Saudi Arabian Airlines Uncovered - Should You Fly SAUDIA?

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) recently launched flights to South Korea. I flew on SAUDIA B787 Dreamliner from Seoul Incheon to Jeddah via Riyadh.
It is interesting for me to see who travels on this new SAUDIA flight as the country only recently opened to tourism and transit. During the flight, I reviewed all the SAUDIA in-flight service offerings including an onboard chef cooking fresh eggs for breakfast.
SAUDIA is a no-alcohol airline, there is a dedicated prayer area on their widebody aircraft. The transit in Jeddah was easy. Finally, the airport is under one roof. During the transit, I visited the new SAUDIA Al Fursan Lounge. The lounge is the largest lounge in Skyteam airlines, which can accommodate up to 10,000 passengers a day.
During each Hajj season, the airline carries over 100,000 passengers within a few weeks in and out of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I hope to document it in the next Hajj season.

[@M167A1]

I have a cousin who flew for Saudia and he fell in love with the place back in the 90s. I visited Dahran and parts East briefly back in the 90s on a government-sponsored vacation.

[@DD-gz9ut]

I flew Saudia from JED to AMS. It was my first time as a tourist in Saudi. I loved it and I will definitely go back to the KSA. Love your videos, keep them coming!

[@mohannadalmalki3986]

Well glad to have you here!

[@British_747]

Same

[@rsingh3453]

I love Saudia, May God Bless Saudi Arabia 🙏

[@AbDuLlUh.]

❤thanks

[@Aviator727]

ameen and thnx

[@jasonliestam8181]

My father was General Manager of Saudia Catering during the 80s and 90s, and we lived in Riyadh, so emotional to see the images at the start of the video from back then...i still have that same ashtray on Talals desk!

[@talalisaboss2132]

Talal’s desk? Who’s Talal? I’m asking because my name is Talal lol

[@Nawa11YT]

@@talalisaboss2132 the old man in the beginning of the video.

[@nshak9560]

I did fly with Saudia arabia airline and I can strongly say they are super friendly and helpful and ofcourse very professional...I'll never forget how happy to do my pryer at 35k feet .💖. 🇸🇦🇸🇦

[@joeswartz1843]

Super friendly with foreigners very cruel with their own very bad country they treat women like crab, no respect for their women at all!!!! How can you put a woman in jail who wants to drive a car?????

[@abuosama2002]

un true they are friendly with every body who respect him self and respect others

[@joeswartz1843]

@@abuosama2002 Saudi Arabia is a bad country how many citizens of their of own did they beheaded Infront of crowds regarding foreigners uncountable

[@Snowy-oq4ur]

@@joeswartz1843source?

[@sorayamacabando195]

I fly Saudia Airlines everytime I go for Umrah and Hajj. Saudia Airlines is so nice friendly crew and Professional crew staff. I love the food they serve too.

[@teazerfemi]

Thanks Sam , this lovely video brought smiles upon my face, I love Saudia, their flight attendants were nice and pleasant

[@BeverlySueX]

It's so lovely to see you speaking to so many people, you truly meet some interesting people and seem very friendly to talk to. Great video as always! :)

[@pavitrasrihari3578]

People always have something to learn from different people, i love the way you talk to people of different cultures and regions. Loads to learn like the Alchemist

[@foodlover2291]

Sam. Love your videos. Traveled a short domestic flight on Saudia earlier this year from Riyadh to Madina. I have to admit it was a very pleasant experience , a far cry from what used to be when i last travelled by Saudia They seem to have come a long way Thanks again for your very informative and entertaining videos

[@airlineshow]

Really great review!! Was recently in KSA, and was lucky enough to fly Saudia domestically. Great airline. Rapidly changing, opening and liberalising country. Heartening to see

[@azarabdullaev3571]

ALHAMDULLILAH Mr. Sam. Thank You ❤️❤️❤️

[@c724cjw]

Thanks , I’m going to participate an event end of month at Saudi , really informative, now I know which airline I should fly :)

[@tariqrasheed8271]

Thank you Sam. I love watching your videos, no matter what they are about. Makes me very happy! :) CHEERS!

