hospitality, generosity and Great service. I’d definitely give them a go again next time I decide to travel to the Middle East.

[@farhankhurram8376]

Having traveled so many times with Saudia, all I can say is that it is criminally underrated when compared to the likes of Emirates, Etihad and Qatar etc…

[@bluebear617]

Even the economy class feels like business in other airlines!

[@brodietaym8475]

I agree...I've flown with them back in the day before it was "cool" to do so and have always found the cabin comfort & the caring attitude of the cabin staff to be light years ahead of Emirates or Etihad. "criminally underrated" is a great way to put it.

[@phillipmaguire4671]

Oh my goodness... I am very impressed with Saudia. So much thought down to the smallest of details in their service. Leg room, table cloths at meal service, beautiful amenity kits, hot towel service and other refinements to enhance the flight experience. Well done Saudia. I will definately put a large green tick next to this airline. For their economy service here today, definately 5 stars from me.

[@Tsug2803]

Smutup

[@SFAvgeek]

LOL.

[@Scoobadal]

David - you've really come along such a long way with your channel over the years. NO bullsh*t or self-promotion, just a very cleverly narrated aviation review channel. Well done and other Vloggers take note!

[@stephenmcpadden3770]

Indeed, I really bemused how Josh Cahill and Non Stop Dan even have followers. So dramatic I’d ban them from flying on airlines. They really think the industry listens to them? I’d say airlines dread seeing them coming. The sponsors of both should seriously be aware of their pretentious, over the top, entitled rants. This on the other hand is proper critique. It’s rare these days. Keep it up 👍🏻

[@xr6lad]

Agree. None of the oh so predictable click bait ‘face being pulled in anger’ photos on their videos and their constant temper tantrums (think they’ve found that doing bad reviews attracts more viewers than good reviewers).

[@xr6lad]

@@stephenmcpadden3770 yup. I read their followers comments and it’s just too much crawling. It’s as if they can’t see they are being manipulated to get views

[@stephenmcpadden3770]

@@xr6lad liked spoiled kids, well actually that’s all they really are. Mortified for them. Think Dan is the worst, he proclaimed after a Lufthansa flight, ‘Germany’! should be embarrassed. Had to laugh. Often he says, no crew came near me, too right!!! 😬 they run…..

[@stephenmcpadden3770]

@@xr6lad omg you introduced me to Buggernation Street life changing 😂

[@seatripreports]

I’ve flown Saudia twice, Frankfurt to Madinah and Jeddah to Paris (vids on my channel) and both flights were fantastic! Tablecloths and menu cards in economy, regular drink service, friendly staff… unforgettable everything.

[@Hans-gb4mv]

Never flown them long distance, but even on the short flights I did with them they exceeded expectations.

[@marilson84]

no booze tho

[@TheBudgetTraveller786]

Saudia is such an underrated airline. The lack of alcohol is no issue to me whatsoever (Alhamdu Lillah for being Muslim) and their Economy class seat comfort on the 777 surpass that of those on Qatar and Emirates. UPDATE in 2024: Just flew long haul with them, they were AMAZING.

[@Spookieham]

I found in Saudi the quality of the food in hotels etc was way, way ahead of many other places to get people to come in. The major hotels in Jeddah in the 90s heavily competed on food and dining.

[@alandargie9358]

As he mentioned they stick to the 9 abreast in economy and nearly everyone else has gone to 10 abreast (4 in the middle) which is horrible, especially for such a long flight!

[@teukuzalditeupinsiron]

Ya,because the majority of Saudi Arabia is Muslim

[@notsobigpotato13]

The lack of alcohol is fine in economy but it will be an issue in business or 1st class bcz the tickets arent cheap .

[@TheBudgetTraveller786]

@@alandargie9358 I agree, plus Saudia still installs footrests on their seats, which is a huge plus in my opinion

[@shjr5148]

I absolutely LOVE Saudia airlines. I took it on both Business and Economy and I'm never dissapointed. I prefer it better than Emirates. Also, the fact that they don't serve alcohol makes me feel more safe ! Alhamdullilah

[@brunoheggli2888]

Why you all want to be save?The earlyer we die the faster we can go to haven!

[@bsr6823]

This is absolutely incredible for economy. Better than most "premium economy" products. I want to fly with them now for sure!

[@CryptocurrencyInsider]

No alcohol, bad IFE, censored internet, bad food and dirty toilets - no thanks.

