Background:
Saudia has been in my radar for a Long time. The closed country is mysterious and for those who have been following my reports will know that I have special affinity for obscure places which the general public will steer clear of.
I got excited when Saudia released cheap business fares from Italy to Jakarta. At just under 500 euros, it’s a steal and it’s on par with many Economy fares on the more premium airlines such as SQ. In my opinion, business class is still business class no matter on what airline and it will always be more comfortable than any Economy class. I will leave it open if anyone is going to say this is an error fare but it does not seem so as this has been running for quite some time. Even now.
My route was FCO-RUH-CGK. Enjoy.
Chapter 1: Rome-Riyadh
Flight: SV208
Aircraft: A320-200
Registration: HZ-ASC
Class: Business
Seat: 2A
Load: 100%
I had earlier arrived at Fiumicino airport on TAROM 4 hours prior to departure. Fiumicino on the particular day was extremely crowded with lots of returning Asian tourists especially from India.
I had to wait for awhile before Saudia counter opened for check in 3 hours before the flight. I was one of the first and there was no queue.
Business class passengers had access to fast track security which was helpful as the airport was a borderline commotion due to the crowd of the tourist peak season.
Unfortunately, there is no more fast track for immigration. The fast track lane is only for last minute passengers and in any case it was closed.
I had to squeeze in with everybody else.
And as we can see here, I felt like I was in India! The ‘good’ ole days of old Mumbai airport with its low ceiling and its 90 minute queues! How nostalgic. And this crowd was friendly. They chatted me up and I got to practice my broken Hindi. They were all surprised to find a random Chinese guy in Rome who somewhat could speak some Hindi.
It took a good hour to go through the queue but time passed ok when you are in the company of a very social crowd.
I was left with barely an hour before the flight and I walked through the terminal building which seems new.
However, I was very surprised that the Skyteam lounge is very underwhelming considering this is a Skyteam main hub. It’s in what appears to be in the old wing. I wonder if there is a better lounge elsewhere but this is the Alitalia lounge I was directed to as a Saudia passenger.
The interior is pleasant but not wow. And it’s small for a hub. And so I found it overcrowded.
There are more seats on the upper level but all the food is downstairs.
The selection of appetisers was good.
But the mains selection was really poor.
]
Drinks are served off the bar (so no free flow self service). As well as the desserts. You have to point to what you want.
Saudia has been in my radar for a Long time. The closed country is mysterious and for those who have been following my reports will know that I have special affinity for obscure places which the general public will steer clear of.
I got excited when Saudia released cheap business fares from Italy to Jakarta. At just under 500 euros, it’s a steal and it’s on par with many Economy fares on the more premium airlines such as SQ. In my opinion, business class is still business class no matter on what airline and it will always be more comfortable than any Economy class. I will leave it open if anyone is going to say this is an error fare but it does not seem so as this has been running for quite some time. Even now.
My route was FCO-RUH-CGK. Enjoy.
Chapter 1: Rome-Riyadh
Flight: SV208
Aircraft: A320-200
Registration: HZ-ASC
Class: Business
Seat: 2A
Load: 100%
I had earlier arrived at Fiumicino airport on TAROM 4 hours prior to departure. Fiumicino on the particular day was extremely crowded with lots of returning Asian tourists especially from India.
I had to wait for awhile before Saudia counter opened for check in 3 hours before the flight. I was one of the first and there was no queue.
Business class passengers had access to fast track security which was helpful as the airport was a borderline commotion due to the crowd of the tourist peak season.
Unfortunately, there is no more fast track for immigration. The fast track lane is only for last minute passengers and in any case it was closed.
I had to squeeze in with everybody else.
And as we can see here, I felt like I was in India! The ‘good’ ole days of old Mumbai airport with its low ceiling and its 90 minute queues! How nostalgic. And this crowd was friendly. They chatted me up and I got to practice my broken Hindi. They were all surprised to find a random Chinese guy in Rome who somewhat could speak some Hindi.
It took a good hour to go through the queue but time passed ok when you are in the company of a very social crowd.
I was left with barely an hour before the flight and I walked through the terminal building which seems new.
However, I was very surprised that the Skyteam lounge is very underwhelming considering this is a Skyteam main hub. It’s in what appears to be in the old wing. I wonder if there is a better lounge elsewhere but this is the Alitalia lounge I was directed to as a Saudia passenger.
The interior is pleasant but not wow. And it’s small for a hub. And so I found it overcrowded.
There are more seats on the upper level but all the food is downstairs.
The selection of appetisers was good.
But the mains selection was really poor.
]
Drinks are served off the bar (so no free flow self service). As well as the desserts. You have to point to what you want.
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