[@cuprum166]

There is this happiness that I experience when I get to see one of Sam's new adventures. Not only because the video's are so well made and interesting but because I know Sam is doing well out there and living his dream.

[@ozarkmedia]

I logged a gazillion miles on Saudia in the 90s both in-Kingdom and internationally. So glad to see them progressing and having more female crew. Change coming slowly, but its certainly welcome. The onboard chef is a nice touch.

[@SeanPGribbons]

Great to see such a friendly crew when flying to some interesting places!

[@margaretbaldwin4416]

I’m currently considering booking a Saudi’s flight with an 11 hour layover in JED airport and this video was very helpful, thank you!!

[@r.parthasarathysarathy3605]

BEST VIDEO ENJOYABLE VERY MUCH. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR RELEASING THESE KINDS OF VIDEOS IN YOU TUBE. KEEP IT UP.

[@sebinamuwanga]

Impressive lounge at Jeddah Airport.

[@zhiweiho6120]

Your videos are all high quality!!

[@bernardtan3639]

Thank You for sharing your experience flying with Saudi Airline. Eye opener.

[@DhairyaDhingraVlogs]

The crew seems so cooperative and happy to help. Loved the hospitality of Saudi Airlines

[@abigailtrumbo178]

I just flew on Saudia airlines and loved it! They were helpful and gracious. Most importantly, the bathrooms were perfect; I was flying pregnant so even the thought of mess could make me sick, but I didn’t throw up the entire flight because everything was so clean!

[@DrLifeGamer]

@Europe is better than the US lies

[@DrLifeGamer]

@Europe is better than the US Europe is the definition of a dystopia lmao. just because you don't let refugees in doesn't mean other countries shouldn't.

[@DrLifeGamer]

@Europe is better than the US have you ever been?

[@DrLifeGamer]

@Europe is better than the US go find somewhere else to spread your misinformation lol. anyone who claims that europe is better than the US is an obvious troll. sorry, but you're not fooling me.

[@kralzeynel]

We travel the world with your videos, we watch, thank you

[@specialsasha6506]

I’m Glad I came across this vlog. Something very new I’ve never seen anyone review saudi airlines before ❤

[@aefepiense]

What a friendly crew, and the food looked very good.

[@WongKaiKo]

I flew in and out of Jeddah multiple times over 30 years ago- the new terminal looks great compared to the old one.

[@pomi6320]

New Jeddah airport is the most luxurious airport I’ve been to

[@jaehyunim8038]

Interesting video as workers who went to Middle East especially Saudi Arabia were heroes who contributed to Korean economy. Hope to fly Saudia in the future.

[@herywahidin8472]

the back sound arabic music is nice, thanks Sam Chui.......have a nice flight

[@cvg9142]

Cool video. I was just on their site looking at flights and then wanted to see if there was any images or videos. Landed on your video. Nice job.

[@zarahlina]

I flew with SAUDIA AIRLINES from New York to Riyadh... and it was a good trip. We had a good meal and loved the crew. We have been flying with SAUDIA since we were kids and loved it ever since. Thanks for taking us around.

[@titoa8726]

Saudia is one of the most disgusting airline . No liquor all the time you say allah allah allah

[@DaleHubbard]

I flew Saudia LHR > Riyadh and back, twice in 1977 - Lockheed Tristar L-1011 out, and brand spanking new 747-200 (Qantas) on one of the main legs back to London via Schipol. I was the ONLY passenger on board that 747 flight. First heard 'Boston - More than a feeling' through the acoustic headset and bought the LP at Schipol. Worked for Citibank and Lockheed Aircraft Corp. in Riyadh as a Brit ex-pat.