[@Re-wi2om]

@@CryptocurrencyInsider the food is great and they have CLEAN toilet

[@naifalbaihed1230]

@@CryptocurrencyInsider no alcohol means no drunk screaming idiots like in American Airlines. Enjoy the drunks. And censored internet is porn. You will watch porn on flights?

[@7s2q]

@@rxmisaaits sad that he can’t live a day without alcohol thats why he’s raging

[@mustafa-pv9tl]

I remember flying on Saudi from LHE to Jeddah . 100% would recommend them. I went in 2016.

[@colonial6452]

I remember Saudia when they flew Tristars and TWA acted at its technical advisor, providing pilots and ground maintenance staff. In those days, after the travel prayer, a reassuring voice of "Captain Tex" made the next announcements. They have come a long way in the past 45 years. Even then, Saudia prided itself on better seating and service.

[@aizen4851]

This deserve to be in top 5 beat economy. Great review love it

[@Av-fn5wx]

May i know wat the other 4 are?

[@Elias-xy9kc]

Oh thanks for filming Saudia! What an impressive flight actually! I’m impressed, and sure when they start taking deliveries of new planes connection flights and transits will be shorter! Greetings from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦✋

[@rayanaltowayan9558]

يعطيك العافية ي حب

[@Elias-xy9kc]

@@rayanaltowayan9558 هلا والله الله يعافيك ههههه ✋😁

[@aceofspades001]

Saudia and Emirates are my preferred airliners for international travel, both have been excellent and very consistent. MEast and some Asian airlines are the best in the world right now. It boggles my mind that lots of western airliners are lagging behind despite being way bigger and having more traffic and routes .

[@abdullahalmutawa3566]

Capitalism baby

[@SakshamPrakashMusic]

Hi for the 12-14 hour layover in Jeddah and then flight to JFK next morning, is Alfursan lounge access given to an Economy passenger?

[@danmaneditz]

Going on it next week Toronto - Jeddah Jeddah - Karachi SO EXCITED

[@NothingMatterz]

Not a bad airline at all... I work in Saudi Arabia and I have flown their domestic flights.. Not bad. I flew them in business from Jeddah to Casablanca, Morocco, it was awesome. Absolutely fantastic flight. I will fly them with business from Jeddah to LAX this December. Looking forward to it. Saudis expect to be treated well when they travel long distance, and this airline definitely provides good service.

[@9336st]

Saudi Airlines is our first choice since we travel,almost 11years, well-done Saudia

[@bunsoyalbaik]

I experienced Saudia Economy class seats traveling from Jeddah to Manila and its way so good

[@iv4dkc449]

I'm not sure when you recorded this, but I was just on a saudia flight in early April, and the entertainment system has been updated to a new one that's more responsive, and has alot more on demand

[@MA-or4pf]

Flew the 787 Manchester to Jeddah and return. One of the best airlines I've flown alongside Emirates, Etihad and Qatar.

[@Ananth8193]

Awesome video David...I really like flying with Saudia ....You provide very detailed review on every airlines under this brutally honest reports...I really appreciate all your contents....

[@markfulwell4256]

I've flown with Saudia frequently over the years. While service on their European & North American routes is good, it can be patchy when flying to South & Southeast Asia. Definitely an underrated airline.

[@markfulwell4256]

@DoDa Z I've had mixed experiences with their catering, but in general, it's adequate. I like a drink on board too, but if that doesn't bother you too much, Saudia can be a good alternative to some of the bigger Gulf carriers.

[@yalinisundar4985]

This looked like a great flight! I would love to see etihad as a brutally honest episode.

[@ahmedvrtagic]

I’ve been planning to fly SAUDIA in a few months, thanks for the review and your hard work!

[@MVMFVlogs]

I love the fact that you showed the whole travel prayer at the start of the video

[@SuperReHaN16]

one way to compensate for the loss of non-alcoholic service and subpar IFE system, Saudia can bank in with lower ticket prices on its US and European flights targeting travellers from UAE, Qatar etc. i think people will definitely consider Saudia as an option if they really keen on saving some money.

[@cassk9999]

Thank you for this review. I feel nervous about letting my wife and kids travel without me this year for holidays. It's nice to see the carrier i have booked looks decent enough

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

Now that you mention it, we should have a space at the back of our Air Koryo jets for passengers and crew to bow to portraits of my father and grandpa to hope for a safe flight and future

[@shilchanel4195]

Kau adalah presiden negara korea utara

[@hmgkt]

Emirates and Qatar have been my goto flights but looks like Saudia is a new contender!

[@hudycat]

I’ve been flying saudia since I was 7 years old. Now I’m a mum of 2 little kids. It was good back then and much better now! I miss when they used to give kids’ special bags with puzzles and other goodies back when I was a kid. They don’t do that anymore sadly. But everything else has improved so much.

[@yanrivera5748]

You make me missed Saudi.... 😔 I was a flight attendant of Saudi Arabian Airlines for more than 12 yrs. Indeed, Saudia is very generous when it comes to food serving.

[@andrealauer4493]

David, how do you feel about the "leather" seats in economy, especially in the middle east? Some reviewers seem to think they are too hot and sticky compared to regular fabric.

[@emersonturner5561]

What Time do you arrive in New York from Jeddah

[@fangirlparadise]

I absolutely love Saudia one of the best airline ❤

[@Mustafiz1972]

During the 1980s, Saudia was hands down the best airline in the Middle East.

[@MrWaitaminute]

MEA also had and still has a very high standard, not only in the Middle East, but also in international comparisson. I flew from Beirut to Frankfurt with MEA and it was such a nice experience.

[@xr6lad]

So 40 years ago. Yea that’s relevant.

[@edrrj5639]

@@xr6lad it is. Cuz it didn’t go worse. It just got surpassed by New Qatar- Emirates- Etihad which all are designated to Transit/ International market. It’s still one of the greatest worldwide.

[@carloscubeiromartinez.7508]

Good report. Thanks i would like to see a repirt on Aeroméxico transcontinental flight

[@NeymarrI3X]

Bringing back my flight experince of last week! Mostly we take emirates, Qatar even Pakistan Airlines (earlier) but last week 5 hrs ISB-JED was great, decent food was served. Then came 12 hrs flight Jeddah-JFK New York flight was even better. Great service, great food, frequent & generous snacks, 9 seats a row gives you more room to breath easily, special prayers place, hot towels, even table cloth (5 stars!) made this 17 hrs flight time quite comfy. Entertainment selection was just ok.

[@BinkBricks]

For new Brutally Honest episodes, I would like to see... 1: United Airlines 2: Qantas 787 Perth To London Economy Class (it's returning in June, as well as a flight from Perth To Rome) 3: Icelandair (I know you have flown them, so why not make the episode on their longest flight?) 4: Etihad A350 5: ANA 777 They are all I can think of, I loved the video and am extremely impressed with Saudia's service!

[@trinandasyafitri1972]

And i would also Like to see 6: Garuda Indonesia Explore Jet 7: Sriwijaya Air

[@Hatefamzu]

I absolutely loved my journey on Saudi airlines from Dubai to Manchester.

[@whatwherehow101]

I had a good experience.. travelled from Jeddah to Karachi last week. The food, the leg room, crew, audio visual system, facilities specially they provided pillow and sheets to rest..... everything was appreciable.

[@vinceee_r]

Do I need a transit visa if I have a 4 hour layover in Jeddah? My connecting flight goes to los angeles from jeddah

[@mattthicc1072]

Their economy is decent for my opinion, but it's still a great airline! It exceeds my expectations for the legroom, it's food, etc.

[@paulboulter7823]

Is SV a state subsidized airline which would probably account the extra touches in coach class??

[@williamhunt3026]

Excellent-Realistic Report ..Well done Mate

[@عبدالله-ن6ه2ص]

As a Saudi, I prefer Saudi Airlines for the following reasons: 1. Availability of Saudi coffee 2. Kabsa meal is available for lunch 3. Availability of a prayer place for Muslim travelers 4. Female flight attendants are somewhat modestly dressed compared to other airlines who wear short clothes 5. Ease of entry procedures for Saudi Arabia in the domestic aviation department 6. Direct flights from Saudi cities to international cities 7. It provides products for the sale of oriental perfumes, gifts and other original distinctive products from Saudi Airlines 8. All food is halal Emirates Airlines and the Emirates Federation also liked it. Saudi Arabia plans to establish a new airline, and it will take advantage of its location in the heart of the world, in that Saudi Arabia will be a transit for most flights between the east and west of the globe.

[@yasminbarry7941]

I am glad you enjoy Saudia. What a pity this wouldn't work for me: I am terrified of flying so I have to drink ....