[@DJ99777]

Jesus what a memory.

[@camerond169]

Great video Sam. Loved the sunrise at Riyadh.

[@nerotrinidad2608]

Like watching this episode remembering Jeddah I worked for 12 yrs...there

[@hariranormal5584]

Our experiences with routes within the GCC (that's just from AUH to Jeddah, etc) were not bad at all.

[@eminzide]

one thing I will miss at Jeddah Airport is the bus trip between the aircraft and the old commercial terminal and the hajj terminal..... back in 1994 on my first umrah trip, I get to ride on the special bus that can lift up to the aircraft and the terminal..... back then the flight from KUL was on board the B747 Classic just like the picture showed in the video....

[@ronaldcuieii8639]

Hey Sam. Very very nice. Please keep coming out with more vlogs!!

[@lucaspena6827]

I regularly fly from JED-IAD it's always a great experience

[@gisellebryan6457]

As usual Sam love your work love the Arabic music the views the content of this video keep it up Sam 🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️

[@amjadhusain5289]

My first flight ever was Saudia Boeing 707 from Bombay to Dhahran on December 1974 Love Saudi Airlines.

[@peters7229]

Wow! Really attentive, polite service. Date smoothies?! Fantastic!

[@jessekiefer0206]

The flight and lounges look amazing!

[@CLUBIKLE]

Flew Saudia during 1981 to 1984. Not bothered re lack of alcohol. Flew. First class once, Jeddah to Riyadh. Was persuaded to put my Samsonite briefcase in the hold. When I retrieved it the corner was chopped off. I once flew air force C130 to a desert strip (sand) in the dickie bench seat in the cockpit.

[@gorillachilla]

Speak English

[@cbondcbond]

For the first time since I have watched you for years, I saw you express a disapproving face when you drank the "Date Smoothie". Finally, what you really think! Love your videos!!

[@SteadyWalk4K]

Wow amazing quality 💓 thanks for the effort you put in this video really enjoyed watching 🙂 big like 👍

[@rumanachayti6445]

Hey Sam! Loved the new vibe and music of this video! ❤️ Commenting before even watching the whole video!

[@MA-or4pf]

Flew Saudi in 2017 Manchester to Jeddah and return on the Boeing 787 both ways. Amazing flights. Good food, excellent seats, friendly service and clean cabin. I score Saudi a solid 9/10.

[@haroldmarlen]

why you have 2

[@haroldmarlen]

Ale

[@kfr__7899]

10

[@Merlanx3]

I flew Saudia a few weeks ago, Business Class from AMS via JED to DXB and it was great. especially because we only paid 430 Euro for a return. They have great seats and food and the crews are really friendly. Lounge in JED is also great.. its just too cold xd

[@mustafashulqamy1844]

Only €430??

[@BEST_EDITS33]

@@mustafashulqamy1844 *for a return*

[@Merlanx3]

@@mustafashulqamy1844 Yeah there was a deal a few hours for this route a few months ago..

[@xXVibrantSnowXx]

xD

[@SumatraIslandGirl]

I paid €600 saudia airlines from KL - Paris CDG transit in Riyadh

[@zeekhan8119]

Beautiful video and I also have a experience of Saudi Airline it was wonderful and the whole crew was very cooperative Sam I like all your videos it's really wonderful

[@nuranichoudhury9226]

I really enjoyed this😄very simple and elegant vlog

[@sean87arnaout]

I flew with them from Washington DC to Lahore (with a change of Saudia planes in Jeddah), and then from Lahore to Washington DC (with a change of Saudia planes in Jeddah), back in January of this year with my parents. I stayed in Pakistan 🇵🇰 for about two weeks, seeing my wife and meeting her family as well as spending time with all of them.

[@drury2d8]

did you need a visa?

[@sean87arnaout]

@@drury2d8 As an American, Yes, I needed only a visa to Pakistan 🇵🇰. I did not a visa to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦.