[@عبدالله-ن6ه2ص]

@@yasminbarry7941 The last of the six pillars of faith makes us not fear all of us by the measure of Allah, the Creator of everything

[@nasserhelal6640]

Thanks a million for sharing such experience with us.. I enjoyed it and will definitely consider Saudi Arabia Airline on my next trip back to Canada..

[@meiza9370]

I work for Lufthansa, but I've flown Saudia twice and both times they absolutely delivered.

[@northstarpatriot8257]

I fly delta looking to go to Dubai. What are the chances the economy section is fully booked as not to have some one in the middle seat.

[@Andrew-Wong]

Oh is newest BRUTALLY HONEST video! I love it!! Great work! I didn't traveled this airlines because of the virus, but I can see this video is my favourite in the world!! 💙❤🧡💛💚💜

[@emtop1]

Would be nice to see what to expect while flying Malaysia Airlines on a longhaul from London to KL will be like. I flew with them years ago on the 747 from Stockholm, back then it was super good. But I think they have changed over the years. Is it even worth it choosing them on that route over KLM or Emirates?

[@ishanpai1791]

it would be great if Simply aviation could create Brutally Honest Episodes of all Indian flight carriers such as Air India or Vistara on their long-haul flight in both business and economy and also on their low-cost counterparts such as Indigo,Spicejet and GoAir. Would love to see what simply aviation can get into for brutally honest as you guys have already experienced Air India and Indigo before.

[@tkell31]

Thanks for this! The nine wide v ten wide makes a huge difference. It's amazing what an extra couple inches translates too when you are 6'2" 245 lbs. Looking at a trip to Male in 23 and Saudi just moved to the top of the list. Just need to figure out what to do during the 16 hour layover...any suggestions?

[@rayanaltowayan9558]

Thanks for flying with us finally! Did my training with them in aircraft maintenance, and can confirm we do try our best to keep the aircraft in tip-top shape before those special flights.

[@bluebear617]

I heard they multiply the flight hours gained in a flight by 11x, that’s how much maintenance hours the aircraft needs to go for another safe flight

[@rayanaltowayan9558]

@@bluebear617 I'm not 100% sure about that, but sure we do a lot of maintenance to keep the flights running safe! We have daily checks, weekly checks, bi-weekly checks, in service checks, 100 hour inspections, and many many more..

[@maaxxx1039]

I can’t imagine how this guy flies so much, I would pass out after 4 flights if I even got to that. Its like a superpower.

[@drbrahms]

What about covering Royal Air Maroc?

[@TripReportaviation]

Both the soft and the hard product were excellent. The cabin was gorgeous.

[@zaydenmanchabali1341]

Do a tripreport on Caribbean Airlines business class

[@brodietaym8475]

very nice review, and I'm glad David had a good experience. I really admired his appreciation for the local touches and the travel prayer. I'm surprised how many people commented here (as well as on other videos) with some very strong opinions about the lack of alcohol. It's rather bizarre to see how much people seem care about alcohol so much, and get worked up over it.

[@ryzenoctavian]

Another great video! I'm travelling to Manila from London (with a stopover in Riyadh) with Saudia in August, will I be on a 777-300 or a 787?

[@Sbottish]

Both flights on the 777 I believe! Hope you have a superb journey :)

[@ryzenoctavian]

@@Sbottish Ah, that's great. I love the 777, so I can't wait to fly on it. Thanks for the best wishes!

[@robloxlover8915]

Can I please clarify if you need a Transit visa if less than 12 hours?

[@ryzenoctavian]

@@robloxlover8915 If your connection/departing flight is within 24 hours of arriving in the country then you don't need a transit visa

[@Raisunrelbed]

Wow Simply Aviation So cool I love Planes A lot!

[@eraldo.faggiano]

Perfect video as always 🤩 You should try the new Airbus A350s from ITA Airways 🇮🇹 in June ... I think at the moment the Rome-Buenos Aires 🇦🇷 route is only bookable.

[@cynthiagalura6365]

Nice , very informative,,, did you say you asked for The left over food? How was that

[@quentinwilliams1650]

Your 6AM departure is because it’s too hot during the day for certain flights. Aircraft perform worse in hot air and it’s very common for long haul flights in that part of the world to take off late at night, when the desert air is much colder and can support heavier aircraft.