[@Erik72Belanda]

I used to live in Jeddah for 7 years , always used Saudia and have had not bad experience. Very professional, very friendly cabin crew, and extremely safe in regards to maintenance and in aircraft. Bye the way like the music may I know by whom and the title is called?

[@MultiRobertcool]

If it is the music at the start, it is on Saudia's landing video on KZbin called 'SV Landing'. It's a pretty cool video too! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4m1dZlvqqp6psk&t

[@moismael2954]

We just travel by UK to Indonesia. It was excellent service

[@NumberDragon]

Cool to see the Jeddah Tower in progress at 17:41

[@enjoypladecorrals]

I noticed the difference in sleep between your recent Turkish airlines flight from Canada and this one. Best to avoid wine and beef and no dinner and here you go 8 hours of sleep. That's impressive. Well done Saudia. I definitely would like to try this airline. The lounge looks great and well done in allowing walk in guests for payment. That's great when you fly economy and not a skyteam elite member

[@gaijinsan5809]

That's why you need an instant cloud backup for your footage. There are a lot of places like that where you'd be forced to delete unapproved footage but an instant cloud backup could preserve it.

[@alamgirkabirofficial]

Excited journey! I enjoyed the same 737 domestic destination.

[@rekt_illa5118]

This is truly unexpected very nice sam

[@mehmetmert6294]

Sam Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us. You are doing great job in this channel. I am also very curious about something, I have noticed that the pilot was out of cockpit during flight and I have never seen this kind of situation according my experiences.It is possible that you to assess this situation in terms of safe and security regulation. Thank you !

[@jedgashoots3989]

That was not the Captain, he was the head flight attendant better known as Purser.

[@wrightst8]

Due to the current expensive flight prices, I've booked two return flights with them next year to BKK, one from MXP and the other from GVA as their prices are at least £200 cheaper per return, even including the connecting flights from LON with other airlines.

[@Gigio2]

As always this is an amazing video, I have just loved it at all!!!!!

[@toni-shanghaicyprus1990]

thanks for the video sam one day I really want to go on saudia arabia airlines

[@nuslyntr7308]

I love Saudi airlines too 🎉

[@patientzero291]

I like it the Saudi airlines have a prayer area for people on board.

[@caustation2992]

I always look forward to seeing you on Vietnam Airlines flights from the US to VN direct flight

[@ahmedalramly6282]

Love your saudi airlines video sam

[@fsazhar]

I have been travelling with Saudia regularly since 2016 and its service has improved significantly. But there are some areas they still need to improve. Key areas are level of cleanliness through out the aircraft, level of wear and tear in the aircraft ( worn out seats and trims are not replaced as often as they should be) and leather seats in business on long haul are bad idea. You end up with sweaty back and they don't provide matterss which makes it feel like you are sleeping on leather sofa.

[@AlshehriAhmed]

My cousin studies and live in Korea, he is also fluent in Korean. Yet we are from the deep southern tribes of Saudi. The world has become a small village.

[@amaliapedro4568]

Thanks for sharing your videos..like watching your KZbin on traveling from places to different countries😪❤

[@Voice2707]

Musik Backroundnya bikin kangen suasana ramadhan. :) Well done, Sir.

[@perezmurphy360]

Great video as always

[@beyondgalaxies3960]

Yes I'll fly with them. During travel drinking and eating isn't big issue, real thing is aircraft and safety. Saudi Arabia is richer enough to buy excellent and safe airplanes.

[@bengerber5569]

They aren’t making their own airplanes, they’re using the same airplanes every other country uses. Being “richer” doesn’t impact the safety of an already designed and built aircraft.