[@rayanaltowayan9558]

Interesting answer but no that's nothing to do with why they depart at 6AM, it's just when they can get their slot into IAD. And our aircraft can handle the heat no problem.

[@brodietaym8475]

@@rayanaltowayan9558 👋👋👋

[@rayanaltowayan9558]

@@brodietaym8475 yes sir

[@rmd4209]

What a nice video!! I just love the engine spool up on the Boeing 777-300ER. 😍

[@ea6398]

The food is very Pore on Saudi! I think you should try Qantas as I believe the service is very down!

[@ilianalezcano9738]

Excellent video as always.

[@srikarni6211]

How are the cabin luggage check? Can we carry a laptop bag with along with a checkin trolley bag? Please let me know have been looking for this from a very long time

[@Eyob797]

Nice flight report. I like the sound of the GE90 engines.

[@CFNF2024]

Amazing video guys! I'd love to see an aer lingus long haul economy brutally honest In the future

[@hasanjamil3969]

I had great experience on Saudia. I remember when flying as a kid with them they would give every kid a die-cast model of a saudia plane. This was in economy class and was around 25 years ago though.

[@ianplays2941]

I was waiting for this video

[@boeingceo]

What was the seat width on the transatlantic 777-300ER? I'm getting conflicting info everywhere. Thank you.

[@uzmaahmed.catmoon]

Thank you ever so much for this brutally honest review David. Alhamdolilah it sounds amazing!

[@Slowbutsteadygains]

Hello, since layover is 13Hrs. Do we need to apply for a transit visa? Should we obtain visa online or on arrival? I talked to an agent and he mentioned it is available on arrival.

[@AbduGaddory]

HZ-AK24. I was with delivery team from being hangar to Jeddah. I did the 1st landing for this airplane in Jeddah

[@audi2463]

Hello do we need a transit visa if the transit is more than 12 hours in Riyadh

[@mumof3625]

Fantastic, love this series! Would be awesome to see you do a Brutally Honest on the Qantas Perth to London Dreamliner journey ✈️

[@Lann3r]

Why did you have to go through security again in Jeddah if you already went through security in Dubai? Thanks

[@thejetchannel]

Excellent Review and makes me want to fly Saudia again !

[@rashidamin7241]

One of the best air line 💞💕

[@artlover1842]

I live in Saudi Arabia Jeddah and to be honest it’s the best airline then the other Country’s Saudi Arabia knows what there doing they never let a fight happen make you feel comfortable and when there was a problem with the airplane it was about to fall they knew what they were doing and we landed safely but the other airlines are just scaring me I see people fighting and that stuff but this airline to me is very impressive

[@spyderMW]

Brilliant series, next time could you do one on South African Airways either domestic or international I don’t mind :D

[@abhaychavan5614]

Do I need transit visa if I have a 17 hr long layover at Jeddah?

[@USSVoyager5]

B777-300ER Philippine Airlines is the same as the B777-300ER Saudi Arabian Airlines, Love those B777 Planes

[@Ummkelechi]

I have a 7 hour layover in Riyadh…can I leave out the airport?

[@nbl1ve804]

Saudia is my favorite airline. The foot rests alone make it better than any other economy class. Allows you to post your back up in the seat properly and leave with your back intact, unlike other airlines who make the seats purposely painful in an attempt to get you to upgrade. Can actually get a decent nap in as your not in pain as well.

[@Rashe88]

Simply flying in economy class with SAUDIA is equivalent to first class in many other airlines.. it’s the best airline in my opinion

[@THEMilkSHAIKH]

Saudia is a Highly Underrated airline.

[@uknewslink]

Quite good food. Glad they served you twice.

[@randy_bj3394]

I think you should try Cambodia airway

[@JackJackProductions]

When the new FlyBe starts flying, can you fly them?

[@bobbrown3471]

The flight attendants have such a beautiful uniform, the best in the sky in my opinion.

[@adhirizkyputra]

Sorry, can i ask one question? How about wifi service in Saudi airlines ?. Is wifi available in economy class ?

[@juliejames3338]

gosh, looked good, but how empty was that flight, and nice they let you take advantage of the food available; very interestingx

[@TimeTravelWalk]

Awesome adventures, can't get enough! I really enjoyed watching and coming back again for more. 🙏 😊

[@weddo7799]

Totally agree, The most generous airline 👍🏼 that have been taken from the culture 🌹