[@abdulmohd3871]

@@bengerber5569try Garuda Airlines and come back and repeat the comment😂

[@farangtravels3956]

Very enjoyable video, really liked this 👍🙏😊

[@vyomakeshaconsultancy3406]

Always a pleasure to watch your video Sam but today's Saudi experiance is amazing as well Gowra

[@hinasaleem7429]

I'm currently living in jeddah suadia and I travelled alot through suadi airline it's very comfortable 😌

[@christiangranum7387]

I want to see a video where Sam is on a Cessna Caravan in bad weather and how he reacts to not being comfortable for all the flight. I love his videos, but I think he should cover the more middle class (and awesome) part of aviation once in a while. He can do it!

[@rowaystarco]

honestly the wrong channel for that. I never really watch his channel for the reviews or the harsh realities that the else of us live in.

[@emilsantos7096]

5

[@christiangranum7387]

@@rowaystarco Fair enough.

[@brianmankus6133]

Oh man. I flew the Caravan back in the day for a UPS feeder (in the upper midwest…in the winter). I know exactly of what you speak

[@christiangranum7387]

@@brianmankus6133 I’m only licensed for the 172, but flying mostly in Norway I’ve met some bad weather for sure. Actually on my first solo navigation long flight I hit such bad turbulence on approach I had to land with reduced flaps to stop the plane from rolling over. Something my instructors had never really talked about but I guess I had picked it up somewhere. What are you flying these days?

[@Bad_Karma1968]

Sam as always interesting and informative

[@minaakbaraly2777]

Franchement j'ai regardé tous vos videos!!!! Vous n'avez peur de rien!!!! Jamais j'aurais osè vivre des expériences comme vous!!! Bravo nravo monsieur

[@Catherine_Kate]

I have a job interview for a role in Saudi next week. Maybe this is a sign! Thanks Sam ❤

[@ishaqali6051]

Good luck

[@nusratjahankhan4954]

Best of luck !!

[@IhateYoutubesmoderation]

Hope you do well

[@a8495turtle]

good luck!

[@ssh3892]

Are you Saudi?

[@muhamadnajmishabuddin5022]

Touched down last night with Saudia SV834. The airlines is good and the new airport is beautiful. Could not find the cylindrical aquarium though 😢. but the ground staff at Jeddah was bad. Had similar bad exp. With rude ground staff when I took SV831 two weeks earlier. They were shouting and most of the pax having problems to communicate. Wishing the best for their 2030 vision - hope human capital development go in sync

[@donnadwarika6370]

Thank you Sam for your videos

[@nathanrobinson7086]

NICE WORK MATE NICE WORK WITH THE SHOW THAT YOU DO

[@jaynishmistry1800]

Your video is really amazing and inspiring. This Saudia one is great. Love from India 🇮🇳. Long-term lasting relationship between KSA 🇸🇦❤️🇮🇳

[@favaskm73]

but indian hindus hate ksa i know .

[@jaynishmistry1800]

@@favaskm73 No Sir. You're mistaken. We never hate KSA. We love KSA 🇸🇦❤️🇮🇳. Harmony brings strength.

[@deveretempro3869]

Sam you made me laugh really loud with your expression on the date smoothie, clearly you were expecting a different taste

[@tufailmohammed3865]

That face expression was classic

[@muhammadusmanalvialhashmy5540]

Really a excellent air, I travel 3 times. My heart Saudi Arabia

[@preethamenon6648]

Very interesting videos to watch.

[@crankshaft5867]

Mixed experience with saudia,my school mate died on the horrific crash saudia had when it collided mid air in Delhi india in 1996 on her first flight to saudia after marraige,every time I hear about saudia she came flashing,apart from that I have a great experience flying in and out of saudia.

[@KhaledTheSaudiHawkII]

That was an unfortunate incident. We lost a 747 packed with people due to a mix of outdated Indian aviation systems and incompetent Kazakh pilots.

[@yeasye8416]

I was on the same flight a few days ago but in economy. pros: Leg space was decent and I really enjoyed the power outlets on every seat, arabic coffee and the tickets were very cheap. cons: food was disgusting, they’re reeeally stingy with the drinks especially water, you get a small 200ml bottle and then you have to ask them every time to give you a cup unacceptable on a +10h flight, your fellow travelers can be quite diffucult especially if you’re a female and Riyadh Airport is terrible for long layovers

[@carlosfogg9925]

I flew Saudia many times in the 70's, memories as a child..:)

[@alpha-os3qt]

THIS IS THE BEST CONTENT PLS MAKE MORE :D

[@maloxd8948]

My Godfather and my uncle work in Saudi, and I don't know if they fly to Saudi on either that or PAL (Philippine Airlines), but I do love this video!! PS: The Saudia chef *really* does know how to cook a scrambled eggs beautifully... I'm a bit jealous since I just made those for the first time :)

[@fisalmoon]

ha ha ha funny

[@dianaarash8826]

Usually Phillipines use FLY DUBAI to go to Saudi. Many of my Phillipine friends working in KSA they took Fly Dubai they said it is faster

[@KabayanOFWChannel]

@@dianaarash8826 there's no fly dubai going to the Philippines.. maybe from dubai to Saudi. Filipino prepared Philippines airlines and Saudia because it's a direct flight to Manila.

[@guapitoguapito594]

Way back 90’s only one time I step foot on their airport.ground stewards are rude.they will ask u to open ur luggage and will not give u a chance to zip ur luggage.they will tell yala yala sura sura I was there for 5 years and yearly I always go to Bhrarain flight and airport.ground stewards that time are very polite in Bahrain No idea how this saudi ground stewards behave now

[@warbirdwf]

You HAVE to be wired to do what Sam does for a living. While I don't mind flying to a nice location a couple times a year, I simply couldn't fly as much as Sam does, even in business or first class. I'm glad Sam takes us along for his adventures so we can see the world.

[@aklr7286]

He gets sponsored by airlines and gets money that way

[@jungleboy1]

bro that would be my dream job. I like planes though, so...

[@foxtrail975]

I would love to live the life that Sam Chui lives...truly marvelous!!

[@walkwithjonas7920]

Just flew SV from Athens via Jeddah to Kuala Lumpur in J class and it was amazing. Friendly crewC lie flat even on an a320 and yummy food. I actually loved the date smoothie!

[@theNOTcastro]

Solid airline, good economy seats, nice friendly crew , great food , best economy class ever

[@mohammedmay]

I just came back from Saudi Arabia on Sunday. I went to do Hajj and Saudi Arabian Airlines is literally one of the best Airlines I've ever flew on. Had an amazing time in Saudi Arabia. We flew from Birmingham to Jeddah Via Paris. 🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦❤️❤️❤️

[@zaharabarry5347]

Ya but what was the via Paris bit like? That-s the only reason I won't fly saudia to Brum. Had too many bad experiences at CDG. To Brum from Jeddah gotta be EK all the way. Poor timings, but give me a night in DXB over a few hours in CDG any day

[@mohammedmay]

@@zaharabarry5347 Saudi Arabian Airlines are flying here to Birmingham on the 2nd July and I'm so excited that they're coming. We were there in Paris for 2 hours before getting our connecting flight and it was amazing.

[@1pasupaty]

Impressed with the service and the safety record of these airlines.surely ill travel with saudia

[@fathimamujeeb3343]

Masha Allah very nice thank you

[@stanleyames202]

Sam: Another great video. We corresponded earlier when you did a transit stop at JED when riding on the ex-Federal Express plane that had been converted into a flying optical surgery center. I am curious: Did they tear down the old Saudia and foreign carriers terminals (South and North terminals respectively) which I worked on installing the public address systems. Stanley Ames

[@SVnerd]

Hi Stanley, I'm not Sam obviously but someone who is from Jeddah. The North and South terminals are still standing. I don't know about the North's status but the South terminal was being used as a vaccine center when COVID hit.

[@zaharabarry5347]

North is for budget airlines and can get jam packed at times.